• Pick a wall for a contrasting color;
• Change a light fixture;
• Lightning reflects the mood of the room. Is the room too dark? You can change the heavy curtains. Use table lamps for a romantic look;
• A big bright rug can be a focal point;
• Use items you already have. The old painting forgotten in storage can look great in the study. Create a stunning corner with a old trunk. Paint the trunk and use clustered candlesticks on top to create a focal point;
• Decorating is also about stimulating the senses.  Table top fountains or wind chimes can bring pleasant sounds.

A room always looks better when it is neat and tidy. It is a good idea to get rid of the clutter. Sift, sort and toss unnecessary stuff. Baskets work wonderful for keeping the room organized.

ENJOY YOUR HOME:

It is great making changes to your home. You made plans to spruce up the garden. Take a good look at your budget and start planning. Budgeting for expenses should be a lifestyle. Invest in a deck or barbeque area where you can entertain friends and enjoy precious family moments. Visit your nursery regularly to see what plants are on special offer. It is very rewarding to have a vegetable garden or herb garden. Pick fruit and vegetables from your own garden. You can serve fresh salads daily by having your own garden. Enjoy everything that your home offers you.

Patrick Newport, an economist at IHS Global Insight, said: “Foreclosures, excess supply and weak demand will drive home prices down at least another 5%”.  The Standard & Poor’s Case Shiller home price index released last week showed that prices dropped in February from January in sixteen of the twenty cities it tracks. The Commerce Department said that new home sales dropped 7.1 percent during March. Job growth and a more positive outlook among buyers can make 2012 the first year since 2008 that construction added to the economy.

The Washington Post reported that the new foreclosures can risk depressing housing prices, which just increased in February for the first time in 18 months. According to CNNMoney homes in some stage of foreclosure accounted for nearly one in four home sales during the fourth quarter. Brandon Moore, chief executive officer of Realty Trac, said: “Sales of foreclosures in the fourth quarter continued to be slowed by questions surrounding proper foreclosure paperwork and procedures”. Mr. Brandon referred to the delays caused by the robo-signing scandal.

According to CNNMoney, 15th March 2012, the agreement by the five biggest mortgage lenders clarifies how foreclosures must be handled. This is expected to speed up the process. The five banks are:

• Bank of America;
• JP Morgan;
• Citibank;
• Wells Fargo;
• Ally Financial.

Daren Blomquist, director of marketing of Realty Trac, said: “The pig is starting to move through the python” as he released the foreclosure report for February. The CEO of Realty Trac, Brandon Moore, said: “February’s numbers point to a gradually rising foreclosure tide as some of the barriers that have been holding back foreclosures are removed”. Mr. Blomquist said: “They have already adjusted their foreclosure practices to fit the terms of the settlement”.

One of the aspects of this amazing Neighborhood Lift Program is the “Home Preservation Workshops” presented by Wells Fargo. This is one of the efforts by Wells Fargo to stabilize the housing market. This program can benefit homeowners seeking to avoid foreclosure and offers support to down payment of home financing and renovating. The Neighborhood Lift Program has already been launched in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Wells Fargo is in huge favour of financial education and has a remarkable history providing generous financial support:

• Wells Fargo presented about 600 home preservation workshops;
• Gave $ 4.0 billion in principal forgiveness;
• Supported more than five million homeowners with refinancing existing mortgages or providing new low rate loans;
• Assisted more than 700,000 homeowners under the Home Affordable Modification Program.

The neighborhood lift program provides a chance to obtain a down payment of the mortgage that you could never afford. You can even get support to do renovations to your home. Live in your home for five years and this loan will be forgiven.

Jon Campbell, Wells Fargo’s head of Social Responsibility, said: “We are building on those efforts by collaborating with cities and nonprofits in a way that gets resources to people who want to achieve successful and sustainable home ownership in today’s difficult housing environment”. Eileen Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of Neighbor Works America, commented on the neighborhood lift program and said that this is a tremendous commitment by Wells Fargo to support homeowners and communities. She furthermore said: “This is the kind of public-private collaboration that can help communities tackle difficult challenges and families realize their goal of sustainable home ownership”.

The Wells Fargo loan officers will educate people on this important Neighborhood Lift Program. You can join Wells Fargo on a tour to view available homes for sale.

It’s true that foreclosure can make honest, hardworking people victims. Unforeseen circumstances happen. That’s why they are unforeseen. Loss of job, partner, insurance, unexpected bills. Whatever it may be, it happens.

But let’s look beyond the typical “victim”. Think about the children involved in Foreclosures. Yes, this is not to say that the parents or caregivers are not victims. This is to help recognize the victims in the background.

