A New Idea

As the housing slump drags on, homeowners unable to sell their properties are taking an unusual approach. Instead of taking in long-term renters, many are offering unsold properties as fully furnished rentals for corporate housing.

Since these leases are typically short term, homeowners can easily put their property back on the market should the buying activity increase.

Companies benefit because renting private homes can be cheaper and more desirable than traditional corporate housing options.

A host of websites and organizations have cropped up to help homeowners advertise their houses to business travelers and corporations. http://www.corporatehousingbyowner.com/ now has 14,500 registered corporate users in search of private rentals.

It's nice to have options in this tough and strange housing market.

10 Ways to Cut Energy Bills This Fall

My dad doesn't like to turn the heat on until 'it's absolutely necessary'. Um, hello....it's getting cold and it's a high of 34 degrees tonight!! My mom and I freeze our butts off until we whine enough and dad relents.
I decided to do some research to let you know how we can all stay warm while saving some money.

When the leaves start falling, you know that the heating bills are about to start rising. But keeping your home warm and cozy on chilly autumn nights doesn't have to break the bank.

The U.S. Department of Energy offers these simple tips and relatively inexpensive home improvements that will help ensure cold gusts stay out and your furnace doesn't have to work harder than it should.

The goal: Conserve energy and keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket.

Share these ideas with customers and use them for your own house. After all, who doesn't need to save a little money these days?

1. Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Save 10 percent ($190 per year) or more on energy bills. Focus on windows, doors, outlets or switch plates on exterior walls.

2. Properly maintain the heating system. Heating accounts for half the average family's energy bill (approximately $950 per year). Make sure the furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year. The small cost (about $75-100 for most service calls) will pay back in better performance all year long.

3. Install a programmable thermostat. Programming the thermostat from 72ºF to 65ºF for eight hours a day while no one is home, or everyone is tucked in bed, will cut the heating bill up to 10 percent ($90 per year), paying for a basic unit in less than a year.

4. Seal and insulate heating ducts. A system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register (wasting $570 in warmed air per year) if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.

5. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Adequate insulation in the attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces can save up to 30 percent on home energy bills ($630 per year). Focus on the attic. (Heat rises.) Most homes should have between R-30 and R-49 insulation in the attic. Learn more at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer.

6. Close fireplace dampers when not in use. When in use, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window about an inch, close doors to the room, and lower thermostat setting to 50-55ºF.

7. Let the sun shine in. Open curtains on south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

8. Stay out of hot water. Water heating accounts for 15 percent of household energy use. Reduce water heating costs by lowering the water heater’s thermostat setting. Each 10ºF reduction can save between 3-5 percent in energy costs. Also insulate the hot water heater and hot water pipes.

9. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with Energy Star qualified windows. Storm windows reduce heat loss by 25 to 50 percent, and storm windows with low-e coating that reflect heat back into the room during the winter months save even more energy. Look for the Energy Star label to maximize savings. Energy Star qualified windows reduce heating and cooling bills by an average of $345, but could be higher in cold and hot climates, compared with uncoated, single-pane windows. Can’t afford new windows just now? Tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of window frames if drafts, water condensation, or frost are present.

10. Net big savings with a little label. When replacing appliances, light bulbs, electronics, or heating and cooling systems, cut energy bills by up to 30 percent ($600 per year) with Energy Star labeled products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs. Find retailers at http://www.energystar.gov/.

These and other improvements that impact the energy efficiency of a home can save home owners money in the short term and serve as a selling point to potential buyers later. Be sure to save receipts, documentation, and manufacturer’s information.

Not sure where to begin? Try the Department of Energy's online energy audit tool at http://www.hes.lbl.gov/. In the long run, a whole-house energy audit is a fool proof way to make a plan to address wasted energy and make a home operate efficiently for years to come. Visit http://www.natresnet.org/ to find a qualified auditor in your neck of the woods.

Urgent, Urgent, Urgent...Info about today's market news!!!

What does the recent news in the market mean for Bank of America and the market in general?

