With home prices down 34% nationally since 2006 and mortgage rates at historic lows, homes have never been more affordable — but it won’t stay this way for much longer.

Stuart Hoffman, chief economist for PNC Financial Services, said he expects home prices to flatten out by the third quarter and start climbing by next year.

A number of factors will help bolster the housing market, he said, including a decline in the number of foreclosures and continued job growth. In addition, homebuyers will have better access to mortgages as they get their finances in order and improve their credit scores.

“This is a strong indicator that we will start seeing home price indexes, like the S&P/Case-Shiller, start to report home price increases this summer,” he said.

Prospective homebuyers who’ve been sitting on the fence shouldn’t worry if they aren’t quite ready to make the leap. Analysts are predicting that the initial price gains will be modest, at least, in most markets.

Read Entire Article at CNN Money written by Les Christie

A contractor friend of mine shared these steps to remove a textured popcorn ceiling in three easy steps:

Step 1: Prep Work:
Remove all furniture and personal belongings from the room then cover walls and the floor with plastic and tape to protect all surfaces.

Step 2: Wet the Surface:
Using a garden sprayer (NOT a hose) or spray bottle wet the surface of the popcorn ceiling. Use several passes of lightly spritzing to wet the surface. You don’t want to over-saturate the surface so that it damages the substrate or wallboard underneath. Allow 15-20 minutes to soak. The surface will turn a light, dull gray color

Step 3: Scrape:
Once the appropriate time has lapsed, start scraping. Be careful not to gouge the substrate material. If you find the going tough, spray a little more water and wait a little longer, the material should scrape off fairly easily.

If the popcorn ceiling had been previously painted, the job is going to be a lot harder. You need to penetrate the paint coat so the texture material will absorb the water. One trick is to knock down the texture with the edge of a saw blade or scraper and then wet the surface.

When all the textured surface material has been removed, you are done. But, don’t be surprised if you will need to skim coat the surface with drywall compound to achieve that perfectly flat surface. Turn on a few fans and allow the room and surfaces to dry completely before skim coating or finishing with paint. I would roll up the plastic after all finish work has been completed.

Tools Needed:
1. A 6-inch putty or taping knife or 12-inch drywall taping knife. I prefer the 6-inch knife; there is less drag and resistance when scraping the textured popcorn ceiling material.
2. Dust mask and safety glasses.
3. A ladder.
4. Lots of plastic sheeting.
5. A spray bottle similar to those that hold cleaners or a larger, hand pumped garden sprayer.

SPECIAL NOTE: Before you begin, it’s important to note that if your home was built prior to 1978 as many Western New York Homes are; it may contain asbestos fibers, which is a known health hazard and carcinogen.  Have a sample taken and analyzed by an environmental testing lab before you begin. If the material contains asbestos fibers, it is recommended you leave the job to a professional asbestos abatement company.

Yes it sounds simple and generally it is, but it does take patience and a lot of elbow grease. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, hire a professional. It is often worth the expense if you are considering selling your home Western New York home as it will immediately update the look of your home.

HomeZada screenshot

If you’d like to use your smartphone to manage home maintenance and improvement projects in Western New York — you guessed it, there’s an app for that!

HomeZada, a new online service and app, available on iPhone, Android and iPad platforms, helps homeowners track various home projects including maintenance, home improvement and home inventory.

“Do you remember when the furnace needs cleaning?” a spokesperson in a promotional video asks. “Are the gutters on the roof clogged?”

Ostensibly, HomeZada will help a homeowner plan, remember and get needed home maintenance jobs like those done. The app also helps homeowners keep track of cleaning, yard work and other projects. The app’s alerts notify users when a certain task must be performed.

There’s a function that allows homeowners to document all their possessions via photo. Perfect if you are getting ready to sell your Western New York Home.

This cloud-based home management tool is free in its “Essentials” version, which includes the inventory tool, property documents management, news and alerts, and access to the mobile versions of the app.

A premium version is available for $9.95 a month or $99 per year that adds tracking functionality for the home improvement project tool, including budget and shopping info; the paid version also offers the ability to integrate the app’s calendar with others and to coordinate email reminders. Good luck with your home improvement projects.

Article courtesy of Inman News.

Potential home buyers rely on open houses to help them find the home of their dreams. This weekend buyers can have a greater chance of doing just that during Realtor® Nationwide Open House Weekend, which is organized by state and local Realtor® associations across the country. This Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29, Realtors® from coast to coast will host thousands of open houses while engaging consumers on the benefits of homeownership and bringing buyers and sellers together.

