Building Basement Walls

Building Basement Walls By: Mark J. Donovan Framing basement walls can be a tricky endeavor. There are a number of different situations and obstacles that complicate the framing. As a result, stick building and improvisation are the key phrases when undertaking basement wall framing.

Perimeter Wall Framing First, if you are planning to have a warm and comfortable basement, perimeter basement walls should be framed using 2”x4” construction, just like the interior walls. By using 2”x4” studs on the perimeter basement walls insulation can be installed to ensure a warmer room. If warmth is not a priority, and the installation of drywall is still required on the perimeter basement walls, then furring strips can be attached to the perimeter walls instead. Furring strips usually consist of 2”x2”s that are glued and nailed to the concrete basement walls.

Internal Wall Framing The internal walls can be built on the ground and then simply raised in place, however due to inevitable variations in basement floor heights the walls should be built slightly shorter and then shimmed into place. If this is not done, you may have some difficulty raising the wall as it may get wedged between the floor of the basement and the ceiling/floor joists. Also, if the home is built on clay soil the basement floor may move slightly up and down based on the water content in the ground. If the home is built on clay soil, then you should use L-Shaped steel framing clips to attach to the walls and the first-floor floor joists. These clips will enable the walls to breath (move up and down), but give the support necessary to ensure the wall remains vertical. When building basement walls there are typically many obstructions (pipes, duct work) that you need to build around. Thus, it is sometimes easier to stick build walls around these types of obstructions.

Source: Home Addition Plus

Patio Cover to increase your home's value

Raindrops Keep Falling on Your Head? Install a Patio Cover By J. A. Young Often, life outdoors demands we seek shelter away from it - rain or intense sunlight can make being in the elements and entertaining outside a dicey situation. Patio covers are a delightful compromise when Mother Nature refuses to cooperate with ideal weather. From freestanding roofed structures to retractable awnings, there are several popular ways to add shelter to your patio for the convenient enjoyment of your garden and landscape. You’ve just invited your boss over for grilled steak and drinks out on your new deck - you don’t want to cancel just because of a drizzle. Or, you want to ride your exercise bike out on the patio every morning but are tired of drenching your fair skin in sunscreen. What to do? It really is as simple as installing a cover above your patio or deck. Patio covers allow you all the pleasures of outdoor living, plus adequate shelter from rain and intense sun. Reading, eating, relaxing will be considerably enhanced by the installation of this permanent feature. Once you get beyond the impermanent fixtures of a backyard canopy or umbrella - which are temporary shelters at best - you will be considering a structure with a roof, possibly open lattice (a pergola, for instance) or an awning. A patio cover can be as simple and functional as a typical carport, only it provides cover for you and your guests as opposed to your car. Alternatively, wood and roofed structures can be as elaborately built as you wish with shingles, gutters and downspouts to boot.

Your home and current deck or patio may help you to narrow down your choice of covers. You will want to consider either attached or freestanding models. An attached pergola or retractable awning uses your house or possibly garage. These are popular features with many different styles that are widely available online or through traditional home-improvement centers. Retractable awnings are frequently made with aluminum frames - the cover itself might vary in color and material. They can be motorized or manually operated. They are often not as visually appealing as a freestanding structure or a custom-built pergola, so may not add as much value to your home as those features, but they will do the trick for a smaller patio or deck area. On the other hand, a free-standing structure or even an attached custom designed pergola may be permanent enhancements for your home and may certainly increase its value just as they will increase the amount of time you enjoy life outdoors. A permanently built cover - and cover really is a loose term used to describe any feature that provides shelter from rain or sun - will allow for cooking undisturbed outdoors as well as simple protection from the elements while still remaining outside. You may choose to cover the entire patio or just a necessary portion of it. Covering the patio will provide many more opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. A roofed cover with beams for hanging items like ceiling fans or hanging light fixtures will be wonderful patio features if you do any entertaining outside. In terms of décor and outdoor style, it’s an elegant feature. Yet, even lower-end patio covers will afford enough shelter to remain outdoors when it rains - continue cooking, enjoying cocktails, repotting your plants and the like with an adequate roof over your head. A patio cover will also do more than protect you, however. Move your container plants in and out of the shade at will. Keep your pets outdoors while giving them some protection from intense sunrays. Your furniture will be far less likely to fade with a cover above it. Many covers may also be enhanced with plant life for a great blend with the natural elements. Trailing roses or ivy may wind around wooden structures for unsurpassed visual effects. If you are still in the planning stage of your patio or deck, you may also want to consider adding the cover feature at this point as well for a better blend between the two structures. The cost of adding a patio cover runs the gamut from moderately-priced to very dear depending on whether you do the job or hire a professional installer - not to mention the type of cover itself. If you want to add to your home’s value, consider a higher end option; you won’t be disappointed if you love to be outdoors. © Doityourself.com 2006

