The Carlton Review

Holiday Tipping

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-12-08T20:05:00Z

There are no hard and fast rules on holiday tipping, experts say. How much to tip, or whether to tip at all, depends on several factors, including the quality and frequency of service, the relationship you have with the provider, how long they have worked for you, where you live (since amounts can be higher in large cities), and your budget.
The Emily Post Institute offers the following guidelines for holiday tipping, but also advises consumers to let common sense and the holiday spirit be your guide. If financial circumstances limit what you can give, a handwritten note is always appropriate.

Babysitter – One evening’s pay, plus a small gift from your child
Barber/Hair stylist – Cost of one haircut or a gift
Child’s teacher – Check the school’s policy. If allowed, give a small token gift of appreciation, not cash
Day care providers – $25 to $70 each, plus a small gift from your child for providers who give direct care to your child(ren) • Dog walker – One week’s pay or a gift
Personal fitness trainer – Up to the cost of one session
Housekeeper/maid service – Up to one week’s pay or a gift
Doorman – $15 to $80
Garage attendant – $10 to $30 each
Letter carriers – Gift up to $20, no cash per U.S. Post Office regulations
Massage therapist – Up to one session’s fee or a gift
Handyman service – $15 to $40

Holiday Fresh Scents

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-12-02T21:00:00Z

To freshen up your home, use natural essential oils or wooden “soaking sticks” instead of store-bought air fresheners, which are laden with chemicals that can harm indoor air quality. Source: Low Impact Living.com

Kitchen Improvement

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-11-30T00:56:00Z

     When it comes to increasing the value of your home, modernizing a kitchen can return 80 percent to 130 percent of your investment, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. But many homeowners think improving the kitchen has to come with a hefty price tag. Not necessarily. Cabinets are often the first thing people notice about a kitchen.
     Cabinets are also one of the easiest and most affordable kitchen features to update. And in most cases, you don’t need to replace them. Just take a close look at your existing cabinet doors. Are they beyond repair, or do they still look good, but just a little outdated?
     If they’re still in good shape, simply sanding and applying a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference. Take everything out of the cabinets and scrub them with a cleaner. Lightly sand down the wax, veneer, polish or previous paint, then fix any cracks or breaks with putty. Brush on primer paint and add any paint color, pattern or stencil you’d like.
     New hardware can also add flair to otherwise outdated cabinets. Cabinet knobs, pulls and hinges come in all shapes and sizes, including antique copper, iron, aged bronze, polished brass, glass, stainless steel and more. But before purchasing any new hardware, carefully measure your existing hardware. Jot down sizes and the spaces between screws, which will eliminate the need to drill new holes in the cabinets.
     If replacement is the only option, modular cabinets, available at most home improvement stores, can be an affordable alternative. You can save even more money if you install them yourself. Source: National Kitchen and Bath Association

Turkey Named Cities

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-11-22T14:53:00Z

The number of places in the United States named after the star of Thanksgiving dinner: three. Turkey, Texas, is the most populous, with 496 residents, followed by Turkey Creek, La. (357) and Turkey, N.C. (267). Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Preparing Plumbing for the Winter

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-11-16T00:42:00Z

Pipe Dreams Flooded basements, frozen pipes and added expense — winter can be a home-owner’s worst time of year. Take the following precautions to prepare your plumbing before the season really hits:

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Once the hose is removed, water can drain from the pipe, preventing water from freezing inside it and bursting the pipe. This also includes swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines. Don’t add antifreeze. It can be harmful to the pipes and the environment.
Insulate all pipes and faucets with a pipe sleeve or heat cable, which are available at most hardware or building supply stores. Carefully wrap each pipe exposed to unheated areas, paying special attention to joints. Newspaper can even provide some protection to exposed pipes that aren’t in areas of prolonged, extreme cold.
Seal off access doors, vents and cracks. Cold air seeping in can freeze exposed pipes and plumbing.
Know the location of your master shutoff valve, which turns off the water for the house. In case of flooding, you can quickly shut down the water supply and prevent further damage.
Remember to leave the heat on in your home, no lower than 55 degrees, if you travel during cold weather.

Source: www.redcross.org, www.drinktap.org

Home Improvement Considerations

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-11-07T19:29:00Z

     Good on Paper There’s so much to consider when doing construction or renovating your home, from picking the right contractor and the best materials to managing costs and making design decisions. But don’t forget one very important detail: building permits.

     Whether you need to obtain one depends on your locality and the type of work you’d like to do to your home, but in many cases, you risk fines, penalties or additional construction costs if you don’t get one. Selling your house might also be more difficult if a building official determines you remodeled without a permit and demands you bring it up to code.

     How do you know if you need a permit for your project? Before beginning a project, ask yourself these questions:

Will my remodeling change the footprint of the house?
Will I have to move a load-bearing wall?
Will the roofline be altered?
Will any new doors or windows be constructed?

