Hickory Dickory Dock...

   Don't forget to change back your clock 

November 2nd! 

This is also a great time to change batteries in your smoke detectors! 

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Winter is coming, and with it comes the hazards of cold and some home owner tasks. Here is just a small list of items that you will want to do before the first snow falls. 

• Take the snow blower out of storage and be sure to have it serviced
• Check for extra gloves, hats, snow shovels
• Drain outside houses and cover faucets 
• Have your furnace inspected
• Have your fireplace cleaned and inspected
• Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Check and clean gutters and inspect chimney
• If needed, add additional insulation to walls 
• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows
• Install storm doors and cover windows with plastic from the inside
• Insulate any water lines that run along outer walls
• Install easy-to-read outdoor thermometer. 

If finding a new home is on your winter to do list, contact me today. We can have you home for the holidays. 

INCREASE YOUR MOOD BY BRINGING NATURE INTO YOUR HOME

Did you know that flowers can boost our moods and can help reduce stress?  To see what all the hype is about, start with some easy ways to surround yourself with fresh blooms, plants and nature. Here are some simple and cost-effective ways to bring more nature into your home.

Start a Container Garden

Whether you're short on space, or just want to infuse more greenery and flowers around the house, you could start planting a container garden. Grab an old wine crate and line it with newspaper or burlap before planting herbs, lettuce or your favorite flowers. Place your plants in the window or on the deck or rooftop apartment.

Plant Blossoms for Butterflies

Head to your backyard or rooftop garden and plant a garden with butterflies in mind. Choose flowering plants and blooms native to your geographic region, to help butterflies get the nectar and foliage required to blossom into adults. Color matters to butterflies, much like humans. They're usually attracted to red, yellow, pink, purple and red. To keep butterflies around, stagger your plants so that when one stops blooming, another one starts.

Create a Greenhouse

It doesn’t take much space or supplies to put together a small greenhouse. Buy a kit at your local hardware store, or you can always make one yourself. Use PVC pipes and clear plastic sheeting and place it in a well lit room. Put glass shelves in a window frame and place your plants on the shelves for a simple and easy-to-remove greenhouse.

Build a Home for Bees

Another idea you could do is to plant a garden for bees, similar to how you can create a garden for butterflies. To create a space with clean water in a shallow container with pebbles for bees to land and drink when thirsty. Like your butterfly garden, pick native flowers and also select single flower tops like marigolds. Double flowers are harder for bees to draw pollen. Designate an area of your garden in a brightly lit spot for bee burrowing with extra soil. But not all bees like to nest in the ground. Pile pieces of wood and bamboo sections for your wood nesting bee friends.

Start Composting

Now that you’ve brought more green and colorful blooms into your home, what should you do with them once they die? Start a compost bin and throw in your old stems, blooms and leaves along with discarded fruit, coffee grounds and grass clippings among others. Use the compost to add to your gardens and indoor plants and watch them flourish.

Creating Your New Home Wishlist

Before your new home search begins, let's take a moment to sit down and go over what you are looking for in your next home. It is important to sit down and decided your features vs amenities. These two factors are important to helping you find your next home. Your features are you needs and amenities are more of your wants.  It helps to know what you are looking for in your next home so that together we can find your perfect home. Contact me and together we can go over your new home wishlist. 

To help clarify features vs amenities, I have created a short example list of both. 

Features 

• Age of the Home: Do you prefer a historic home or a newer construction?
• Style: Do you want a ranch, bungalow or another style of home? 
• Bedrooms: How many? 
• Bathrooms: How many? Do you want them updated? 
• Kitchen: How big? Updated? Open to other rooms in the home? 
• Square Footage: How big do you need your home to be? 

Amenities

• Fireplace
• Pool
• Patio,Deck, Porch
• Sprinkler System
• Security System 
• Workshop/Studio

Stage your home, including the garage!

"The garage can become sort of an after-thought when putting your home on the market, these days it really shouldn't be. More often than not, these days, the garage can be a pivotal point for buyers. Buyers look beyond the garage as something to park cars, they can double as home gyms, storage space, home offices, workshops.

