"We Buy Houses"

Have you noticed the bright yellow signs all over the place with "WE BUY HOUSES... CASH!"? Or maybe you have received a handwritten note on yellow note pad with a request to buy your house. I just got one of those at my own house. Have you considered calling on one of the notices?   Here's a great article that will explain what you can really expect:

http://homebuying.about.com/od/sellingahouse/qt/122107_PayCash.htm

There's a famous saying "If something looks to good to be true- it probably is!"  This is one of those cases.

Art meets Real Estate

'Real Estart': When Art and Real Estate Collide What happens when an art curator puts his home on the market? The home itself acts as a living exhibit. Recently, Los Angeles County Museum of Art curator emeritus Maurice Tuchman put his Hollywood Hills West home on the market with an asking price of $5.75 million. The hilltop compound, built in 1995, was designed especially for Tuchman by museum architect Brent Saville and had a silver screen appearance in the 1999 film “The Limey,” directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Lem Dobbs. With curved walls made of floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of mountains, ocean and cityscapes, the house is breathtaking in scale, views and amenities. One unique feature is a duo of windows showing sweeping views of two juxtaposing worlds: a protected canyon parkland, and a bird’s eye view of downtown Los Angeles. The kitchen is home to more than just state-of-the-art appliances; a tile mural depicts an apocalyptic projection of Capital Records being overtaken by natural elements and the passing of time. In addition to the three-bedroom main house, the space also has an office tower overlooking the swimming pool. The two buildings are connected by a bridge, although unfortunately, it is not a drawbridge. Judy Gratton Your Real Estate Edge Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved

Don't let holiday dish washing get you down!

Oh I will!

Realtors who intend to stay in the real estate business understand it is imperative to build their business by providing the highest quality of service available, and then continuing to stay in touch with previous clients and contacts, providing what they hope will be valuable information. Why do they do that? Most people who stay in the real estate industry have an innate desire to help others. They really enjoy tackling tough problems, and feel a real sense of accomplishment when they succeed in assisting people achieve their goals. Real estate is frequently a very emotional business. Just think about the situations that cause people to buy or sell a home. Marriage, divorce, children, aging, job transfers, etc. These come with a whole slew of built-in stressors before even beginning to look at buying or selling a home. So it takes a certain type of person to time and again work through the process of walking someone through a sometimes frustrating, and/or difficult transaction. Of course, the goal is to make the real estate transaction as smooth as possible. A Realtor makes every effort to make sure that the client is always informed of the process, while allowing them to make the decisions. Once the transaction has been completed the hope of a good Realtor is the client will refer their friends and family when they need real estate help. Most clients say, "Oh, I will" when asked for a referral, and then the Realtor never hears from them. Referrals are the life blood of a successful Realtor. Referrals provide positive aspects for the newly referred buyer/seller, too. He or she feels more secure knowing this Realtor helped a friend. So if you have worked with a Realtor who did a good job, refer them. It will benefit your friends and help that Realtor grow his/her business.

Trick or Treat! Make Your Home Safe for Little Goblins!

How to Make Your Home Safe for Trick-or-Treaters If you’re expecting trick-or-treaters at your home this Halloween, take time to rid your yard of any potential hazards that can compromise a child’s safety. Follow these steps for a fun and safe Halloween in your neighborhood. The costumed crowd, and their parents or guardians, will thank you. Secure your entryway. Before trick-or-treaters come bounding up your doorstep, look for trip hazards like loose pavers or extension cords. Guide children around these dangers with markers, or restrict access completely. Avoid using flammable materials in your décor. According to FEMA, more fires occur on Halloween night. Swap out the candles in your jack-o’-lanterns for LED alternatives, and be cautious when using seasonal flammable décor, like hay or dried cornstalks, which can easily catch fire if too close to heat sources. Light up the night. Aside from keeping all porch lights on, consider turning the lights on in rooms that have windows facing the street. If you have a longer walkway, add tea lights or glow sticks to light the path. Contain your pet. Costumes can sometimes spook dogs, even those who are normally well behaved around strangers. Set your pooch up with a comfortable space inside and away from the front door. Judy Gratton Your Real Estate Edge

How to Buy a Home... Just call me!

