Moving Can Be So Stressful! Here's Help On How To Manage.

Keep Moving Stresses at Bay by Carla Hill

"Moving is frequently cited as being one of life's most stressful events and it's really no wonder why. It involves a massive change of routine, takes physical labor, and of course, is one of life's largest financial decisions.

These can all weigh heavily on the mind and body. What are some ways that you can deal with this momentous occasion and the stresses it brings? Here are a few simple ways you can deal with the weight of a move.

First, create a support team. This could include friends, family, a significant other, or even a counselor. Don't bottle up your emotions and concerns. Express them before they become pent-up frustration. A good support team can also serve as an excellent sounding board. Offering support is just part of the equation. It's great to have someone that can talk you down or act as a voice of reason.

The next step is to take breaks. It does no good to obsess 24/7 about every last detail. Set aside time each day to discuss and plan your move. Use the rest of your time for normal daily activities. Play with the kids, watch a movie, walk the dog, or go out to eat. The world does not quit turning during a move.

Proper diet and exercise are crucial to helping your body deal with stress. Sometimes we forget that our bodies are machines that require good fuel and servicing to run efficiently. The better we take care of our bodies the better equipped we are to deal with stresses.

There are great exercise routines for all fitness types. If you are new to working out then consider adding in a daily walk. Swimming is also an ideal beginner activity. For those more "fit" buyers, you could join an aerobics class, go for daily jobs, or add in a weight-lifting routine to your current workout.

When the weather permits, exercise outdoors. The fresh air and sounds of nature can be soothing to tired nerves.

Simple yoga and meditation can also do a body wonders. Yoga is about connecting the mind, body, and spirit. If you don't have the time or money to join a class then consider purchasing a yoga DVD. Even simple practices can do wonders for reducing stress.

Finally, don't rush yourself into a new "identity". The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says that moving to a new community is "one of the most stress-producing events a family faces." Moving can mean big changes in friends, groups, clubs, schools, and neighborhoods. We identify strongly with these. Give yourself time to adjust and to fall into new roles.

Yes, moving is a stressful time, but by taking the proper steps you can greatly reduce the amount of stress this event brings.

Published: August 30, 2012"

Gorgeous Waterfront Home!

15700 BLUEWATER COURT LAKEFRONT HOME IN GATED/GOLF COMMUNITY! 4,000+ sqft custom built with picturesque views, outdoor shower, boat dock, lower level can easily function as an in-law suite. Additional (adjacent) waterfront lots are available. Deercroft amenities include a pool, tennis courts, community center, beach and boat ramp. Golf membership is also available. A MUST SEE! Call Patty at 910-476-4267 to view this home or any other homes! Search Thousands of Listings. View all available foreclosures instantly. Estimate Mortgage Cost. Litchfield Realty Patty Herrera, Broker www.ask4patty.com | 910-476-4267 | Contact Me

Adorable Starter Home in Montibello!

7109 PORTO PLACE Great family/Bachelor/Bachelorette/Starter home. The home features 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, spacious living rm, w/ eat in kitchen. Fenced back yard w/ above ground pool as well as outside storage. HVAC less than 4 years. Convenient to everything! Call Patty Herrera for more info 910-476-4267. Search Thousands of Listings. View all available foreclosures instantly. Estimate Mortgage Cost. Litchfield Realty Patty Herrera, Broker www.ask4patty.com | 910-476-4267 | Contact Me

Country Charmer with LOTS of yard space!!