If you answer yes to any of these, a building permit will likely be required. Other aesthetic projects, such as installing new floor coverings, replacing sink hardware, changing a countertop or replacing windows, but not altering the structure, don’t generally require one. If you’re uncertain or need more information, call your local permit office; someone there will help you assess your project and determine if you’ll need a permit. Source: Wall Street Journal

Renovation Mistakes

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-11-04T00:27:00Z

The top five biggest renovating mistakes are: avoiding permits, setting an unrealistic budget, hiring the wrong contractor, taking on more than you can handle and overbuilding for your neighborhood. Source HGTV

Safe Landings

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-10-26T19:37:00Z

Falls are the leading cause of home injuries and injury-related deaths in the United States, but only 25 percent of adults have taken steps to prevent them from occurring in their homes, according to research by the Home Safety Council (HSC). Adults over age 65 and children under age 5 are especially vulnerable to falls. Older adults experience an average of 4,700 fall-related deaths and 1.5 million nonfatal fall injuries each year, while falls are the leading cause of nonfatal home injury for children up to age 14.

The HSC offers several tips to secure your home against home-related injury.

Install a banister or hand-rail along stairways that extends the full length of the stairs.
Make sure porches, hallways and stairwells are well-lit.
Use nightlights to help light hallways, stairwells and bathrooms during nighttime hours.
Keep stairs, landings and floors clear of clutter, and tuck telephone and electrical cords out of the way.
Use child safety gates to secure the top and bottom of stairs, and make sure toys and games are not left on steps or landings.
In the bathroom, install grab bars in the bathtub or shower stall.
Use a non-slip mat or safety strips in the bathtub. If you use a bath mat on the floor, choose one that has a non-skid bottom.
Keep the floor clean and dry. Promptly clean up any grease, water or other spills.

Creepy Crawlers

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-10-24T19:32:00Z

As temperatures begin to fall, your home can become a safe haven for insects and rodents. Like people, pests seek shelter from the elements too. Experts at the National Pest Management Association suggest yard maintenance is the simplest, most inexpensive way to protect your home from unwanted pests.

Start by reducing the number of access routes into your home by collecting fallen leaves, cleaning out gutters, keeping shrubs neat and trimmed, cutting back tree branches from the roof, and removing leaves and grass clippings from around the foundation of the house. Next, stack firewood away from the house and make sure screens are on all windows and doors to prevent pests from entering into the home.

Home Pollution

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-10-22T19:30:00Z

The average home is responsible for producing more air pollution than the average car. Much of the energy we use in our homes is generated by power plants, which burn fossil fuel to power our electrical items and appliances. Source: Eartheasy.com

Saved by the Sprinkler

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-10-16T19:25:00Z

Fire can destroy a home and everything in it within minutes. While smoke detectors are essential for fire safety, many homeowners are choosing to install sprinklers in their homes as a way to contain fires and limit potential damage. According to the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, 90 percent of home fires can be contained by just one sprinkler, and by using them in addition to smoke detectors, the risk of death in a home fire is reduced by 82 percent. Also, 62 percent of U.S. homeowners believe that a fire sprinkler system can increase a home’s value, according to a Harris Interactive poll.

A home sprinkler system can cost as little as $1 to $1.50 per square foot to install. Modern systems no longer look like bulky industrial sprinklers; they can be mounted flush against walls and ceilings to blend in with any decor, and they require very little maintenance. Sprinklers are temperature sensitive, so they won’t go off simply due to the presence of smoke, cooking vapors or steam. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates, so you don’t need to worry about water damage in other areas of your home.

Greener Pastures

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-10-10T19:20:00Z

The grass is always greener on the other side, right? Well, next year it doesn’t have to be. Lawn and garden supplier Scotts Company offers tips to help you protect your lawn through the winter months and keep it looking lush and beautiful next summer.

Re-seed any grass that has been hurt by summer heat and drought. Keep the new seed and grass watered, and don’t do any weed control until after the fourth watering.
Help keep disease and bugs at bay by cutting back old perennials and vegetable gardens. Use the clippings to start a compost pile.
Instead of raking fallen leaves, run your mower over them two or three times. Leaves left on the lawn during the winter can block sunlight and thin the grass.
Plant trees and shrubs toward the beginning of the fall season, so there is less shock to the roots and they start growing early in the spring.
Continue to cut the grass the same height (2 to 3 inches) until the final cut at the beginning of winter. Don’t go any shorter on that last cut.

Home Safety

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-10-02T19:14:00Z

The Home Safety Council provides an online interactive resource, MySafeHome.org, which identifies the most common causes of home injuries. Visitors can tour a home room-by-room to learn various safety tips to protect their loved ones from home-related injuries.

Play it Safe

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-09-24T19:09:00Z

   Is your home designed for kids? Probably not. But it is important to create a home that’s safe for kids, even if you don’t have children, especially if you want it to appear family-friendly.

   Safety gates, outlet covers and cabinet locks are some of the more obvious tools to child-proof your home, but potential hazards lurk elsewhere. Think about how kids often run into a room — and think about the sharp corners of tables, counters and bookshelves. In the kitchen, consider installing padding on the corners of islands and countertops.

   You might also want to consider installing a stovetop barrier to prevent pots from falling or being pulled off the stove and to protect children from hot splatters and spills. Floor vents can also attract curious hands; if pulled out from the floor, the grate’s sharp edges can be dangerous. To deal with this danger, screw the vents into the floor. Standard doorstops — the kind with the rubber tips — are another often-overlooked hazard.

