Date.prototype.getWeek = function() {
var onejan = new Date(this.getFullYear(),0,1);
return Math.ceil((((this - onejan) / 86400000) + onejan.getDay())/7);
}
var today = new Date();
var weekno = today.getWeek();
var tipsArray = ["TIME TO CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS:
This investment of time and possibly money won't be seen from the street, so it's tempting to forget about clearing your gutters. But keeping them clean more than pays off in the long run. Whether you use a garden hose, a blower, a stick, or your hands to clean your gutters, don't forget to clear the down-spouts as well.",
"TIME TO CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS AGAIN!:
I don't recommend gutter guards for two reasons: 1) they hamper efforts to clean the gutters, and 2) people who have them think they're immune from down-spout clogging debris! While they do help keep large debris out of your gutters, you still have to clean your gutters and down-spouts, though perhaps not as often.",
"TIME TO CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS AGAIN!:
When cleaning, make sure any seams are still well sealed. Clogged and leaky gutters gutters can lead to: Rotting soffits and facia, Rusting gutters, Roof leaks, Spots on ceilings inside the house, Water in the basement, and more, so check and clean them at least 2x per year.",
"TIME TO CLEAN THE GUTTERS!
This investment of time and possibly money won't be seen from the street, so it's tempting to forget about clearing your gutters. When you do, make sure the discharge from the down-spouts is draining well away from the foundation. Use properly directed splash blocks(good), gutter extenders (better), or plastic drain pipes (best) to empty runoff as far as possible from the foundation.",
"EXTERIOR PAINTING:
If your house has wood siding, paint one side every other year. That way, the whole house gets painted every eight years and you never incur a huge cost at one time.",
"EXTERIOR PAINTING:
A dilapidated coat of paint will detract significantly from the value of your house, but adding a shiny, new coat of paint right before placing the house on the market will not increase the property's value significantly because buyers expect a house worth top dollar to be in excellent condition.",
"EXTERIOR PAINTING:
For exterior painting, a professional painter is definitely worth the money you will pay him! Unless you really know a lot about painting, a pro will do a much better job not only because he knows the tricks and has all the toys, but because he really understands surface preparation and will not skip those important steps. That's why I recommend breaking up the job-- a pro is much more affordable when he's only painting one side! Also, keeping up keeps the surface in good shape so the preparation (read: LABOR) never becomes overwhelming, further controlling costs.",
"EXTERIOR PAINTING:
Don't skimp on the paint! There really is a significant difference in the way a high quality glossy paint wears vs. cheap flat. Among other things, the difference is the amount of paint solids you find in the paint. The higher the amount of paint solids, the better the paint will wear.",
"EXTERIOR PAINTING:
Before purchasing paint or stain for your home, you need to know if you're painting over lead-based paint (protect yourself when scraping!), stain, or oil or latex paint so you coat with the correct product. This might seem obvious, but it's not always easy to tell the difference between a high quality flat latex paint and a good quality flat oil stain. Paint and stain have different characteristics and wear qualities. Understand the products that were used last time and the products you intend to use.",
"INTERIOR PAINTING:
It's really hard to tell colors from a swatch the size of a wristwatch! To make sure you're painting with the right colors, I recommend painting a two foot square on the wall then waiting 'till tomorrow before finishing. This way the paint can dry and you can observe it under all lighting conditions.",
"INTERIOR PAINTING:
Color swatches are always in a satin finish-- if you're painting in a semi-gloss or flat finish, the color from the can will probably not exactly match the color on the swatch when it dries!!",
"CHOOSING INTERIOR PAINT COLORS:
How soon will you be moving? If soon, consult with your real estate agent to pick market friendly colors that will help your house sell. If you're moving soon and your house will be empty when you show, painting with the right dramatic colors often works better than painting with neutrals because the colors create the visual interest your furniture used to create. If not, pick colors that complement your furniture and complement each other.",
"CHOOSING INTERIOR PAINT COLORS:
What kind of and how much lighting is available? Natural light is blue while incandescent light is orange. A color can appear very different in the two lights. Even the direction of sunlight matters: Eastern exposures have a different effect on paint color than southern ones.",
"GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt:
These are the outlets with the LED light and the two little buttons in the middle. They are for use near water-- outdoors, in a kitchen, or in the bathroom. If your house is newer (less than 15 or 20 yrs old), you probably already have these. If your home is older, you may not. I recommend updating with GFCI outlets for several reasons. First it's safer for you and your family. Second it's not an expensive update and it can be done incrementally. Third, when you sell, the buyer's home inspector is going to recommend the update and, in our current market, 9 times out of 10 THE BUYER WILL ASK YOU TO DO IT!!! Why wait to do this simple and cheap update?",
"GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt:
These are the outlets with the LED light and the two little buttons in the middle. They are for use near water-- outdoors, in a kitchen, or in the bathroom. If your house is newer (less than 15 or 20 yrs old), you probably already have these. If your home is older you may not.