197 Melody Ln, Cameron, NC   Send to Friend Close to Fort Bragg and Sanford!!   Share Listing
4BR/2+1BA Single Family House offered at $174,900 Year Built 1994 Sq Footage 2,001 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.70 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Large 4 bedroom plus bonus room,with 2.5 baths,formal dining room, great room with fireplace,kitchen, master bedroom upstairs with walk-in-closet,master bath with dual vanities, jetted tub,separate shower,all other bedrooms upstairs,outside storage shed,large fenced back yard overlooking woods.Great for that growing family and close to Fort Bragg and Sanford. For more information on this home or any other home on the market visit my website at www.ask4patty.com to view this home or any homes available in Fayetteville and the surrounding areas or call Patty at 910-476-4267. Front click on thumbnail to enlarge
PROPERTY FEATURES Central A/C Central heat Fireplace Walk-in closet Family room Bonus/Rec room Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard
Contact info: Patty Herrera Litchfield Realty (910) 476-4267 For sale by agent/broker View my other listings	Contact: email (required) subject confirm text >

Renting? Know your rights!!

Renting? Know your rights!!

Most tenant-landlord relationships are matches made in heaven, however I am not speaking on behalf of ALL of them. There are some horror stories we’ve all heard about the exceptions. There are laws that protect both the tenant and the landlord, but trying to understand them all can be quite a headache. The basics are to at least know your rights before you even sign a rental agreement. Researching and understanding the terms of your lease in accordance to your state is your best guarantee. 

15 common renters' rights
Although renters' rights vary by region, many are pretty predictable. Here's a sample of rights likely to be addressed in your state's landlord-tenant law:

1. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to deny housing to a tenant on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, disability, family status, or national origin.
2. Residential rental units should be habitable and in compliance with housing and health codes—meaning they should be structurally safe, sanitary, weatherproofed, and include adequate water, electricity, and heat.
3. Many states limit the amount landlords can charge for security deposits.
4. A landlord should make necessary repairs and perform maintenance tasks in a timely fashion, or include a provision in the lease stating that tenants can order repairs and deduct the cost from rent.
5. A landlord must give prior notice (typically 24 hours) before entering your premises and can normally only do so to make repairs or in case of an emergency.
6. Illegal provisions in a rental agreement (provisions counter to state law) are usually not enforceable in court.
7. If a landlord has violated important terms related to health, safety, or necessary repairs, you might have a legal right to break your lease.
8. If you have to break a long-term lease, in most states landlords are required to search for a new tenant as soon as possible rather than charging the tenant for the full duration of the lease.
9. Damage or security deposits are not deductible for "normal wear and tear." Some states require that a landlord give an itemized report of any deductions.
10. Most states require landlords to return refundable portions of a security deposit within 14 to 30 days after the tenant has vacated the premises, even in the case of eviction.
11. Landlords usually can't legally seize a tenant's property for nonpayment of rent or any other reason, except in the case of abandonment as defined by law.
12. Landlords are legally prohibited from evicting tenants as retaliation for action a tenant takes related to a perceived landlord violation.
13. A landlord cannot legally change the locks, shut off (or cause to have shut off) your utilities, or evict you without notice; eviction requires a court order.
14. If a landlord makes life so miserable for you that it forces you to move, it may be considered "constructive eviction," which is usually grounds for legal action.
15. In many states, it's illegal for a lease to stipulate that the tenant is responsible for the landlord's attorney fees in case of a court dispute.

Protect yourself

Before you move in, tour the premises with your landlord, and note -- or better yet, photograph -- any existing damage. When you move out, if your landlord withholds part of your damage deposit, ask for an itemized list of charges and the reason for the charges. If there's a discrepancy between this list and the one you made before moving in, let the landlord know immediately. Keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord, as well as dated records of phone and in-person conversations. 

 If you have a dispute

If your landlord takes an action that is illegal in your state or neglects a legality, you probably have grounds for legal action, but consider court as a last resort. First make every effort to resolve the problem by talking with your landlord. This is the simplest and least expensive approach to mediating disputes.

If the problem continues, enlist the help of a neutral party or a mediator. Mediators are usually publicly funded and available free or at low cost. To find out whether mediators are available in your area, contact your mayor's or city manager's office and ask to talk with someone about housing disputes or landlord-tenant mediation.

