What Should You Know about Foreclosure Homes on Anna Maria Island

Credit for this photo goes to EquiFax

A foreclosure on a home is a when a homeowner failed to pay the mortgage. A foreclosure usually takes a while to fully complete and after 3-6 months of not receiving any payment the lender of the home records a public notice with the County Recorder’s Office stating that the homeowner has defaulted on his mortgage. After the homeowner receives the Notice of Default, the homeowner enters pre-foreclosure. During this time frame (which is usually 30-120 days depending on location) the homeowner can work out an agreement with the lender by performing a short sale or pay off the outstanding amount owned. If the amount is paid the foreclosure ends.

   If the deadline ends and the amount is still not paid the lender sets a date for the home to be sold at a foreclosure auction. The notice of the auction is then recorded with the County Recorder’s Office with notifications sent to the homeowner, posted on the property, and printed in the newspaper. If a third party does not purchase the property at the auction the lender takes ownership of the home and it becomes a bank-owned property or REO (real estate owned).

•           Be cautious of the current owner- if the owner still lives there you now have to worry about evicting the owner and they could possibly vandalize the home before leaving it.
•          Buy from a bank- look for a home owned by a bank or REO. The bank is usually required to pay off senior liens like back taxes and you can now inspect the home for damage.
•      Beat the crowds- after the home goes to foreclosure, but before it’s listed you could approach the lender directly and say that you are interested in it. If it’s a local or community bank and the home has been on listing for a while they may be more than happy to get rid of it.
•          Find a realtor that specializes in foreclosure homes in Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, or Anna Maria- they can help advise you in pricing, local zoning issues or state law constraints, as well as looking in to public records on if the property has any recorded liens; such as, unpaid taxes, repair/ maintenance bills, or homeowner association dues. Once you purchase the home you’re now responsible for those outstanding liens.

I'd be happy to help you start your search for a home for sale on Anna Maria Island. Call me at 941-545-8877 for all your real estate needs! Let's get you started living the Anna Maria Life!

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How to Sell Your Home with a Good First Impression

Credit for this photo goes to ThisOldHouse

You are finally ready to sell your home. Great! However when showing your home to potential buyers, first impressions are the most lasting and important to its sale. Your main role in selling your home is to make it as attractive as possible for prospective buyers.  Here are some tips to help you make a good first impression when selling your home.

The exterior of your home creates the first impression. Since the exterior of your home is the first and last thing potential buyers see, some effort can make a big difference in the impression your home makes. Make sure to keep up the maintenance on your lawn and driveway. You want to make sure that your lawn is cleanly cut, the shrubs and trees are trimmed, and that your garden is weeded. Another big thing about the front of your house is to make sure all the toys, lawn equipment, and other items are neatly stored away to make everything look great. A few other things to check on the exterior of your home is to make sure the windows are clean, address numbers are polished and in place, fresh paint on the garage and door, and adding some embellishments to make your home look welcoming.

A clean interior will reinforce your home’s good first impression. After the potential buyer walks through the exterior of your home having a clean interior will keep the good impression going. Clear any clutter on your shelves and other furniture. By having a clean and organized home it gives the impression of it being open and airy. Another big thing is to make sure your home is clean. Dust all shelving, polish the door knobs, clean the windows and mirrors, and wax those floors it will make a better impression than having a dusty, dirty home and hoping it will sell like that. One thing that few sellers know to do is to de-personalize your home. By removing those knickknacks and family photos it will help those prospective buyers imagine the home as their own.

Check out the ambiance of your home in the evening. Making sure that your home looks great in the day and evening is a great way to leave a lasting impression. Walk around your home and make sure that the lights outside work and position them to where it looks welcoming and appealing to anyone that may be passing by. Also, make sure your house numbers are visible on the outside by installing a small light fixture beside it or purchase an illuminated one.