“Realtor® Nationwide Open House is a fantastic opportunity for those interested in homeownership to connect with a Realtor® who can offer expert guidance and advice on the home buying process,” said National Association of Realtors® President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. “During the weekend Realtors® will be on hand to answer questions about the local housing market and provide insights into the social and financial benefits of homeownership. Open houses are also a great way for potential buyers to get a feel for what is available in their local market.”

According to NAR’s 2011 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 45 percent of all buyers used open houses as a source in their home search process. This figure suggests the value of open houses even in the Internet era. In addition, buyers in the Northeast region are significantly more likely to use open houses, followed by those in the Midwest region. Women are more likely to use open houses than men, as are buyers who were not born in the U.S. or whose primary language is not English. Older buyers rely more on open houses than younger buyers, and buyers with higher incomes are also more likely to visit open houses.

NAR’s most recent housing affordability index indicates that homeownership is even more attractive now, with affordability conditions reaching their highest level since recordkeeping began in 1970. The index, which is based on the relationship between the median home price, median family income and the average mortgage interest rate, reached 206.1 in January, the first time the index broke the two hundred mark. The higher the index, the greater the household purchasing power. The current index indicates that the typical family has roughly double the income needed to purchase a median-priced home.

“For buyers who can qualify for a mortgage and are willing and able to take on the responsibilities of homeownership, now is a very good time to become a homeowner,” said Veissi. “And for those consumers, Realtor® Nationwide Open House is a great way to kick off the home buying season and learn more about housing issues and the local real estate market.”

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Kathleen Saffire’s Open Houses
Sunday 4/29 1-3 

 82 Roxbury Park, Amherst NY

81 Plumwood Ct, Amherst NY

Step 1: Start by finding a flat area 10-12 feet in diameter. Use a stake, string, and spray paint (or some other marking material) to draw the perimeter of the pit. Dig out dirt within the marked circle. It is suggested to dig 18 inches down. Choose the size of your fire pit based on your particular yard size. Consider placement very carefully; be sure not to place the pit to close to brush, trees or other structures. You may want to lay out your retaining-wall blocks to make sure they will fit the hole properly before proceeding to step 2.

Step 2: Fill the pit with 6 inches of gravel; rake smooth and tamp down after each load to ensure a solid base. Then spread a thin layer of coarse sand over the gravel. Tamp the sand, as well, and make sure the surface is level.

Step 3: Now it is time to create the fire pit surround. Use small, curved, modular retaining-wall blocks. Use string and paint to mark an inner circle as a guideline for placing the first layer of retaining-wall blocks. Place the first row of retaining-wall blocks in a complete circle, securing them into the gravel and sand base with a mallet. Use a level to make sure the blocks are level from side to side and front to back. Add a second row of blocks. Look for interlocking blocks to simplify this step. Add the top row of blocks and use a concrete adhesive to glue these into place.

Step 4: You are ready to enjoy your fire pit! Have a great summer.

Special note: Before installing an open fire pit, check regulations. Local codes often outline specifications and may require you to apply for a recreational burning permit. In some locations, any sort of open fire is illegal.

1. Get pre-qualified for a mortgage. You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and your offer will be more desirable to the seller.

2. Stay in close contact with your real estate agent (that’s me!) to find out about the newest listings. Be ready to see a house as soon as it goes on the market — if it’s a great home, it will go fast.

3. Scout out new listings yourself. Look at Web sites such as REALTOR.com, browse your local newspaper’s real estate section, and drive through the neighborhood to spot For Sale signs. If you see a home you like, write down the address and the name of the listing agent. Then notify me and I will schedule a showing.

4. Be ready to make a decision. Spend a lot of time in advance deciding what you must have in a home so you won’t be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.

5. Bid competitively. You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don’t go too low to get a deal. In a tight market, you’ll lose out.

6. Keep contingencies to a minimum. Restrictions such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the closing until a certain date can make your offer unappealing. In a tight market, you’ll probably be able to sell your house rapidly. Or talk to your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period.

7. Don’t get caught in a buying frenzy. Just because there’s competition doesn’t mean you should just buy it. And even though you want to make your offer attractive, don’t neglect inspections that help ensure that your house is sound.

Feel free to call me if you have ANY questions about buying or selling your home in Western New York. I will be happy to help.

