Some signs are already there: Housing inventories are declining, housing affordability is at record highs, mortgage rates are at all-time lows, and the job market is improving. 

Existing-home sales have been edging up in recent months, and for-sale housing inventories were at nearly 2.4 million units in December, reaching its lowest point since 2005, according to National Association of REALTORS® data. 

NAR’s Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says home prices are beginning to stabilize in many markets. 

Also, NAR’s Housing Affordability Index is at its highest level since the 1970s, which indicates that for the average family housing is very affordable. 

The National Association of Home Builders is also predicting an improvement this spring among the new-home sector. NAHB is predicting that home sales will increase 18 percent this year, that’s after facing their lowest on record in 2011. 

However, threats to a housing recovery still loom this spring. Strict mortgage lending is keeping some buyers on the sidelines, and foreclosures continue to put downward pressure on overall home prices in many markets.

"The signals are a little hard to extrapolate, but ultimately by the end of this year we should see the housing market on more solid footing," says Celia Chen, senior housing economist with Moody’s Analytics. "So an improvement but off of very, very weak activity." 

Source: “Real Estate: A Buy or Bust This Spring Selling Season?” Investor’s Business Daily (Feb. 2, 2012)

Overall, the trend right now is replacement over remodeling–swapping out the old for the new rather than doing a total gut job, which can be much more costly.

This year’s Cost vs. Value report found that exterior replacement projects–such as new garage doors and a new entry door–offer some of the best returns at resale, allowing home owners to recoup close to 70 percent or more of the costs of the project at times of resale.

The following are the top, mid-range projects from this year’s report, based on what home owners stand to recoup at time of resale:

1. Replacing the entry door to steel

Estimated cost: $1,238

Cost recouped at resale: 73%

2. Attic bedroom (converting unfinished attic space into a bedroom with bathroom and shower)

Estimated cost: $50,148

Cost recouped at resale: 72.5%

3. Minor kitchen remodel (including new cabinets and drawers, countertops, hardware, and appliances)

Estimated cost: $19,588

Cost recouped at resale: 72.1%

4. Garage door replacement

Estimated cost: $1,512

Cost recouped at resale: 71.9%

5. Deck addition (wood)

Estimated cost: $10,350

Cost recouped at resale: 70.1%

6. Siding replacement (vinyl)

Estimated cost: $11,729

Cost recouped at resale: 69.5%

Source: Styled, Staged & Sold, January 25, 2012

As an official "Super Celebration Site," Zionsville's "ZBowl" will feature an exclusive series of special events and activities that will kick off on Thursday, February 2, and run through Sunday, February 5 - just before the big game! We look forward to seeing you in our unique town.

BUY TICKETS HERE for all the ZBowl festivities. 

Get a FREE RIDE: See the ZBowl charter bus schedule and details below:

BUS SCHEDULES
Thursday 2/2/12:
11:00am to 10:00 pm

Friday 2/3/12:
11:00am to 10:00 pm

Saturday 2/4/12:
11:00am to 10:00 pm

The boarding spot in Zionsville is the corner of Main Street and Cedar Street in front of the Prudential Building.  The boarding spot in Indianapolis is the Indiana Government Center Parking - along the north side of Washington Street between West Street and Capitol Avenue.  The Z'ride bus drop zone is the furthest west, between West Street and Missouri.  

You can text the word ZBOWL to 86132 for up to the minute info on the buses.

Riders are advised that the buses are first come first served. There is no reserved seating, in either direction.

Visit www.zbowl2012.com for more info and a schedule of events!!

Source: ZBowl 2012

But in some markets, you can snag homes for under $100,000.

The following cities have some of the cheapest housing based on December 2011 median list prices.

