1. What type of equipment will be used? Proper equipment should range from the more sophisticated testing devices (electrical circuit analyzers, electronic carbon monoxide and fuel gas analyzers, digital moisture meters, digital cameras to document findings, etc.), to the more mundane but necessary equipment, such as ladders, flashlights, levels, etc.
2. Be sure to follow the home inspector and ask questions. No questions are foolish for first time homebuyers. Learn as much as you can from the home inspector during the home inspection.
3. Choose a home inspection company with top credentials. Choose a home inspection company that understands your needs and will work with you to help you meet your goals.
4. Be sure to obtain a written home inspection report. Be sure that your home inspection report will be a detailed written report, not a hand written checklist that is given to you at the end of the home inspection.
5. Ask about important professional affiliations. Be sure that the home inspection company you retain has professional affiliations, such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors)and NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors).
6. Be sure to attend the home inspection. First time homebuyers should attend the home inspection, which should take about two hours. One picture is worth a thousand words, and there is a unique opportunity to learn more about the home and its systems.

For more information about home ownership and the First Time Home Owner Tax Credit, contact an agent at Prudential Floberg REALTORS.

Prudential - Moving Forward - Product & Provider News

Summertime often means vacation time! However, while you are away, is your house safe and secure from burglary? According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are more than 2.15 million burglaries each year, over 65 percent of which are residential break-ins, with the majority occurring in the peak vacation months of July and August.

So how can you make sure your home is protected while you are off enjoying your summer? Here are a few household burglary prevention tips that can help:

• Use motion sensors lights on the exterior of your home.
• Double check that all outside doors and windows are locked when leaving your home.
• Do not leave Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or any other online message letting people know that you are out of town.
• Never hide keys under doormats, flower pots, etc. Burglars know where to look for hidden keys.
• Make breaking into your home noisy. Consider installing an alarm system.
• Engrave valuables with a personal ID number.
• Leave blinds, shades and curtains in a normal position.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked at all times.
• Turn your telephone ringer down so no one outside can hear repeated rings.
• Use timers for your interior lights to come on in the evening and off during the day.
• Get to know your neighbors. Watch out for suspicious people or vehicles at one another’s homes.
• Have someone mow your lawn while away.
• Arrange for the post office to hold mail or have someone pick up mail and newspapers.
• Change locks if your keys are stolen.

Existing-home sales-including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops-increased 3.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.89 million units in June from a downwardly revised pace of 4.72 million in May, but are 0.2% lower than the 4.90 million-unit level in June 2008.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, is hopeful about the gain. “The increase in existing-home sales occurred in all major regions of the country,” he said. “We expect a gradual uptrend in sales to continue due to tax credit incentives and historically high affordability condition.

 Signs of Change: Existing-Home Sales Rise 3.6% in June | RISMedia

Have questions on how the recent trends affect you and your property?  Contact your Prudential Floberg REALTOR.

The record low interest rates, the tax credit and great homes on the market make this a perfect time to buy your first home. The deadline for taking advantage of this opportunity is December 2009. To search for properties, please visit www.floberg.com.

The seminar is Monday, April 27 at 7 PM at the Poly Conference Center, located at 1550 Poly Drive. Call Chris at 406-869-7612 or e-mail him a Chris.ackerman@wellsfargo.com to reserve your spot.

Billings is ranked No. 1 in the nation for expected 2009 housing price appreciation by HousingPredictor.com, a Web site that provides housing news and real estate market forecasts for more than 250 U.S. cities. Its houses are projected to increase 2.1 percent in value.

Four other Montana cities and one Wyoming city were listed in the top 15. Only 10 of the top cities showed increasing values.

Fargo, N.D. was No. 2 at 1.8 percent; Lander, Wyo., was No. 3 at 1.7 percent, Bozeman No. 7 at 1.3 percent; Great Falls was No. 11 at -0.9 percent; and Livingston and Missoula tied for No. 12 at -0.8 percent.

The report said that, “As it gets harder and harder to find housing markets that are appreciating or not falling at double-digit rates of deflation, North Dakota and Montana stand out as examples of what went right with America’s real estate markets during the boom.”

The survey said researchers gather information on more than 20 factors, including economics, political influences, business development, construction, employment levels and other socioeconomic issues.

Billings’ strong job market was cited as one reason behind its high ranking.

The top 15 cities: 1. Billings, 2.1 percent; 2. Fargo, 1.8 percent ; 3. Lander, 1.7 percent; 4-5. Trenton, N.J., and Morgantown, W.Va., 1.6 percent; 6. Logan, Utah, 1.4 percent; 7. Bozeman, 1.3 percent; 8. Albany, Ga., and Fairmont, W.V., 1.2 percent; 10. Minot, N.D., 1.0 percent; 11. Great Falls, -0.9 percent; 12. Livingston, Missoula and Bismarck, N.D., -0.8 percent; 15. Grand Forks, N.D., -1.1 percent.

Reprinted courtesy of Billings Gazette.

Questions on how this applies to you and your real estate investments, contact a Prudential Floberg REALTOR today.