GFCI protected outlets cost less than $20 each here in Columbia. Replacing the outlets in your kitchen and bath is not a complicated procedure, but you need to do it right! If you're not handy, hire an electrician to do it for you. It really won't cost very much. If you understand home wiring, realize different amperages are available, select the right one in every application, and wire it correctly! Even if your home's electrical system is an open ground two wire system, GFCI outlets will reduce the risk of electrical shock at the outlet.",
"UPDATING APPLIANCES:
So you're getting ready to sell your house and you want to know, If I buy new appliances will I get my money back in increased sales price? The short answer is: Probably not. Certainly it depends on the age of your house, the price range, and the age of your appliances, but mostly appliance updates simply help your house compete.",
"UPDATING APPLIANCES:
Follow these general rules to help your house compete: If your house is less than 10 yrs old, you probably don't need new appliances unless someone's been very hard on them. If your house is 10 to 20 yrs old and in a lower price range, you're probably still OK. If you're above the median sales price, you might need to budget for at least one replacement appliance-- probably the same quality as what was originally in the house. Consider leaving your fridge or washer and dryer too. If your home is 20-40 yrs old, you're very likely to need to update one or more appliances before selling if this hasn't been done in the last five years or so. If you're below the median price range, new but not necessarily top-of-the line is the way to go. If you're above the median price range, newer and at least mid-line is necessary simply to be competitive. Knowing this expense is going to be necessary, budget for a replacement and get some enjoyment out of it before you sell! If your home is over 40 yrs old and your kitchen hasn't ever been updated, it's going to be hard for a buyer to see themselves cooking in your kitchen. Under the median sales price, choose inexpensive appliances (but NEVER buy something so cheep you wouldn't purchase it for yourself!!) and plan on the update. Above the median sales price, you'll need really nice, clean appliances, and they should be less than five years old or they must be in excellent condition just to compete in Columbia's market.",
"REMODELING:
A poorly-done or over-done remodel job always loses money. If you're considering remodeling, and you live in the Columbia, Missouri area, PLEASE, PLEASE call me (or another real estate agent) BEFORE you start a remodel job.",
"FURNACE FILTERS:
Failure to change your furnace filter when recommended (usually at least twice a year) will increase your utility cost cost due to reduced effectiveness of the system. It can also result in damage to the furnace.",
"FURNACE FILTERS:
If your heating system burns natural gas or propane, have an HVAC technician check your heating system every fall before you start heating on a daily basis. They'll check for gas leaks, check for carbon monoxide emissions, adjust the --burn-- (the air/fuel mix in your furnace) for maximum efficiency, vacuum debris from the system, and check for other problems for a nominal cost (about $80 here in Columbia). Your furnace will run better in the short-run saving you dollars and giving you peace of mind. When you're ready to sell in the long run, you'll be able to show a potential buyer a track record of responsible maintenance. This is likely to put extra dollars in your pocket!",
"WHY HOME MAINTENANCE IS SO IMPORTANT:
Today's buyers aren't just looking for a clean home with a layout that meets their needs. Now one of their top considerations is, What will I have to do to this house to assure the appreciation I want to realize when I sell in a few years? Of course the best way to cater to this buyer is to have your home in top condition when you sell, even ready to compete with new construction. The most economical way to do that is to keep up with the maintenance AS YOU GO.",
"WHY HOME MAINTENANCE IS SO IMPORTANT:
This generation moves in response to life changes. Our mobility has affected the national marketplace by providing more able buyers and sellers than ever before. More sellers drives competition-- to get top dollar today, your house must be in truly top condition. More buyers drives top dollar, which allows sellers the appreciation to keep their homes in top condition.