   The tips can easily be pulled off and pose a potential choking hazard. Consider replacing these with solid, one-piece doorstops. These solutions for warding off accidents are easy and inexpensive — and worthwhile in more ways than one. Source: Ron Hazelton’s House Calls (www.ronhazelton.com)

Riding to School

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-09-19T19:06:00Z

In 1969, approximately half of all schoolchildren, age 5 to 18, walked or bicycled to or from school, and 87 percent of those living within 1 mile of school walked or bicycled. Today, fewer than 15 percent of children and adolescents use active modes of transportation. Source: Centers for Disease Control

Think Sink

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-09-13T18:59:00Z

Think Sink Put your money where your mouth is. When it comes to remodeling your home, that old saying is especially appropriate. A kitchen is one of the best rooms in your home to consider renovating. Your bathroom is next on the list. Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for a while or are looking to sell in a few years, kitchen and bath remodels are great ways to increase the value — and enjoyment — of your home. Quantifying how much a renovated room will improve your quality of life may be impossible, but determining what percentage of each dollar spent on home improvements you’ll recoup when you sell is a little bit easier.

According to Remodeling magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value Report, which surveyed 300 real estate professionals in 60 markets across the nation, the average return on investment for:

a minor kitchen remodel (average cost $20,000) is 83 percent;
a major kitchen remodel (average cost $55,000) is 78.1 percent; and
a bathroom remodel (average cost $15,000) is 78.3 percent.

Despite these ROI statistics, it’s always a good idea to research the features that are popular with other homes in your neighborhood. If most houses have upgraded kitchens with all the latest bells and whistles, you’re likely to get a better return if you remodel your kitchen. To get a better sense of how a kitchen or bath remodel might shake out given your neighborhood, talk to an appraiser or go to www.cyberhomes.com, where you can enter your address and use the “Refine Value” tool to see how changing different aspects of your home might impact your bottom line. Source: www.costvsvalue.com

Home Design and Safety

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-08-10T19:45:00Z

Opening a door when you have an armful of groceries is tricky for everyone. But a home that features lever-style door handles and wide doorways can make it easier. This is one example of universal design — home features that enable people to live comfortably and safely, even as they get older.

Universal design isn’t just for seniors and those with disabilities. Younger buyers and families with young children also find that universal design makes homes more appealing and easier to use.

According to AARP, more than 89 percent of people age 50 and older want to stay in their current home as they get older. AARP offers some simple upgrades homeowners can make to create a safer, more comfortable residence for people of any age. And most of the materials needed for these changes are available at local hardware stores.

Install handrails on both sides of all steps (inside and outside).
Secure carpeting and area rugs with double-sided tape.
Install easy-to-grasp handles for drawers and cabinet doors.
Use brighter bulbs in all settings.
Install nightlights in all areas that host nighttime activity.
Add reflective, non-slip tape on all non-carpeted stairs.
Install lever handles for all doors.
Place a bench near entrances for setting down purchases and resting.
Install lights and adjustable rods and shelves in closets.

Home Warranties

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-08-09T22:41:00Z

According to the Better Business Bureau ("BBB"), many new-home owners are unaware of the limitations on home warranties, which can cause confusion and unnecessary frustration when problems crop up and repairs are needed. To prevent this, the BBB suggests prospective buyers do some research before accepting the keys to their new home.

Find out how long the warranty company has been in business. Request a reliability report from your local BBB.
Shop around for the best prices. Most home warranties cost between $300 and $395, but not all offer the same benefits — and make sure to factor in the deductible.
Ask questions regarding the company’s policy on home repairs. Many have their own service contractors but others allow you to choose your own.
Get a professional home inspection so you are aware of any possible problems that may not be covered by your warranty.
Call the warranty company to ask questions and see how the customer service department treats you; this might indicate how you’ll be treated during future calls.
Know what is covered and what is not. Typically, major operating systems and appliances are covered due to normal wear and tear for the first year.

Handrails

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-08-05T19:39:00Z

When installing handrails, choose rails that are 1 ½ inches in diameter and are strong enough to support 250 pounds. Source: AARP

Donate Old Appliances and Fixtures

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-08-02T19:37:00Z

You can dispose of still-functioning appliances and fixtures by donating them to a favorite charity rather than sending them to a landfill. Or visit www.Freecycle.org to find out how you can donate them to individuals who can use them. Appliances and fixtures that no longer work also can be recycled. Call your municipal solid waste agency, contact the Steel Recycling Institute at www.recycle-steel.org, or visit www.earth911.org for local options.

Choosing a Contractor

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-08-01T18:33:00Z

Before hiring a contractor to tackle your next home-improvement job, take the time to do some in-depth research so you won’t be stuck with regrets — or an unfinished project.

According to Inman Real Estate News, the best way to find a dependable contractor is to talk to friends. Compile a list of names from people you know and trust, then research each contractor online to determine if they are licensed to do business in your state. You should also search for complaints filed against each contractor.

Once you have a short list of potential candidates, call to ask them for references who can give you first-hand accounts of their past performance. If the contractor won’t gladly supply names of previous clients, cross them off your list. Also, for bigger projects, it’s often best to have a real estate attorney look over the contract and point out any red flags.

Take Care of Mold

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-07-25T23:20:00Z

Summer’s here. The temperature is climbing, and so is the humidity. And when humidity levels exceed 70 percent, it can create prime conditions for mold growth in your home.

Outdoors, molds are an important part of the ecosystem, breaking down dead leaves, trees and branches. But indoors, it has no rightful place. Indoor molds, often called black mold, can cause health problems, such as asthma and allergic reactions, and can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

In some cases, mold is simple to spot — along windowsills, in the shower or on damp wood. Finding it throughout the rest of your home, however, is not always as easy. It can be hidden behind walls that might have suffered previous water damage, under old flooring or carpets, or within the HVAC system. If you walk into a room that smells especially musty, you’re probably smelling mold.