Gardening with bulbs

Bulbs are among the most popular of all flowering plants, due to their hardiness, low price and beauty. It is hard to beat the color variety of a garden bed full of bulbs, and planting bulbs that bloom in different seasons can guarantee a season full of beautiful flowers. This article focuses on a few of the most popular varieties of bulbs. Some of the most popular bulb varieties available to the home gardener include: Hyacinths (Dutch Hyacinth) The Dutch hyacinth is one of the most instantly recognizable, and most popular, of all the varieties of bulb plants. The Dutch hyacinth blooms in the spring and features the well known foot high spires with their small bell shaped and very fragrant flowers. Hyacinths come in a wide varieties of colors, including red, pink, buff, white, blue and purple. The Dutch hyacinth grows best in colder areas, and it can last from year to year. In these cold water climates, the hyacinth is best planted in September of October. IN areas where the weather is milder, hyacinth bulbs will not last from one year to the next. In these more temperate areas, hyacinths are best treated as an annual and replanted each year, preferably in October, November or December. It is best to plant hyacinth bulbs four to five inches deep, and to space them from four to five inches apart as well. Hyacinths grow best in full sunlight, and they benefit from regular watering, especially during their blooming and growth periods. Iris The most frequently seen variety of irises are the bearded varieties. Bearded irises are striking plants, and they appear in a dazzling array of colors and combinations of colors. Irises appear in a variety of sizes as well, with very small varieties and very large ones as well. Irises should be planted in July or August in cold climates and in September or October in warmer areas. Irises are actually rhizomes, and they should be spaced from one to two feet apart, with the tops placed right below the surface of the soil. Irises grow best in full sunlight or light shade, and they benefit from a regular watering schedule during their growing season. Lilium The lillium is the scientific name given to the Asiatic and oriental hybrid lily, and they are very popular bulb plants. These Asiatic lilies bloom early in the summer, and they range in height from a mere six inches to a towering 4½ feet. These lilies feature blossoms ranging in size from four to six inches and in colors like white, yellow, orange, pink and red. Oriental lilies bloom later in the year, usually in midsummer or early autumn. Oriental lilies have stems from two to ix feet in height, and they feature large and fragrant flowers up to nine inches in length. These beautiful flowers feature pink and white petals with stripes and speckles, and they provide a striking addition to any garden. Lilly bulbs should be planted as quickly as possible after they are bought, since these particular bulbs do not keep well. If it is necessary to delay planting, the bulbs should be stored in a cool place. It is important to examine the bulbs carefully before they are planted, and any shriveled bulbs should be placed in peat moss or moist sand until they have recovered. Asiatic and oriental lily bulbs are best planted spaced about a foot apart. Smaller bulbs should be covered with a layer of soil two to three inches thick, which medium sized bulbs need a layer of three to four inches and large bulbs should be covered with four to six inches of soil. The most commonly seen problem encountered when growing bulbs is a viral infection, and unfortunately that infection is incurable. The best way to avoid infection is to buy only the healthiest bulbs from the best sources. Any lilies showing mottled or very stunted leaves should be destroyed. Lilies tend to do best in full sun or partial shade, and like other bulbs they benefit from regular watering during their growth and blooming phases.

Just a Selection of Single Family Homes in Norwalk

Single Family Homes in NORWALK

Just click here to see some information and pictures of these properties.

Contact me if you want to visit one of these properties or any other property in Fairfield County.

Nestor@BuyersCapital.com

Real Estate by Buyer's Capital offers to you listings using the CMLS and provides to you listings of REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY. You will see listings represented by other Realtors. I can represent you in the purchase of your Home or Condo.