When Americans lived in the same house for 30 or 40 years, the standard by which we measured good enough was, Its good enough for me, so its good enough! The standard now is, Is it good enough to sell? Is it good enough for a buyer? Will a buyer get value out of what Ive done to this house? or more to the point, If I maintain this house in good enough to sell condition, how much will its value appreciate? For todays buyers, its all about exit strategy. Maintaining hour home in saleable condition will tell a buyer its possible to maintain the home and sell it for a pofit a few years down the road. And to Columbia, Missouri buyers, that's as important as having a good floor plan!",
"CHECK FOR TERMITES!:
If you bought your home more than a few years ago, it's time to check for termites again! Most exterminators and home inspectors will do this for a nominal fee, around $60.
Checking for termites benefits you in two ways:
1) if you don't have them, you have piece of mind and a piece of paper that will add value when you sell your house and
2) if you do have them, you can treat now, rather than later when there is likely to be a significant repair bill as well.",
"MOWING YOUR LAWN:
Don't mow your lawn the same way twice in a row. Mow in different directions each time, so debris doesn't build up. This is FREE and can really make a noticeable difference in the appearance of your lawn.",
"WATERING YOUR LAWN:
Don't over-water! In Mid-Missouri, set an empty tuna can (with the lid removed) in range of the sprinkler and fill it once a week. Over-watering can actually do more damage to your lawn than under-watering. Over-watering can also reduce the effectiveness of expensive fertilizers.",
"HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE:
If you've owned your home for more than a few years, talk with your real estate agent about what your home is currently worth. Then check with your homeowner's insurance agent to make sure your coverages still make sense. You may have too much or not enough coverage. Perhaps you can afford to bump up your deductable. Perhaps you can afford to lower it. Next, get a rate quote from a few competitors. Reviewing your insurance could save you a lot of money!",
"HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE:
If your home burns to the ground, the dirt will still have the same value. For example, if you paid $200,000 for your house, $40,000 of that could have been for the yard the house sits on. That means you really only need $160,000 worth of coverage to truly insure your home. You probably insured your home for the purchase price because nobody told you any different. Review your insurance with your agent every few years and make sure you understand the coverages.",
"HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE:
When selling your home, don't cancel your homeowner's insurance until after you close. That way, if the closing gets delayed, your home won't accidentally become uninsured (which would place you in default of your real estate contract in Missouri).",
"BUYING PROCESS:
When you put together a jig-saw puzzle, how do you do it? Do you start by flipping all the pieces pattern-side-up then finding the edge pieces? It's possible to complete the puzzle without starting in this manner, but it's much harder. The same is true with the home-buying process. It's best to start by getting pre-approved with a lender, then calling YOUR agent. ",
"HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE:
It pays to have at least a million dollars worth of liability on your homeowner's insurance policy. Under some circumstances, your homeowner's insurance can act as an umbrella policy. Review your homeowner's insurance periodically and make sure you understand the coverages!",
"PURCHASING SUCCESSFULLY:
Looking at homes on the internet doesn't prepare you to purchase one any more than watching the medical channel prepares you to diagnose and perform surgery. Select a competent Buyer's Agent, like Certified Residential Specialist Dave Gaffney, and work with him or her to make sure your home purchase goes smoothly. And, by the way, carefully select your surgeon too!",
"SELLING SUCCESSFULLY:
Understand the saturation rate in your local market and price range before you decide on a price for your home.",
"CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE:
If you have a wood-burning fire place, you use it more than a few times a year, and you have lived in your home for several years, it's probably time to have the flu cleaned and checked. A simple cleaning usually costs less than a hundred dollars, and can prevent flammable creosote build-up. Failure to keep the flu clean can result in a devastating chimney fire! Keeping your flue cleaned and maintained also gives you added value when you sell!",
"CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE:
I recommend burning the fake wood logs in your wood-burning fireplace, unless you are cooking or heating with your fire. Composite fire logs burn cleaner than Pine, for example, which means less creosote build-up in your flue. They light easily, burn steadily without the hassle of adjusting the coals and adding more wood, some have wonderful scents added, and they burn pretty darn close to the number of hours they indicate. They're the closest thing to having a gas log on a switch. Do not cook over them unless they specifically state they are safe for the purpose.",
"CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE:
If your home is forty years old or older and has a masonry chimney with a clay tile flu, chimney maintenance is VERY important to your family! Cracked flue tiles can allow creosote to build up between the flue and the masonry of the chimney. When you burn a fire for a long time, the chimney can get hot enough to ignite creosote trapped between the flu and the bricks of the chimney. These kinds of flue fires can be really, very, super bad and are difficult even for firefighters to control.",
"CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE:
When your fire place is not in use, placing batt insulation in the flue can reduce heat loss up your chimney. (Please remember to remove the insulation BEFORE you start a fire!)",
"INVESTMENT:
Income-generating activities are different from wealth-building activities. Going to work every day is an income-generating activity-- you earn a salary which you use to purchase the items you need to survive. A wealth-building activity is different. It is something you do that increases your net value, such as paying off your mortgage. Most of the time, you have to spend income in order to build wealth. Only very rarely do these two activities overlap-- owning a dividend paying stock for instance, could generate both a small income and build wealth.",
"INVESTMENT:
Depending on the terms of your mortgage, paying an extra $50 or so each month to principle reduction on your mortgage can net a ROI (return on investment) of 40% or better!!
Just because you've never heard this before doesn't mean it isn't true! Investment brokers wont offer this tip because they want to sell you stocks or bonds (maybe 10% ROI?). Insurance folks wont offer this tip because they want to sell you insurance (miserable as an investment tool, but certainly very important). Your banker wont offer this tip because they know how much money they lose if you pay off your mortgage early. But it's true, and if you're local I'd be happy to take a minute and help you figure out just how much ROI an extra $50 or $100 each month could net for you!",
"INVESTMENT:
Most of the time, real estate is an appreciating asset, rather than a depreciating asset. This means it will be worth more tomorrow than it is today.
This differs from your car, for example, which is (except in very rare cases) worth less tomorrow than today. In order to build wealth, you must invest in assets which generally appreciate like real estate, stocks, and bonds. In order to build wealth, consider selling your Lexus, driving a Chevy, and putting the difference down on a second home. It is certain your Lexus's value will drop as it gets older, while that second home will very likely get more expensive!",
"INVESTMENT:
Your IRA can own real estate! Watch for TIP 41 to find out what this really means!",
"INVESTMENT:
There is a limit on what you can contribute to your IRA in a year, but there is no limit on what your IRA can earn in a year. If your IRA purchases a house, fixes it up, and sells it for a profit of $15,000, your IRA just earned $15,000-- tax free!",
"LANDSCAPING:
Do not underestimate the value of landscaping when preparing to sell your house. Recent studies have shown that while kitchen and bathroom renovations can net 50% or better of their cost in increased sales price, landscaping can net closer to 100%!",
"RADON:
A significant percentage of buyers are testing for Radon these days. If you live in a home with a basement and have never had your home tested for Radon, consider doing it now. If you don't find Radon, you'll have written documentation of this when you sell. If you do get a high reading, you'll be able to fix the problem while it will benefit your family, and on your terms. In Mid-Missouri, the cost of a Radon test ranges around $150. The cost of Radon Mitigation ranges around $1,500.",
"MOLD & MILDEW:
A few varieties of mold can be toxic to some people. Mildew is generally not toxic to anybody, ever. Mold requires a food source like a cellulose material (wood, gypsum board, or similar) as well as recurrent moisture. Mold cannot grow on materials such as concrete or stone, but mildew can.