We have all the home listings where sellers simply use the garage to store all their stuff that they plan to take with them or get rid of. While that might be convenient for the current homeowners, it's not very enticing for potential new buyers. If buyers can barely walk into the garage, they'll likely skip it entirely and may feel a bit cheated.

Square footage counts and many people have plans to use that extra garage space for things you might not have thought of. A good-looking garage will attract buyers.

Do what you can to improve your garage but start with the basics. If your garage door is in shoddy shape, replace the hardware. Nothing worse than a buyer taking a look at your garage just as a spring breaks on the automatic garage door! Make sure to sweep out the garage as well. Taking the time to show that you take care of the garage, well also reflect on how well you take care of the rest of your home.

Then take a look around and see what things you can get off the floor and into shelves or cabinets in your garage. The less you have on the floor, the more spacious the garage will feel. If the new buyers have big cars, ample space for cars as well as storage space for household items will be very important.

A garage may not always be the main attraction like the kitchen or master bedroom, but it definitely has its own appeal especially when it's staged to sell."

Are you interested in buying or selling your home? Go ahead and contact me so we can get together and work on your real estate dreams. 

Team work makes the dream work! 

Did you know....

When listing your home with me and NP Dodge Real Estate, I can provide a great service to you while your home is listed. I know that you deserve the best and that's exactly what you get...the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. the nation's leading provider of home warranties for over 30 years. Here at NP Dodge, we understand the importance of having comprehensive coverage and protection available for what may be your largest investment...that is why we offer the exclusive 

2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. We are proud to have partnered with 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. 

Complimentary seller's coverage is provided during the listing period with a seller's commitment to purchase buyer's coverage at the time of closing. Complimentary coverage will begin upon notifcation of seller's commitment to purchase buyer's coverage to home warranty company, and will continue for a period of one year or until the home sale closes, whichever comes first. 

So let's sit down together and review what I am able to provide to you when you list your home with Kristi Creger.

Contact me today so we can get your home on the market tomorrow. 

DIY Fall Decorating

Harvest table

An easy grouping of seasonal items and colors brings autumn to your tabletop.

Orange and white pumpkins plus yellow chrysanthemums in a sunny yellow container create an eye-catching centerpiece. Elevate some of the pumpkins for added flair. Go ahead and get creative with the fun fall colors. This is perfect for your next fall gathering. 

Six Fall Clean Up Tips for your home.

It’s time to get ready for winter with a thorough fall cleanup all around the outside of your home. 
Courtesy of True Value

Step 1: Keep Up on Lawn Maintenance

Keep mowing your lawn right up until the first frost, but try to keep the grass length longer than 2½" throughout the fall season. When you mow for the last time, use a mulching mower. The mulch will keep as much nitrogen as possible in the soil over the winter and into the spring. Don’t forget to check your lawn for weeds. Use a dandelion weeder to pop them out of the soil, and they won’t return in the spring.

 Step 2: Dethatch and Aerate Your Lawn

Thatch builds up when grass clippings are not chopped finely enough with a mulching mower or if excessive clippings are not removed after cutting. To prevent thatch from accumulating, rake your lawn after mowing. 

Lawn aeration in the fall will give you healthy grass in the spring. Aerating allows for greater movement of water, fertilizer and air. It also increases the speed of mulch decomposition and encourages deep root growth, so be sure to aerate before applying fertilizer.

Step 3: Plant in the Fall for Spring Blooms

For the best spring bloom of your garden, start planting bulbs now. Many common bulbs can be planted in fall, including tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Tubers such as daylilies and dahlias are also popular choices for the fall planting season. Use a blanket of compost or mulch several inches thick to cover your newly planted bulbs during the winter months. Fall is also the best time to plant cool-season grasses. Varieties such as perennial rye, bluegrass and fescue do well this time of year for filling bare spots. 

Step 4: Fertilize Your Lawn and Garden

It’s important to fertilize before the first frost. Experts at your local hardware store can fill you in on everything you need to know about lawn fertilization, including how to find the right fall fertilizer for your grass or flowerbeds. Take note not to fertilize roses, however, because this discourages winter growth and makes your roses more vulnerable to extreme temperatures and conditions.

