Heard the rumor about the 3.8 Percent sales tax on the sale of your home? Read more about it here:
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Saturday, July 31, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Top 5 Best Places to Retire Abroad!
Here are The Top 5 Best Places to Retire Abroad-and the reasons why...
AARP The Magazine traveled the globe to discover the ultimate retirement destinations abroad. Factoring climate, expat community, cost of living, housing, health care, access to the U.S. and culture and leisure, reveals the top five locales
1. MEXICO--Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is the undisputed number one destination for American retirees. With its rich Indian and Spanish culture, lavish beaches and affordable real-estate, Puerto Vallarta offers the low-cost, laid back lifestyle retirees seek to find in a community.
Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Winters--sunny, pleasantly warm; summers--rainy, humid hot
-- Expat Community: Estimated at 50,000 American retirees
-- Access to the U.S.: Excellent
2. FRANCE--Languedoc-Roussillon
Once remote, the Languedoc-Roussillon region is now just three hours from the bright lights and bustling energy of Paris via high-speed train. The area is steeped in history and art. Languedoc-Roussillon is also a destination for the outdoor crowd with picturesque hills and beach along its Mediterranean seashore.
Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Mediterranean--hot and dry summers; cool winters
-- Cost of Living: Not cheap, but a comfortably frugal life can be had for $30,000 a year
-- Heath Care: Excellent. French health care has been named the best in the world by the World Health Organization
3. PANAMA--Boquete
Panama is a smart choice for retirees who want it all. Not only does it feature attractive retiree destinations, Panama also offers an unbeatable package of retiree benefits and discounts. Boquete has a unique range of back-home amenities, from a golf course to high-end gated communities.
Some Reasons we love it:
-- Expat Community: An estimated several thousand
-- Housing Costs: A small house goes for $175,000; in a gated community, $250,000 and up. Rentals: about $600 a month for a two bedroom house
-- Culture and Leisure: Rainforest hiking, river rafting, bird watching and coffee plantation tours keep Panama a bustling location for leisure
4. PORTUGAL--Cascais
Many wonder why Portugal has long been overlooked by American retirees. A plentitude of golf, beaches, resorts and trendy cafe life makes Portugal one of Europe's most pleasant surprises for retirees.
Some Reasons we love it:
-- Cost of Living: A comfortable life can be had on $25,000 a year
-- Health Care: Good. Nearby hospitals include the well-regarded British Hospital in Lisbon
-- Access to the U.S.: Excellent. Direct flights to-and-from the U.S. fly out of Lisbon
5. ITALY--Le Marche
Le Marche, bordering the Adriatic, is beautiful region with vineyards, snow-capped mountains and beaches a plenty. It also prides itself on the best fish dishes in the country and is trendy enough to have snagged Dustin Hoffman as a tourism spokesperson!
Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Mostly sunny
-- Expat Community: Relatively few; an international mix
-- Culture and Leisure: An incomparable mix of open-air opera festivals, Renaissance painting and architecture, wine tasting and nature reserves
For more information go to:
Top 5 Best Places to Retire Abroad
AARP The Magazine traveled the globe to discover the ultimate retirement destinations abroad. Factoring climate, expat community, cost of living, housing, health care, access to the U.S. and culture and leisure, reveals the top five locales
1. MEXICO--Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is the undisputed number one destination for American retirees. With its rich Indian and Spanish culture, lavish beaches and affordable real-estate, Puerto Vallarta offers the low-cost, laid back lifestyle retirees seek to find in a community.
Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Winters--sunny, pleasantly warm; summers--rainy, humid hot
-- Expat Community: Estimated at 50,000 American retirees
-- Access to the U.S.: Excellent
2. FRANCE--Languedoc-Roussillon
Once remote, the Languedoc-Roussillon region is now just three hours from the bright lights and bustling energy of Paris via high-speed train. The area is steeped in history and art. Languedoc-Roussillon is also a destination for the outdoor crowd with picturesque hills and beach along its Mediterranean seashore.
Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Mediterranean--hot and dry summers; cool winters
-- Cost of Living: Not cheap, but a comfortably frugal life can be had for $30,000 a year
-- Heath Care: Excellent. French health care has been named the best in the world by the World Health Organization
3. PANAMA--Boquete
Panama is a smart choice for retirees who want it all. Not only does it feature attractive retiree destinations, Panama also offers an unbeatable package of retiree benefits and discounts. Boquete has a unique range of back-home amenities, from a golf course to high-end gated communities.
Some Reasons we love it:
-- Expat Community: An estimated several thousand
-- Housing Costs: A small house goes for $175,000; in a gated community, $250,000 and up. Rentals: about $600 a month for a two bedroom house
-- Culture and Leisure: Rainforest hiking, river rafting, bird watching and coffee plantation tours keep Panama a bustling location for leisure
4. PORTUGAL--Cascais
Many wonder why Portugal has long been overlooked by American retirees. A plentitude of golf, beaches, resorts and trendy cafe life makes Portugal one of Europe's most pleasant surprises for retirees.
Some Reasons we love it:
-- Cost of Living: A comfortable life can be had on $25,000 a year
-- Health Care: Good. Nearby hospitals include the well-regarded British Hospital in Lisbon
-- Access to the U.S.: Excellent. Direct flights to-and-from the U.S. fly out of Lisbon
5. ITALY--Le Marche
Le Marche, bordering the Adriatic, is beautiful region with vineyards, snow-capped mountains and beaches a plenty. It also prides itself on the best fish dishes in the country and is trendy enough to have snagged Dustin Hoffman as a tourism spokesperson!