• Detroit, Mich.: $80,000
• South Bend, Ind.: $99,700
• Toledo, Ohio: $104,900
• Dayton-Springfield, Ohio: $105,900
• Fort Wayne, Ind.: $107,000
• Las Vegas: $120,000
• Springfield, Ill.: $122,700
• Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.: $128,000
• Cleveland-Lorain-Elyria, Ohio: $129,900
• Akron, Oio: $129,000
• Ocala, Fla: $129,000

Source: Realtor Magazine, January 30, 2012

New-home sales reached a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 307,000 in December — less than half the 700,000 pace that economists consider healthy for the sector. 

In 2011, 302,000 new homes were sold nationwide, overtaking 2010’s 323,000 sales that had previously marked the worst year for sales on record. 

The new-home sector continues to struggle to compete against discounted distressed properties that are plaguing many markets and have put downward pressure on home prices. Builders also say tighter lending standards are preventing some home buyers for qualifying for financing, and appraisals of new-homes are coming in lower on the agreed upon purchase price, causing more deals to fall through. 

In December, the median sales price of a new-home was $210,300, according to the Commerce Department. 

Turnaround Coming?

Despite the latest numbers from December, new-home sales rose in the overall final quarter of 2011. Home construction for single-family homes increased in the final three months of 2011, and an index measuring homebuilder sentiment showed builders are more positive about where the market is heading too. 

"Although this [December] decline was unexpected, it does not change the story that housing has likely bottomed," Jennifer H. Lee, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, told the Associated Press.

Source: “New Home Sales 2011: Worst Year on Record,” Associated Press (Jan. 26, 2012)

Like most housing markets, Indy's 13-county metro area housing market has been playing catch-up since 2006.

Fortunately, when the New England Patriots and the New York Giants roll into Lucas Oil Stadium for Superbowl XLVI on Feb. 6, Super Sunday will give the town something to celebrate.

The Super Bowl brings in a throng of football fans, creating an opportunity for the town and its housing market to get some much needed exposure.

Centrally located, in Indiana, Indianapolis is the county seat of Marion County, with a population of about 840,000. It is the most populous state capital east of the Mississippi and, as quite a sporting town, the perfect venue for the Super Bowl.

Attractions include an array of amateur and professional sporting teams and events, including the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500 and NASCAR events. Indy is also headquarters of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), USA Gymnastics, USA Diving, US Synchronized Swimming and USA Track & Field.

It's also home to several colleges serving up a heavy diet of sports, including Marian University, the University of Indianapolis, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and Butler University.

"Indianapolis has so much to offer its residents. The economy is strong and growing. The housing is affordable and the schools are wonderful. It is a safe, clean, friendly city. We have every professional sports team, wonderful museums and parks. It is a great place to raise a family," says Janet Jernigan, an Indianapolis-area real estate agent with Platinum Realty Group, reporting to RealtyTimes.com Market Conditions.

Unfortunately, the area's housing market has been dropping back to punt every year since 2006.

Traditional seasonal swings, with sales peaking mid year, then giving way to deep sales troughs by year's end, reveal an overall downward trend, year after year, as graphically charted in the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors' (MIBOR) December 2011 Monthly Indictors report.

Metro area closed sales for 2011, 21,723, were up only 1.2 percent from a year ago, when they were 21,463, but down 8.6 percent from 23,770 in 2009.

For the month of December in 2011, closed sales were at about 1,700, up from 1,500 a year ago, when the sales market appears to have hit rock bottom. However, the 1,700 sales in December weren't much better than sales as far back in December of 2005.

The median sales price in December 2011, $121,000, was flat, up only 0.8 percent compared to the $120,000 median a year earlier.

Joyce L. Moore an associate broker with J. L. Moore Realty in Indianapolis, reporting to RealtyTimes.com Market Conditions says there are signs of improvement in the area's housing market, but they are limited.

"Reports of the housing market rebounding are still somewhat premature. We still have a long way to go before we see real progress, but there is progress. Part of the problem is that mortgages are very hard to obtain," Moore reported.

Indianapolis remains a buyers market with homes selling for only 87.3 percent of the list price in December 2011, down from 89.3 percent a year earlier, according to MIBOR.