Make sure to fix any minor or cosmetic repairs that needs to be done. That wooden fence has been in your yard for years, but the paint is chipping and you’re missing some of the posts. You’d definitely want to repair that and any other minor things around the house. By having freshly painted doors, fences, and other items it gives your home that new feel and makes the house attractive. Make sure all the screens in the windows are good, all cabinets, and doors work as they should. You also should make sure your door bell works too.

Bake a batch of cookies or a pie. When prospective buyers are walking around your home and looking around they are looking to see if it feels like home to them. Bake a batch of cookies before they arrive. The scent of the cookies will make the home feel warm and welcoming while giving your guests something to munch on. 

Regardless on if you’re looking to sell your home or even looking for a second one I would be honored to help you. Call me, Billi Gartman, at 941-545-8877 with any questions you have. Having me by your side during your home buying and selling process will help you with questions, concerns, and any stress you may have. 

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Tips on How to Choose a Neighborhood

Credit for the photo goes to Safewise

Finding an apartment or home on Anna Maria Island is more than just finding a place to live. When searching your interests and lifestyle come into play when looking to see if a neighborhood is going to suit what you’re looking for. Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and the city of Anna Maria all are the perfect place to live with a family or singly. 

•         Consider where you will be in a few years down the road. Are you thinking about having children? Pets? If you are or you already have kids, you should make sure to look at the school systems nearby as well as parks. Definitely check to make sure the neighborhood is kid friendly. If you’re single, checkout the local restaurants on Anna Maria Island and such to see if they fit what you’re looking for.
•          Test out how you’re going to get around the neighborhood. If you’re like me and you bike to work, I recommend making sure you choose a neighborhood close to your job or maybe look into public transportation options. Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach all have a free public trolley that can help transport you wherever you need to go.
•        Will you be a match for the neighborhood? Consider what if in the future you’d like to sell- will the area demographics make it easier or more difficult?
•          Check out what people are saying. It is important to see what people are saying about the neighborhood. Sites like StreetAdvisor are a great way to get real reviews. Also, you can probably ask the locals themselves. Anna Maria Island locals are very friendly and very willing to help out.
•          Besides checking out how far it is to your job, you should also research how close the neighborhood is to everything else. How close is it to the grocery store, hospital, banking, shopping, etc? A neighborhood that allows easy access to these amenities would be a plus to moving in. On Anna Maria Island you're fairly close to everything, since the whole length of the island is 7 miles.
•         Finally, make sure to visit the neighborhood at different times of the day. Doing this allows you to determine if this is what you’re looking for in a community. Listen to the noise levels, observe the traffic, checkout the lighting in the neighborhood, etc. 

Regardless on if you’re looking for an apartment or house in Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Anna Maria  I would be honored to help you. Call me, Billi Gartman, at 941-545-8877 with any questions you have. Having me by your side during your home buying and selling process on Anna Maria Island will help you with questions, concerns, and any stress you may have. 

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Checklist & Time Line for a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Credit for the image goes to TaxAct

Pre-approval may be the first step towards getting a mortgage on Anna Maria Island, but you'll want to get some things in order first. By following this list you'll be well on your way to receive the mortgage that you need to buy the home you want in Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, or the city of Anna Maria.

1.       Review your credit report. Make sure you get anything that doesn't look right corrected.

2.       Gather yours and anyone else's tax returns (that are applying for the mortgage) and proof of income.

3.       Have your down payment money and closing money ready in the bank for when the deal closes.

4.       If you've been renting, put together the last 12 months of proof that you have been on time with your payments. Getting a letter from your landlord as a referral will help as well.

5.       Gather any personal government identification documents needed. (ex: divorce papers, if applicable)

6.       Provide proof of regular income including Social Security, Child Support, or any government assistance. Also, provide proof of any IRAs or retirement accounts you may have. Don't forget to tell them of any money you have held in the stock market.