Determining who should do the cleanup depends on the extent of the mold. If the moldy area is smaller than 3 feet by 3 feet, you can usually handle the job yourself. However, if it’s larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, if there’s a lot of water damage or if you suspect it’s in the HVAC system, hire a contractor who has experience in cleaning mold.

Take precautions if you do the cleanup yourself. Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores. Many hardware stores carry N-95 respirator masks, which catch most mold spores before they enter your breathing space. Wear long gloves that extend to the middle of the forearm to avoid touching the mold with your bare hands and use protective goggles with ventilation holes.

To prevent mold buildup in the future, fix plumbing leaks and other water problems as soon as you notice them, and be sure to dry everything completely.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

Removing Mildew Outside

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-07-24T19:24:00Z

To remove mildew or algae from a wooden deck, use a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water. Any store-brand bleach will work. Rinse the solution off with a garden hose. For brick, use a power washer. Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Summer Rain

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-07-20T21:13:00Z

Nothing says summer quite like torrential downpours. And while the rain usually provides much-needed relief from the heat, it also can wreak havoc on your home’s structure.

Detecting leaks early is key, and it can make all the difference between cleanup that requires a simple mop and bucket and having to undergo major construction. Most water problems stem from three areas around your home: leaky roofs, poor drainage around the foundation and clogged gutters or downspouts.

First, it’s important to routinely check your roof for leaks. Missing, curling, broken or cracked shingles can be a warning sign that the roof might need to be repaired. Also take note of any damage or deterioration around chimneys, vents or dips in the roof. Keep your roof free of debris, such as leaves and sticks, and trim trees regularly to prevent them from rubbing against shingles.

Where and how your home is positioned on the property can also affect how well water drains (or doesn’t) from the foundation. Pooling of water around the house can indicate low-lying areas and insufficient drainage. Fill in any of these spots so water flows away from the house and extend downspouts several feet from the foundation to whisk away even more water.

Finally, inspect gutters and downspouts regularly for any debris. Installing gutter shields can help prevent clogs from building up inside the pipe. And if you are frequently away from home, consider installing a water alarm. If the system detects a leak inside the house, such as toilets, faucets or the water meter, it will automatically shut off the water supply to prevent further damage.

Home water leaks only worsen with time, so be sure to conduct routine checks — and if a problem occurs, address it sooner rather than later.

Sources: State Farm Insurance Co.,

The Right Moves

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-07-10T19:03:00Z

You found the perfect house, signed on the dotted line and are daydreaming about life in your new home. As moving day looms, it’s also time to think about packing up your many belongings. Have you found enough boxes? How to handle those precious family heirlooms and other breakables? Here are a few tips for making your big day go as smoothly as possible:

Before You Start

Prioritize your packing list. Consider what you don’t need to take with you, what will need extra packing care and how to best organize your things.
Estimate how many boxes you’ll need and get them well in advance of moving day. Save newspapers to line boxes.
Consider investing in moving insurance, which will cover any damages or breakages during the move.

Getting Under Way

Start early. Packing always takes longer than you think.
Begin at the top of the house first and work your way down. Attics are a great place to start sorting.
Move from room to room, packing and labeling carefully as you go. Clearly mark boxes that contain breakable objects. Be sure to keep all boxes that belong to a certain room together. It will make it much easier when you unpack.
Newspaper can sometimes leave marks, so wrap your valuables in bubble wrap, blankets or pillows to avoid messy newsprint.
Keep all of your important documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, in the same place for easy reference.

Thinking Ahead

You likely won’t want to shuffle through boxes on your first night in your new home, or you might be traveling long distance and have your household items show up after you’ve arrived. Either way, pack an essentials box containing a change of clothes and toiletries, as well as coffee, tea, snacks, cups, plates and utensils. A small tool kit, first-aid supplies and pen and paper are also important to have on hand.

Source: BBC Homes

A Desire for the Unexpected

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-07-05T19:12:00Z

Children and most adults love a great magic trick, a movie with a surprise ending, and a book with unpredictable twists and turns. There is delight in the experience of the unexpected.

The art of providing the unexpected surprise may be one of the best sales tools for any aspiring sales person. There are two key steps to providing the appropriate feeling of response. First, make sure that you sell your product, while leaving room for the revelation of something unexpected. Second, reveal or identify the final information at the appropriate time.

For instance, if you are a real estate agent showing a property for the first time to a potential buyer. You receive a call prior to the showing and the sellers inform you that they want you to let the buyers that are looking at the property to know that they will take $25,000 less than the current list price. You have the choice of when you reveal the new price reduction, therefore you choose to use the art of unexpected surprise. Show the property, sell them on the value, the features, the location, and find out how they feel about the property. Then at the end of the showing, reveal to them that the seller is willing to take $25,000 off of the property. At this point, they may even want to walk through the property again with the knowledge of the lowered price.

By providing the information as an unexpected surprise, the potential buyers conclude with a positive feeling. If the information had been shared at the beginning of the appointment, the buyer would have ended the showing on a level feeling. With the unexpected surprise there is positive feeling and a better opportunity to sell the property.