Low, low interest rates, the tax credit and great homes on the market make this a perfect time to buy your first home. The tax credits are available for a limited time- until June 2009.

The seminar is offered two times:
Wednesday, January 7th, 2009— 5:30 PM
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 — 7:00 PM

Please call 406-869-7612 or email to reserve your spot.

Sponsored by Prudential Floberg REALTORS

RISMEDIA, Dec. 15, 2008-(MCT)-Lost in the holiday shuffle are usually the family critters, and maybe just as well, lest anyone get the bright idea of making them wear faux reindeer antlers.

But holiday hazards loom, and here are some to anticipate and avoid:

Food for Thought

Cooked turkey and chicken bones are an oft-warned-about danger, as they splinter easily, creating the potential for perforation or choking. Sugar is never appropriate for companion animals, so keep an eye on the cake and cookies. And while many home-feeders happily give their dogs and cats table scraps year-round, those animals who are not accustomed to real food might pay for it later with diarrhea or intestinal upset.

Shiny and Bright

Lots of holiday decorations can issue a siren call to curious animals. Tinsel, crinkly wrapping paper, glitter-covered ornaments-all can cause serious problems if chewed or ingested. Keep them out of reach. Similarly, never underestimate a dopey puppy’s inclination to want to chomp on holiday lights or extension cords.

Timber!

Dexterous cats are sometimes inspired to climb Christmas trees. Secure your tree to the wall with nearly invisible fishing line.

Dogs can inflict their own special brand of destruction on Old Tannenbaum, from leg lifts to branch tugs. Desperate owners sometimes surround the tree with a metal exercise pen or baby gate.

Death By You-Know-What

Animals and chocolate do not mix. Bakers chocolate contains higher levels of the toxic culprit, theobromine, than the milk chocolate you buy in the candy aisle, but any quantities of the sweet stuff can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and even death in cats and dogs.

Gummed Up

This one is a little out there, but you never know: Even small amounts of Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugarless gums, candies, baked goods and toothpastes, can cause liver failure and sometimes death in dogs; its effects are not well known in cats. Make sure that guests leave their pocketbooks and jackets out of reach, lest pick-pocketing lead your dog into serious trouble.

Planters Punch

Everybody knows about how lethal poinsettias are to animals - except that’s just plain wrong: These traditional holiday hothouse plants pose no threat other than some mild irritation if ingested. On the toxic list, however, is mistletoe, which can be serious if you do not seek veterinary attention. Ditto for daffodil and amaryllis bulbs, which are popular candidates for forcing this time of year.

If your animal ingests any potentially toxic substance, contact an animal poison control center. The ASPCA’s hotline is a good number to keep on the fridge: 888- 426-4435. There is a $60 consultation fee.

There’s the Door

The hustle and bustle surrounding guests can create opportunities for escape. Know where your animals are whenever the door opens and closes. As a safeguard, make sure your animals wear collars with proper identification.

Not Kidding

While some animals are crazy about kids, others are less impressed. If your dog has never been exposed to children, don’t make the holidays your proving ground.

Not a creature was stirring … Be aware of how much stress loud parties and unfamiliar visitors can cause in dogs and cats that are sensitive or shy. If yours are not party animals, find a quiet place for their crate, cage or carrier when company arrives.

© 2008, Newsday.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

Posted By Paige On December 14, 2008 @ 1:04 pm In Today’s Home Spun Wisdom | Comments Disabled

By Denise Flaim

RISMEDIA, Dec. 15, 2008-(MCT)-Lost in the holiday shuffle are usually the family critters, and maybe just as well, lest anyone get the bright idea of making them wear faux reindeer antlers.

But holiday hazards loom, and here are some to anticipate and avoid:

Food for Thought

Cooked turkey and chicken bones are an oft-warned-about danger, as they splinter easily, creating the potential for perforation or choking. Sugar is never appropriate for companion animals, so keep an eye on the cake and cookies. And while many home-feeders happily give their dogs and cats table scraps year-round, those animals who are not accustomed to real food might pay for it later with diarrhea or intestinal upset.

Shiny and Bright

Lots of holiday decorations can issue a siren call to curious animals. Tinsel, crinkly wrapping paper, glitter-covered ornaments-all can cause serious problems if chewed or ingested. Keep them out of reach. Similarly, never underestimate a dopey puppy’s inclination to want to chomp on holiday lights or extension cords.

Timber!

Dexterous cats are sometimes inspired to climb Christmas trees. Secure your tree to the wall with nearly invisible fishing line.

Dogs can inflict their own special brand of destruction on Old Tannenbaum, from leg lifts to branch tugs. Desperate owners sometimes surround the tree with a metal exercise pen or baby gate.

Death By You-Know-What

Animals and chocolate do not mix. Bakers chocolate contains higher levels of the toxic culprit, theobromine, than the milk chocolate you buy in the candy aisle, but any quantities of the sweet stuff can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and even death in cats and dogs.