7.       Bring proof of any other property you currently own.

8.       Once you get all the documents together, go to a lender to get pre-approved on Anna Maria Island. They'll give you a GFE, Good Faith Estimate. This is an estimate of what your general  mortgage costs would be if you choose to go with them.

9.       Go to another lender and get pre-approved again. Do this process as many times as needed. You'll want to make sure you get the best deal you can get.

Call me, Billi, at 941-545-8877 for any Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, or Anna Maria real estate inquiries you have. Anna Maria Life is dedicated to helping you find the home of your dreams on Anna Maria Island.

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Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Home Before Selling

(Credit for this photo goes to Homeplans)

I've seen quite a few people who were ready to sell their home on Anna Maria Island, but after really looking at them ask me what they could do to upgrade the home a bit and maybe increase it's value. I always suggest looking at your budget first and see what you can afford. Then look at what you are wanting to fix and make a list. Finally, I suggest hiring a contractor to do it for you. This will save you time and money in the long run.

•        You can easily improve the look of your home by applying fresh pain to the walls and cabinets. Sometimes it will take more than one layer to do the trick.
•        If you have an older dishwasher I'd replace it with a new Energy Star-qualified one to save money. If you don't have one installed, but have room for it, I'd look into getting one installed. With people's schedules now, dishwashers save them time as well as increase the value of your home.
•         Is that carpet looking a bit dull? Has deep cleaning it done nothing to help? If so, I'd look into replacing it with new carpet or some other material that will match your home.
•        Put down fresh caulk in your kitchen and bathroom. I've been in numerous homes where one section of the home has it peeling off or missing entirely. Not only will it look better, but it will protect your home against mold.
•         You know that old deck out back? The paint has long wore off, you've got chips breaking off of it, and let's not get started on the leaves and such stuck to it. This can usually be taken care of power-washing it and then re-staining the deck with a sealant to protect it against the weather.
•        Earlier I mentioned repainting the cabinets. Now, I'm saying to replace those handles on the doors. Swapping out an older looking or generic handle could make the room look completely different.
•         Replace the outlet and switch plates. This may seem like it won't make any difference, but trust me, it will.
•          Upgrade the fixtures. Most door knobs, faucets, and locks are all fairly cheap to paint. Or if it's in your budget you could replace them entirely.

Before you make any major changes, reach out to your real estate agent and ask them what they'd recommend. At Anna Maria Life we promise to help you with selling your home, buying a home, or even if you're looking for an investment opportunity. Call me, Billi, at 941-545-8877 with any real estate questions you have. It'd be my pleasure helping you with your search for your slice of paradise on Anna Maria Island.

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Market Statistics for 2015-2016 Anna Maria Island

To schedule a tour of this home (shown in the picture above), call me at 941-545-8877. If you're ready to start your search for the perfect home for sale on Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach reach out to me with any real estate questions you have. Are you ready to experience the Anna Maria Island Life?

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Places to Check Out on Anna Maria island!

Credit for the photo goes to Flicker

Anna Maria Island is home to many historical buildings and landmarks, many of which have been restored to their former selves. When visiting the island it's always great to check out the restaurants, souvenir shops, parks, etc. But don't forget to check out these historical beauties. We've chosen a few to get you started.

Rosedale Cottage

In 1913, Captain Mitch Davis (1st mayor of Anna Maria) built the Rosedale Cottage. It was originally built for George "Will" Wihelm Bean, son of Emerson Bean. In the early 1940s the J. Hartley Blackburn family lived in the house. The house was known as the Cozy Corner because when Betty and Hartley were school teachers they used the house as a location to teach children. Norman and Kay Rosedale moved into the hosue in 1951, thus naming the house Rosedale Cottage. They renovated the house in a way; so, it could keep it's original look.

Credit for this photo goes to Pineapple Fish.