Here's a Crash Course on Understanding Finances

Thinking of Selling Your Home? What Should You Do To Prepare?

Q: What Should I Do to Prepare My Home for Sale? A: Start by finding out its worth. Contact a real estate agent for a comparative market analysis, an informal estimate of value based on the recent selling price of similar neighborhood properties. Or get a certified appraiser to provide an appraisal. Next, get busy working on the home’s appearance. You want to make sure it is in the best condition possible for showing to prospective buyers so that you can get top dollar. This means fixing or sprucing up any trouble spots that could deter a buyer, such as squeaky doors, a leaky roof, dirty carpet and walls,leaking under sinks and broken windows. The “curb appeal” of your home is extremely important. In fact, it is the first impression that buyers form of your property as they drive or walk up. So make sure the lawn is pristine – the grass cut, debris removed, garden beds free of weeds, and hedges trimmed. Also make sure that your front door looks good, a little paint, and new hardward can really make a difference, and don't forget a new "Welcome" mat. The trick is not to overspend on pre-sale repairs and fix-ups, especially if there are few homes on the market but many buyers competing for them. On the other hand, making such repairs may be the only way to sell your home in a down market. Judy Gratton Your Real Estate Edge

The Open Floor Plan Challenge

Four Reasons Why Seller-Paid Points Matter
‘Seller-paid points’ refer to circumstances in which the seller pays points to reduce the interest rate on the buyer’s mortgage. A sample scenario: A home is listed for $200,000. The seller is willing to accept $193,000. If the seller reduced the price to $193,000, the buyer would be able to purchase and both would walk away happy. However, if the price remained $200,000, the buyer could ask the seller to contribute $7,000 in closing costs – and both would still walk away happy. The latter is much more beneficial. Here are four reasons why seller contribution to closing costs benefits the buyer.

 1. Your interest rate and monthly payment will be lower. Interest rates and monthly payments are always lower (rates typically 0.5 percent-0.75 percent lower) when the seller pays closing costs instead of reducing the price.

 2. It’s easier to qualify for a mortgage. Because your interest rate and monthly payments are lower, your debt ratio may also be low, resulting in an easier approval process.

 3. You’ll pay less interest over the life of the loan. Your total savings will likely be more with seller-paid points – often 2-3 times more.

 4. The IRS allows free tax deductions. The IRS accepts tax deductions for seller paid-points, meaning you can claim $7,000 in closing costs that year, even though they were paid by someone else on your behalf.

 Source: HomeQB.com Judy Gratton Your Real Estate Edge

be Wary of Fall Maintenance Scams

Be Wary of Fall Home Maintenance Scams When autumn arrives, many homeowners prepare their homes for cooler weather by hiring specialists to clean and make repairs. Be mindful of cons during this time of year – scammers use this opportunity to swindle homeowners out of thousands of dollars for unnecessary work. Be wary of these four scams typically advertised during the fall season. Chimney repairs – Scammers disguised as chimney sweeps will tell you your chimney needs to be inspected, and then use hard sales tactics to get you to make expensive, unfounded repairs. Don’t fall for it. Gutter cleaning – Fraudulent gutter cleaners tend to prey on the elderly or those who cannot clean their gutters easily. They will assure you that they’ve worked in the neighborhood before, and quote you a very low estimate in return for shoddy, incomplete work. Energy audits – Many scammers offer a “free” energy audit to reduce heating costs, claiming to be a representative from your local utility company. They insist on costly upgrades for your attic, such as solar blankets or insulation, and may or may not burglarize your home while conducting the audit. Ductwork cleaning – Ductwork cleaning is rarely a necessity, so take caution. Scammers are known to damage your heating system while cleaning it in order to leech more money out of you for repairs. They also may create indoor air hazards. Before scheduling maintenance with an unknown service provider, research the individual or company through your local BBB or the Internet. Seek out referrals from trusted family and friends, check for proper licensing and never pay upfront. Source: Consumer Reports Judy Gratton Your Real Estate Edge Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.