"Buyers are in control and can afford to be very picky, however, neither the mortgage holders nor sellers are willing to 'give away' their properties. The average time for homes to be on the market is reported to be between nine to 12 months. Sellers need take this reality to heart when listing their homes and they need to make sure all of the cosmetics are taken care of before putting their home on the market, or be willing to suffer the consequences," Moore added.

Painting a rosier picture, shorter term statistics seem to belie the longer, seasonal rise-and-fall trend. From the third to fourth quarter last year, closed sales rose 11.7 percent, the median sales price was still flat rising only 0.7 percent, but inventories shrunk 8.9 percent during the quarter-to-quarter period.

"While closed sales for the year were up just 1.2 percent, the six-month review shows an 18.3 percent increase over the same period last year. As a result, inventory levels in many locales have been driven down. For the month of December, the months supply of inventory ranks in at 7.7, by far, the lowest number in over a year," MIBOR reported.

If the short term numbers continue, it could bode well for sales and prices in the coming year, especially if interest rates remain low long enough.

"Ultimately, the upcoming spring market should be a major tell about the future direction of housing. Sellers are seeing multiple-offer situations; buyers are seeing sub-4 percent loans; supply-demand trends are more balanced. That's a stable foundation and a far cry from 2009," according to the MIBOR December report.

Robert Sharpe, the Indianapolis Real Estate Examiner for Examiner.com says market conditions bearing down on the area's housing market indicate recovery will be tough.

Central Indiana has an unemployment rate hovering about 9 percent with employment growing slowly since 2009, gas price hikes weigh heavily on consumer confidence and after two years of low interest rates, they could rise.

"Unemployed people don't usually buy houses...it's easy to understand why there are so few buyers in the market," writes Sharpe.

Source: Realty Times, January 26, 2012

Although supply ended 2011 at a four-year low, it remains to be seen whether it is a sign of a recovery — especially when considering there is a backlog of foreclosed homes that has yet to hit the market and some sellers are delaying sales until prices rise again. 

In the 145 markets tracked by REALTOR.com, only Springfield, Ill., registered a year-over-year increase.  Inventories plunged 49.7 percent in Miami, 49.1 percent in Phoenix, and 46.6 percent in Bakersfield, Calif. 

Meanwhile, the national median price edged up 5 percent year-over-year; and asking prices climbed 32.5 in Miami, 21.7 percent in Naples, 21.5 percent in Fort Myers-Cape Coral, and 19.4 percent in Punta Gorda.  However, asking prices were down 11 percent in Detroit, 10 percent in Chicago, 7.6 percent in Las Vegas, and 7 percent in Sacramento.

Source: "Housing Inventory Ends Year Down 22 Percent," Wall Street Journal (01/19/12)

Two for One: Indianapolis Home Show
and
Home & Flower Show Combine

 Visit two shows, offering the best of home and garden products and ideas, at one price!

JANUARY 20 - 29, 2012

We are pleased to announce that in 2012, the Indianapolis Home Show will combine with its companion show, the Indianapolis Home & Flower Show, for attendees to visit two great shows at one price.

Celebrating its 90^th anniversary, the 10-day Indianapolis Home Show is the nation’s oldest and the Midwest’s largest home-focused extravaganza at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Since the Home Show was founded in 1922, it has become a tradition within the community, offering generation after generation the best in home products, decorating, construction and remodeling ideas. It is the largest consumer home event in Indiana, attracting crowds of homeowners primarily interested in home improvements and renovations.

And now the show is bigger and better than ever, offering those attendees primarily interested in gardens and outdoor living their own feature areas. An additional building in the South Pavilion will offer 25,000 square feet devoted to landscaping and gardening, with more than 20 lavish, landscaped feature gardens. From lovely lilies and ravishing roses to dazzling dahlias and jazzy jasmines, the gardens will offer a grandeur of greenery.

Purchase tickets here and save $2.  Check here for times and location.

