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Have you ever considered why two, somewhat similar houses, are listed on the market at the same time, for a similar price, and while one sells quickly, the other continues to be available? Once we’ve eliminated reasons such as the condition of the house and grounds/ property, real estate taxes, upgrades, etc, this disparity is often due to how potential buyers view, and perceive each property. Factors such as curb appeal, first impressions, etc, may be major factors and considerations, which explain what’s going on. After more than a decade as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, in the State of New York, I feel strongly, that there are times, when having a house professionally staged, may make all the difference! Let’s review some of the reasons, STAGING helps homes sell, and do so, with the aid of mnemonics.

1. Strengths; system; solutions: It is often quite challenging for a homeowner to be able to look at his house objectively, because of both the emotional attachment, and because he’s personally involved! While some homeowners might be capable, and some agents might also, it is often wise to seek the assistance, services and recommendations of a professional stager, to seek the best solutions, to better showing off the strengths of a house. These people usually have a tried – and – proven system, and I have witnessed fabulous results. An agent should make recommendations of stagers in the area, who have successfully staged similar properties, in your area.

2. Trends: Stagers know and understand what the present – day buyers might be seeking, and taking advantage of the trends. They will therefore, focus on paying particular focus, in those areas, of need.

3. Appearance; attention; appeal: How might the appearance of a house be enhanced/ improved? From curb appeal, to first impressions, it’s often wise to listen to a professional expert. They know what to pay the most attention to, as well as the best way to draw prospective buyers’ attention, in a positive way. The goal of staging, obviously, is to improve the appeal!

4. Generate: Staging has the ability to generate a higher level of excitement, and interest in a particular property, because it will accentuate the positive!

5. Improve; interest: Don’t you want your home to be shown off, to its best possibilities? Listen to how stagers might improve the overall perception! The greater buyers’ interest, the better the chance of selling a house!

6. Nuances; niche: Often, a stager may identify the specific niche, which this house should appeal to, and, thus be marketed at! They will use that, to place certain nuances into their overall staging plan.

7. Greater; good: Enhance the good points of a home, and reduce attention to the weaker aspects. Like a quality artist, a professional stager, knows how to make something greater, and more appealing!

Don’t behave in a penny – wise, pound – foolish, manner! There may be a cost to STAGING, but if it will get your home sold, quicker and at a better price, doesn’t it make sense?

More and more individuals especially those who are planning to find their homes are now starting to recognize the pleasing qualities of Long Beach both as a business and pleasure haven. This interesting city seems to be the perfect example of a place where bikinis and business suits combine harmoniously as elegant buildings where businesses and trade is a common scenario stands mightily next to the Pacific Ocean. This pleasing mystery is one of the driving factors that drive many home seekers to delve into Long Beach homes for sale and Long Beach real estate listings.

Indeed, investing in Long Beach houses for sale is a worthy undertaking – whether you plan to live in it for a long time or rent it out for holiday takers. There is a lot of things to like about owning homes in this pleasant community.

1. Convenient Transportation Means

5 ½ miles of mesmerizing coastline with an airport serving national flights easily accessed by a light rail system known as the Blue Line MetroRail taking commuters to Staples Center and downtown Los Angeles and from there be able to connect to Pasadena and Hollywood are just few out of the many reasons that attracts not only tourists but also aspiring residents to invest in Long Beach real estate.

There are also plenty of buses that can take individuals to any place downtown and nearby places like the Ocean Boulevard wherein neatly painted and prearranged residences and commercial establishments constructed many decades ago are located.

This means that even if you do not have your own car, you can easily report to your work and go back home without much difficulty since transportation methods are offered in variation.

2. Diverse and Pleasing Recreational Attractions

Just like the old adage goes, “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy”. Well, this would not happen if you are living here. It is definitely one of the most wonderful cities in the nation wherein there is more than just beach to enjoy. Going downtown you will gain pleasure from the plenty of trendy shops, dining places and other attractions that offer fun and entertainment for individuals of all ages.

Shoreline Village offers great shops and dining locations wherein you can see the splendid skyline. The 5th largest city of California is also home to many nice parks, and other recreational areas wherein golf, skateboarding and lawn bowling are just few out of the numerous sports activities that you can engage in during your free hours.