Bon Jovi's Penthouse Drops in Price

Bon Jovi's Soho Penthouse Drops in Price By Zoe Eisenberg If you've been looking for a high-end real estate deal, you're in luck…sort of. Jon Bon Jovi's Soho penthouse was recently reduced from $42 million to $37.5 million. The 7,452-square-foot spot has been a long-time residence of Bon Jovi and his wife and high school sweetheart, Dorothea Bon Jovi. Awww. Located in the New Museum Building, one of the tallest structures in the Lower Manhattan area, the Bon Jovi's duplex penthouse has ginormous glass walls and a myriad of terraces. The upper level of the home includes formal living and dining rooms, as well as spectacular terraces with eye-popping views of the city that never sleeps. On the second floor is a kitchen, a guest room and a screening room, perfect for watching Bon Jovi's silver screen appearances in “Moonlight and Valentino” and, weirdly enough, “Sex and the City.” The lower portion of the penthouse includes a great room with a wood-burning fireplace for those chilly New York nights, a dining area with a gourmet kitchen and bathrooms featuring spa-style marble baths. The first floor also includes five bedrooms, including the master bedroom suite, which is bordered with stunning arched windows and wallpapered with the undergarments of three decades' worth of adoring fans. (Just kidding!) Want to see more of the swankiest celebrity and luxury listings the market has to offer? Of course you do! Check out our Great Spaces Pinterest board! Zoe Eisenberg is RISMedia’s Associate Editor. She doesn't even listen to Bon Jovi. This post was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. Judy Gratton Your Real Estate Edge Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.