Live for the Moment

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-07-03T00:53:00Z

Life is lived and seldom experienced. If you choose the right cafe at the right time of day, certainly 6:45am will do, you can hear the stories of life experienced. If you visit more than once, you will surely here the repetition of stories never lost from memory, retold often to help them live on in the minds of those who speak.

All to often we live through life with but a few great memories that we consider the best of times or the worst of times. The glory to living life is to recognize those perfect life moments when they occur. Life is lived in the experiences of only a few minutes, remembered for a lifetime with all of the rest swiftly forgotten and seldom repeated.

So as your living life, remember that ever so often you have an experience, a real life experience, and you may live a lifetime in one moment. If you recognize the opportunity, and embrace the story, life can last forever.

The Ideal is Changing but the Facts are Not

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-07-01T19:42:00Z

In a world of idealism, everyone has something they believe. We hear their ideas on the radio, we see them on television, they even print them on leaflets and pass them out on the street corners in person. What is most amazing is that it has been demonstrated by the most adamant of demonstrators that they will go to any length to convince the world of their perfect ideal. Even to the point that they will lie to prove the point. This is ironic in itself, but the real irony is in their lack of ability to see the harm caused to the ideal when they go to the extreme.

Everyone is entitled to establish their own opinion and defend the ideal, but to most peoples surprise they are not entitled to their own set of facts.

Basic Lawns

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-07-01T19:06:00Z

During the Summer months of vacation, high heat, and children home from school, many people often would like to hire someone to mow their yard. They have no desire to sign a long term contract, and they plan to resume mowing themselves after only a short vacation from the every growing grass.

Basic Lawns offers just such a service, providing lawncare without a contract (or with a contract if desired), and will provide service on an as needed basis or all summer long. A great service if you need a break one week, or would like to have your yard freshly mowed when you arrive back from vacation.

See the website at www.BasicLawns.com

Watering the Yard

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-06-30T23:16:00Z

Running a sprinkler for two hours can use up to 500 gallons of water. To figure out the right amount to water, put an empty tuna can on your lawn. When it’s full, you’ve watered about the right amount.

Lawncare for the Summer

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-06-22T23:13:00Z

It’s finally time to pull out the patio furniture, fire up the grill and enjoy outdoor activities in your yard. Here are some tips from HGTV.com that will keep your grass looking green all summer long.

When cutting the grass, try to keep its height at about two-and-a-half to three inches. Sharpen the blade of your mower at least three times a year to avoid grass split ends, and be sure to change your mowing pattern to prevent soil compaction, which will inhibit grass growth. I

nstead of lightly watering your grass three to four times a week, give it a good soaking once a week – most lawns need about an inch of water. Watering early in the morning is best.

To combat weeds, make sure to use herbicides specially formulated to combat the types of weeds that are growing in your yard. If you aren’t a fan of herbicides, weed removal tools, such as weed hounds, usually do the trick.

Over-fertilizing is a common problem and can kill your lawn. You should only fertilize in the spring and summer months if you neglected to apply fertilizer in the fall. Every time you mow your lawn the clippings provide nitrogen, an excellent natural fertilizer.

Finally, keep kids, pets, vehicles and wheelbarrows off moist soil and emerging grass. Wait until your lawn is full and dry to enjoy it.

Look Carefully at the Home You are Viewing

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-06-15T23:09:00Z

Frontdoor.com, HGTV’s real estate Web site, identifies several potential problems that buyers should look out for when touring a home.

Mediocre Maintenance. Three layers of roofing and gutters with plants growing out of them are signs that the owners have not kept up with the property. What else have they neglected?
Foundation Failures. If the yard slopes toward the house, it could cause water to run down the foundation walls or into the basement, which could result in costly repairs. Also if foundation cracks or bulges are thicker than 1/3 inch, the house could have serious structural issues.
Faulty Wiring. Make sure all switches and outlets function properly. Flickering lights, circuits that don’t work, and warm or hot outlets or faceplates are all symptoms of wiring problems.
Fresh Paint …On One Wall. New paint can spruce up walls, but they can also hide bigger problems, such as water damage, mildew or mold.
Foggy or Non-functioning Windows. Check for water in between double-paned windows and make sure all windows work properly.
Structural Walls and Floors. The house may have an open floor plan, but was it always open or did the homeowners renovate? If a load-bearing wall was removed without adjusting the framing, it can shift weight to other parts of the house.
Bugs. No one wants a house with a pest problem. Look for evidence of unwelcome creatures as you tour the home.

Exterior Lighting

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-06-09T23:05:00Z

If you’re looking to spice up the outside appearance of your home, exterior lighting offers many options. To get you started, the lighting pros at GE explain some basic lighting techniques. Ambient lighting, such as yard lights and porch lights, provide overall illumination, while task lighting consists of low-voltage lights along sidewalks and paths.

Accent lighting includes spotlights and other types of special-effect lighting to dramatize outdoor sculptures and fountains. To add depth and drama, try uplighting trees, landscape features and architectural elements by placing lights at an angle so objects are lit from below.

Backlighting, which is achieved by angling a light against a wall or fence behind an object, creates a beautiful silhouette.

For security, make sure patios, porches and other outdoor living spaces are well lit, especially where there are steps that can be a potential tripping hazard.

To prevent uninvited pests from crashing your next patio party, use bug lights, which contain a special coating that makes the light invisible to bugs, so they aren’t drawn to it.