Stamford Single Family Homes

Single Family Homes in STAMFORD

Just click here to see some information and pictures of these properties.

Contact me if you want to visit any of these properties or any other property in Fairfield County.

Nestor@BuyersCapital.com

Real Estate by Buyer's Capital offers to you listings using the CMLS and provides to you listings of REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY. You will see listings represented by other Realtors. I can represent you in the purchase of your Home or Condo.

New Home sales increased in May

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com, June 26, 2006) -- The pace of new home sales showed an unexpected increase in May, as the latest reading of the real estate market's strength bucked rising mortgage rates and other signs of a cooling housing market New homes sold at an annual pace of 1.23 million homes in the month, up 4.6 percent from the revised 1.18 million annual sales pace in April. Economists surveyed by Briefing.com had forecast that sales would slow to a 1.15 million rate in May.

Current Mortgage Rates 30 yr fixed mtg 6.38% 15 yr fixed mtg 6.07% 30 yr fixed jumbo mtg 6.55% 5/1 ARM 6.00% 5/1 jumbo ARM 6.13%

The report showed a decline in new home prices in May when compared to April, though price measures were still above year-earlier price levels. The median new home price fell 4.3 percent from April to $235,300, although that is still up 3.1 percent from May 2005. Median reflects the point at which half the homes sell for more and half sell for less. The average home price slipped 2.6 percent to $294,300, the first time it has been below the $300,000 mark since December. It is still up 2.4 percent year-over-year. Most housing readings this year have been showing signs of a slowing real estate market, as mortgage rates rise and prices soften from record highs. Builders' confidence has fallen to its lowest level since April 1995, according to the latest member survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The pace of permits issued for new homes fell in May to the lowest level seen since 2003, according to a separate Census Bureau report. But the May new home sales report showed the strongest pace of sales since December, with the South - the region that accounts for about half of new home sales - seeing its best sales rate since October.

Stamford Single Homes $400K - $500K

Single Family Homes in STAMFORD Over 1,000 Sq.Ft. Between $400,000 and $500,00 Active as of April 29, 2006 - 9:00PM

Just CLICK HERE to see some information and pictures of these properties (Valid until 06/30/06).

Contact me if you want to visit any of these properties or any other property in Fairfield County.

Nestor@BuyersCapital.com

Real Estate by Buyer's Capital offers to you listings using the CMLS and provides to you listings of REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY. You will see listings represented by other Realtors. I can represent you in the purchase of your Home or Condo.

Lowe's - Start your Project for the summer

Visit www.lowes.com and see some great ideas for your next project... I found their customer service better than the one offered at other stores of similar size, and I would say they also offer some higher quality items for your new project.

HGTV Dream Home Kitchen Video

HGTV has a collection of videos with ideas and projects you may consider for this Spring... Fore example, check this video and get some ideas for your new kitchen.... Click Here

Do I need a new Roof ??

Well, maybe your house needs one... or maybe you are planning to finish that basement and get more living space... Find out reading this information from Owens Corning here and decide if you need to make a closer inspection and eventually decide to fix/replace your house's roof.

Stamford

Single Family Homes in Stamford as of 04/21/06 under $600,000.

Min. 3 bedrooms

Min. 2 bathrooms

Min. 1,250 SqFt and under $600,000

Listings updated in the MLS since 04/15/06 (Updates sometimes imply a price reduction, a price raise, or a simple change in some remarks or information)

Just click here to see some information and pictures of these properties.

Contact me if you want to visit one of these properties or any other property in Fairfield County.

Nestor@BuyersCapital.com

Public Schools in Stamford

Visit HERE the web page with the list of Public Schools in STAMFORD, by the IES(Institute of Education Sciences) - U.S. Department of Education.

Public Schools in Bethel

Visit HERE the web page with the list of Public Schools in BETHEL, by the IES(Institute of Education Sciences) - U.S. Department of Education.

Public Schools in Norwalk

Visit HERE the web page with the list of Public Schools in Norwalk, by the IES(Institute of Education Sciences) - U.S. Department of Education.