Friday, April 6
First Friday Lunch Bunch, 11am nature-related presentation followed by BYO brown bag lunch and conversation, coffee and tea provided, Audubon Nature Center, Jamestown 569-2345

Bunny Rolls 11am-3pm, Play Late ‘Til Eight, Museum open until 8pm, pizza, veggies & drinks available 5:30-7pm, Explore & More Children’s Museum, East Aurora 655-5131

Spring Egg-stravaganza!, 10AM-2PM drop in for an egg-stremely fun time at Tifft Nature Preserve! Learn about animals that come from eggs, make some spring-themed crafts, dye eggs using natural dyes (dye provided, please bring your own hard-boiled eggs; 6 eggs per person maximum), egg-themed outdoor games, live animals, Tifft Nature Preserve, Buffalo, 825-6397

Dress Your Easter Best, 10am-5pm wear an Easter Bonnet or Easter Tie and possibly win a prize, Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, Buffalo 827-1584

Saturday, April 7
SEAster Egg Hunt, underwater egg hunt, children search exhibits for eggs, win prizes, visit with SEAster Bunny and Beaker the Penguin Mascot, Aquarium of Niagara, Niagara Falls 285-3575

Peter Cottontail Express, join the Easter Bunny on an egg hunt at the Curriers Station, Cocoa the Clown, balloon animals, face painting, geared for children, prizes for all, departures 12 & 3pm, Arcade & Attica Railroad, Arcade 585-492-3100

Easter Weekend Children’s Craft Workshop, free activities for kids, drawing, coloring, painting, creating, raffle, special discounts 12-3pm, pre-register, Niagara Hobby & Craft Mart, Cheektowaga 681-1666

Easter Egg Hunt, pre-registration only, Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens, Buffalo 827-1584 x204

Easter Egg Hunt, Town Park, Clarence 759-2345

Egg-cellent Easter Event, 12-4pm learn about history of the Easter Bunny and other spring symbols, crafts, games, Beatrix Potter stories 1pm followed by old-fashioned egg roll on the lawn, ride the carrousel with the Easter Bunny, Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, N. Tonawanda 693-1885

Sunday, April 8
Easter Sunrise Service/Breakfast 6:30am, Bandstand, Krull Park, Olcott 778-8879

Easter Sunrise Service, 7am, reservations required, St. Matthew’s Cemetery Chapel, West Seneca 822-1960

Italian Grande Easter Buffet, 11am-3pm featuring over 25 favorites, Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant, Blasdell 825-3675

Easter Brunch, expanded selection of breakfast items, carved meats, salads, vegetables, pastries, fruit desserts, Clarion Hotel Dunkirk 366-8350

Easter Buffet 11am-4pm, Magruders Restaurant, Depew 685-4400

This is not a complete list but a good start! Hope you enjoy the weekend. And don’t forget the Buffalo Zoo, it’s open!

This website promotes the arts, family activities, nightlife, concerts, festivals, sports, shopping, site seeing tours, architecture, restaurants, and the amazing history of the area. Looking for stuff to do in the great Western New York Area this spring-summer and beyond; this is the website to bookmark. You can also find them on many of the social media platforms and they have a blog.

So get out there and partake in the many events in our amazing part of the country. It really is the best place to live.

De-bug the light fixtures
See that bug burial ground within your overhead fixtures? Turn off the lights and carefully remove fixture covers, dump out flies and wash with hot soapy water. While you’re up there, dust bulbs. Dry everything thoroughly before replacing the cover.

Vacuum heat vents and registers
Dirt and dust build up in heat vents and along register blades. Vents also are great receptacles for coins and missing buttons. Unscrew vent covers from walls or pluck them from floors, remove foreign objects, and vacuum inside the vent. Clean grates with a damp cloth and screw back tightly.

Polish hardware
To deep clean brass door hinges, handles, and cabinet knobs, thoroughly wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, then polish with Wright’s or Weiman brass cleaner ($4). Dish soap shines up glass or stainless steel knobs. Use a Q-tip to detail the ornamental filigree on knobs and handles.

Replace grungy switch plates
Any amateur can wipe a few fingerprints off cover plates that hide light switches, electric outlets, phone jacks, and cable outlets. But only deep cleaners happily remove plates to vacuum and swipe the gunk behind. (OK, we’re a little OCD when it comes to dirt!) Make sure cover plates are straight when you replace them. And pitch plates that are beyond the help of even deep cleaning. New ones cost less than $2 each.

Neaten weather stripping
Peeling, drooping weather stripping on doors and windows makes rooms look old. If the strip still has some life, nail or glue it back. If it’s hopeless, cut out and replace sections, or just pull the whole thing off and start new. A 10-ft. roll of foam weather stripping costs $8; 16-ft. vinyl costs about $15.

Replace stove drip pans
Some drip pans are beyond the scrub brush. Replacing them costs about $3 each and instantly freshens your stove.

Article taken from HouseLogic