Step 5: Prepare Your Deck or Patio

Wintry conditions can be hard on decks and patios, and any furniture on them. Remove patio furniture and store it in the garage or wherever there’s space. If that’s not an option, invest in furniture covers that are made to withstand the harsh winter weather. Before you store or cover anything, clean your furniture properly. Wipe each piece with damp cloths and dry with towels. 

Step 6: Clean and Repair Gutters

When the bulk of leaves have fallen for the season, check your gutters. Clogged gutters can damage your home and cause basement flooding when snow melts, so it’s important to clean your gutters before winter hits. Use a ladder to get onto the roof, and then remove leaves and twigs with gloved hands and/or a large scoop.  Use a hose to flush out the gutters after you’re done cleaning. With the hose running, you may find any leaks that need to be repaired.

DIY Tip of the Week:

DIY Tip of the Week: Getting creative with clutter. 

Do you ever just check your mail at home, maybe get a wedding invitation or great coupon for that handyman you've been meaning to call, but then get busy and sit down and it's forever lost (well until the coupon expires or the wedding RSVP deadline has passed). Why not creative with a way to keep that all organized. This cute idea is using a wooden shutter as a great way to hold mail, incoming mail, items that need to be mailed or even add a cute calendar for your weekly schedule or notes for the store. This can be a fun way to add color to your room as well as great message board so you're not forgetting those important pieces of mail. 

Great News for First Time Homebuyers

I am happy to announce that First National Bank now offers a grant program available for first time homebuyers.  First time homebuyers might be eligible to receive up to $3,000 to use towards their down payment and/or closing costs. (the grant is $4,000 but has $1,000 in fees for the grant, so the net is $3,000 to the buyer )

 Borrowers are required to take a homebuyer education class which costs $99.  This class can be taken in person or online.  Both class options take approximately 8 hours.

 The grant is a 5 year forgivable loan, no payments are due during the 5 years, and after 5 years the money owed is forgiven. ( if house is sold or refinanced within 5 years, then borrower has to pay a portion of the $4,000 back )

 Buyers have to make below 80% of the Area Median Income.

For the Omaha Metro, the max household income is the following:

1 -2 Person:                        3+ Person:

$58,000                                 $66,800

 The grants are approved by a 3^rd party and it will take at least 60 days to close with a grant once I receive an accepted purchase contract.

 This is a great product for first time home buyers that do not have the down payment, can not get a gift, or do not qualify with the additional NIFA HBA loan payment.

  Please contact Nick  Zwiebel with First National Bank Mortgage Division with any questions.  He can be reached by phone at 402.602.5263 or email

Mobile device safety tip: Be Web Wise

Be Web Wise.
Stay informed of the latest updates on your device. Know what to do if something goes wrong.

 Stay current. Keep pace with new ways to stay safe online. Check trusted websites for the latest information, and share with friends, family, and colleagues and encourage them to be web wise.

 Know how to cell block others. Using caller ID, you can block all incoming calls or block individual names and numbers.
 Use caution when meeting face‐to‐face with someone who you only "know" through text messaging.

Omaha one of the Top 10 Cities to Live in Nebraska

Study: Best Cities to Live in Nebraska

---

With one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation, Nebraska is a prime destination for job seekers. The overall cost of living is substantially lower than the national average, with home prices among the lowest in the nation. If a move to the Midwest is in your future or you're interested in relocating within the state, check out CreditDonkey's guide to Nebraska's top cities.

The first thing newcomers see when they drive into the Cornhusker State are the welcome signs promoting Nebraska's "Good Life." A simple statement, it echoes the sentiment that drew the first homesteaders here in 1862 and continues to attract thousands of new residents each year. Agriculture continues to be the cornerstone of the state's economy, in both smaller rural communities and larger cities like Omaha. Part of America's heartland region, Nebraska's rich traditions and history continue to influence its modern values and way of life.