Consumers should be confident in the safety and soundness of the nation’s strongest banks – including Bank of America – as regulators take steps to react to issues affecting the industry.
Bank of America continues to be a strong and powerful company, as evidenced by our recent acquisition of Merrill Lynch. We have leadership positions in three key consumer products (Deposits, Card and Mortgage), an unparalleled distribution network and the leading financial brand.
The Lehman Brothers announcement does not have any impact on Bank of America or Countrywide investment accounts, or on our ability to open or service deposit, card or mortgage accounts.
Bank of America remains very well-positioned to provide the financial safety and stability our customers have come to expect from us.

Customer Q&A:

What does the market volatility mean for the banking industry?

Consumers should continue to be confident in the safety and soundness of the nation’s strongest banks – including Bank of America – as regulators take steps to monitor and react to issues affecting the industry.

Is Bank of America in any financial danger?

Bank of America is the most profitable bank in the United States, and has more capital than any bank in the country. We continue to be a strong and powerful company, as evidenced by our recent acquisition of Merrill Lynch. Bank of America has leadership positions in three key consumer products (Deposits, Card and Mortgage), an unparalleled distribution network and the leading financial brand.

Are any other financial institutions in danger?

We do not speculate about the safety or financial health of any other bank or financial institution.

What does Lehman Brothers’ announcement mean for Bank of America?

This announcement does not have any impact on Bank of America or Countrywide investment accounts, or on our ability to open or service deposit, card or mortgage accounts. We are well-positioned to respond to the impacts of institutions that are facing uncertain times and continue to focus our attention on working with customers to address their financial needs.

What does the Lehman Brothers’ announcement mean for my investment account?

Customers are encouraged to contact a Banc of America financial advisor or client manager to discuss account details.

Are Lehman Brothers customers able to open accounts and access their money at Bank of America?

Yes. Bank of America welcomes customers to use checks drawn on Lehman Brothers accounts, including cashier’s checks, to open new accounts or deposit funds into their existing Bank of America accounts. While we pride ourselves on the speed with which we make funds available to a customer, to help us protect customers and their finances, we do place extended holds on some large deposits, no matter which bank the check is drawn upon. Based on recent events, large deposits drawn on Lehman accounts will be subject to additional scrutiny and are likely to be held for an extended period (up to 11 days). We will continually assess the situation and adjust our policies to best help customers manage their financial well-being, in accordance with the guidance of the federal regulators.

Can you tell me if my accounts with Lehman Brothers are insured?

The FDIC guarantees all traditional types of deposit accounts (checking, savings, trust, money market, CDs) up to $100,000 and IRAs up to $250,000. Investment products (mutual funds, annuities, life insurance policies, stocks and bonds) are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and are not guaranteed. However, most brokerage accounts have insurance through the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) that protects customers if the broker fails. We cannot know the extent of the coverage you have, and suggest you contact them directly with specific questions.

Get the house ready for back to school time...

Well it's that time again.....back to school time! Okay, okay, so I can't exactly go to school. Mom says it's because I'm too cute and would put the other kids to shame! I have to modestly agree! So I'm not heading off to school but my mom and dad are actually going back to school. They decided to continue their education by taking a Spanish class. They both want to learn a second language and also know it will benefit their businesses.

As they and many other people prepare to start school I thought it would be beneficial to post some tips on getting your home 'back-to-school' ready.With the start of school, families face new organization challenges.
School bells ring--and so do early-morning alarm clocks. Shorter autumn days bring a hectic round of sports, activities and events, and calendars fill with cryptic notes.
Can the holidays be far behind?
Get organized now for the best school year ever!
Use these ideas to prepare your home and family for the busy days ahead:
Create Calendar Central

Nothing calms school year chaos like Calendar Central: a centralized site for all family calendars and schedules. You'll need a family event calendar to track after-school activities, school programs and volunteer work. Add specialized calendars and schedules, and you have it: a one-stop shop for family time management.

Ease the family into a school year schedule.

Re-introduce a school year bedtime. Begin waking late sleepers earlier and earlier, closer to the hour they'll need to rise when school begins.
Don't neglect mealtimes! Younger children, in particular, need to adapt to new meal routines before the school day demands it of them. Plan meals and snacks to accustom little ones to rituals of the school day before the school year begins.

