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While lending remains tight in troubled markets, banks are starting to relax standards for borrowers with good credit in recovering areas of the country. In some parts of the country, borrowers with good credit are more likely to be able to borrow 95% of the purchase price than they were just a few months ago. According to The Wall Street Journal, in troubled markets (i.e. Florida) credit remains tight and mortgage companies continue to scrutinize property appraisals, which makes it difficult for some borrowers to get financing. But in most areas of the country where prices are stabilizing or falling only slightly, standards are relaxing. This is great news and another sign that the economy is truly beginning to improve. Visit my website for more up-to-date real estate news.

Things can get crazy around the holidays. All the shopping, decking the halls and visions of sugar plums can cause homeowners to lose focus and overlook issues that can turn a season of joy into a season of “oops.” It doesn’t have to be that way. Here is a Top 10 list to remind busy homeowners that just a few minutes a day can keep the ghost of deferred maintenance away: Clean your gutters and downspouts. They play an important role in diverting water away from foundation walls. That means less damage related to water and moisture. If you clean them before winter weather moves in, you can keep your basement and crawl spaces dry and leak-free. Drain exterior water lines. Frozen pipes that can crack the lines are history if you remove, drain and store outdoor hoses now. Give your garbage disposal a hot water bath. Cooking for crowds puts additional stress on these appliances. Flushing the garbage disposal with one pot of hot water and a half-cup of baking soda now – and again after the h

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a dangerous gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. Carbon monoxide can be deadly. By knowing more about CO, you can protect yourself and your family from CO poisoning. Sources of Carbon Monoxide CO can come from anything that burns fuels, especially if it is not used or vented in the right way. Examples include: • Furnaces • Gas-powered home appliances • Wood stoves • Gas-powered tools • Kerosene heaters • Gas and charcoal grills • Generators • Cars and trucks Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning CO poisoning can feel like the flu without a fever, but in a very short amount of time it can become very serious. CO Can Cause: • Headache • Nausea • Dizziness • Vomiting • Fatigue • Passing out • Shortness of breath • Death! How to Prevent CO Poisoning • Place CO alarms close to all sleeping areas in your home, and change the batteries each time you change your clock for daylight savings time. Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm. • Have appliances, furnaces and