10 Best Cities to Live in Nebraska

STUDY METHODOLOGY

We compiled our rankings based on these five factors:

1. Crime Rate
2. Commute Time
3. Income
4. Education
5. Restaurants Per Capita

Overall, Nebraska ranks well in terms of safety, but we know that crime rates can vary drastically from one city to another. Our experts looked at the odds of being the victim of a violent crime to determine which cities are the safest.

Part of transitioning to a new town means getting used to the local traffic patterns on your drive to and from work. We calculated the average commute time for each city in our study and found that the longest drive time didn't exceed 21 minutes.

As its economy continues to expand, it's expected that workers will see their wages improve. If you're moving to Nebraska to look for a job, we've determined which cities pay the best based on median household incomes. We also considered how educated the residents of each city are, as this often correlates to employee wages.

Classic Americana is the phrase that perhaps best describes Nebraska's regional fare, but if you're looking for more than just meat and potatoes, you won't be disappointed. We looked at the number of restaurants per capita to determine which cities offer the best selection of dining choices.

10. FREMONT 

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 918.7 
• Commute Time: 16.5 minutes
• Income: $46,064
• Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 18.8% 
• Restaurants: 1 per 369 inhabitants

The family-friendly community of Fremont sits roughly 35 miles northwest of Omaha, in the valley between the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers. The city got its start as an agricultural center and agribusiness is still an important part of the local economy, along with manufacturing. Midland University also supplies plenty of jobs and is one of the fastest-growing private schools in Nebraska.

Did You Know: The annual John C. Fremont Days festival celebrates the town's history and the life of its founder.

9. NORFOLK 

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 872.1 
• Commute Time: 13.3 minutes
• Income: $39,836
• Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 23.2% 
• Restaurants: 1 per 386 inhabitants

Part of the Elkhorn River Valley, Norfolk is one of northeast Nebraska's largest economic centers. Healthcare and food processing are the top industries, with the retail trade not far behind. Along with a variety of job opportunities, the city also offers workers one of the shortest average commutes. Norfolk's popularity among families is largely attributed to its safe neighborhoods and kid-centered attractions, like Poppy's Pumpkin Patch and the AquaVenture water park.

Did You Know: Entertainment legend Johnny Carson graduated from Norfolk High School.

8. HASTINGS 

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 437.9 
• Commute Time: 14.3 minutes
• Income: $44,241
• Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 20.1% 
• Restaurants: 1 per 411 inhabitants

If you're in search of a quiet place to call home that still offers many of the conveniences of urban living, the mid-size rural community of Hastings may be just what you're looking for. Manufacturing is the heart of the city's economy, although agriculture remains prominent throughout Adams County. Bird watching is a favorite past time of both residents and visitors alike, with more than 250 species of waterfowl migrating through the area each spring.

Did You Know: Hastings resident Edwin E. Perkins invented Kool-Aid here in 1927.

7. OMAHA 

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 168.2 
• Commute Time: 18 minutes
• Income: $46,978
• Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 32.5% 
• Restaurants: 1 per 397 inhabitants

Nebraska's largest city, Omaha boasts a population of more than 420,000 residents. The city's economy is one of the most diverse in the states, with the Offutt Air Force Base and the University of Nebraska among the largest employers. Aside from a booming job market, newcomers are also drawn to the city's affordable housing and a cost of living that's approximately 12% lower than the national average. There are more than 1,000 restaurants to choose from, with V. Mertz and The Grey Plume drawing rave reviews from locals and critics alike.

Did You Know: Omaha's Bob Kerrey Bridge, which connects the city with neighboring Council Bluffs, Iowa, is one of the longest pedestrian bridge projects ever constructed.

6. COLUMBUS 

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 1,126.9 
• Commute Time: 14.1 minutes
• Income: $48,123
• Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 19.1% 
• Restaurants: 1 per 375 inhabitants

Columbus sits on the banks of the Loup River, close to the point where it joins with the Platte River. Like many of Nebraska's smaller towns, agriculture and manufacturing feature heavily in the local market and the unemployment rate is among the lowest in the state. Violent crime is a rarity, making it an ideal spot to raise a family. If you're looking for some grown-up fun, check out Glur's Tavern, touted as the oldest bar west of the Missouri River.