If all else fails, you can take financial complaints to small claims court, provided your claim is under a specified amount. Before you take this step, be sure to look up local law regarding your responsibility for attorney fees. Most larger cities offer free or low-cost legal support for tenants in case of a property dispute. You can also contact your state bar association to ask about its lawyer referral program, or check with local service agencies to find out about inexpensive legal clinics.

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For Your Home: Spring Maintenance

Springtime is among us and it is about time to give your home a check-up in addition to the spring cleaning that will be taking place. Adding these home maintenance tips to your routine can help your house operate more efficiently.

Outside The House

Check The A/C

Have a qualified HVAC contractor come out to give your air-conditioning system a tune-up. To help lower your energy bills, do this every year to ensure the system is running at its manufacturer-rated efficiency. Also make sure to inspect your system’s condensate drain hose, especially if you live in a humid climate. This hose could become clogged with algae and sediment, and your contractor may charge you more to clean it out. Avoid this extra cost by checking the hose periodically yourself. Use a wet-vac to suction any blockage out from it.

Roofs And Gutters

The hot summer sun can quickly damage a roof’s shingles, so you may want to call a contractor if you haven’t inspected your roof in several years. Clean out the leaves and other debris that have collected in them. Then check to see if the gutters are safely attached and haven’t sprung any leaks. Also, make sure that downspouts direct water away from the house’s foundation, to prevent a potential basement flood (if you have a basement).

Seal The Deck

If you have a patio deck, inspect the wood for stains, discolorations, or warping. If you find any, consider resealing the deck. To verify that your old application still works, pour some water onto the dry deck and check to see that it beads up. Most deck-sealer manufacturers recommend resealing annually, but if there are no immediate problems worth addressing, you can likely wait until the following spring to reseal. Check for any sharp edges, splintered wood, or rotting wood. Also look for rusting nails or any nails that are coming out or weakening their connections. And be sure to check the railings and stairs to make sure they are secure and not wobbly.

Ready The Soil

Spring is the season to prepare for new growth in your garden. Rake beds of leaves and other leftover winter debris. Use a hoe to churn and loosen the soil, and mix in compost for nutrients. If you’ll be planting new seeds, follow the instructions provided on the seed packet for the best results.

Inside The House

The Water Heater

Look around the base of your water heater for evidence of leaks. The average lifespan of a water heater is 8-12 years. If your water heater is over 5 years old, it should be checked monthly for any leakage or rusting at the bottom. If water leakage or rust is found, the water heater should be replaced. If you live in an area with particularly hard water, you may need to drain your water heater because of the sediment buildup in the tank.

The Basement And Attic

Does your attic or basement smell musty? If you have an attic, check it for leaks from the roof. Inspect the underside of the roof and the insulation closely for any discoloration, deterioration or dirt stains, as the leaking water might have dried up.

Check the basement walls, floor, and trim for water stains or any signs of seepage through the foundation. There are a number of flooding causes and while you’re down there, keep a close eye on your sump pump, making sure it is still in good working order, and has a battery backup in place if necessary.

Gorgeous Hoke County Starter Home!!

108 Yasmine Dr RAEFORD, NC Great Home in Hoke Co.
3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $129,900 Year Built 2002 Sq Footage 1,601 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.34 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month         see more photos >   Wonderful starter home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, large bonus room, Kitchen/dining area combo with completely refinished cherry cabinets, Great room w/laminate flooring, Fireplace, surround sounds wiring and speakers, & cathedral ceilings. Master bedroom with walk-in-closet,master bath, 2 other bedrooms and a full bath. Deck off the side with a large back yard, 2 car garage,gutters, security system, New carpet downstairs, located on a cul-de-sac. Just minutes to Wal-Mart and Fort Bragg. For more information on this home or any other home on the market visit my website at www.ask4patty.com to view this home or any homes available in Fayetteville and the surrounding areas or call Patty at 476-4267.
Patty Herrera Litchfield Realty (910) 476-4267 For sale by agent/broker View my other listings