3. Charming Beaches

As you browse around Long Beach MLS for sure you would come across with descriptions that define the beaches in this part of California. The beautiful city offers some sandy beaches and equally charming coastline close to the downtown area. There are also choices of beaches near Naples and Long Beach Peninsula wherein you can just sit and frolic on the sand with your kids as a breather from a busy week at work. For those who love quiet times, you can just sit there with your loved one as you watch the skyline and the sun for a romantic but serene quality time.

4. But more than anything else, the booming and continually sprouting economy of the place is the top reason why many are rushing to invest in homes for sale in this part of California.

It is then pretty easy to understand why investing in Long Beach homes for sale can benefit you financially if you choose to rent it out. At the same time, it can also provide you much pleasure in terms of experience if you decide to exclusively use it with your family.

There are some things you need to know before buying motor homes. Motor homes or motorized recreational vehicles (RVs) come in different classes. Two of those classes are usually confused with each other, those being class A and class C motor homes. It’s essential to look at the physical appearance of the motor home in order to determine whether it is class A or class C. Class A motor homes resemble a bus design with a flat or vertical front end and large windows while hand class C motor homes have a truck cab with an over-cab bed, in some ways resembling a camper.

Considered to be top of the line, Class A motor homes measure at about 24 feet or 7.3 meters and can be as long as 40 feet or 12 meters. Their weight can range between 15,000 to 30,000 pounds or 6,804 to 13, 608 kg; the undercarriage may be custom or a 3 to 10 ton truck chassis. Class A motor homes come with each of the luxury amenities you can fathom like a kitchen, a bathroom with shower and a tub, and sometimes a separate bedroom at the back depending o the floor plan of the truck. They also have heating and air conditioning, hot and cold running water, 100-125 volt electrical system, a dinette or living room area complete with couch and recliners, closets and an entertainment center. This is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, some of these motor homes can be more elaborate than homes themselves.

Class A motor homes are usually utilized by famous bands especially when they are in tour. There are also some rich families that own Class A motor homes for vacation and travel. A Class A motor home is perfect for those who can afford its high cost. Most Class A motor homes have all leather interior, a wet bar, big screen TVs, an advanced sound system and other high technology that may not be available to lower income families.

Depending on the model and the floor plan a class A RV can accommodate up to 8 people. But all of this luxury comes at a price. New, lower-end models are sold at up to $50,000 US dollars while larger and much nicer class A RVs can even cost more than any house in many states coming in at about $300,000+. Class A RVs are really very expensive; in fact even used class A RV can still be sold for $30,000-$40,000. If you prefer luxury lines, you may start saving about $325,000 up to over $1 million if you prefer the crème de la crème of all RVs.

Last but not least are Class C motor homes. Class C motor homes can also come in very luxurious models or more economical ones depending on your budget. They are much lighter in weight, ranging only from 10,000 to 15,000 pounds and generally run from just under 20 to 44 feet in length. They are constructed on cutaway chassis depending on the model. The cab is usually similar to that of the truck with a bunk above plus a rear bedroom. Just like the class A, Class C motor homes have all the amenities of home including kitchen, bathroom, dinette, heating and air conditioning system, and an entertainment center for additional cost.

Dinettes are not always present in class C motor homes and if ever there is one included, it usually converts into a double bed. If a dinette is not present, two captain chairs are available instead. Sometimes, the motor homes contain a couch and chairs instead of captain chairs. The couch may also be turned into a sleeper couch.

Because of the overcab bed, a Class C motor home can sleep more than a comparable Class A motor home, accommodating up to 10 people are accommodated. The cost of class C motor homes ranges from $50,000 to $170,000.

The common features of Class A and Class C motor homes are their slide-out wherein with a simple touch of a button the wall of the living room expands outwards to extend the living space by several inches.

Another type of motor home is the Class B which is usually referred to as van conversion. Class B motor homes look like pop-top camper vans and are self contained but cramped compared to their big motor home counterparts. The advantage of purchasing a Class B motor home is in terms of handling and size that is if you don’t want spacious motor home. They are usually promoted as a place to sleep more than what is deemed comfortable by most people. The class B motor home can also be used as a second car. Its price ranges from $38,000 to $75,000.