Did You Know: Columbus was the site of the first full dress rehearsal for Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show.

5. BELLEVUE 

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 939.6 
• Commute Time: 19.8 minutes
• Income: $58,148
• Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 26.3% 
• Restaurants: 1 per 642 inhabitants

Located less than 10 miles from Omaha, Bellevue is one of the metro area's most up-and-coming suburbs. Following a lengthy period of decline, the city saw a resurgence with the opening of nearby Offutt Air Force Base. Today, the city is thriving, as evidenced by its higher median incomes, low incidence of violent crime and moderately priced homes. The Fontenelle Forest Nature Center and Lake Manawa State Park offer ample recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Did You Know: Originally settled in the 1830s as a fur trading post, Bellevue is considered Nebraska's oldest continuously operating town.

4. LINCOLN 

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 251.6 
• Commute Time: 17.6 minutes
• Income: $49,504
• Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 35.9% 
• Restaurants: 1 per 491 inhabitants

Nebraska's capital city is also its second largest, with a population of more than 265,000. Home to the main campus of the University of Nebraska, the state government offices and major companies like Bryan LGH Medical Center, Lincoln's economy is one of Nebraska's heartiest. Aside from cheering on the Cornhuskers on game day, residents can enjoy a number of local attractions, such as the Lincoln Children's Zoo, Antelope Park and the Mueller Planetarium.

Did You Know: One of the largest woolly mammoth skeletons ever unearthed was discovered in Lincoln and can be viewed at the University of Nebraska State Museum.

3. LA VISTA 

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 1,624.2 
• Commute Time: 19.5 minutes
• Income: $59,488
• Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 31.8% 
• Restaurants: 1 per 642 inhabitants

Another suburb of Omaha, La Vista, one of the smallest cities in our rankings, continues to grow at a steady pace. Home prices are slightly higher compared to the metro area, but residents earn a substantially higher median wage and enjoy a much better violent crime rate. The commute is one of the longest, at nearly 20 minutes, but it's well worth it if you prefer a safer community with a strong emphasis on family values.

Did You Know: La Vista Daze is the city's most popular event, featuring a carnival, parade, fireworks and a community cookout.

2. PAPILLION 

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 2,433.3 
• Commute Time: 21.1 minutes
• Income: $73,988
• Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 39% 
• Restaurants: 1 per 630 inhabitants

Papillion has earned top honors from several national publications as one of the nation's best small towns and we couldn't agree more. With a violent crime rate of 1 in more than 2,400, this bustling Omaha suburb is the safest city in our rankings. It's also one of the most affluent, with residents earning a median annual income of nearly $74,000. Top-rated schools, numerous outdoor attractions and a charming historic downtown solidify Papillion's position as one of Nebraska's best cities.

1. KEARNEY  

• Odds of Being a Victim of a Violent Crime: 1 in 747.7 
• Commute Time: 13.3 minutes
• Income: $47,614
• Residents With a Bachelor's Degree or Higher: 35.2% 
• Restaurants: 1 per 318 inhabitants

Known as the Sandhill Crane Capital of the World, Kearney lies along the north bank of the Platte River. The strength of its economy is grounded in the education, manufacturing and healthcare industries, with the University of Nebraska at Kearney ranked as a top employer. Violent crime rates are exceptionally low and the city ties with Norfolk for the shortest average commute. The Alley Rose serves up comfort foods with a high-end twist but if you crave a taste of Thai, Suwannee is the top choice among locals.

Did You Know: Each spring, residents and visitors gather for the Crane Watch Festival to observe hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes as they travel north to their breeding grounds.

---

While Nebraska's pace may be a little slower compared to other states, most Cornhuskers agree that it's one of the things that makes living here so appealing. The 10 cities we've included in our rankings are a diverse mix to be sure, but when it comes to safety, education, income and quality of life they represent the cream of the crop.

Data Sources:

• U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates
• FBI, Uniform Crime Reports
• U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
• U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census

Mobile device safety tip: Connect with Care

Use common sense when you connect. If you’re online through an unsecured or unprotected network, be cautious about the sites you visit and the information you release.