Home Improvement

Home Staging When shows like HGTV's Designed to Sell and A&E's Sell This House become the water-cooler topics of choice, it's safe to say there's something to this home-staging brouhaha. And according to a 2003 HomeGain nation-wide survey of 2,000 real estate agents, home improvements in the $80 to $2,800 range made before a sale yielded the highest returns later. Not surprisingly, staging--showcasing a property so it appeals to buyers--has become big business. That means decluttering, furnishing whole houses to look spectacular or creating vignettes for walk-throughs. Some entrepreneurs even diversify with services like consulting, junk hauling, move-in arranging, color consultation and personal shopping. According to stagers we spoke with, you can get started with as little as $500 to $1,000 for a home office and marketing materials. Teresa Hagaman, president and founder of StagedRight Inc. in Berryville, Virginia, says you can expect to reinvest income into the business for the first three years. The 38-year-old has had to hire four employees, as sales have tripled each year since she began in early 2003. But how will this business fare if the real estate bubble bursts? Trish Boyle, 40, founder of Stage Right Design in Westport, Connecticut, is optimistic: "There will still be people needing to buy and sell homes, and sellers will be at risk of losing equity, so they will need stagers even more." Senior Retrofitting According to AARP, 82 percent of midlife and older Americans wish to remain in their homes forever. With the oldest boomers turning 60 next year, this means you can expect to hear a lot more about retrofitting homes for senior living. The National Association of Home Builders in Washington, DC, predicts that the aging-in-place remodeling market will comprise anywhere from $20 billion to $25 billion of the more than $214 billion remodeling market in the coming years. But "boomers don't want to see themselves as getting frail," says Jim Lapides of the NAHB Remodelors Council. Making stairs easier to climb or lowering light switches may ease the aging process, but many seniors won't seek out such retrofits. So the NAHB encourages remodelers to cross-sell subtle retrofitting for aging in place when doing routine jobs in seniors' homes. Networking is key to reaching this demo-graphic. Get started by targeting local clubs, insurance outfits and health-care professionals.--Michelle Prather

Danbury - $350K - $400K ( 3 bedrooms min.)

Single Family Homes in Danbury, with 3 or more bedrooms Over 1,250 Sq.Ft. Between $350,000 and $400,00 Active as of April 16, 2006 - 3:00PM Just click here to see some information and pictures of these properties (Valid until 06/01/06) Contact me if you want to visit one of these properties or any other property in Fairfield County

Nestor@BuyersCapital.com

Housing Market to Stay on High Plateau

WASHINGTON (April 11, 2006) – Home sales should generally level-out and remain at historically high levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®. David Lereah, NAR’s chief economist, said mortgage interest rates are trending up but will remain favorable. “Economic growth and job creation are providing a favorable backdrop for the housing market, but rising interest rates have an offsetting effect,” Lereah said. “Home sales will move up and down somewhat over the remainder of the year but stay at a high plateau, meaning this will be the third strongest year on record.” He expects the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to rise to 6.9 percent by the end of the year. Growth in the U.S. gross domestic product is forecast at 3.7 percent in 2006, while the unemployment rate should average 4.8 percent. Existing-home sales are projected to drop 6.0 percent to 6.65 million this year from a record 7.08 million in 2005. New-home sales are likely fall 10.9 percent to 1.14 million from the record 1.28 million last year – both sectors would see the third best year following 2005 and 2004. Housing starts are forecast at 2.00 million in 2006, which is 3.2 percent below the 2.07 million in total starts last year. NAR President Thomas M. Stevens from Vienna, Va., said home prices are expected to cool, but not as much as in earlier projections. “Although housing inventories have been improving, the balance is still a bit more favorable for sellers and annual appreciation remains in double-digit territory,” said Stevens, senior vice president of NRT Inc. “Even so, the market is in a process of normalization – appreciation will return to normal single-digit patterns, providing solid investment returns into the future.” The national median existing-home price for all housing types is likely to increase 6.4 percent this year to $221,700, while the median new-home price is expected to rise 2.3 percent to $242,700. Inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index is seen at 3.4 percent in 2006. Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income should grow 3.8 percent this year. The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

BETHEL - $300K - $400K ( 3 bedrooms min.)