Source:  Indianapolis Home Show

Source: WTHR.com

It’s bold, bright–and orange. Tangerine Tango is this year’s color of the year, according to the Pantone Color Institute. The reddish orange color takes the place as this year’s hot hue replacing last year’s reddish pink Honeysuckle.

Need an extra energy boost or an attention-getter in a room? Then Tangerine Tango is your pick, according to Pantone.

Yet, “sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said in a statement. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Orange has grown in popularity the last few years in fashion. But before you start swapping out orange for everything in home interiors so you can be on trend, recall some of of our previous posts at Styled Staged & Sold: “Orange You Glad You Removed the Carpet?” or “Is That House Orange?! Eyesores Reach New Levels.” This year’s color of the year is best done in moderation when it comes to home interiors.

For example, patterned home accessories featuring the color can add an extra pop to pillows, bedspreads, or tabletop accessories. Or, some home owners are even choosing the orange color for kitchen appliances for an extra colorful touch. Or, Pantone suggests, maybe even a painted accent wall in Tangerine Tango can create “a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway, or hallway.”

Source: Styled, Staged & Sold, January 16, 2012

Like the fashion industry, gardening is making terrariums the IT thing to do this winter.  These mini landscapes are a great addition to desktops or coffee tables and add a little green to our Indiana winters. Make it personal by placing a memory in your terrarium.

Click here for a step by step Plant a Terrarium.  Happy Planting!

Source: Altums

Source: IBJ, January 11, 2012

For the fifth consecutive week, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have averaged below 4 percent, which was unheard of until a few months ago. 

"Fixed mortgage rates started the year a little lower this week just as recent data reports indicate the housing market and manufacturing industry are showing signs of improvement,” Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, said in a statement. Pending home sales for existing-homes soared 7.3 percent in November — its strongest pace since April 2010, the National Association of REALTORS® recently reported. Construction spending also increased in November by 1.2 percent — all serving as positive signs that housing is on the rebound.

Here’s a closer look at rates for the week ending Jan. 5: 

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.91 percent, with an average 0.8 point, matching its previous record low that it set a few weeks ago. Last week, 30-year rates averaged 3.95 percent and a year ago at this time, 30-year rates averaged 4.77 percent. 
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.23 percent, with an average 0.8 point, dropping from last week’s 3.24 percent average. Last year at this time, 15-year mortgages averaged 4.13 percent. 
• 5-year adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.86 percent, with an average 0.7 point, dropping from last week’s 2.88 percent average. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.75 percent. 
• 1-year ARMs: averaged 2.80 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, inching up slightly from last week’s 2.78 percent average. A year ago, 1-year ARMs averaged 3.24 percent. 

Source: Freddie Mac

With just a few tips, tricks, and a little planning you can show buyers the true potential of your home. If you live in an area that stays green (hello, Hawaii), then count your lucky stars! The rest of the nation isn’t so lucky. Don’t worry, though. These tried and true tips can help you close a sale as well!

First, plant frost hardy plants. Many plants keep their color and leaves during the winter and can add a splash of color to your otherwise brown yard. One frost tolerant plant to consider are pansies. Pansies look great as a border in beds or in a pot. For future planning be sure to plant plenty of evergreen shrubs and trees, such as cedar, pine, boxwoods, and holly.

Next, be sure that your yard is nice and tidy. Brave the cold and be sure that trees are trimmed, beds are weeded and mulched, and summer furniture and toys stores away.

Be proactive about showcasing all that your outdoor spaces have to offer. Many sellers forget that yards are a big selling point even in the winter.

For this reason be sure to do lots of outdoor staging. Set up a simple chiminea and wooden benches on your patio. If you have a covered porch, set up a table with tablecloth and outdoor dishes (if weather permits). Toss throws on chairs along with a book and a cup of hot tea.

Add seasonal decor -- just a touch -- for a sense of whimsy and seasonal charm. Wreathes, welcome rugs, and seasonal plants such as poinsettias are perfect accents for your front step.