Whichever lighting technique you use, use Energy Star bulbs, which use up to 75 percent less energy and last 8 to 10 times longer than ordinary incandescent bulbs.

Outdoor timers and motion sensors also can save money and conserve energy. To get maximum effect from your outdoor lighting, clean exposed bulbs several times during the season.

Once you master these few lighting techniques, your home will exude a warm glow that attracts admirers and would-be buyers.

Brighten Outside Bulbs

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-06-03T22:50:00Z

Dirt and dust build-up on exterior light bulbs can cause light loss of up to 40 percent.

Source: GELighting.com

Choosing the Right Ceiling Fan

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-05-26T22:32:00Z

If you’re looking to stay cool and save on energy bills this summer, look up. A good ceiling fan, when properly used and maintained, can help keep your cooling and heating costs down throughout the year.

To reap the maximum benefits — in comfort level and savings — it’s important to make sure that ceiling fans are properly installed and that you use the right size and model for the room. Consider ceiling fan blade spans, which range from 29 to 54 inches, and room size, and be sure that the fan is mounted in the middle of the room, at least 7 feet above the floor and 18 inches from the walls. Other performance factors to consider include the motor type and grade (performance, medium or economy), and the blades’ pitch and material. The fans with the best blade and motor designs are most efficient and quieter as well.

Look for models with the highest air flow efficiency, which is measured by cubic feet per minute per watt (CFM/watt) at each speed. An Energy Star-rated fan is 50 percent more efficient than a conventional fan and can save $10 or more annually on utility bills. If this doesn’t seem like much, consider the additional savings that come from adjusting the thermostat accordingly and keeping air conditioner (or heater) use to a minimum. Ceiling fans keep people cool, not the spaces they’re in, so be sure to turn off the fan when not in a room.

In the summer, make sure the fan is moving in a counter-clockwise direction so that it produces the downward windchill effect; in the winter, reverse the direction and use the fan at a low speed to force the warm air near the ceiling up and then down along the walls and floor. And don’t forget about the lights. Most ceiling fans include some kind of light fixture, which is often used as the main light source in a room. Be sure to use an energy-efficient light kit and to turn it off when a room is empty.

Source: www.energystar.gov

Water Conservation

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-05-22T22:22:00Z

Pools, sprinklers, hoses — there are many ways to use water outdoors in the summertime, and there are also countless and easy ways to conserve it. Check out the following tips for developing good H2O habits:

Water your lawn only when necessary; if you leave footprints when you walk across it, it’s time to water (usually once every three days).
Minimize evaporation by watering your lawn during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption.
Periodically check your pool for leaks if you have an automatic refilling device.
Weed your lawn and garden regularly; weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light and water.
When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it most. • Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground.
Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car — you’ll save more than 100 gallons.
Use a screwdriver as a probe to test soil moisture; if it goes in easily, don’t water.
Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool, and check the mark 24 hours later; your pool should lose no more than 1/4 inch each day.
Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so that only the lawn (not the house, sidewalk or street) is watered.

Source: www.wateruseitwisely.com

Ceiling Fans

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-05-18T22:20:00Z

Figure out how much you might save by using an Energy Star fan at www.energystar.gov. Click the “heating and cooling” link through to ceiling fans, where you’ll find a Savings Calculator worksheet as well as lists of energy-efficient fans.

Bikes, Blues, & BBQ

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-05-13T03:03:00Z

The 2008 dates for Bikes, Blues, & BBQ are set for September 24th - 27th. The event which continues to grow year after year is now on the 2008 Major Rallies list. It is anticipated that the event could host over 500,000 in the next few years if allowed to use additional streets and vendor space. Check out the Bikes, Blues, & BBQ website at www.bikesbluesandbbq.org and make your comments here on Northwest Arkansas Blog about the upcoming 2008 event.

Real Estate Agents Disappearing in Northwest Arkansas

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-05-11T20:41:00Z

According to the Arkansas REALTORS Association, the number of licensed agents dropped 11.79% from April 2007 to April 2008. Currently there are 2,170 REALTORS in Northwest Arkansas. The area lost 12.89% of the REALTORS in the Metro Board, 13.78% of the REALTORS in the Rogers Board, and gained 16.13% more REALTORS in the Bentonville-Bella Vista Board.

Keep Windows/Doors Opening Smoothly

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-05-10T22:19:00Z

You can rub a candle or bar of soap along the tracks of windows and sliding glass doors to keep them opening smoothly.

Buyers on Passion (Entry 3 on Passion)

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-05-09T02:45:00Z

People are impulsive. We all make quick decisions. Why is it that we want things that we can never really use. My garage is so full of things/toys that I can no longer park a car in either side. I read one time that 70 percent of home fitness systems get used less than 5 times a year. We confuse needs and wants all the time. It is not that we need something, but we want it, and we want it right now.

We buy based on our passion for something. Many times that passion is borrowed from another. Someone we know, respect, or envy buys or has something that they seem (in our minds) to really enjoy, and all of the sudden we also need it. People all over the world bought a salad shooter. How many people still use this symbolism of laziness. Can you imagine the manufacture in China who made the majority of the salad shooters? They must have wondered who in the world was buying them. In was way beyond a fad, it was the answer to the years Mother's Day gift, the perfect Christmas gift, and it helped so many people feel like they could save time making dinner. In reality, they were hard to clean, you had to cut up the salad to put it int the salad shooter, and cutting up the salad was the whole purpose in the beginning. In short, the passion for the salad shooter quickly faded.