Existing Home Sales Rise, Foreclosures Trickle Down

\Existing Home Sales Rise, Foreclosures Trickle Down The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently released the July edition of the Obama Administration's Housing Scorecard—a comprehensive report on the nation’s housing market. The latest data show progress among key indicators, including rebound in the sale of existing homes and the continuing downward trend of foreclosure starts and completions. This month’s Housing Scorecard also features a spotlight on the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area (Philadelphia MSA). While this scorecard notes positive overall trends in the housing market, officials caution that more work needs to be done as the economy recovers from the Great Recession. The full Housing Scorecard is available online. “The market indicators for the housing market recovery were mixed in July as foreclosure filings continue to improve, but home sales, particularly for new homes, showed unexpected weakness,” says HUD Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research Katherine O’Regan. “Home prices, while still increasing, are doing so at slower rates. Indications are that continued improvements in the economy, such as the July employment report which marked the sixth straight month that more than 200,000 jobs have been added, along with slowly easing mortgage credit, will keep the U.S. housing market on the path to recovery.” The July Housing Scorecard features key data on the health of the housing market and the impact of the Administration’s foreclosure prevention programs, including: Sales of previously owned (existing) homes rose for the third consecutive month in June after a lackluster performance in the previous two quarters. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that existing homes—including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and cooperatives—sold at a pace of 5.04 million (SAAR) in June, up 2.6 percent from May but remain 2.3 percent below the 5.16 million pace a year earlier. Sales are at their highest pace since October 2013 (5.13 million). Foreclosure starts and completions continue their downward trend. Lenders started the public foreclosure process on 47,243 U.S. properties in June, down 4 percent from the previous month and down 18 percent from one year ago to the lowest level since November 2005—more than an 8½ year low. Lenders completed the foreclosure process (bank repossessions or REOs) on 26,889 U.S. properties in June, down 5 percent from the previous month and down 24 percent from one year ago to the lowest level since June 2007—a 7 year low. (Note however that foreclosure starts and completions were up from a year ago in about 15 states). House prices appreciate in May while year-over-year gains continue to slow. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) seasonally adjusted purchase-only house price index showed home values appreciated by 0.4 percent over the prior month and 5.5-percent over the previous year, marking the fifth straight month of more modest annual growth in home prices. The FHFA index shows that U.S. home values are on par with prices in mid-2005.The S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index (not seasonally adjusted) posted month-over-month returns for May of 1.1 percent and gains of 9.3 percent over the past 12 months. The Case-Shiller index shows annual rates of gain in home prices slowing over the last six months; home values are at September-2004 levels. (The Case-Shiller and FHFA price indices are released with a two-month lag.) Sales of new homes fell in June and sales in May were revised sharply downward. New home sales declined 8.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 406,000 in June, following sales of 442,000 in May that were 12.3 percent lower than estimated last month. Sales were at their lowest level since March and down 11.5 percent from one year ago. The weakness in sales reflects strict bank lending standards, less favorable housing affordability, and low inventory. (Source: HUD and Census Bureau). The Administration’s foreclosure mitigation programs continue to provide relief for millions of homeowners as the recovery from the housing crisis continues. In all, more than 8.5 million mortgage modification and other forms of mortgage assistance arrangements were completed between April 2009 and the end of June 2014. Nearly 2.1 million homeowner assistance actions have taken place through the Making Home Affordable Program, including nearly 1.4 million permanent modifications through the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), while the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has offered more than 2.3 million loss mitigation and early delinquency interventions through June. The Administration’s programs continue to encourage improved standards and processes in the industry, with HOPE Now lenders offering families and individuals more than 4.1 million proprietary modifications through May (HOPE Now data are reported with a 2-month lag). This month’s Housing Scorecard also features a regional spotlight on market strength in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area (Philadelphia MSA).Like many areas across the country, the economic and housing market conditions in the Philadelphia area are improving, but the housing crisis and peak of foreclosures hit this area later than the rest of the country and the subsequent recovery has been progressing more slowly. The Administration’s broad approach to stabilize the housing market has been provided help to homeowners throughout the Philadelphia MSA. The housing market in Philadelphia MSA is showing important signs of improvement. As with similar areas along the East Coast, the initial downturn from the foreclosure crisis in the Philadelphia MSA was less severe than in some areas of the nation but the recovery from the crisis and subsequent recession has been slower. The share of mortgages at risk of foreclosure (those 90 or more days delinquent or in the foreclosure process) did not peak in Philadelphia until the beginning of 2013--three years later than for the nation -- and at a much higher rate, although the share of distressed mortgages was higher going into the crisis. Contributing to the current high share of distressed mortgages is a longer than average foreclosure processing time in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which keeps homes in the foreclosure pipeline longer. The share of mortgages at risk of foreclosure has now begun to decline in Philadelphia–the result of four years of modest job growth, fairly stable gains in home prices, and local legislation in 2008 that sharply curtailed foreclosure activity. Administration programs are providing much needed relief to Philadelphia MSA. From the launch of the Administration’s assistance programs in April 2009 through the end of May 2014, more than 151,800 homeowners have received mortgage assistance in the Philadelphia MSA. Nearly 89,000 interventions were completed through the HAMP and FHA loss mitigation intervention programs. An additional 62,800 proprietary mortgage modifications have been made through HOPE Now Alliance servicers. While some homeowners may have received help from more than one program, the number of times assistance has been provided in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is more than four times the number of foreclosures completed during this period (37,300). In addition, the landmark National Mortgage Servicing Settlement in February 2012 has benefitted more 9,418 Pennsylvania homeowners as of June 30, 2013. HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program is funding community improvements. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program helps localities work with non-profits and community development corporations to turn abandoned and foreclosed homes that lower property values into homeownership opportunities and the affordable rental housing that communities need. In the Philadelphia MSA, $86.8 million in NSP funds have been awarded to local communities along with an additional $22.4 million which the State of Delaware has sub-allocated to communities in the MSA. The scorecard spotlight describes some of the NSP investments made by the City of Philadelphia. For more information, visit www.hud.gov. Judy Gratton Your Real Estate Edge Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.