Belle Haven

Originally built as an ice house on the end of the pier in 1920 by Captain Mitch Davis, the house eventually became a fish packing plant. The house sat on the end of the pier til the weather and the worms caused it to fall into the Tampa Bay in 1926. Lyman Christy paid $125 and relocated the house to the northern tip of the island to Palmetto Avenue. Lyman and his wife lived in the house for 50 years until it became a rental cottage. The house was donated to the Anna Maria Island Historical Society in 2001. It took a while, but Belle Haven was finally restored to it's former glory in 2006.

 Credit for the photo goes to AMIHS

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Thelma by the Sea

Mr. & Mrs. R.J. Wood named the home after their daughter, Thelma. In 1944, the home was sold to Emma Williams. She added more rooms to the home and after it was completed, she named it the Angler's Lodge. In 1956, she sold the home to Mathilde Hasulauer who then sold it to the Scott family in 1972. The Scott family used the home as a get-away home until 1992 and then they sold it to Agie Hebebrand of Chevy Chase, Mtd. who rented the home to vacationers. In 2011 the home was sold to Pineapplefish, LLP, owned by Lizzie and Miek Vann Thrasher who moved the house to the Green Village on Pine Avenue for restoration. 

Credit for this photo goes to Pineapple Fish.

Feeling like you don't have enough time to enjoy all the beautiful landmarks, buildings, beaches, food, and more- check out Anna Maria Life. We're all about helping people find what they're searching for in a second home, investment opportunities, and relocations. Anna Maria Island has tons of condos, townhouses, waterfront homes, and more available. If you have any questions on how to get started, call me, Billi, at 941-545-8877, I would be honored to help you, your friend, or family member find what you're looking for in a home.

Don't forget to check out the Historic City Pier and the Historic City Jail.

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Anna Maria Island's Historic City Pier- Originally just a Pier, but now a well loved restaurant & attraction for locals & tourists!

(credit for this photo goes to Beach Hunter)

In 1893, George Emerson Bean settled what’s now known as Bean Point on Anna Maria Island. Charles Roser and George Emerson Bean partnered together in a business to develop roads and a water system to support the ever growing island. With the population increasing and tourism rising, the business built a pier at the end of Pine Avenue in 1911 to draw visitors in from Tampa and St. Petersburgh.  Spanning at around 757 feet in length, the pier was an excellent way for the steamers to drop off the daily fish catch, bringing new visitors, and taking them back to the mainland. George convinced his daughter to wear her bathing suit and welcome the visitors and also convinced his sister to act as a fortune teller drawing more and more interest to the attraction of the island. George also had a little souvenir shop built at the end of the pier; so, visitors could take a little piece of Anna Maria Island home with them. The pier is now known as the “Anna Maria Island Historic City Pier” and it’s been remodeled, updated, and now has a restaurant at the end of it serving locals and tourists alike with great food and a great view of the Skyway Bridge across the bay. Don’t forget to stop by and check it out on Pine Avenue.

(credit for this photo goes to The Islander)

Anna Maria Island is a great place to live. There are tons of gorgeous homes for sale in Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Anna Maria. Call me at 941-545-8877 schedule a tour to find the home of your dream. To experience the Anna Maria Life check out my site here. 

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Follow These Tips to Save Energy Around Your Home

   Every year many people are spending more and more money on their electric bill without realizing how much they could be saving if they do a few simple things around their home. Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton beach are no exceptions! Did you know that the average Floridian spends over $125 for their electric bill? I was dumbfounded at how much my electric bill was for a 740 square foot home. My electric company told me a few tips to help reduce my bill, but nothing seemed to be working. I turned to the internet for help. After researching many sites, blogs, and other sources I found a few tips to try. Once I received my new bill, I must say the small stuff actually did make the bill lower and me happier. 

   Some of these tips I tried and it helped- and some of the others I'm listing as alternative methods that may be able to help you.

