Archive for July, 2010
How To Install A Ceiling Fan In Your Home
July 12th, 2010 categories: Buyers
Up to 50% of your home’s energy bill can be tied to heating and cooling costs. Thankfully, it’s easy to lower those bills. The addition of a ceiling fan can cut your household energy bills dramatically.
Plus, the installation may be simpler than you think.
In this 4-minute video from the Lowe’s YouTube collection, you’ll learn how to measure, mount and install a ceiling fan, step-by-step:
- Choose the right-sized fan for your room based on its “longest wall”
- Cut the power to your room, and test that the power is off
- Assemble a ceiling fan
- Secure a ceiling fan motor to the ceiling
- Restore power to the room
If you’re uncomfortable around electricity, or feel the video’s instructions are “too complicated”, by all means, call an electrician. The money you spend on installation will be dwarfed by what you save in energy bills.
For an electrician referral in Knoxville , reach out to me anytime by phone or email. I am happy to help you.
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The 1 Force That Can Really Change A Mortgage Rate
July 12th, 2010 categories: Mortgage Rates
All day, every day, conforming and FHA mortgage rates in Tennessee are in flux. Rates move in response to hundreds of factors which exact varying levels of influence.
Among the biggest influences on mortgage rates is inflation. When inflation is unexpectedly high, mortgage rates tend to rise quickly. Conversely, when inflation is unexpectedly low, rates tend to fall quickly.
But what is inflation?
By definition, inflation is when a currency loses its value; when what used to cost $1.00 now costs $1.10.
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The Flawed Home Price Index Shows Home Values Up 0.8 Percent
July 12th, 2010 categories: Home Price Index
Last week, the Case-Shiller Index reported home values up 0.8 percent across 20 tracked markets. The public-sector Federal Housing Finance Agency has reached a similar conclusion.
Reporting on a two-month lag, the government’s Home Price Index shows home values up 0.8 percent in April, buoyed by the expiring federal home buyer tax credit and low mortgage rates. It’s a positive signal for a recovering housing market — in Maryville and everywhere else.
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Buyers Take The May 2010 New Home Sales Data All The Way To The Bank
July 12th, 2010 categories: New Home Sales
One month after the federal homebuyer tax credit’s official expiration, the New Home Sales report turned in its worst showing ever.
In May 2010, for the first time in 11 months, the inventory of unsold new homes crossed the 8-month marker, posting an 8.5 month supply overall.
Additionally, new homes sales volume fell to 300,000 units nationwide — a drop of 32% and its lowest level since the Commerce Department started tracking data in 1963.
Now, universally, the press is referring to the May New Home Sales report as “poor“. A closer look, however, shows that may not be the case.
For one, we have to keep New Home Sales in perspective as a percentage of overall home sales. Yes, there were just 300,000 new homes sold in May, but there were also 5.66 million “existing” homes sold.
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Was The Pending Home Sales Report Really That Bad? It Depends Who You Ask — Buyer Or Seller.
July 12th, 2010 categories: Pending Home Sales
The Pending Home Sales Index plunged in May 2010, just one month after the expiration of the federal home buyer tax credit program.
The Pending Home Sales Index is now at a record-low level.
A “pending home sale” is an existing home under contract to sell, but not yet closed. According to the National Association of Realtors®, 80 percent of homes under contract close within 60 days.
Because of this timeline, we can expect the summer’s Existing Home Sales to be weak, too. With fewer homes going under contract, fewer homes can close.
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Household Finances : Which Bills Should I Pay First?
July 11th, 2010 categories: Household Finances
Morning television can be “light”, but as far as personal finance interviews go, this Suze Orman segment from The Today Show is loaded with practical financial planning advice.
Titled “What Should You Do First?”, Ms. Orman addressed the real-life, money management conundrums households face, such as:
- Should I pay off credit card bills, or create an emergency cash fund?
- Should I pay off student loan debt, or pay off credit card bills?
- Should I save for a child’s college tuition, or save for my retirement?
In 5 minutes, the segment covers a half-dozen scenarios like the ones above, explaining what to do, and why to do it.
Ms. Orman’s style may not interest you and financial advice is rarely universal, but the piece is worth watching.
Watch the clip on the NBC website.
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Greater Knoxville Area 2010 July 4th Celebrations
July 1st, 2010 categories: About Rick
Well once again there are many exciting events this year to celebrate the 4th of July.
Here in Knoxville it will be in the World’s Fair Park
from 2:00-10:00 pm with alot of events for the family. Here are all the details
Farragut will have it’s annual July 4th parade on July 3rd from 8:30-11:30. If you are in the area at that time check it out. But also be aware they will have Kingston Pike blocked off at that time.
A fun event in Kingston, TN is their “Smokin’ The Water ” Celebration
It has come to be a local family tradition that includes a parade,drag boat and raft races, children’s activities,classic car shows,vendors and more. Plan to bring your family to this day long event that will end with an outstanding fireworks display over the water.
If you are interested in a celebration like they did in pioneer times you may want to go over to The Museum of Appalachia You can take part in their “July 4th Celebration and Anvil Shoot”.
Lenior City will be having it annual “Rockin’ The Docks” It will be in the Lenior City Park. The activities will start at 4:00 pm with various activities with the fireworks starting at 10:00 pm
I hope everyone has a safe and happy July 4th!! Enjoy yourself and have fun with your families
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The Year Is Half-Over. How Did The Housing Experts Fare On Their Predictions?
July 1st, 2010 categories: Statistics
As 2009 was ending, the “experts” were busy making forecasts about the U.S. economy and what to expect in 2010.
With respect to the housing markets, two predictions were made again and again:
- Home prices would fall in the first half of 2010
- Mortgage rates would be higher in 2010
Well, it’s July 1 and the year is half-over. Both predictions are proving to be incorrect. Home values are rising in most markets and mortgage rates are down. Way down.
It reminds us that economists are much more skilled with analysis of the past versus predictions of the future.
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