So often we buy something because we feel that we need it, we have a passion for owning something that we do not have that someone else already owns. The passion is strong all the way up till we own it, then quickly the passion fades. Do you remember your last new car? How exciting it was when you first got it, but soon you were drinking milk shakes and eating fries while driving, and when you dropped one it didn't even matter. The new wears off, or better stated...the passion faded.

Beware of your passion, it will lead you in directions that you were not intending. Follow your passion and you will find yourself with things not needed. But without passion, life would be dull...so go ahead and travel the road less traveled...follow your passion.

Sales People on Passion (Entry 2 on Passion)

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-05-04T23:14:00Z

People that sell for a living have learned the art of passion. Most of them were never taught to sell with their passion, but they learned it through trial and error. The interesting part of passion selling includes the knowledge that you do not have to believe in the product to be passionate about selling the product. Sales people are motivated by the invigoration of the close. They are taught from the beginning to ABC or Always Be Closing. The more you sell the more you learn to articulate, insinuate, and exaggerate at the appropriate moments to increase the opportunity for a closed sale.

Knowing that people will naturally follow someone with passion, the sales person can take advantage of the appearance of passion for a product, that may really be a passion for selling the product. When people are passionate their vocal tones change, their facial expressions are different, that seem more believable. When someone is believable the closing rate will more than double. The buyers barometer for believability is often their personal interpretation of the passion demonstrated by the sales person. Great sales people could be considered artist of passion. They listen carefully to their buyer, they interpret the reactions to comments made, and they adapt quickly to be more convincing.

Next time you meet a great sales person, engage them in a conversation about something you know they like, and listen to how convincing they are, but be careful, you might find yourself taking a vacation to a location you never knew existed, or investing in a product that you know nothing about, or possibly watching a television show that you had never heard of before you engaged this sales person of passion. They are passion professionals, and many great businesses rest on their backs.

Great Leaders On Passion (Entry 1 on Passion)

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-05-04T02:31:00Z

Most recently it has occurred to me that people follow passion more than personality. I lived for many years under this misguided feeling that great leaders had the right personality. While watching some of the top executives over the past few months, it became apparent that many of these executives have no personality at all, but they have passion.

Passion is addictive, when someone really believes in something they are not only convincing in their speech, but they draw others along for the ride. Successful leaders have this attraction, when they believe in their company, believe in their employees, or believe in their product they attract others to the same belief.

Unfortunately, people follow misled passion as quickly as they follow well directed passion. Not many days pass before a news story caries a blip on a group of people who have cultishly started following an individual to their own harm. Everyone seems to want to believe in something, even if they have to borrow their belief from someone who already has passion for something they have not yet thought. The hectic life that many people live, does not afford them the time to have genuine new thoughts, therefore, they take the thoughts of the passionate people that surround them.

Thus to be a great leader, do more than learn the tricks of the trade, find something to have passion about, and allow people to follow you. While finding your passion, make sure you are well directed by the core beliefs and values that you find important in your life and to this world. Your Passion Perspective will guide you in directions, and it could also guide others in your direction. Determine carefully what you want of those that look up to you, and where you want them to go in this world. Their perspective of you may be based on your passion.

Northwest Arkansas Real Estate Steady and Growing

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-05-04T02:06:00Z

After a year of a market that was not living up to our expectations, the builders have slowed the new starts, and the growth has remained steady. Although it would be helpful to see even less new starts by builders, the slowing of new product hitting the market has allowed the steady growth in Northwest Arkansas to gain some momentum against the surplus of housing.

With consistent growth in Wal-mart, a new minor league baseball team, and loud rumors of a drag racing track coming in the near future, real estate continues to look better. No doubt the negative comments are still out there, home sellers would like buyers to move a little faster, and real estate agents would appreciate more sales; All-in-all the Northwest Arkansas real estate market does not appear to be getting anything but better.

In the past 14 days I have noticed a dramatic increase in the new contracts on higher priced homes (over $300,000). There are consistent sales of homes priced between $175,000-$225,000, as a matter of fact, daily sales within this price range. For those hoping to sell their currently listed home, every day offers a new opportunity. It is now, more than ever, important to price a home correctly with the market, and make sure that your home is in perfect condition. Buyers have choices, and typically they will choose location first, price second, and condition third. Some buyers will rearrange the order a bit, but the average buyer will follow this pattern.

So remember, we live in one of the greatest places in America (OK the World), and a temporary change in the real estate market is nothing more than an opportunity to find a dream home at the right price.

Caring for Trees

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-05-03T22:15:00Z

Aside from their beauty, trees provide many significant benefits to homes, streets and cities. They keep the air supply fresh, provide shade and shelter, and minimize noise pollution. They can also increase the value of your property by up to 25 percent. Professional tree appraisers can determine the dollar value of your trees and plants by evaluating their size, type, condition and location. But regular care is what’s ultimately more cost-effective and important in maintaining and protecting the value of trees.

Proper tree maintenance involves pruning, watering, mulching, pest management and, sometimes, removal. Inspect your trees for signs of disease or insect damage as well as potential hazards, such as large dead or detached branches, mushrooms at the base of the tree, and proximity to utility lines.

