Here are the six projects under $1,000 (approx.) that made the list. 

1. Cleaning and decluttering.   Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and make the home sparkling clean.
2. Brightening.  Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.
3. Smart staging.  Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, incorporate artwork, and play soft music in the background.
4. Landscaping enhancements.  Punch up the home’s curb appeal in the front and back yards by adding bark mulch, bushes, and flowers and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared and manicured.
5. Repairing electrical or plumbing.  Fix leaks under the sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition.
6. Replacing or shampooing dirty carpets.  Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.

Excerpted from HomeGains 2011 Home Sale Maximizer Survey

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Compensation is also expected to increase in 2012 for both current staff and prospective employees.  Some 62% of employers plan to increase compensation for their existing employees, while 32% will offer higher starting salaries for new employees.  Professionals in sales (24%), information technology (20%), engineering (14%), and business development (14%) are expected to get the biggest pay increases.

great info. from March/April 2012  CRS magazine

Can’t afford a full kitchen makeover?  Sprucing up the cabinetry is an easy fix for a fraction of the cost.

There are two options:  replacing or refacing.  Refacing includes covering the existing cabinet doors and drawer fronts with wood or plastic veneer and replacing knobs and door hinges; replacing cabinets requires removing them entirely and starting from scratch.  So what’s best for your home?  Here are a few things to consider, according to HGTV.

First, check to see if the cabinets are structurally sound.  If you have problems opening the drawer, closing the doors, or if the cabinet’s interior isn’t as large as you need it to be, simple rejuvenating the look isn’t going to help in the long run.  Also consider the age of the cabinets: those make 20 to30 years ago were typically built using thicker wood and sturdier construction.  Such cabinets can often be refaced instead of replaced.

Next, consider how long you’ll remain in your home.  Replacing the cabinets will add to the home’s value and could be worth the extra money if your home will be on the market in the near future.  But for a potential buyer, a modern renewal of cabinets with an up-to-date look – might be enough, making refacing your cabinets a cost-effective, viable solution.  The typical cost of refacing with plastic veneer can cost up to about $3,000, while wood veneers can cost up to $7,000.  If you’re still considering the replacing, make sure you budget accordingly.  According to Costhelper.com, the cost of delivery and installation of new cabinets can cost at least $10,000.

Key points

• The new year is a great time to reevaluate where you stand financially.

• Consider these five resolutions to reshape your finances in 2012, including tips on budgeting, estate planning and more.

• Helpful information for everyone, regardless of age or income.

It wouldn’t be the new year without resolutions. But whether it’s trimming your waistline or firming your financial profile, the key isn’t making the list, it’s sticking with it! That’s particularly true now, given the recent bear market and economic downturn.

Here are five steps to get you started. You don’t have to do everything at once. Just get going. We believe that, as you move from one step to another, you’ll feel stronger—and closer to achieving your goals.

  Resolution No. 1: create a budget for life Financially speaking, life can be viewed as a series of cash inflows and outflows. Saving and investing during your working years should hopefully lead to a rising net worth over time, enabling you to achieve many of life’s most important goals, like funding your retirement. Creating your own budget and net worth statement can help you build your road map and stay on track, even during tough times.

  Resolution No. 2: manage your debt Debt is neither inherently good nor bad—it is simply a tool. For most people, some level of debt is a practical necessity. That said, problems arise when debt becomes the master of the borrower, not the other way around. Here’s how to stay in charge.

  Resolution No. 3: invest with a plan Getting better investment results are a goal we all share. But investing is a means to an end, not an end unto itself. So stay focused on your goals. Create a plan that will help you stay disciplined in all kinds of markets. Follow it and adjust it as needed.

  Resolution No. 4: prepare for the unexpected Risk is a fact of life. Your financial life can be upended by all kinds of nasty surprises—an illness, job loss, disability, death, natural disasters or lawsuits. If you don’t have enough assets to self-insure against major risks, resolve to get your insurance in shape.

  Resolution No. 5: protect your estate Without an estate plan, the fate of your assets or minor children may be decided by attorneys, government bureaucrats and tax agencies. Taxes and attorneys’ fees can eat away at your estate, and delay the distribution of assets just when your heirs need those most. Here’s how to protect your estate—and your loved ones.

Finally, remember you don’t have to do everything at once. Take one step at a time. Make some real progress on your journey in 2012.

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Most homeowners believe a home inspection provides valuable information that helps them avoid home maintenance problems and save money, according to a recent survey by Harris Interactive and the American Society of Home Inspectors.  Seven out of ten homeowners surveyed say the home inspection on their current home helped them avoid potential problems with their home, and almost two-thirds (64%) say they saved money in the long run because the inspection uncovered minor issues that could be easily remedied.  The survey also finds that nearly 90% of homeowners believe home inspections are a necessity, not a luxury.

While many homeowners who had an inspection understand the value it provides, many still incorrectly believe that certain components are included in a standard home inspection.  For example, electrical wiring and plumbing behind drywall, and swimming pools are commonly mistaken as items that are included in an inspection, but they typically are not.  Also 70% of homeowners surveyed assume all home inspectors are required to be certified and licensed, which is not necessarily the case.

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The sentiment is also strong among homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages.  Nearly two-thirds believe owning a home is worth the risk, and 83% say they are happy with their decision to own a home.

Four out of five  (80%) say they would advise a friend or family member to buy a home, while slightly fewer underwater (78%) would do the same.  Only 19% of homeowners who are underwater believe homeownership is too risky.

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In most cases, possession will be transferred after you have signed your mortgage loan and a clear title has been transferred.  Then, when you and the seller agree on a date, it will be incorporated into the written contract.  Once this is done, the date cannot be changed without written agreement.

In rare cases, a seller may request to stay in the house for a short while after closing.  If the buyer agrees, a post-sale occupancy agreement must be put into writing and included as part of the contract.  The seller may be asked to pay a rental fee, which is agreed upon by both parties.

The buyer may also request permission to take occupancy before the purchase transaction is completed.  This, too, must be agreed in writing and the rental stipulations will be included in the purchase agreement.

Many aspects of the possession date are negotiable, but special provisions should be thoroughly spelled out and mutually agreed upon in writing.

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