Finally, make the indoors an oasis. Buyers are stepping out of the cold and into what should be a warm and welcoming home. Be sure your home is warm for showings. Consider having the fireplace burning, candles scenting the air, and warm throws and rugs that look inviting.

You can also create this indoor oasis by filling your home with beautiful, oxygen rich houseplants. Everyone misses green during the dead of winter. Include one or two plants in each main room to add a punch of life. Many houseplants bloom during the winter as well. Consider investing in a few peace lilies or Christmas cactus to add some color.

The bottom line is your home has lots of potential even in the Winter. Your yard is a selling point whether it is color, warm, rain, or shine. Take a little extra time to help buyers see what your yard and home can offer.

Source: Realty Times, January 5, 2012

On the other hand, others are more optimistic: 15 percent of real estate professionals and 15 percent of home owners expect home values to increase in the next six months. Where are real estate pros and home owners the most optimistic about home prices rising? 

The following are the 10 states where real estate agents say they think home prices will rise in the next six months, according to the survey: 

• Michigan
• Arizona
• Colorado
• Florida
• Texas
• Wisconsin
• California
• Maryland
• Washington
• Ohio

The following are the states where home owners say prices will likely go up in the next six months, according to the survey: 

• Colorado
• Massachusetts 
• Virginia
• Arizona
• Michigan
• New York
• Tennessee
• New Jersey
• Texas
• Florida

Source: HomeGain

Inman News recently highlighted a few cities with holiday-themed names.

North Pole, Alaska: The northern Alaska town was renamed North Pole in 1952 “hoping that toy manufacturers would come for the ‘Made in North Pole’ bragging rights despite its inconvenience ... as a manufacturing site,” according to a National Geographic profile about the town. But the city’s plan never worked and the manufacturers never came.  

Santa Claus, Ind.: You’ll find plenty of Santa Claus’ around town here. The town was renamed from “Santa Fe” to “Santa Claus” in 1865, and each year receives thousands of letters from across the country of letters addressed to St. Nick. 

Snowflake, Ariz.: The Arizona town, located north of the White Mountains, can get occasional snow, but despite its name, it actually was named not for the weather but because of its two founders Erastus Snow and William Jordan Flake, according to Inman News. 

Bethlehem, Pa.: You’ll find other Bethlehem’s in the country named after the Middle Eastern ancient city. In Bethlehem, Pa., the city decks its downtown with 5,500 strands of lights ever year, stretching two miles in the city. 

Christmas, Fla.: During the Second Seminole Indian War, American troops built a fort several miles outside of Orlando in 1837 called Fort Christmas, which was later used as inspiration for the city’s name. According to Inman News, the city gets in the holiday-spirit year-around with lighted and decorated tree displays.

Read more about holiday-inspired towns at Inman News. 

Source: “7 Towns with Holiday-Themed Names: Santa Claus, Ind., Is on the List,” Inman News (Dec. 19, 2011)

Mortgage rates sunk to record lows again this week.

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 3.94%, matching the all-time low hit in early October, according to Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey. Meanwhile, 15-year fixed-rate loans hit a new record low of 3.21%, surpassing the record set on October 6.

Five-year adjustable rate mortgages also plumbed new depths, hitting 2.86% for the week.

"We've been hanging around record lows for a few months now and we finally hit another one," said Keith Gumbinger of HSH Associates, a provider of mortgage data.

Low-interest mortgages will be available at least through mid-2012, according to Freddie Mac's chief economist, Frank Nothaft.

The low rates can translate into big savings for home buyers. Five years ago, a home buyer would have been lucky to land a 5% rate on a 15-year loan. On a $200,000 mortgage, that would have meant the borrower would have paid $1,582 a month. Should a borrower land a 3.2% rate on a $200,000 loan now, the monthly mortgage payment would come to $1,400 -- a savings of $182 a month.

