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By David on October 22nd, 2009

The Cost Of Living…In 1972.

My mom just sent me this little book called “Remember When” and it has all sorts of info about the year I was born. (They make them for every year) In looking through it, I came across a page titled “Cost Of Living” and was amazed at how much average prices have changed in 37 years, and figured you guys would get a kick out of it too. Let’s take a look…

New House – $27,600

Average Income – $11,859 per year

New Car – $3,853

Average Rent – $165 per month

Tuition to Harvard University – $2,800

Movie Ticket – $1.75

Gasoline – $.55 per gallon

Postage Stamp – $.08

Bacon – $.83 per pound

Eggs – $.45 per dozen

Fresh Ground Hamburger – $.64 per pound

Milk – $1.20 per gallon

If you ever come across one of these books for your birth year, I recommend you check it out. There is some pretty interesting information in them!

Lifestyle
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By David on October 22nd, 2009

Tip: Put An “In Case Of Emergency” (ICE) Number In Your Phone.

Got a cellphone? Then you need to make sure there is a contact number in it in case of an emergency situation that you may be involved in. EMT workers don’t know that your mom’s name is Barbara or your significant-others’ name is Lisa, so they won’t know who to call from your address book in case something happens to you. But the contact EMT workers do know (and other emergency personnel) to look up is the phrase ICE – In Case of Emergency. From Wikipedia:

In case of emergency (ICE) is a programme that enables first responders, such as paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, to identify victims and contact their next of kin to obtain important medical information. The program was conceived in the mid-2000s and promoted by British paramedic Bob Brotchie in May 2005. It encourages people to enter emergency contacts in their cell phone address book under the name “ICE”. Alternately, a person can list multiple emergency contacts as “ICE1″, “ICE2″, etc. The popularity of the program has spread across Europe and Australia, and has started to grow into North America.

I just added 2 different ICE numbers to my contact list, just in case. You never know when a situation may come up that you need it, but better be safe than sorry. Do it today.

Lifestyle
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By David on October 21st, 2009

10 Ways To Increase The Value Of Your Home.

From an old torn-out page from Domino Magazine I found here in the house while packing things up, here is a list of the top ten most cost-effective renovations you can do to increase the value of your house. With foreclosures occurring at the rate of 1 every 13 seconds in this country, those looking to sell their house fast would do themselves a favor by looking at this list.

1. First impressions are key, so pay attention to your house’s approach – Paint, plants, etc.

2. Stick to cosmetic changes and stay away from major structural renovations that require permits or architects.

3. Spend money on top-of-the-line appliances, which instantly raise the value of your home.

4. Bathrooms and kitchens deserve upgrades, not overhauls.

5. Repaint or refinish existing surfaces.

6. Switch out doorknobs, light fixtures, and other hardware.

7. Color and design choices should be simple. A blank canvas allows buyers to project their own vision on the house.

8. Opt for off-the-shelf products where possible.

9. Use modest materials in high design ways to give spaces instant impact.

10. Landscape smart – Plants can mask a multitude of sins.

What about you? Did you make any changes prior to selling a house that you think increased it’s value? What would be on your list if you were trying to sell?

real estate
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