Did you know that according to a report published in First Focus, by Julia B. Isaacs of Brookings Institute, more than 2.3 million children have suffered through foreclosure? Were you aware that another 3 million may face foreclosure in the future or even again?

These are staggering statistics and affect so many in so many ways.

Children affected by Foreclosure:

• Are more likely to be depressed and stressed.
• More likely to move more often.
• Are enrolled in several schools
• More likely to have social integration issues.
• Have less support from parents and guardians who are also stressed.

Because the family residence is foreclosed upon, the family is required to relocate. Because budgets are normally tighter, families of foreclosure typically relocate to areas with higher crime, higher vacancies and lower social consistency and growth causing the issues above.

What you may not know is that foreclosure may be avoided. In Cheyenne I have worked with many families facing foreclosure and helped them come up with the best solution for their situation. Financial hardship does not have a one-size fits all answer. But I assure you that I will work beside you to help you ease your burden and determine the best solution for you.

If you or someone you know is facing financial hardship or foreclosure, please visit my other website at www.CheyenneForeclosure.com for everything you need to know about avoiding foreclosure in Cheyenne and Laramie County. I am here to help.

The contractor you choose must be honest, reliable and respected in the industry. A builder/contractor must be knowledgeable of all aspects of the construction process. They will know what needs to be done in regards to permits, building restrictions, weather conditions, contracts, subcontractor agreements and other construction issues and requirements.

Through the associations of reputable architects, drafts people, estimators, landscape architects, and qualified, licensed and reliable trades people, some contractors have established a reputation for excellence with both clients and professionals within the building industry. The advantage of such a company is a complete project management team and one point of contact to manage the entire process:

• Home Renovations and Home Extensions
• New Built Homes
• Swimming Pools & Swimming Pool Renovations
• Domestic and commercial landscaping

You can find a contractor by doing online research or searching through directories such as the Yellow Pages. Trade associations (such as the Housing Industry Association and the Master Builders Association) keep listings of registered and qualified contractors in your area. They also put out yearly publications featuring the top contractors in the state. It remains a good idea to obtain referrals from industry bodies, industry professionals and family or friends.

Creditors and credit bureaus communicate via a network. Credit bureaus use codes to provide information about the consumer’s financial profile to the creditor. Amongst the many codes, one can find the Score Factor Code 22 used by the credit bureaus. It is not really a secret code, but few people know or understand what this code means and how it is used.

Short sales, deed-in lieu, 120 days late, bankruptcy and foreclosures all qualify as a Score Factor Code 22. We understand the differences, but do the computers?  The credit score is not the issue, but rather the way the mortgage underwriter “sees” the credit.

The consensus is that one can buy faster if you do a short sale rather than a foreclosure. Fannie Mae allocates mortgages after 24 months of a short sale, a bankruptcy discharge or a foreclosure. One can clearly notice that the treatments of the different processes are equal. There is a 20% down payment and a 660 FICO (credit) score required.  After a person went through a short sale, it will be hard to make a 20% down payment 24 months later.

FHA permits people to obtain a mortgage within 36 months of a bankruptcy discharge, foreclosure or a short sale. The treatment here is equal to all the Score Factor Code 22 entries made. It will be difficult for a person to go through a short sale, foreclosure or a bankruptcy discharge and save 20% in the next 24 months plus getting the credit score up to 660.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now indicating that they will have new guidelines for people who have had a foreclosure or short sale. Again, the Score Factor Code 22 treats both processes in the same light.

Fannie Mae’s new guidelines:

• Will now prohibit foreclosed borrowers form getting another mortgage through the giant investor for five years;
• If there are “documented extenuating circumstances” the mortgage prohibition is for three years;
• After five years, borrowers with foreclosures in their files will have to put at least 10% down and need a FICO score of 680.

Freddie Mac’s new guidelines:

• Will now prohibit foreclosed borrowers from getting another mortgage for 7 years;
• The company claims they will “aggressively pursue walk-aways to preserve their deficiency rights” where permitted by state law.

Keep in mind the FICO score has two aspects that can have an impact on one’s ability to obtain a mortgage. There is a FICO score and there is a Score Factor Code 22.

Cautions before you paint the tiles:

• Paint on the floor can wear off. Concentrate on the wall areas;
• Do not paint the bathtub or shower;
• Cracked grout can be repaired at least 48 hours before you start painting;
• Make sure the surfaces where you want to apply the paint are clean and dry.