 Get savvy about Wi‐Fi hotspots: Limit the type of business you conduct and adjust the security settings on your device to limit who can access your phone.

 Protect your $$: When banking and shopping, check to be sure the sites is security enabled. Look for web addresses with "https://" or "shttp://", which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. "Http://" is not secure.

 When in doubt, don’t respond. Fraudulent texting, calling and voicemails are on the rise. Just like email, requests for personal information or to immediate action are almost always a scam.

DIY of the Week:

DIY of the week: Get creative with board games. 

Do you and your family/friends like to get together for game night but don't always like having to get the games out from closet because of all the other items that the game board have to share a space with. 

Why not create these custom shadow boxes that hold your games and you can store your game pieces in a plastic bag behind the game board. I think this is a great way to add fun color and idea to your walls as well as make your favorite games a lot easier to get to. Here is how to create this creative custom board game. 

Photo found on Pinterest 

Mobile Device Safety Tip.

Phones can contain tremendous amounts of personal information. Lost or stolen devices can be used to gather information about you and, potentially, others. Protect your phone like you would your computer.

 Secure your phone: Use a strong passcode to lock your phone.

 Think before you app: Review the privacy policy and understanding what data (location, access to your

social networks) on your device an app can access before you download it.

 Only give your mobile number out to people you know and trust and never give anyone else's number

out without their permission.

 Learn how to disable the geotagging feature on your phone at 

                                            http://icanstalku.com/how.php#disable.

Mobile Devices Safety Tips

Over the next few days, I would like to share with you some great safety tips to help keep you, your family and your mobile devices safe.  Here are some ways to keep your device safe, by keeping it clean. 

Keep a Clean Machine.

Mobile devices are computers with software that needs to be kept up‐to‐date (just like your PC, laptop or tablet).

Security protections are built in and updated on a regular basis. Take time to make sure all the mobile devices in your

house have the latest protections. This may require synching your device with a computer.

 Keep security software current: Having the latest mobile security software, web browser, and operating

system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.

 

Protect all devices that connect to the Internet: Computers, smart phones, gaming systems, and other webenabled

devices all need protection from viruses and malware.

Meet Nick: First National Bank Mortgage Loan Officer

   Nick Zwiebel, First National Bank

   Mortgage Loan Officer

   16909 Lakeside Hills Plaza, Suite 119

   Omaha, NE 68130 

   Direct Phone: 402-602-5363

  Website: https://nzwiebel-firstnational1lo.mortgagewebcenter.com/

I appreciate you taking time to consider First National Bank and myself as your mortgage provider. I would be privileged to assist you with your purchasing, refinancing, or home building needs.
With over 9 years of experience in the mortgage industry, I will give you the knowledge and experience necessary in making one of your largest financial decisions. As a mortgage professional, I feel it is my responsibility to educate and help you understand your options.  My goal is to ensure you get a loan program to fit your lifestyle along with making your experience simple and as exciting as buying a new home should be! I really look forward to meeting you and helping you accomplish your financial goals!

DIY of the Week

DIY of the Week: Take advantage of small spaces!

Do you have a small wall between bedrooms or in your hallway that you are just now sure what to do with? Why not create a Memory Corner, this can be a great way to show off those professional and even personal snapshots. You can be as creative as you want to be and it can be pretty inexpensive to create. The best part is how often you can change out your photos and be able to show off those great photos instead of keeping them in a photo album. 

"LOVE IT OR LIST IT" Great tips to hlep you decide time to remodel or sell

"LOVE IT OR LIST IT" TIPS TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHETHER TO REMODEL OR SELL

f

As home prices increase, homeowners have options. Some are quickly gaining back the equity they lost over the last several years. That creates opportunity to refinance, remodel, or maybe sell.

If you're sitting on the fence trying to determine whether to list your home for sale or to stay in it, consider these important tips. So according to Reality Times here are some great tips on how to 

Tip 1: Do a "Love it or List it" Analysis.