Mortgage rates tend to closely track Treasury bond yields, which have also been very low lately. For the past three months, 10-year Treasury notes have often fallen below the 2% mark as bond investors steer clear of Europe and its debt woes and buy U.S. Treasuries instead.

"There's been a flight to quality out of Eurobonds and into Treasuries," said Gumbinger. On Thursday, the 10-year Treasury stood at 1.92%.

The rock-bottom interest rates, combined with the lowest housing prices in years, have made home buying extremely affordable right now. Although most borrowers are looking to refinance existing loans rather than buy.

Last week, mortgage applications climbed 4.1%, driven by a surge of home buyers trying to refinance to record-low rates. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's latest Market Composite Index, close to 80% of loan applications were to refinance existing loans.

Source: CNNMoney.com, December 15, 2011

Every year you get a little older and a little less nimble so maybe have someone spot you while you are putting up those holiday lights.

And if you've waited this long to put up the holiday cheer, you are probably a bit rushed.

For most households, holiday decorating doesn't come with lacerations, falls and fires, but a decorating buddy can help reduce the risk of these events.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says falls from ladders while stringing lights and hanging decorations, incidents of lacerations from broken glass ornaments and other holiday-related injuries are on the rise.

During November and December 2010, CPSC estimates that more than 13,000 people were treated in emergency departments nationwide due to injuries involving holiday decorations, up from 10,000 in 2007 and 12,000 in 2008 and in 2009.

Also, between 2006 and 2008, there was an annual average of four deaths and $18 million in property damage related to Christmas tree fires. During this same time period, CPSC received reports of about 130 deaths and $360 million in property losses related to candle fires.

"A well-watered tree, carefully placed candles, and carefully checked holiday light sets will help prevent the joy of the holidays from turning into a trip to the emergency room or the loss of your home," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum.

"This is easily the busiest time of year, but it's important to make time for safety while celebrating the holidays," said John Drengenberg, director of consumer safety at Underwriters Laboratory (UL).

"By committing a few minutes each day to safety, many accidents can be avoided and your holidays will be memorable for all the right reasons," he added.

You think you know the drill, but every year you get nagged. This one is no different. Be careful out there.

CPSC and UL suggest using the following these safety tips to help keep your holiday home safe this year.

Trees and decorations

• Buy a live tree that is fresh and green with needles that are difficult to pull from the branches. The needles should not break when bent. The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin and, when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

• Set up the tree at home out of traffic and away from doors and from heat sources, such as fireplaces, vents, and radiators. Heated rooms dry out live trees, so be sure to keep it watered daily. The tree stand always should be filled with water.

• If it's an artificial tree look for a "fire resistant" label. It's not a guarantee the tree won't burn, just that it is resistant to igniting.

• When small children are about, avoid sharp, weighted, or breakable decorations. Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to keep them from swallowing or inhaling small pieces. Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that can tempt a child.

Candles

• Keep burning candles within sight. Extinguish all candles before you go to bed, leave the room, or leave the house.

• Burn candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from where kids and pets can reach and knock them over. Place lighted candles away from items that can catch fire and burn easily, such as trees, other evergreens, decorations, curtains and furniture.

Lights

• Use only lights - indoor and out - tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. On most decorative lights available in stores, UL's red holographic label signifies that the product meets safety requirements for indoor and outdoor usage. UL's holographic label, with the green UL Mark, signifies it meets requirements for only indoor usage.

• Check outdoor lights for labels showing that the lights have been certified for outdoor use, and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter- (GFCI) protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.

• Check new and old light sets for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets. Do not use electric lights on a metallic tree.

• Be sure each extension cord is rated for its intended use.

Fireplaces

• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if swallowed. Keep them away from children.

• Don't burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

• Don't use older wood-burning fireplaces and stoves on regional Spare the Air Days, when weather conversion patterns trap larger particulates nearer Earth's surface and create breathing problems for some people.

