5 Things to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

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1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

9 Ways Technology Helps You Live Greener

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9 Ways Technology Can Help You Live a
Greener Lifestyle in The New Year

RISMEDIA -A few simple steps are all it takes to conserve energy and help protect the environment, and with today’s broadband and wireless technologies, being green has never been easier.

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 Verizon’s tips for using technology to live greener:

1. Telecommute one day a week or once a month. Working from home using broadband connections can help reduce traffic congestion and reduce your fuel bill.
2. Recycle cell phones that are no longer used. Donating old phones to recycling programs will keep batteries out of landfills and help raise funds to assist domestic violence survivors.
3. Switch to paperless billing. Verizon residential customers helped save the equivalent of 52,000 trees last year by making the switch.
4. Have a virtual meeting. Use video conferencing instead of travel.
5. Shop online using a high-speed Internet connection instead of making a trip to the mall for a single item.
6. Watch a movie at home instead of driving to rent a movie or even to the theater.
7. Use a smart thermostat to reduce energy costs.
8. Use a mapping tool to find the most direct route to your destination to help save on fuel.
9. Use a smart power strip for your computer or wireless phone charger. Sensors in the strip turn off the power supply when the items are not in use, saving electricity and money.

What are some ways you live a greener lifestyle?