Motor homes are great for camping, road trips, or just simply living in style. If you are interested in purchasing a motor home, it is definitely wise to take time to do some comparison shopping and research as these motor homes can prove to be very expensive.

There are many people that are deathly afraid of funeral homes. They can barely stand to drive past one and having to plan out a funeral for someone else can make them hyperventilate. It is perfectly normal to have a fear of mortuaries. If this is something that has been bothering you there is no more need to fear. Here is how to get rid of the fear in just five simple steps. At the very least, these steps will bring you some relief. People do not like to be overrun and driven by fear. Follow these easy steps to master your phobia.

The first step is to determine in your mind that the fear you are suffering is going to be gone. If you do not actively choose to get rid of your fear then no remedy will work. The funeral of the person that past away is important to you. If you are the one responsible for planning the funeral, it is an even more important event for you. Decide now that you are not going to let this or any other fears stop you from doing what you know you must.

The next step is a bit more complicated. You have to try and figure out what it is about it that bothers you. Some people may find this an easy task, but that is not true for everybody. There are many people who do not know how to associate reasons with their fears. If this is a problem for you, sit down with a pen and sheet of paper and write down everything that comes to mind when you think about funeral homes.

The third step is to gain the support of someone that knows you well and whom you trust. You may need them to help you out as you work to stamp out your fear. Ask them to go with you to a funeral home then take a trip to your local parlor. Let them hold your hand if need be. Take your time when there and breathe deeply when you begin feeling nervous. Remember that overcoming this fear may take some time and requires persistence. Practice visiting funeral homes often until the fear subsides

Similar to the third step, the fourth step requires you to contact a mental health expert. Do not be embarrassed by this step. They can also do a lot to help you overcome the fear. There is a good chance that such services are offered for free in your local area. These experts can help you with such things as meditation and hypnosis.

Finally, turn to the funeral home itself. Being that you have a fear of funeral parlors you may be unaware of the fact that directors of funeral homes are often licensed to give grief counseling. As such, they can help you with your fear; especially since your fear evolves around their workplace. Tell them that you are having this problem and also that you need to plan out a funeral. They can help you both to deal with your fear and learn more about funeral homes so that you will not feel so afraid.

If you were looking at real estate ads and saw one that stated “green homes for sale”, you may at first wonder why anyone would a listing stating the color of their home. This is not what this type of ad means. It is just stating that the homes for sale are earth friendly and energy efficient. Green homes for sale are being built in an effort to less the carbon footprints we leave behind.

When you purchase a green home they will contains all or some of the following features that are earth friendly.

• Fiber cement siding
• Alternative power system like wind and solar
• Recycled building insulation
• No VOC stains and paints, which stands for volatile organic compound. It is any compound that is carbon-based and will vaporize at standard room temperatures. Some of the more prevalent ones are formaldehyde, acetone, and methane.
• Solar powered hot water heating

Even if you do not live in a green home, there are things that you can do to increase your energy conservation. It will even help contribute to saving our environment. Making your home a green home can help to reduce global warning and save the homeowner money. It will significantly better the environment and require little effort for the homeowner.

Making a green home

• Instead of using the standard incandescent light bulbs start to use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). When you switch to the CFL’s you can save per year over a hundred dollars. You can find these lights in the same aisle as your regular bulbs but they are little more expensive. In the United States, if every house switches the type of light bulbs they were using to CFL’s there would be a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of one trillion pounds.
• Install a thermostat that is programmable-with this type of thermostat the homeowner can program the thermostat so that the air conditioner or heater is off when homeowners are not at home. The programmable thermostat can be programmed so that it will cool or heat your home shortly before the homeowner arrives home. This change could save the homeowner ten percent or more on cooling and heating costs
• Plug air leaks-this will help the homeowner save money and practice conservation. You can do this by installing weather stripping, keep the temperature in your home from rapidly fluctuating, and caulk windows correctly to stop air drafts.
• Energy Star® rated appliances-these reduce the amount of electricity that is needed to operate them so they have less of an impact on the environment. They will also save on your energy bill.

If you are buying a home, choose energy efficient green homes for sale.