Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for first time home buyers?(12)

Michael Petruccelli says;  You may need to pay over list price in a seller's market, especially if many buyers are vying for the same inventory. Your agent can give you a reasonable price range and help to manage your expectations. An good buyer's agent knows there is always more to an offer than its price, but price is paramount.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some tips for first time home buyers?(11)

Michael Petruccelli says;  An agent can provide comparable sales and examine the pending sales. Comparable sales are similar type homes in the same condition and location that have sold within the past 3 months. Pending sales will become the comparable sales by the time your home closes.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (14)

Michael Petruccelli says; By learning more about the benefits needs and preferences of Gen Y, you can make benefits relevant and real to today's younger employees. Learn how you can integrate voluntary benefits into your clients workplace strategies to help them attract and retain this important demographic group.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (12)

Michael Petruccelli says; Though Gen Y is rarely away from their mobile devices, don't be fooled into thinking impressive enrollment technology will lead to a sure sale. Just because they're young and you display the information on an ipad doesn't mean Gen Y employees will buy from you.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (11)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Engage Gen Y with communication & education - The workplace continues to be Gen Y's most reliable source for benefits information, although they do not depend on it as much as their older colleagues do. They are significantly more likely than other generations to rely on family & friends. And surprisingly, they are much less likely to rely on online resources than older workers are.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Is Generation Y bigger than boomer, but full of financial woe? (9)

Michael Petruccelli says; Voluntary insurance plans allow employers to offer a cost effective, expanded benefits package at little or no cost to them. Gen Ys choose the benefits that best meet their individual needs and typically pay for these products themselves, often through convenient pay roll deduction.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3e)

Michael Petruccelli says; Remove anything blocking the electricial panel. It needs to be accessible to the inspector.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3d)

Michael Petruccelli says; Make sure the A/C unit is uncovered and de-winterized.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3c)

Michael Petruccelli says; The crawl space access should be clear.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you prepare for an Open House? (3a)

Michael Petruccelli says; Make sure it's accessible - All exterior doors should be accessible. Just because the secondary entrance is not currently in use, doesn't mean that other's want to check it out.

Michael Petruccelli asks;How do you prepare for an Open House? (2)

Michael Petruccelli says; Here are a few ideas - beyond the basics - to help prepare the home for the open house (and, incidentally, the home inspection that will soon followwhen all your hard work will payoff!)

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (10)

Michael Petruccelli says;   Grounding - The process of connecting electrically conducive items to the earth by various means, which then ensures excess or errant electrical current will be absorbed into the ground. We often refer to driven rod grounding or water service pipe grounding.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (9)

Michael Petruccelli says;  GFCI or GFI - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter is an electrical current monitoring device designed to detect a ground fault in as little as 1/40 of a second, subsequently stopping the flow of electricity. These are required in bathrooms, garages, kitchens, laundries, exteriors and more. GFI circuits are designed to prevent electrocution.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (8)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Electrical Service Rating - Refers to the amperage rating supplied to the home, typically 100, 125, 150, or 200 amps.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (2)

Michael Petruccelli says;  This basic knowledge of electrical terms and components in their home, will not only serve as valuable knowledge when working with electricity, but also to keep the home safe as well.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Electrical terms for homeowners (1)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Some home owners are not afraid to tackle any sort of electrical fix or upgrade in their homes. Others would rather not deal with their electrical systems at all. But one thing is certain, no matter how comfortable you are with electricity, all homeowners should have a basic understanding of electrical terms and components in their home. 

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some ways to spruce up my curb appeal? (6) Mailboxes

Michael Petruccelli says;  The Buzz. If you choose to plant flowers around your mailbox, especially ones that climb the box itself, avoid those that attract bees. The last thing your mail-carrier wants to do every day is fight to avoid being stung by a swarm of critters around your mailbox-and you probably will feel the same way when you retrieve the mail.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some ways to spruce up my curb appeal? (5) Mailboxes

Michael Petruccelli says;  Say Thanks. We've been talking about the outside of the mailbox; let's talk about the inside. It doesn't have to be on the mail-carrier's holiday; any day is a good day to say thanks to the people in your life. So why not leave a note in the box today for your mail-carrier instead of the other way around?

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some ways to spruce up my curb appeal? (4) Mailboxes

Michael Petruccelli says;  Grass and Succulents. Ornamental grasses and succulents are a great low maintenance alternative to traditional flowering plants for around your mailbox. They don't require watering; just let the rain take care of that and call it a day. This low maintenance is especially nice if your mailbox is far from the house and less likely to be watered by hand.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What are some ways to spruce up my curb appeal? (3) Mailboxes

Michael Petruccelli says;  Think four seasons. No, don't make your mailbox look like a five star hotel. Think about the four seasons of the year which your mailbox holds a very prominent place in your yard. When you pick plants for around your mailbox, choose a couple different varieties that bloom at different times of the yea, plus ever green-so the area always looks groomed and attractive.