• Install a programmable thermostat on your air conditioner, if it doesn't already have one.
• Use shades and curtains on your windows.
• Clean and change your filters on your air conditioner regularly.
• Check all window and door seals to ensure you don't have any air leaks. This can save you up to 20% on your next bill.
• In the summer change your fan to counter-clockwise and in the winter change it to clockwise on low.
• Set your air conditioner to auto instead of on.
• Wash your clothes in cold water. Your laundry detergent will still work the same. :)
• Wash and dry all of your clothes at once. With your dyer already being warm, this will save you energy as opposed to letting it cool and have to re-heat.
• Try and do full loads of laundry. If you have to do a small load- make sure you change the load size.
• Change your light bulbs to the new and improved CFLs and LEDs.
• Look for the energy star label on your lights and other products to save energy.
• Turn off all lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use.
• Plug your electronics (and other items) into a power strip and turn them off that way. It's an easier way to turn off multiple devices at once.
• Use low-flow water faucets and showerheads.
• Reduce your water heater temperature to 130° F.
• Replace your old refrigerator (if it's from 1990 and older). 
• Shorten your showers
• Unplug your battery charges. These siphon energy even when you're not charging your device.
• Set up your computer to sleep or hibernate instead of using the screen saver. The screen saver actually uses more energy than either of the other two options. The best thing to do is to turn it off if you're not using it.

If after trying these tips and/or you're ready to look into a new house for sale on Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach reach out to me at 941-545-8877. I'd be more than happy to answer any and all real estate questions you have.

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Check out my newest listing- 131 Hammock Road, Anna Maria!

131 Hammock Road, Anna Maria

Check out my newest listing- 131 Hammock Road! This gorgeous house has everything you need to entertain your guests on Anna Maria Island- swimming pool, spacious rooms, and a wood burning fireplace. The best thing about this house is that it's located on the canals that lead to the bay and you're only three blocks away from Pine Avenue.You're only minutes away from Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach as well!  #‎AnnaMariaIsland‬ ‪#‎AnnaMaria‬ ‪#‎Florida‬ ‪#‎houseforsale‬ ‪#‎AMIRE‬‪#‎AnnaMariaLife‬

To schedule a tour of this home or other homes on Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach for sale, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

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Check out these 7 tips for new real estate investors!

So you’ve decided that you want to start investing in real estate. Great! Check out these tips on how to get started on investing.

• Check your credit score to determine if you’re able to finance a investment property.
• Consider multiple sources for looking at and buying properties. A lot of new investors thing they only have the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) site or by knocking on doors looking for the opportunity to buy. Don’t forget to check out other real estate sites, auctions, and your local papers.
• Find a good bank or mortgage broker in the area you are financing your investment properties at.
• Get in the mindset that real estate investing is a business. Develop a good business plan that will detail starting and running your business with realistic goals.
• Pick a good neighborhood. You’re going to want to know that you’ll be able to make a profit off of the investment.
• Buy the investment property at a good price. If you can buy a property for 12 times the amount of it’s annual rent- then that’s a good deal.
• Don’t get overexcited. People forget to not invest too much in the beginning. Start small and work. That way you won’t have to magically recoup quickly.

Check out this gorgeous home!

This beautiful Snead Island home is located at 1760 Amberwynd Circle in Palmetto, FL. Enjoy this captivating 4 bedroom and 3 bath home with family and friends. It's perfect for entertaining! The big, aquarium style windows in the living area provides you with a stunning view of the surrounding real estate. Lets not forget- this home also has a secluded screened-in heated salt water swimming pool. Located only minutes away from Egmont Key and Anna Maria Island, this home is perfect for any family or even as a vacation home. Click the link below to see more information on this listing or give us a call at 941-585-8877.

http://www.annamariaislandrealestateforsale.com/paradise-home-sale-palmetto-anna-maria-life-and-billi-gartman/

To schedule a tour, gather further information on this property and to find similar listings, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

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Is Your House Ready for Santa?

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

You’ve got your stockings hung and you’ve even put out some cookies to tide him over. But is your house really ready for Santa? He passed a message along that he really likes visiting homes that are safe. We’ve made you a list to be ready for St. Nick when he gets here.