Single Family Homes in Bethel, with 3 or more bedrooms Between $300,000 and $400,00 Active as of April 10, 2006 - 3:00PM Just click here to see some information and pictures of these properties (Valid until 06/01/06) Contact me if you want to visit one of these properties or any other property in Fairfield County

Nestor@BuyersCapital.com

STAMFORD: Condos $300K-$450K

Condominiums & Townhouses: 2 or more bedrooms - Over 1,200 SqFt

Between $300,000 and $450,00

Listings updated in the MLS since 04/1/06 (Updates sometimes imply a price reduction, a price raise, or a simple change in some remarks or information)

Just click here to see some information and pictures of these properties (Valid until 06/01/06)

Contact me if you want to visit one of these properties or any other property in Fairfield County

Nestor@BuyersCapital.com

STAMFORD: Under $600K

Single Family Homes: min. 3 bedrooms - min. 2 bathrooms

Min. 1,350 SqFt and under $600,000

Listings updated in the MLS since 03/15/06 (Updates sometimes imply a price reduction, a price raise, or a simple change in some remarks or information)

Just click here to see some information and pictures of these properties.

Contact me if you want to visit one of these properties or any other property in Fairfield County.

Nestor@BuyersCapital.com

Ready to Buy???

The rules

1) Get pre-approved for your loan. According to Lennox Scott, CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate, it's more important than ever this year to get pre-approved -- because virtually every other buyer has. "You have to do that," he says, "to show you're capable and motivated." Mortgage broker Bob Moulton, of Americana Mortgage, says it reduces the stress of home buying. "You're going through a fire drill before closing, lining up inspectors, attorneys, getting paperwork together. It's a lot easier if you already have the loan in place." Pre-approval involves filling out a mortgage application before you begin to shop. It includes all your financial information such as salary, credit history and bank statements, and it establishes a target loan amount. Approval typically takes at least several days.

2) Determine how much you can afford. Remember, you probably can't count on the soaring home-price market to bail you out anymore. Too, prices have changed dramatically in many places in just the past 12 months. You may have to re-think where you want to live. In Phoenix, prices grew nearly 50 percent. Several cities in Florida were up 40 percent or more. That split-level you had your eye last April may be an unaffordable today. In addition, interest rates are on the rise, increasing monthly payments. Lenders typically don't want their borrowers' total home expenses -- including mortgage, taxes and insurance -- to exceed 28 percent of their gross income. A borrower with household income of $60,000 a year, paying off a car loan at $300 a month and property taxes of $3,000 a year, would be eligible for a loan big enough to buy up to a $300,000 home on a 30-year, fixed 6.5 percent rate. Jim Gillespie, CEO of Coldwell Banker, says, "For every 1 percent rise in mortgage rates, 250,000 to 300,000 buyers are priced out of the market."

3) Don't get caught up in a bidding war. Try not to fall too deeply in love when bidding on a home -- you're much more likely to overpay if you do. This year, it should be easier to hold out. Housing inventories have risen steadily the past six months. As Moulton says, "With all the inventory out there, there's always another house."

4) Check out the home thoroughly before going to contract. Hiring a home inspector is always a good investment. They may find problems that can be repaired at the seller's expense. At the very least, buyers can get some idea of how much they'll need to put into repairs and remodeling before they close. This is more important than ever. Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, is predicted double-digit increases in the prices of construction materials this year, thanks, in part, to Hurricane Katrina. Labor and energy costs will also spike.

5) Pick your sales agent carefully. Working with an experienced pro can make house hunting a pleasure instead of a nightmare, but the housing bubble of the past few years has lured legions of green recruits to the field. Be extra careful in choosing an agent this year.

Source: www.money.cnn.com

Introduction

My name is Nestor Noriega-Romero and I am a Realtor licensed for the state of Connecticut and work with COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE. My objective is to bring to you the most current listings offered not only by my company but any company using the Multiple Listing Service - MLS. As your Real Estate Agent I will represent your interest in your Real Estate transactions and will provide assistance along the way in the process of acquiring Real Estate, whether it is your first home or an investment property. I will post once a week a selection of the latest listings available and I would like to hear from you if you have any questions or any specific needs you may want to discuss with me privately. You can reach me at : 203-515-5511 or via e-mail at: Nestor@HomesByNestor.com