How to form a neighborhood watch

Outdoor improvements

Easy Outdoor Living Projects That Can Be Done in a Few Weekends (BPT)—Spring is the perfect time to put your home’s best face forward. The good news is you can refresh your outdoor living space with easy-to-tackle projects that can be done in a few weekends. Whether you’re building a brand new deck from the bottom-up or updating your existing outdoor living space, the experts at Trex are sharing five simple tips to help do-it-yourselfers turn their dream deck into a reality. Find online inspiration Determine the type of outdoor living space you want to create that will fit your family’s needs and complement your existing exterior and architecture. Tap your inner designer by flipping through pages of your favorite magazines, perusing online inspiration via Houzz or Pinterest and experimenting with online virtual applications that allow you to test different colors and configurations. Take it to the store After gathering inspiration, visit your nearby home improvement store, like The Home Depot, for additional ideas. Explore the aisles to check out materials, calculate costs and purchase necessary tools and supplies. Bring with you a list of questions you might have regarding your project. Store associates are always willing to give advice – tap their knowledge for any inquiries you might have. Enhance your deck with quality materials With so many types of decking material available it is hard to know which products will give you the best return on your investment. When researching, find quality low maintenance materials that can withstand years of wear and tear from weather, outdoor furniture, dropped grilling tools and foot traffic. A high-performance wood-alternative decking like Trex Enhance offers superior durability and long-lasting appearance. With Trex’s protective shell technology, it’s resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold, offers hassle-free maintenance and only requires an occasional washing with soap and water. “Having an outdoor living space that doesn’t require a lot of upkeep allows you to spend more time enjoying – rather than maintaining – your deck,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex. “With composite decking you don’t have to worry about rotting, warping, cracking or splintering, and you’ll never have to sand, stain or paint.” Priced at a value that appeals to do-it-yourselfers, Trex Enhance decking offers additional peace of mind with a 25-year Fade and Stain Warranty. It’s also available in stock at The Home Depot stores, making it more accessible for those wanting to build their dream deck. Test your green thumb From flower beds to vegetable gardens, landscaping can add privacy, beauty and create a better backyard for entertaining family and friends. Evaluate your climate, land, existing plants and structures that will affect your landscape design. After assessing your space, visit your local nursery or home improvement store to select the kind of plants you want to use. Talk with store associates to find out what types of plants grow best in your environment. For smaller spaces, consider planting container gardens. Mix perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses and shrubs in pots for bright bursts of color. Complete with accessories, furnishings and decor Finish your outdoor space with durable, all-weather furniture and decorative accessories. Incorporate color with an assortment of weather-resistant cushions, throw pillows and umbrellas in stylish patterns. Finally, add ambiance and safety with outdoor lighting. Available for both decks and landscaping, the proper lighting will enable you to enjoy your beautiful new outdoor living space long after the sun goes down. Source: www.homedepot.trex.com. Judy Gratton Your Real Estate Edge Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.

