Color MATTERS

Gray is the new neutral, blue is the new symbol of the environment and yellow will add energy and optimism to your surroundings. At least, those are the latest trends reported by the Color Marketing Group (CMG), a not-for-profit association of color design professionals

• Blue is the new “green” to create environmental awareness.
• Complex neutral colors, like cooled-down, grayed-out browns and grays, satisfy the urge toward classic colors in an economically challenged time.
• Bright vivid yellow will be a stand-out accent color that provides energy amidst the sobering effects of the gray neutrals.
• Bright accents influenced by far-away countries like India, China and Turkey will add an exotic touch. Look for colors that are prominent in these countries, including shades of orange, red, yellow, turquoise and teal.
• White is showing up more in corporate board rooms. It represents purity of thought, motive and result, which is expected from many businesses.

This months joke:

Question:What did the valentine card say to the stamp?

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

Appliance Overload

When shopping for new appliances, remember that looks aren’t everything. Features, capacity and energy-efficiency are important factors as well. Before buying a new appliance, keep track of your appliance usage for one week. For example, note the number and size of your laundry loads, what items you reach for most often in your refrigerator or what meals you cook on the stove. This will help you determine what features will be most beneficial. Also include a list of problem areas, which will help you choose a new appliance that offers better solutions.

For a variety of appliances, available space can be a major stumbling block. Before you make your choice, be sure to measure the footprint, height and width of the appliance area, as well as the door swing or space needed to open doors, drawers and lids. Also measure any doorways or hallways to make sure the new appliance can pass through when it’s time to install.

Energy-efficient models of some appliances can offer significant savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, appliances account for about 20 percent of a household’s energy consumption. Appliances that feature the Energy Star label have been tested to meet standards for energy efficiency

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HOW DOES PURCHASING A HOME COMPARE WITH RENTING?

The two don't really compare at all. The one advantage of renting is being generally free of most maintenance responsibilities. But by renting, you lose the chance to build equity, take advantage of tax benefits, and protect yourself against rent increases. Also, you may not be free to decorate without permission and may be at the mercy of the landlord for housing.

Owning a home has many benefits. When you make a mortgage payment, you are building equity. And that's an investment. Owning a home also qualifies you for tax breaks that assist you in dealing with your new financial responsibilities- like insurance, real estate taxes, and upkeep- which can be substantial. But given the freedom, stability, and security of owning your own home, they are worth it.
Source:http://www.nls.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/buying/buyhm.cfm

Have questions? email Risa at questions@risa.net or call her at 407-699-4901

February favorite links:

Tips, ideas and themes for Valentines Day 2010.

Use This Moving Truck for FREE      

RE/MAX Town & Country Realty has a moving truck (pictured above) that our clients can use FREE for their local (inside the Metro-Orlando area) moves. When Risa helps you buy or sell a home, just let her know that you would like to use the RE/MAX Moving Truck. Then Ray, the Moving Truck Coordinator, will coordinate your reservation to use the truck for a 24 hour period and outline all of the details for the truck’s use. Tell Risa early on in your transaction that you’d like to use the truck to make sure that you can reserve the best time for your move! We’re glad to be able to offer this additional service to our clients. Risa Saltman wants to help make your moving process as smooth, enjoyable and efficient as possible.

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