Source: Realty Times, December 16, 2011

Here are 15 simple ways you can transform your home into a green sanctuary. Every little bit helps. Do what you can and spread the word!

1. Buy earth-friendly cleaning products: This used to be a tall order for budget-conscious households, but now there are a plethora of products on the market available for the same price as traditional cleaners. Some households take it one step further and harness the cheap cleaning power of baking soda, vinegar, and lemon.
2. Lights out: Turning lights off when you’re not in a room means you use less energy. This means the power plant produces less power and emits less pollution.
3. Turn the water off: It is tempting to let the water run while we brush our teeth or wash dishes. Take a quick second to turn the handle to “off” and preserve water each day!
4. Upgrade Insulation: A well-insulated home can save you money! Insulation helps keep your warmed or cooled air inside the home. Check the attics and walls of older homes to see if upgrades are needed.
5. Check for cracks: Air escapes through cracks around windows and doors. It is essentially wasted energy. Check windows and doors for leaks and fill them with caulking.
6. Change lightbulbs to CFLs: These new bulbs might look a little funny and cost a bit more initially, but they last longer and save tons of money in the long run.
7. Use cloth diapers: Attention all parents! Cloth diapers aren’t what they used to be. Not only do they work just as well as disposables (some say better), but they cost less and save the environment. A disposable diapers takes up to 500 years to biodegrade in a landfill. Americans send millions to the dump each year.
8. Use a laptop: Did you know a laptop uses less energy than a desktop unit? For home use consider using a laptop. Not only will you save energy, but you’ll save space as well.
9. Electric water heater: These compact units are great for families wanting to heat water only on demand. You’ll never run our of hot water and you’ll use less energy in the process because you won’t be heating water for when you don’t need it.
10. Zero-Voc paints: Paint can be toxic. Traditional paints emit fumes for years to come, meaning your family breathes in this nasty stuff. Zero-voc paints, however, are safe and cost only a fraction more than traditionals.
11. Unplug appliances: Even if an appliance isn’t in use, it is still pulling a small amount of power. Unplug appliances when they’re not in use. Even small changes can have a big impact if everyone does it!
12. Free and Clear laundry detergent: Our rivers, lakes, and oceans will thank you. Every year gallons and gallons of toxic chemicals make their way down our drains and back into our water supply.
13. Energy efficient appliances: Energy Star rated are a great place to start. These appliances meet a strict standard of energy usage. Switching to an energy efficient washer or dryer can save you cash and energy.
14. Wash in cold water: Once you have those Energy Star appliances, be sure to wash in cold water when you can. It uses less energy!
15. Recycle! Most cities have recycling centers where you can drop off metal, glass, paper, cardboard, and plastic. Keep extra bins in your garage, spend a few extra minutes sorting your trash, and do your part of save the environment.

Source: Realty Times, December 15, 2011

While some states ban handheld cell phones while driving, no state currently has any laws against using hands-free devices, and Bluetooth devices now even come installed in cars. The agency said even hands-free devices pose a risk, and the agency also said it’s alarmed by the number of drivers who are increasingly texting, e-mailing, and surfing the Internet while driving too. 

“People are tempted to update their Facebook page, they are tempted to tweet, as if sitting at a desk. But they are driving a car,” NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman told The New York Times. Hersman compared distracted driving to drunken driving. 

States are not required to adopt NTSB’s recommendation, but it is viewed as a major move since it’s the first call by a federal agency urging such a sweeping ban of cell phone use while driving. 

Currently, nine states ban the use of handheld phones, and 35 states ban texting by drivers, according to the Governors Highways Safety Association. 

“It’s about cognitive distraction. It’s about not being engaged at the task at hand,” Hersman told The New York Times. “Lives are being lost in the blink of an eye. You can’t take it back, you can’t have a do-over, and you can’t rewind.”

Source: “U.S. Safety Board Urges Cellphone Ban for Drivers,” The New York Times (Dec. 14, 2011)