FHA 203 K (Rehab) Loans Explained

FHA 203k Loans: What You Need to Know By Keith Loria Whether you’re actively searching for a new place to call home or simply entertaining the idea of moving to a new location, you more than likely have a dream home in mind. However, if your dreams are out of line with your budget, getting into that dream home may seem next to impossible. But for those willing to do a little work, your dream home can be well within reach, thanks in large part to an FHA 203k loan. Designed for people who want to buy a home that needs renovations or major upgrades, the FHA 203k loan program allows one to borrow the purchase price of the home, plus receive money for renovations, all with the convenience of a single loan and closing. While most mortgage financing plans provide only permanent financing where the lender will only close on the loan and release the mortgage if the condition and value of the property provide adequate loan security, if you’re talking about purchasing a home as-is, the money probably won’t be coming to you until the improvements are made. But that’s not the case with a 203k loan. FHA 203k loans are designated for houses that are damaged or sorely in need of rehabilitation. The loan covers not only the cost of the property, but also the cost of necessary home repairs. It’s especially beneficial to those who cannot afford a finished home and are willing to take on a fixer-upper. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the 203k loan program is an excellent means for lenders to demonstrate their commitment to lending in lower-income communities and to help meet their responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). There are two types of FHA 203k loans: regular and streamlined. Regular 203k loans are for homes that need structural repairs, and streamlined loans are for those that need non-structural repairs. The extent of the rehabilitation may range from relatively minor work (starting at $5,000) to major reconstruction on the home’s structure. Categories for work allowed include modernization and improvements to the home’s function, elimination of health and safety hazards, adding or replacing roofing, gutters, and downspouts, enhancing accessibility for a disabled person, making energy conservation improvements and changes that improve appearance and eliminate obsolescence. Repairs can include numerous items, such as plumbing, roofing, room additions, providing disability access, adding new siding, site grading or even kitchen remodeling. When a 203k loan closes, a repair escrow account is set up and renovation can begin. Repairs must start within 30 days of closing and be completed within six months. To be eligible for the FHA 203k mortgage program, homes must be owner-occupied, must be only 1-4 units and must be at least one year old. New homes are not considered. For more information about FHA 203k loans, contact our office today. Judy Gratton Your Real Estate Edge Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.

Spring Is For Buyers!

Buyers Bloom in the Springtime Daffodils, April showers, robins and a new crop of For Sale signs seem to be working their seasonal magic on home buyers. The latest Fannie Mae survey, conducted in March, reports that the gloominess that shrouded buyers during the bitter winter months has melted away and attitudes are nearly as positive as they were a year ago. Consumers who say it’s a good time to buy reached 69 percent, the highest buyer confidence has been since September and just below 71 percent levels of March and April last year. Confidence fell as low as 65 percent in January when concern over interest rates was high. Concern over rates fell markedly in March. The percentage of those who expect rates to rise fell from 56 to 54 percent from February to March and those who expect rates to fall rose from 34 to 38 percent. Expectations that prices will increase also declined from February to March and contributed to buyer confidence. Those who expect prices to increase fell slightly from 50 to 48 percent and those who expect prices to stay the same shot up from 38 to 42 percent. Some 7 percent expect prices to fall, up from 5 percent in February. Overall, those participating in the survey expect prices to rise only 2.7 percent in 2014, down from 3.2 percent in February. Sellers are feeling better about the real estate markets as well. Some 38 percent of consumers say this is a good time to sell, up from 34 percent in February. The Fannie Mae National Housing Survey polled a nationally representative sample of 1,005 respondents aged 18 and older between March 1, 2014 and March 23, 2014. Most of the data collection occurred during the first two weeks of this period. Findings were compared to the same survey conducted monthly beginning June 2010. For more information, visit www.realestateeconomywatch.com. Judy Gratton Your Real Estate Edge Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.