Take aim on morning madness

Each evening, think ahead to the following morning. Set the breakfast table as you clear the dinner dishes. Lay out children's clothing the night before. Multi-child households may need a bathroom schedule so that everyone gets equal time before the mirror.

Spiff up household systems

A new school year quickens the tempo of family life. Sports activities, music lessons, church programs and volunteer commitments tap parental time and put new mileage on the mini-van.
Get organized! Spiff up your household systems to meet autumn's faster pace"
Take a stab at speed cleaning and whip through household chores in record time.
Cut time in the kitchen: create a menu plan and never again wonder "What's for dinner?"
Try a session of freezer cooking and stock the freezer with prepared meals for stress-free dinners on sports nights
Happy New School Year! Time to swing into a new school year--from an organized home.

Have a great Labor Day holiday weekend!

My mom, dad and I want to wish you a happy, healthy and safe Labor Day holiday weekend! See you next week!

Great news for first time homebuyers!!!

New tax credit for 'first-time' home buyers

The new housing-relief bill will give some people an opportunity to hit a tax trifecta.

Homeowners already enjoyed the ability to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes. They also have an opportunity to exclude capital-gains tax on most if not all profits on a primary residence.

Now there's a new credit or dollar-for-dollar tax reduction for "first-time" homebuyers - a valuable break that will help a lot of people get in the door.

The homebuyer tax credit is a big part of the housing-relief legislation passed by Congress and signed by President Bush. At an estimated cost of $4.8 billion over 10 years, it amounts to nearly one-third of the $15.1 billion in total incentives.

Already, real estate groups are praising the legislation, which also strives to help imperiled borrowers refinance into government-backed mortgages, shore up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and more.

"This is the most important housing bill in a generation, " said Keiran Quinn, chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association. "The tax incentives will encourage potential buyers to get off the sidelines and help stabilize home prices." Gannett News Service

****For more detailed information on this credit contact Tifani at (920) 279-1213 or Tifani@TifaniAndCompany.com.

Treading Water

My mom and dad thought it would be real cute to put me in the water with them the other day. First off, I'm not a swimmer. I like to stay looking cute at all times. Secondly, swimming means a bath....ugh! They know I love boating but keep me at least 10 feet away from the water! Oh the stress.......

I'm sure the stress of me treading water is similar to those people facing foreclosure on their home. Okay, treading water may not be anywhere near as stressful but you have to remember I'm a DOG!!!

I thought I'd offer up some advice for those people who are nearing the big 'F' word.

Some homeowners who are three months to a year behind on their mortgages have chosen to leave their homes altogether. Anyone can walk away from a house — even a retired baseball great, Jose Canseco, who abandoned his Encino (Calif.) property earlier this year.

But attractive as "just walking away" may seem to a homeowner at the end of his or her financial tether, leaving a property to the mortgage-holder or other interested parties carries a serious credit risk and significant legal responsibility.

It's a good idea to call the person you may least want to talk to: The lender. Cash-strapped homeowners can get forbearance from their lender if they act early. This agreement reduces or suspends the mortgage payment for a limited time, giving homeowners a temporary reprieve.

A forbearance is not the same as loan forgiveness. Ultimately the mortgage payments have to be reinstated, and anywhere from three to six months of missed payments have to be accounted for. The very lucky — and reasonably well-off — can pay off the amount accumulated during forbearance in one lump sum. But for those who still find themselves in short-term financial trouble, most lenders offer specialized payment plans in which the borrower agrees to add a portion of the missed payments to the mortgage until the account is current.

Speaking directly to a lender seems logical enough. But surprisingly, homeowners who struggle and fail to meet their mortgage payments month after month rarely contact their lenders. And the further they fall behind, the less likely they are to reach out for help.

Walking away from a mortgage severely damages your credit and is not a good solution. If you're in trouble, TALK TO YOUR LENDER!

There are other ways to solve things and prevent ruining your financial future as opposed to walking away from your mortgage. Talk to my mom. She'll help you in any way she can with ideas and suggestions you can try.