March 2007
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In this Issue:
Daylight Savings Time Changes This Year! (Please feel free to post comments about our newsletter at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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Daylight Savings Time Changes This Year!
Some countries are still evaluating whether they will adopt the new rules for themselves. You should anticipate more changes in DST and time zone rules for countries that typically align with U.S. DST rules.
So what's all the fuss about? Well… some worry their computers will go haywire with the earlier time change. In reality, all that will happen is, your clock may not update itself, and you can either choose to do it manually, or, download the latest Java Runtime Environment.
If you're using Windows XP and have your computer set to receive and install automatic updates (a feature most computer specialists will tell you is NOT a wise move), then you should receive a clock update automatically. If you do not have automatic updates turned on, or are using some other platform other than Windows, you should consider a Java update.
The Java Runtime Environment (JRE) stores rules about DST observance all around the globe. Older JREs will have outdated rules that will be superseded by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. As a result, applications running on an older JRE may report incorrect time from March 11, 2007 through April 2, 2007 and from October 29, 2007 through November 4, 2007.
If you are concerned about application failures that may result from these DST changes, you should update your Java Runtime Environment. To see which Java platform versions have the correct time rules to handle the DST changes that will affect U.S. time zones in 2007, visit the Java Web Site and download the free update.
Renovations That Kill A Home's Value
As the housing market continues to struggle, it would be a good idea to think twice about certain upgrades.
Even in good times, not all projects have widespread appeal. You'll earn back virtually your entire investment in a kitchen or deck, but less than 75 cents on the dollar if you add a home office or sunroom, according to "Remodeling" magazine's annual cost vs. value survey. What's worse, some renovations can even hurt you in the eyes of home buyers, a costly problem if you hope to sell in a softening market like today's.
The Swimming Pool In some areas, especially hot-weather spots like Arizona and
But elsewhere it can just as easily turn off buyers, who worry about affording the upkeep and insurance. And if the most likely buyer of your home is a family with small children, think long and hard before installing a pool.
The Jacuzzi
You'd probably be better off with an oversize shower that has a rain showerhead and multiple jets.
Busy boomers have little time to spend hanging out in the bathtub, and parents with small kids prefer a conventional tub. Ultimately, don't expect a future buyer to pay up for the luxury you considered an essential with a jacuzzi.
The Addition "A badly designed addition can kill your resale value," says Sal
Watch out for boxy, poorly detailed additions. Proportions matter.
Trendy Finishes Be careful of styles that will look dated when you hold your open house. Spotting the trend that's on its way out is trickier than you think. While it's easy to assume that sleek red European kitchen cabinetry is tomorrow's harvest gold fridge, other design staples that seem like sure bets can quickly drift into obscurity as well.
You want a design trend with legs. Custom panels that dress appliances in maple or mahogany finishes are likely to remain popular for several years.
Also, think about the materials for hardware like hinges and light fixtures. Polished brass or anything shiny is out. Brushed nickel is a better option today.
Keeping Your Credit Score Above 620
Having a good credit score is important because it helps you get better terms and interest rates on loans and credit. It's also good because you'll typically have more loan options available to you. That's why, even if you don't have excellent credit, it's important to keep your score at least above 620.
Recent changes in the mortgage market have caused mortgage lenders to tighten their credit standards. This has meant that folks with impaired credit, who were able to get home financing in the past, may find that getting a mortgage now may be more difficult. This is all the more reason why improving one's credit score is so important.
What Can You Do to Improve Your Score? The best way to raise your credit score is to pay your bills on
There are other ways you can improve your score:
Managing credit cards wisely. Don't run up high balances and don't close accounts to remove them from your report.
Resolve any discrepancies or errors on your credit report. You may find your name is misspelled or you may find an account you closed still being reported as open on your report. Make sure your credit report is reporting accurate information.
Pay off your debt, rather than move it around. The amount of overall debt you have is reflected in your credit score, so moving it from one place to another does nothing. It's better to just pay if off to prove to lenders you can be financially responsible.
Having a good credit score is important, but it's even more important to keep your score above 620 so that you aren't excluded from loans and mortgages that may work more to your advantage than a sub-prime loan.
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The United States has planned a change to its Daylight Savings Time observance beginning this year. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 mandates that Daylight Savings Time will start on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November, meaning the new start and stop dates will be March 11th and November 4th, respectively. These dates are different from previous DST start and stop dates. In 2006, the dates were the first Sunday in April (April 2, 2006) and the last Sunday in October (October 29, 2006).
Florida, a pool is a must-have. In the Southwest, adding one boosts your home's value by 11 percent on average, according to a National Association of Realtors study.
The elaborate master bath is okay, but the big circular tub with 15 jets that can pulse or massage is risky.
Alfano, the editorial director of Remodeling. "People focus on the floor plan and the flow, but not on how it fits into the neighborhood or even the house itself."
A good example of this "fading trend" is what seems to be happening to stainless-steel appliances. At one time, many people aspired to have a commercial-look kitchen. That trend seems to be giving way to more interest in warmer finishes in the kitchen.
time. The more you do that, the better your credit score will be. If you pay your bills on time, it proves to lenders that you've learned to manage your finances wisely. Lenders will then be more willing to give you better mortgage interest rates and loan terms.
