I'm willing to bet that junk mail is like cockroaches, difficult to destroy entirely. But here are a few tips I came across recently, that might save a few trees, along with your sanity.
Firstly, you can have your name removed from the mailing lists used to flood you with unsolicited credit card and insurance offers. Just by calling (888)567-8688, an automated service, will remove you from the lists of the major credit bureaus. Or you can do it online at www.optoutprescreen.com .
Next, are you one of those that always fills out the warranty card on your new purchase? Well, you don't have to and you are still covered. Mostly, they use the info you provide to create a mailing list. To be removed, write to this address:
NDL List Order Services
1621 18th St., STE 300
Denver, CO 80202
Then, and this may be the most effective of all, the Direct Marketing Assoc. believes that dropping them a line will stop up to 75% of all mailings to your house.
Drop them a postcard with your name, address and signature to:
Mail Preference Service
Direct Marketing Assoc.
P.O. Box 643
Carmel, NY 10512
Finally, I hear you cry, how can I stop realtors from calling me? Just register on line at the National Do Not Call registry.
You can't say I'm not a fair man.....
Monday, January 23, 2006
Monday, January 16, 2006
New Year, New Attitude and New Batteries
Welcome to 2006. This is the time of year that we traditionally make resolutions to be slimmer, better and healthier. How about safer?
This is a great time of year to go around the house and test those smoke-detectors. Press the button, listen for the squeak, comfort the dog and move on. Remember, a waning detector will start to make plaintive squeaks to let you know it's on the way out. Eventually it will die! Many people, and I'm one of them, say "hang the expense" and replace the batteries annually. Small price to pay for peace of mind. If you are installing new ones remember to read the instructions carefully regarding positioning as this can have a vital effect on performance. Also, do not paint them when redecorating as this can render them useless, with potentially disastrous results. This year I installed an additional one in my office area at the far end of the house. Because, like most of us, my computer, fax machine and printer are always plugged in , and early warning of any problem would be greatly appreciated.
Another potential danger area is the exhaust on your tumble dryer. Over the course of a year, lint can build up in the flexible tube, which not only represents a fire hazard, but also reduces the efficiency of your dryer which will cost you more money to run. Unclip both ends, clean it out and replace.
Who knows, after going up and down the step-ladder checking detectors, and bending down to service the dryer, you might even lose a couple of pounds for your trouble.
Good luck and stay safe in 2006.
This is a great time of year to go around the house and test those smoke-detectors. Press the button, listen for the squeak, comfort the dog and move on. Remember, a waning detector will start to make plaintive squeaks to let you know it's on the way out. Eventually it will die! Many people, and I'm one of them, say "hang the expense" and replace the batteries annually. Small price to pay for peace of mind. If you are installing new ones remember to read the instructions carefully regarding positioning as this can have a vital effect on performance. Also, do not paint them when redecorating as this can render them useless, with potentially disastrous results. This year I installed an additional one in my office area at the far end of the house. Because, like most of us, my computer, fax machine and printer are always plugged in , and early warning of any problem would be greatly appreciated.
Another potential danger area is the exhaust on your tumble dryer. Over the course of a year, lint can build up in the flexible tube, which not only represents a fire hazard, but also reduces the efficiency of your dryer which will cost you more money to run. Unclip both ends, clean it out and replace.
Who knows, after going up and down the step-ladder checking detectors, and bending down to service the dryer, you might even lose a couple of pounds for your trouble.
Good luck and stay safe in 2006.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Selecting An Agent
Whether you are a seller or a buyer, selecting an agent to work with can be a daunting task. Unfortunately, for many folks, real estate practitioners rank slightly above snake-oil salesmen in the popularity scale of life. Every profession has its rogues, and real estate is no exception, but the reality is that the vast majority are hard-working, honest people just like you. Make sure your agent is a member of the National Association of Realtors, as this means they have a written "Code of Ethics" that must be strictly adhered to, and gives you some recourse if there is a problem.
Everybody always says interview three agents before you decide and I agree, but even then it can be hard to make a decision. Always go with you gut. If you feel a little uncomfortable, move on. You will spend a lot of time with your agent so it is essential that you feel at ease.
One of the best ways of finding a good agent, as is the case with many service providers, is by referral: ask your friends, colleagues and neighbors who they used. Nothing is more pleasing to a real estate professional than a referral from a satisfied client.
Finally, many people say stay away from a rookie. I disagree, with the following caveat. Under the right supervision, from a reputable company, often with a mentor, a newbie can be a great agent. They often have great enthusiasm, can offer undivided attention and will likely repay your faith in them. Remember, this is a rookie who admits to being a rookie, not someone who tries to pull the wool over your eyes. Who knows, you might meet an agent for life.
Everybody always says interview three agents before you decide and I agree, but even then it can be hard to make a decision. Always go with you gut. If you feel a little uncomfortable, move on. You will spend a lot of time with your agent so it is essential that you feel at ease.
One of the best ways of finding a good agent, as is the case with many service providers, is by referral: ask your friends, colleagues and neighbors who they used. Nothing is more pleasing to a real estate professional than a referral from a satisfied client.
Finally, many people say stay away from a rookie. I disagree, with the following caveat. Under the right supervision, from a reputable company, often with a mentor, a newbie can be a great agent. They often have great enthusiasm, can offer undivided attention and will likely repay your faith in them. Remember, this is a rookie who admits to being a rookie, not someone who tries to pull the wool over your eyes. Who knows, you might meet an agent for life.
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