• Holiday dinners: Every family reheats and passes the food around the table all the time; however, it is surprising that so many people don’t be come ill. Make sure to reheat your leftovers to at least 165 degrees F to get rid of harmful bacteria. If you’re saving a plate, make sure to wrap it up and stick it in the fridge to keep it safe.
• Winter Essentials: Make sure to grab all the winter essentials you may need such as salt and a shovel. By having these items you can make sure your family and visiting relative can make it to your front door safely.
• Watch out for the pets and kids: Make sure to keep small snacks like nuts and popcorn, decorative plants, and potentially poisonous foods out of reach of the kids and pets. Also, don’t forget that decorations and other things can pose a hazard for infants. Check out our blog, "How to Childproof Your Home for the Holiday Season", for more tips.
• Secure your home and belongings: Don’t forget to secure your garage, lock the doors, and arm your home security systems. This will keep out the people who will want to take advantage of the holidays. Don’t worry about Santa. He has magic to get the gifts inside homes for the good boys and girls.
• Don’t forget to water your Christmas tree. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the holiday season is the worst time of the year for home fires. Make sure you water your tree daily and keep it at least three feet away from any heat source.

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Winter is right around the corner. Is your house ready?

Winter is right around the corner for many people and I know they’re probably dreading it too. We’ve created a small checklist for you to use to prepare your home for the upcoming winter season. 

       Outside:

• Clean out your gutters- Wait till the last leaf falls around your home and get your gutters cleaned out. If you’re able to do it yourself or even get someone else to help, cleaning your gutters out will prevent blockage during the winter storms.
• Put away your outdoor items- We’ve all thought the same thing “I don’t want to clean or move the furniture”. I know. I felt the same way myself. However, it’s best to clean off all your outdoor items and store them or at least cover them for the season.
• Clean out your fireplace or wood stove if you love having a warm fire or if that’s your primary source of heat. Also have your chimney professionally cleaned and checked out.
• Buy the winter essentials before season hits; so that way you’re not fighting over stuff in the store.
• Check your roof- Grab a ladder or a pair of binoculars and check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that may possibly leak during storms. Don’t forget to check your seals around the vent stacks and chimneys too. (If your roof is flat and surfaced with asphalt and pebbles, rake or blow off leaves and pine needles. Don’t remove the pebbles though. It will expose the asphalt to sunlight.)
• Water your outdoor plants- not a lot of people know to water their plants even up to the first frost. This will keep your plants from drying out.
• Drain your sprinkler and/or irrigation systems- If there is still water in these it could cause them to bust.

       Inside:

• Order a home energy audit- This is great, because the person performing the audit has a tool that shows areas that are loosing heat.
• Tune up your heating system- hire a technician and have them inspect your heating system to make sure it’s clean and in good repair. By having a technician check it out it also measures carbon-monoxide leakage.
• Reverse your ceiling fans- The fan will produce an updraft and push down into the room heated air.
• Swap out your bedding- Clean and store your summer bedding and get the down comforter or heavy blankets out instead. You’ll sleep much better and stay warmer.
• Swap out the clothing in your closet- Bring out your winter clothing and store your warmer clothing (unless you’re in those warmer states- Florida).
• Recaulk around your windows and doors- Check the space between the walls at the door frames and windows. If there is a space bigger than the width of a nickel you should reapply caulk. Check your weather stripping too.

If you click this link, it will take you to a pdf version of this article and you can print it as a checklist for you and your family/friends.

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Checklist: Who to Inform That You're Moving

Once you’ve decided on moving you should start planning on who you’re going to notify. It’s very important to let business know such as your insurance, internet, etc so that way you’ll still keep your product/service. The best way to tell who you need to inform of your move is to make a list. We’ve made a list that may be of some help; however, you may not need all of these.