How to paint the tiles:

• A semi-gloss primer and paint that is a 100% acrylic should be used;
• Choose the color that matches the other elements in your bathroom;
• The primer and the paint should be slightly thin. Apply several layer rather than one thick layer;
• A low-nap roller is good to use. Apply one thin layer of primer and wait for the primer to dry. This can take a couple of hours. The first layer of paint should be applied with a brush and several hours later the second layer with a roller;
• Use a small artist brush to paint the grout lines. Have patience, this will take time.
• To finish the newly painted surface paint one layer of urethane.

There are the most amazing tips on the Internet on how to decorate your home. Read from the basics of setting up a room to final changes to make the space a reflection of your personality and good taste. Formal or casual, everyone finally gathers in the living room or family room. Read techniques to use to create a comfortable, personal space. Find information about bedding, furniture, luxury products, and lighting to help create a personal space in your bedroom. Whether your kitchen is the family gathering place or a place to “refuel,” you will find loads of information here for a workable and beautiful space.

Breaking the news in Cheyenne:

• Read this amazing article written by Roger Ludwig: This is a special to the Wyoming Tribune Eagle about Cabin Fever. “Backcountry huts can be a welcome wintertime respite.  Imagine that just before turning in for the night, you step outside where the cold is bracing, refreshing. Listening intently, you quiet your breath. There is not a sound, just the faint stir of wind in snow-laden pines. As eyes adjust to the night, the sky becomes alive, rivers coursing through the pulsating glow of the Milky Way. Orion hovers above, hunting, oblivious to your gaze. The snow before you shines as if lit from within. The only darkness is the mountain face towering above you, as if the rocks have cut out a piece of sky. You trace the jagged outline of the ragged spires, the mighty Nokhu Crags”. This is a great article!
• Trevor Brown reported in Wyoming News.com that hundreds of state welfare recipients would have to pass drug tests in order to get benefits, according to a bill introduced into the state House on Thursday.
• February 23: MIL MAC is the advocacy group of the Military Affairs Committee. Members work on promoting new and expanding missions for the Cheyenne military. MAC membership is required. Call 638-3388 for more information. The Location is at the Chamber Offices, second Floor Board Room, Cheyenne, Wyoming. (Read more).

Great events coming up:

• Look at the Drunken Skunk Schedule situated at 1617 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne and see the many events they are hosting. Do not miss these events!
• Do not miss the popular Canasta on 28 February with the Cheyenne Lady Newcomers and Friends at 1938 Dell Range, Cheyenne.

Living is great in Cheyenne. If you are relocating to Cheyenne, we welcome you. For any Real Estate related services and advice, we encourage you to contact us.

• Get a good Real Estate Agent with whom you can build a relation and enjoy good communication. Your agent is the one responsible for the successful selling of your home.
• Your agent will guide you with fair market value. Pricing your home correctly is important, as potential buyers will look at comparable prices.
• Your home should look its best from the inside to the outside. Now will be a good time to clean up the home, remove all the clutter and fix everything that needs fixing. It is not wise to tell potential buyers how they can improve the home.
• Information about your home should be available to any potential buyer.
• Let your Real Estate Agent negotiate the price on your behalf.
• Your Real Estate Agent will disclose any flaws that may be present in the home to the potential buyer. Understand the conditions of the agreement and do not deviate from the contract.
• Do not leave the house vacant. Not only will it tell the buyer you want to get rid of the home, it will be an open target for vandalism.

The majority of buyers looks at around 15 houses and can compare them. Make sure your home is in the right price range and you can turn a prospect into a buyer.

To buy your first home can be difficult. The decisions that need to be taken regarding the financing of the property are hard to understand at first. Most people gain their knowledge and experience about real estate when they buy their first home. Once you get to understand the basics of real estate you will be comfortable in making decisions.

• For the seller to see that you are a serious buyer, you must first get pre approved. This will give you an advantage over other interested buyers who did not bother to get pre approved. To start negotiating with the sellers is pointless if you cannot get pre approved in the first place. You will earn much more trust from the seller if you paperwork is in order.
• Know your financial limits before you buy a home. You should have a clear understanding of your budget and what you can afford to pay towards your mortgage.
• Avoid paying pre payment penalties. This occurs when you sell your home after you purchased it, but before the due date of the mortgage balance. There are loans which have pre payment penalties. Turn it down and start looking for another loan.

Shop around for private mortgage insurance, fixed interest rate and special loan programs. Gather as much information as possible. Spend time to understand how much you can spend on your mortgage on a monthly basis. If you take good care of your money you will be able to figure this out. Most importantly, do not hesitate to get information from trained Real Estate Agents who can explain this process to you. Once you understand the basics of real estate you will enjoy the process of buying your first home a lot more.