On a sheet of paper write down the things you love about your home and the things that might cause you to decide to list your home for sale. Take your time doing this. Really give every aspect of your home consideration. Do you like the neighborhood? Is it where you want to stay for a long while or even retire? Is the area or your home lacking something? Could remodeling your home be the solution?

Once you do the "love it or list it" analysis, you'll be able to identify which parts of your home are bothering your the most. With that information, you can now start to explore more options.

Tip 2: Do your research.

This applies to both options–remodeling or selling. Visit other neighborhoods that you might like to live in. Carefully explore the surrounding area, the homes, the types of people, the shops, businesses, and churches. Think about your commute. Would it be longer? Would it cost more in gas? Are there any gains to offset extra costs? Gathering these details will help you add more to your "love it or list it" analysis.

Also, invite some real estate agents to your home to get some expert advice on how much your home would sell for and how long it might take. When you get that information, it can help you determine if selling is best.

Next visit some remodeling companies. See their remodeling projects and invite their team to your house to offer their suggestions. Sometimes what a homeowner thinks is a difficult remodel is really quite simple. Of course, the opposite is true too. For instance, if a home doesn't have the supporting structure it needs, a remodel could become very complex or, in some case, impossible, which might prompt an immediate desire to sell.

Tip 3: Have your financial records in order.

Whether you decide to remodel or sell, having your financial records easily accessible is vital. You'll need these documents for both situations. Knowing what upgrades you've already done to the home will help when it comes time to sell. And, having your tax documents and other financial information on hand will help you if you decide to remodel using financing.

Tip 4: Evaluate the process.

Talk to expert listing agents and remodeling companies so that you can completely understand what to expect with both processes. If you're listing your home, learn about the marketing process, holding open houses, showing your home, what large items might need to be removed, and the overall timing of how long you'll need before you close escrow. For remodeling, get details about the length of the expected renovation. Will you be able to live in the home or will you have to find a place to stay? Will you use one firm to do both the design and build process? Often this is easier and can be less costly than using several contractors.

Take your time and pay close attention to all the details. Both selling and renovating a home are major decisions. Make sure you give the decision-making process ample time as well as compiling a considerable amount of research to make your final decision.

A Guide to Spending & Living Within Your Means

"According to First National Bank, Living within your means doesn’t have to mean eliminating the things you love in life. Creating a detailed budget, tracking your spending, saving for unexpected expenses, and finding simple ways to enjoy your favorite things for less can help you avoid building up debt and struggling financially.

Be aware of all income and fixed expenses. Evaluate your current financial situation and create a budget containing an itemized list of your income sources and amounts (paychecks, pension, freelance, etc.) and all of your monthly bills (from your cell phone bill to your mortgage payment).

Create a list of essentials. Essentials include expenses that are necessary to live your daily life such as groceries, gas or transportation costs, and personal hygiene and health products. Make sure to separate your ‘needs’ from your ‘wants’ and do not include costs associated with entertainment, dining, or splurges on clothes or electronics.

Set a savings goal. Ensure that you are saving a portion of your income each month to prepare for unexpected expenses, as well as future purchases such as a family vacation or a new car or home. Use our online calculator‘What will it take to save for a vehicle, home, etc?’ to set a goal and help determine how much you should automatically transfer to your savings account each paycheck.

Track your spending and saving. Track all income, spending and saving contributions to stay on track. First National’s online banking allows you to monitor your accounts 24/7, easily pay your bills, and manage your finances.

Stick to a fixed monthly budget for your ‘wants.' Be smart when spending your discretionary income. Do you really need a latte every morning before work? Maybe cut back to once a week. Or instead of treating your family of four to an afternoon at the movie theater, rent a movie and spend some quality time together in the comfort of your own home. Setting monthly budgets and ensuring you don’t go over will only help you in the long run.

Constantly re-evaluate your finances. Your income, expenses, needs and wants can, and will, change over time. Major lifestyle changes such as marriage, starting a family, buying a home or starting a new job can all affect your finances. Make adjustments as needed to ensure you are still covering your expenses while saving for the future.

Keeping your goals in mind and making small changes to your spending and savings habits can make all the difference when it comes to comfortably living within your means now and providing a secure financial situation for your family for years to come."