• Friends and family
• Banks, credit card companies and other financial institutions
• Insurance companies
• Local government authorities as appropriate
• Tax authorities
• Utility companies (i.e. gas, electric, water as appropriate – in these cases you may need to talk to them direct to arrange disconnection/connection of services, account opening/closure etc)
• Phone companies – both fixed and mobile
• Satellite/cable TV providers
• Internet service providers
• Doctor, optician and dentist
• Veterinarian
• Schools
• Employers
• Regional driving license offices
• Magazine or newspaper subscriptions
• Clubs, professional associations, motoring organizations etc
• Rental companies
• Mail order companies

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How to Decorate Your Small Space Without a Christmas Tree

You may have run into the same problem that quite a few people have as well- you don’t have enough space in your home or apartment for a Christmas tree. I’ve looked around and found some easy ideas you can use to have a Christmas tree with any amount of space.

• Choose a section of your wall that you won’t mind painting and turn it into a canvas of wonder. Use a can of chalkboard paint on the wall and draw your tree, fireplace, and other holiday related themes on it. It’s great for the kids too. You can purchase a can of the paint online at Michaels’ for $7.99.   

• If you have loose branches lying around in your yard pick them up and use them to create a tree on your wall. Tie some string around them and mount them on your wall in the shape of a tree. You can even add ornaments to make it more like a Christmas tree.

• Choose your favorite picture of a Christmas tree (make sure it’s not copyrighted) or even a regular tree, take it to your local print shop, and have it enlarged to the size similar to a tapestry. Hang the print out on a dowel rod and place it anywhere you’d like. Check out Staples for a printout or even a local FedEx/Kinko’s store. 
• Add strips of crepe paper to your wall in the shape of a tree. Have the kids help out too. It makes a fun and creative craft for them.
• Make a tree out of Evergreen branches laying around or even go to your local craft store and attach them to dowel rods. This makes it more like a realistic tree and adds the wonderful scent of the outdoors to your home.
• If you don’t have the time to find some branches, cut paper, or paint check out your home for stuff you already have. If you have some shelves turn them into a festive display. Grab those old holiday greeting cards, mismatched gloves, and scarves.  

• Another great thing to try is the washi tape. They have many different colors and designs it makes it fun and interesting to try different combinations.
• Construction paper makes a neat crafting project for the whole family. Just cut some shapes out or even just a plain shape, tape them to the wall, and add cutout ornaments to it.

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What Should I Look for When Purchasing an Existing Home

It’s best to do careful research and evaluation of existing homes for sale before buying your new home. By checking everything out beforehand it ensures that your new home will be comfortable, cost effective, and holds its value in the future.

• How much work will need to be done after you move in? (Make sure to look at all the cabinets, flooring, walls, appliances, etc) If you have to do home improvements how much will it cost you to do them.
• If there are damages to the home can you fix them on your own or will you need to hire a contractor?
• Is there enough room for storage and your furniture? (Measure you furniture before you buy to make sure everything will fit.)
• If you have kids, research the schools in the area. Check how the schools near-by perform and compare to other schools in the state.
• If you have pets, are you going to have enough room for them in the house and outdoors?
• Does the home condition and tax value match the seller’s price?
• Do you like the landscaping or are you going to want to change it? If you are probably going to change it, estimate how much it will cost. Take into consideration if you are going to be able to do it on your own or if you’ll have to hire a contractor.
• Check out the condition of the neighborhood that you’re looking at. How are the neighbors’ houses? Are they looking run down? The condition of the neighborhood could affect your home’s value if you plan on selling it in the future.
• Does the house require a mandatory membership? If so, find out how much and what it goes towards. Check out the neighborhood and talk to the neighbors to see how they like it in that area.
• Make a wish list of things that you’re wanting. This will make it easier to judge how much work may be needed after you move in.
• Make a check list of things that you should check out; such as, cabinets, appliances, faucets, toilets, heating and air systems, and lighting. 

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