Easter Gift Ideas

Easy Easter Gifts That Inspire (Family Features)—From the brimming basket itself to the goodies within, Easter has become a true gift-giving occasion. With sugar-coated marshmallow chicks and giant chocolate bunnies, there are endless ways to give your little ones gifts that fit this beloved holiday's traditionally sweet offerings. But with the health of children top of mind, some parents are using this special springtime occasion as a way to give better-for-you gifts that stimulate the brain and inspire creativity. Gifts that promote creativity—This Easter, instead of giving unhealthy candy that only lasts a few bites, consider long-lasting gifts that inspire the imagination and provide endless hours of enjoyment. Here are some creative gift-giving ideas for your little recipient. Explore artistic worlds—Foster some artistic spirit with a basket filled with paint brushes, pastels, papers, molding clay and other imaginative tools. Just be sure to buy supplies that are age appropriate and safe for the recipient. Encourage pretend play—Give kids toys that allow them to express themselves, such as the Hopscotch Rabbit Family from Calico Critters. It is one of many cute and lovable critter families your child can collect this Easter. These award-winning miniature animals promote wholesome family values and inspire the imagination. Begin a love for books—Let the adventures begin with stories your little ones will want you to read them over and over again. Look for seasonal books that share the stories of the Easter holiday or those with a springtime theme. Dress up for fun—Let their inner princess, super hero and ballerina shine through by lining their basket with a variety of colorful, fun outfits and accessories. Dress up play encourages hours of imaginative play and can even allow the parents to join in on the role playing excitement. Build the mind—From oversized pieces suitable for tiny tikes to complete, intricate sets for older kids, there are many great building toys for children of all ages. Since they're loved by all, building block sets are a great choice for families with boys and girls. Create beautiful music—From mini xylophones to tambourines and recorders, add some booming beats and expressive harmonies to their day with musical instruments. Include a lesson book with songs and they'll be playing a tune in no time. Discover outdoor play—Unglue them from their tablets, smartphones and televisions, and encourage outdoor play for stimulating physical activity. Tuck a basketball, kite or even a jump rope inside those baskets and it's game on. Plant the seed—For the budding gardener, fill those plastic eggs with seeds and give them gloves, shovels and terra cotta pots to begin their own garden. They will learn a valuable lesson about how plants are grown and some pointers on responsibility, too. Get crafty—Beads, baubles, yarn and other craft goods allow children to create anything they put their mind to. Visit the clearance section at your local craft store to find a variety of materials young hands will love to work with. Inspire theatrical performances—From birds to humans to dinosaurs, puppets allow kids to put on a show wherever they are. Look for those that engage in learning, such as puppets in the shape of farm animals or even fruits and vegetables. From exploring new worlds in a picture book to learning to play a musical instrument, your little ones will adore receiving these thoughtful and brain-boosting gifts this Easter. Making Easter memories Many families use this special holiday as an opportunity to create new traditions and teachable moments for their youngsters. Here are some ways your family can do the same: •Make discovering the basket part of the fun with a treasure hunt using a series of hidden clues or a hand-crafted map. •Ask your children to join you in preparing and delivering baskets to a senior living residence in your community. •Theme your baskets for a family activity, with each child receiving a critical piece of the overall project. For example, one child receives a garden spade, another gets packets full of seeds, and so on. •Baby wants a basket, too—Although the littlest members of the family certainly won't be sinking their teeth into gooey chocolate bunnies, these ideas for creating a small basket of age-appropriate items will let baby join older siblings in the fun. •Rather than a traditional woven basket, choose a snuggly plush container reflecting a favorite character or an Easter-themed animal such as a bunny, chick or lamb. •You're never too young for an Easter present. Include your infant in the holiday festivities by introducing them to a world of wonderment with Earlyears toys, such as their award-winning Soft Baby Blocks or Baby Farm Friends Bowling. These products are not only fun and colorful, but they help your baby learn and develop every step of the way. •Look for gifts that celebrate the season that can be used every day. This can include a hooded bath towel in the character of a duck or bunny. •Avoid using plastic grass as a filler, which can pose a choking hazard. Instead opt for shredded paper or tissue paper. Or get creative and line the basket with useful items such as new washcloths or burp rags. •To round out baby's basket, consider the developmental stage and incorporate relevant items. For example, if you'll soon be saying farewell to bottles, use Easter as an opportunity to get your baby excited about using a brand new sippy cup. Source: www.calicocritters.com and www.earlyears.com. Judy Gratton Your Real Estate Edge Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.

Kitchen Counter Alternatives