Some Reasons we love it:
-- Climate: Mostly sunny
-- Expat Community: Relatively few; an international mix
-- Culture and Leisure: An incomparable mix of open-air opera festivals, Renaissance painting and architecture, wine tasting and nature reserves
For more information go to:
Top 5 Best Places to Retire Abroad
Monday, July 26, 2010
Lovely home for sale on Hatfield Glen-Katy Texas-Barker Cypress and West Little York
5922 Hatfield Glen in Brenwood. Located off Barker Cypress close to West Little York.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Are You "House" Ready for a Hurricane?
4 Steps toward PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR A HURRICANE.
Here are four important steps to consider, according to the Insurance Information Institute:
STEP #1: Review Your Insurance Coverage
Be sure you have the right kind and amount of insurance, enough to rebuild your home and replace your belongings. Ask about flood insurance, which is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. Learn more about flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov.
STEP #2: Create a Home Inventory
An up-to-date home inventory will speed up the claims process by substantiating losses and may provide documentation for tax purposes.
STEP #3: Protect Your Property
Keeping wind and water out of your home is critical.
STEP #4: Have an Evacuation Plan
Decide where you will go and how you will get there, and have more than one option. Keep a map, phone numbers and addresses handy. Think about what you’ll need to take with you — items like medicines, important documents, clothing and food — and have them ready to go.
By Stephanie Andre
RISMEDIA, July 22, 2010
Here are four important steps to consider, according to the Insurance Information Institute:
STEP #1: Review Your Insurance Coverage
Be sure you have the right kind and amount of insurance, enough to rebuild your home and replace your belongings. Ask about flood insurance, which is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. Learn more about flood insurance at www.floodsmart.gov.
STEP #2: Create a Home Inventory
An up-to-date home inventory will speed up the claims process by substantiating losses and may provide documentation for tax purposes.
STEP #3: Protect Your Property
Keeping wind and water out of your home is critical.
STEP #4: Have an Evacuation Plan
Decide where you will go and how you will get there, and have more than one option. Keep a map, phone numbers and addresses handy. Think about what you’ll need to take with you — items like medicines, important documents, clothing and food — and have them ready to go.
By Stephanie Andre
RISMEDIA, July 22, 2010
"Must Have's" for Moving Day
Here is a list of "MUST HAVE'S for packing...
You probably think you know what it takes to move, but, inevitably, you will need unexpected packing accessories. It's best to get a jump start and make your packing as streamlined as possible. Here is a short list of "must have" items for when you start to pack.
• Boxes
• Tape/tape dispenser for boxes
• Markers to label everything
• Brown paper or plain newspaper to protect delicate items
• Stretch wrap to hold together items with multiple parts
• Inflatable bags to fill empty spaces
• Foam peanuts to fill empty spaces
• Blank labels to provide info about the boxes' contents, e.g., 'Fragile', 'Kitchen'
• Box cutter to cut through tough seals and textiles.
• Mattress covers to protect mattresses from punctures and rips
Information courtesy of 1-800-PACK-RAT
You probably think you know what it takes to move, but, inevitably, you will need unexpected packing accessories. It's best to get a jump start and make your packing as streamlined as possible. Here is a short list of "must have" items for when you start to pack.
• Boxes
• Tape/tape dispenser for boxes
• Markers to label everything
• Brown paper or plain newspaper to protect delicate items
• Stretch wrap to hold together items with multiple parts
• Inflatable bags to fill empty spaces
• Foam peanuts to fill empty spaces
• Blank labels to provide info about the boxes' contents, e.g., 'Fragile', 'Kitchen'
• Box cutter to cut through tough seals and textiles.
• Mattress covers to protect mattresses from punctures and rips
Information courtesy of 1-800-PACK-RAT
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Moving with Kids? Help to reduce their stress.
3 Tips for Moving with Kids
Moving can be a challenge for your family. Here are a few tips that might make the transition a smoother one.:
1. Keep an open dialog: Speak with your kids about what moving will be like and what they should expect. Listen carefully and address their concerns. You might be surprised what children find bothersome. For example, where will the family dog sleep in the new place?
2. Be supportive: Kids are well-tuned to the stress of a family and moving often heightens these types of feelings. Remind them that things will settle back down following the move. Reassure them of the things that won't change: their toys, activities, etc.
3. Let your kids be part of the action: Get the children involved in the moving process, whether it's marking boxes or wrapping their toys in paper. Something to occupy their minds keeps them feeling a part of the transition.
Nothing will guarantee your child won't be upset by the move, but minimizing their anxiety over such a big change will go a long way.
Information courtesy of: 1-800-PackRat
Moving can be a challenge for your family. Here are a few tips that might make the transition a smoother one.:
1. Keep an open dialog: Speak with your kids about what moving will be like and what they should expect. Listen carefully and address their concerns. You might be surprised what children find bothersome. For example, where will the family dog sleep in the new place?
2. Be supportive: Kids are well-tuned to the stress of a family and moving often heightens these types of feelings. Remind them that things will settle back down following the move. Reassure them of the things that won't change: their toys, activities, etc.
3. Let your kids be part of the action: Get the children involved in the moving process, whether it's marking boxes or wrapping their toys in paper. Something to occupy their minds keeps them feeling a part of the transition.
Nothing will guarantee your child won't be upset by the move, but minimizing their anxiety over such a big change will go a long way.
Information courtesy of: 1-800-PackRat
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
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