The nasty stuff growing in your tile shower stall therefore is probably mildew, NOT mold. The nasty spot on the wall near where the carpet got soaked when the water bed broke could be either mildew or mold (or both).:
:
Fixing mildew is a simple matter of elbow grease and bleach water. Fixing mold can be more problematic because mold requires recurrent moisture. Truly fixing a mold problem starts with fixing the moisture problem, NOT with calling in the guys wearing white space suits!",
"REMODELING:
You've heard it said, Bathrooms and kitchens give the most return for the remodel dollar. Bah! Flooring and paint have the greatest potential to return the most bang for the buck!",
"BUYER PSYCHOLOGY 101:
The purchase decision is 100% emotional, and the emotions are most usually fear and/or greed.
Think back to your experiences buying. Perhaps you didn't buy a certain house because you were afraid you'd never sell it. You chose not to buy a particular house because you were afraid you wouldn't be able to make the payment. Or you were scared of the neighborhood. Or you were afraid the schools wouldn't be good enough. When you found the one you wanted, you were afraid it would sell if you didn't get your offer in quickly enough.:
:
Nothing is wrong with any of this. Just realize the large role emotion plays when you're buying-- and when you're selling!",
"WHY YOU NEED A BUYER'S AGENT:
When prioritizing my day, I always take care of existing clients (people I have a contract with such as a Listing Agreement or a Buyer's Agency) before worrying about new prospects. If you want the best service an agent can give, you must be willing to commit to them!",
"Flooring allowances for worn out carpet won't benefit a seller most of the time. They indicate deferred maintenance which makes a buyer ask, What else hasn't been fixed? and that's NOT a good question for a buyer to ask!",
"FLOORING:
If you're getting ready to sell in Columbia, Missouri and you have hardwood floors in your home, SHOW THEM OFF! In years past, carpet was cooler than hardwoods. Times have changed as have our tastes for high-quality building materials.
Remember: A carpet-loving buyer can easily see putting down carpet over your hardwoods, but a hardwood-loving buyer is not likely to buy a house without them!",
"UPDATING LIGHT FIXTURES:
Flooring and paint can have huge impacts on a room, but so can changing or adding a light fixture-- especially in an older home! Designers say you should have at least three sources of light in every room. For example: a fireplace, a window, and a lamp. The more lighting options the better. Fixtures don't have to be overly expensive in order to add to a room, and replacing fixtures is not often complicated.",
"GET SOMEONE ELSE TO PAY FOR YOUR KIDS' EDUCATION!:
Say you buy a house for $100,000 with $3000 down when your two kids are ages 3 and 5. Suppose you rent it for just enough to cover the payment and the cost of miscellaneous repairs. Suppose you finance it on a 20 year note and have 3% appreciation over the next 13 years while your kids are getting old enough to go to college. When your first kid is ready, your equity position would be over $95,000! That might not be enough to get both kids through medical school, but it'll sure help!! And there are some pretty spectacular tax benefits to owning a rental property as well.",
"RETIREMENT INCOME:
If you want to earn $3000/ month during your retirement, buy three houses which rent for $1,000 each and let tenants pay for your retirement!"];
var tip = tipsArray[weekno - 1];
document.write(tip);