When you need professional help, be sure to find a certified arborist with a reputable tree care company. You can start by looking in the Yellow Pages, but remember that some of the most highly regarded companies rely more on word-of-mouth marketing. Seek recommendations from neighbors and friends, make calls to several companies and interview each one. Before you hire a company, ask for copies of valid and current insurance certificates and get a detailed written estimate of the work needed and costs. Also be sure to get a complete diagnosis before a tree is cut down. Beware of companies that solicit work door to door, demand payment in advance or advertise topping — a harmful practice of cutting back a tree’s crown. Sources: Tree Care Industry Association

(www.tcia.org); International Society of Arboriculture (www.treesaregood.org)

Flood Protection

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-04-19T22:12:00Z

With springtime comes the potential for storms and heavy rain. While you can’t control the weather, you can protect your home from flooding.

First, make sure gutters are free of leaves and dirt, and secure them tightly to your home. Poor roof drainage is the number one cause of basement leaks, and clogged gutters can create further problems by causing water to run off too close to the home’s foundation where it can seep through the walls.

Check the downspouts, which should dump water at least three to four feet from your home’s perimeter. If the downspouts are too close to the house, adding extensions can help drain the water properly. The general rule of thumb is to have one downspout for every 600 feet to 800 feet of roofing.

Watch the grading around your home. Beyond the first four feet of the home’s perimeter, the ground should slope about six inches. To improve the grading, use clean fill dirt rather than top soil, which holds more water and can seep into the foundation.

Gardens also retain water, so if your garden is planted next to your home, allow some room for water to escape. Use rocks as a border and trim heavy growths of shrubbery to allow more sunlight to dry the ground more quickly. Also make sure the gutter doesn’t run directly onto the garden.

Herb Garden

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-04-05T22:02:00Z

Cultivating your own herb garden is an easy and cost-effective way to have access to fresh herbs without a trip to the grocery store. Basil, parsley, chives, mint and sage are easy to grow and maintain. Gardening experts at HGTV say the least expensive method is to start new plants from seeds, as opposed to transplanting store-bought or garden-grown herb plants. First, fill a peat pot with a soilless potting mix, a mixture of peat moss, pine bark, sand and other organic materials. Place this pot in a small bowl filled with water. After the water has completely saturated the peat pot, bury seeds at the depth of three to four times their diameter; for small seeds, simply press them into the mixture with your finger. To ensure growth, place a few seeds in each pot. Finally, put a plastic bag over the pot, to simulate a greenhouse, and place it in a dry sunny spot. After the seeds have germinated you can transplant them into a larger pot. Keep your herbs moist but not wet, and pinch or prune them as necessary.

Spring Cleaning

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-04-01T22:06:00Z

Spring is here, which means it’s time to organize, de-clutter, clean and toss out. Use these hints, courtesy of HGTV, to help jump start your spring cleaning. Before the Scrubbing:

Remove any clutter around the house.
Tackle the junk drawer. Throw out old pens and markers, broken rubber bands and paper clips, old candy, and any random scraps of paper.
Donate books you don’t wish to keep and clothes that you don’t wear. Many churches, schools, libraries, shelters and hospitals accept such donations.
Put everything that you can’t quite part with in a box. After six months, throw away or donate any of the items you haven’t used.
Clean out your medicine cabinet, dumping any prescriptions, lotions, makeup or other products that have expired.
Pitch old magazines. Keep a binder for your favorite articles or recipes.
Deep Down Clean Vacuum your mattress and wash your mattress pad in hot water.
Rub shaving cream into dirty upholstery and vacuum once it’s dry.
Run drapes through the air-fluff cycle in the dryer, along with a wet cloth to attract dust, for 15 minutes.
Rub screens on both sides with kerosene, then wash them clean with soap and water.
Use a dry sponge to clean lamp shades, upholstery, computer screens, suede and leather.
Make sure to clean the coils underneath the refrigerator and the screen in your stove’s exhaust hood.

Remodeling Tips

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-03-22T21:57:00Z

You know that remodeling can add value to a home, but how do you know what rooms are worth remodeling, how much to spend and how to prevent your project from getting out of hand?

First, think about design and function, and distinguish between your wants and your needs — do you want to refresh your space to help you sell your home or do you want to create your dream room in the house you’re thinking of buying? Your goals for the project will set the parameters of your budget.

Room size, floor plan, product choices and amount of required labor affect the cost of a project. Kitchens, for example, can range from $5,000 to $50,000. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry recommends saving 10 percent to 20 percent of your budget for unforeseen costs. Be ready to make compromises here and there and plan to do some of the work yourself if you’re hoping to keep costs down.

There are various ways to finance a remodeling project, and many professional remodeling contractors are familiar with available financing options. Be sure to research funding sources carefully and compare qualification guidelines, interest rates, terms and tax considerations.

Finally, make sure you have a thorough and clearly written contract. It should include specific details about what the contractor will and will not do; a detailed list of materials for the project; approximate start and completion dates; total price, payment schedule and cancellation policy; and a minimum one-year warranty.

Sources: Kitchens.com; National Association of the Remodeling Industry (www.nari.org)

Broom Handles

Dale@CarltonSeminars.com (Dale Carlton) — 2008-03-15T21:59:00Z

Cut the finger off an old rubber glove and slide it over the handle of long-handled tools and brooms. This prevents them from slipping when you prop them against a wall while working.