Gummed Up

This one is a little out there, but you never know: Even small amounts of Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugarless gums, candies, baked goods and toothpastes, can cause liver failure and sometimes death in dogs; its effects are not well known in cats. Make sure that guests leave their pocketbooks and jackets out of reach, lest pick-pocketing lead your dog into serious trouble.

Planters Punch

Everybody knows about how lethal poinsettias are to animals - except that’s just plain wrong: These traditional holiday hothouse plants pose no threat other than some mild irritation if ingested. On the toxic list, however, is mistletoe, which can be serious if you do not seek veterinary attention. Ditto for daffodil and amaryllis bulbs, which are popular candidates for forcing this time of year.

If your animal ingests any potentially toxic substance, contact an animal poison control center. The ASPCA’s hotline is a good number to keep on the fridge: 888- 426-4435. There is a $60 consultation fee.

There’s the Door

The hustle and bustle surrounding guests can create opportunities for escape. Know where your animals are whenever the door opens and closes. As a safeguard, make sure your animals wear collars with proper identification.

Not Kidding

While some animals are crazy about kids, others are less impressed. If your dog has never been exposed to children, don’t make the holidays your proving ground.

Not a creature was stirring … Be aware of how much stress loud parties and unfamiliar visitors can cause in dogs and cats that are sensitive or shy. If yours are not party animals, find a quiet place for their crate, cage or carrier when company arrives.

© 2008, Newsday.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: [1] realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

RISMEDIA, Dec. 3, 2008-(MCT)-Thanksgiving? It’s come and gone. Your appetite? Satiated by monumental quantities of turkey, gravy, stuffing and cranberry sauce. Now you can sit back, relax and wait for the next big holiday feast, right?

Wrong! Now’s the time to work up an appetite before the gluttony yet to come. Arise from your turkey stupor-you’ve got to pick out the perfect Christmas tree! The sooner you pick it, the longer you can enjoy the rewards. And if you wait, your neighbors might get to it first.

Explore the tree options available in your region and consider your tree ornaments, lights and the space the tree will occupy. For example, if you plan to adorn a Christmas tree with lots of draping garlands or big ornaments that require room to hang, make sure there are adequate spaces between the boughs.

When it comes to the “where” of picking a tree, you have three basic options: tree lots, tree farms or forest land. The most convenient choice, a tree lot, features trees that were already harvested from tree farms, so they would not be the freshest trees. But proceeds often go to local community groups and charities-you’ll pick your tree and do a good deed at the same time.

For those who want to travel longer distances, tree farms offer the opportunity to cut your own tree from the ground. Many farms bustle with visitors and offer hot cider and sleigh rides, but you can sometimes find that secluded, remote tree farm as well, far from any crowd.

Or this season, why not pamper your inner mountain man? (He likes to be pampered.) Large amounts of land are open to those who prefer to hike through actual forests to find their perfect family Christmas tree. You will need a permit, often available from ranger stations or local outfitting stores. The trees that grow wild will not be as symmetrical as trees you would find in a farm. Remember to be prepared with warm clothing and water, and be careful not to lose your way.
Wherever you decide to go, pick a hearty, robust tree. Does the tree have lots of brown needles or appear discolored for its species? Does it seem barer than it should? Can you easily cause needles to fall off simply by brushing your hand down a branch? The healthier it is when you bring it home, the longer your tree will thrive.

A Christmas tree is a profound symbol of the season. Once you’ve brought one home, you can look down at your hands, rubbed raw by the bark and needles and sticky from sap; clean up the sawdust from your garage, because inevitably the tree was too tall for your house; watch your cat eying the tree ornaments mischievously; and groan as the tree settles crookedly into its stand. And all of this will make you smile.

Brian McDonald is a senior editor at www.HowToDoThings.com. For related “How-to” articles, go to [1] www.howtodothings.com/holidays.

© 2008, How To Do Things Inc. (www.HowToDoThings.com)
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

This year’s honorees are:

Lifetime Achievement Sam E. McDonald, Jr.

Civic Leadership
Billings Association of Realtors Quality of Life Program

Business Person of the Year
Stella Ziegler
Stella’s Kitchen & Bakery

Education Excellence
Cindy Welch
Meadowlark Elementary School

Healthcare Excellence
Stacy Handley & The Montana Pediatric Outreach Team

Salesperson’s Excellence
Kate Hamlin
Life Launch
Century 21

Customer Service Excellence
Jan Otteson
Stockman Bank

Tourism Excellence
Michael Marsh
Recreational Action Sports Entertainment

Employer of the Year
Keith Cook
First Interstate Bank, Downtown

Supervisor/Manager of the Year
David Hinson
St. Vincent Healthcare Home Oxygen Service

Adult Volunteer of the Year
Evelyn Noennig

Youth Volunteer of the Year
Jessica Leuthold

Roche Jaune Award 2008 Honorees
Joe Salinas
Joe’s Show Care

Tim Critelli
Critelli Courier

Prudential Floberg REALTORS congratulates this year’s award winners!

A career in real estate is a perfect match for highly motivated people like you. Prudential Floberg REALTORS has the tools and systems to help you succeed. Contact Marc Dean (406)-869-7660 or Linda Parker (406)238-7161 for more information.