Are Real Estate Sales Improving? Share your thoughts

Are Real Estate Sales Improving? Share your thoughts

Are Real Estate Home Sales Improving?
According to the California Association of Realtors, California's market, they are predicting, will only see small gains in 2012.

Here are a few of their predictions:
Sales of existing single family homes will increase statewide in 2012 by 5,100 units to 496,000 houses.
The median home price will rise by $5,000 to $296,000 dollars which is still shy of the 2010 median home price of $303,100.

In general, the California Association of Realtors indicates that home sales are moving forward, however progress is dependant on market conditions and the job outlook. In many cases, some of the concerns are for those individual that owe more than the home is worth.

How are conditions in your area? Are they Improving? Let's hear how things are going around in different states. Please share your comments and thoughts below.

15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own

15 Tools Every Homeowner Should Own

The following items are essential tools, but this list is by no means exhaustive. Feel free to ask a Home Inspector during your next inspection about other tools that you might find useful.

1. Plunger
A clogged sink or toilet is one of the most inconvenient household problems that you will face. With a plunger on hand, however, you can usually remedy these plumbing issues relatively quickly. It is best to have two plungers -- one for the sink and one for the toilet.

2. Combination Wrench Set
One end of a combination wrench set is open and the other end is a closed loop. Nuts and bolts are manufactured in standard and metric sizes, and because both varieties are widely used, you’ll need both sets of wrenches. For the most control and leverage, always pull the wrench toward you, instead of pushing on it. Also, avoid over-tightening.

3. Slip-Joint Pliers
Use slip-joint pliers to grab hold of a nail, a nut, a bolt, and much more. These types of pliers are versatile because of the jaws, which feature both flat and curved areas for gripping many types of objects. There is also a built-in slip-joint, which allows the user to quickly adjust the jaw size to suit most tasks.

4. Adjustable Wrench
Adjustable wrenches are somewhat awkward to use and can damage a bolt or nut if they are not handled properly. However, adjustable wrenches are ideal for situations where you need two wrenches of the same size. Screw the jaws all the way closed to avoid damaging the bolt or nut.

5. Caulking Gun
Caulking is the process of sealing up cracks and gaps in various structures and certain types of piping. Caulking can provide noise mitigation and thermal insulation, and control water penetration. Caulk should be applied only to areas that are clean and dry.

6. Flashlight
None of the tools in this list is of any use if you cannot visually inspect the situation. The problem, and solution, are apparent only with a good flashlight. A traditional two-battery flashlight is usually sufficient, as larger flashlights may be too unwieldy.

7. Tape Measure
Measuring house projects requires a tape measure -- not a ruler or a yardstick. Tape measures come in many lengths, although 25 feet is best. Measure everything at least twice to ensure accuracy.

8. Hacksaw
A hacksaw is useful for cutting metal objects, such as pipes, bolts and brackets. Hacksaws look thin and flimsy, but they’ll easily cut through even the hardest of metals. Blades are replaceable, so focus your purchase on a quality hacksaw frame.

9. Torpedo Level
Only a level can be used to determine if something, such as a shelf, appliance or picture, is correctly oriented. The torpedo-style level is unique because it not only shows when an object is perfectly horizontal or vertical, but it also has a gauge that shows when an object is at a 45-degree angle. The bubble in the viewfinder must be exactly in the middle -- not merely close.

10. Safety Glasses / Goggles
For all tasks involving a hammer or a power tool, you should always wear safety glasses or goggles. They should also be worn while you mix chemicals.

11. Claw Hammer
A good hammer is one of the most important tools you can own. Use it to drive and remove nails, to pry wood loose from the house, and in combination with other tools. They come in a variety of sizes, although a 16-ounce hammer is the best all-purpose choice.

12. Screwdriver Set
It is best to have four screwdrivers: a small and large version of both a flathead and a Phillips-head screwdriver. Electrical screwdrivers aresometimes convenient, but they're no substitute. Manual screwdrivers can reach into more places and they are less likely to damage the screw.

13. Wire Cutters
Wire cutters are pliers designed to cut wires and small nails. The side-cutting style (unlike the stronger end-cutting style) is handy, but not strong enough to cut small nails.

14. Respirator / Safety Mask
While paints and other coatings are now manufactured to be less toxic (and lead-free) than in previous decades, most still contain dangerous chemicals, which is why you should wear a mask to avoid accidentally inhaling. A mask should also be worn when working in dusty and dirty environments. Disposable masks usually come in packs of 10 and should be thrown away after use. Full and half-face respirators can be used to prevent the inhalation of very fine particles that ordinary facemasks will not not stop.

15. Duct Tape
This tape is extremely strong and adaptable. Originally, it was widely used to make temporary repairs to many types of military equipment. Today, it’s one of the key items specified for home emergency kits because it is water-resistant and extremely sticky.

Position Yourself for More Business

Position Yourself for More Business

The West Kendall Business Association (WKBA) will host its 6th Annual Business Expo on Thursday, October 13 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lexus of West Kendall (13750 SW 136th Street, Miami 33186). The expo will be held in the magnificent 3rd Floor Gallery of the dealership with windows all around. There is ample complimentary parking for over 1500 attendees.

WKBA has been hosting highly successful expos for several years. Last year’s expo attracted 110 exhibitors and drew more than 1200 visitors. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your business, products and services to other businesses and the growing South Miami-Dade community.

The WKBA Expo is widely advertised using a wide range of print, online and broadcast media. This is especially valuable to our sponsors who are recognized and promoted from now until the day of the event. “Marketing for businesses is crucial and gives businesses the opportunity to reach a large and desirable demographic. Through the WKBA Expo, we’re providing opportunities for businesses to expand and grow in an effort to continue to make West Kendall the friendliest place to do business,” says WKBA Chairman Frank Irizarry.

Sponsors to date include: West Kendall Corporate Sponsors –Miami’s Community Newspapers; Kendall Drive Corporate Sponsors – Mercantil Commerce Bank, University Credit Union; Killian Drive Corporate Sponsors -Town Care Dental; Mills Drive Corporate Sponsors - The Palms Town/Country.

Reserve you spot today by calling 305-386-4030 or you can sign up online at www.westkendallbusiness.com.