Carla Higgins's (barlac123) Blog

BE HAPPY!!!A Yale University study says that "happy" people live some 7.5 years longer than unhappy people.  Here are four habits of "happy" people:1- work your cell phone (talking on the phone to a friend lowers blood pressure and cortisol - calls are good but personal contact does it even more!...

The 9 Step System To Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar  The Real Estate Market Has Changed . . .  "Buyers are far more discriminating, and a large percentage of the homes listed for sale don't sell the first time. It's more critical than ever to learn what you need to know to avoid costl...

Real Estate Sales Commissions ExplainedReal estate agents are paid on a commission basis. More often than not, both buyers and sellers commission are paid from the selling price of the home. Commissions are calculated from the percentage averaged from the 5-8 percent of the sold home. Some firms ...

The Home Inspection ProcessYou have secured a mortgage commitment from your Mortgage Broker, and after an exhaustive search, you have found the perfect house. The house appears to be well maintained, with manicured lawn and all the amenities you always wanted. You sign a purchase agreement and 45...

Gardening Made EasyAfter a long day at work, you pull up your drive way and notice your next-door neighbor working in his flower beds already. You think to yourself, "is spring even here yet?" As you get out of the car, your neighbor looks over and waves. At once you remember his gorgeous flowers...

Does Your Hard Water Need Softening?Ask yourself the following questions to see if your water may need softening. Do you have soap scum in sinks and bathtubs? Bathtub rings? Do your dishes or glass shower doors have spots? Do your foaming soaps and detergents work properly? Are your clothes dingy...

Easy Winter Energy-Saving IdeasAfter a long day of work, you are finally home. You drop your briefcase, jacket, and gloves and then plop on your favorite recliner to put your feet up and close your eyes for a minute. You hear the familiar sound of your wife's footsteps come toward you and then fe...

13 Extra Costs to be Aware of Before Buying a Home"The last thing you need are unbudgeted financial obligations cropping up hours before you take possession of your new home."Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs - on top of the purchas...

Surges Happen!How to Protect the Appliances in Your HomeThe power you get from the wall outlet is known as "120 volts AC power." The power companies try to keep that voltage uniform. Lightning, short-circuits, poles knocked down by cars, or some other accident can make the voltage jump to hundred...

Fixing Up Your Home: Protect Your Housing InvestmentYour home is an investment in living as well as in savings. If neglected, it will pay no dividends. If properly maintained and improved, it will pay a high yield in comfort and usefulness for your family and in avoidance of costly repair bills. ...