Retailers deliver solid Jan. sales gains;

Good news for the real estate market.

NEW YORK —

Americans were shopping in January, but not every store was feeling the love.

Retailers reported mixed sales results for the month in a sign that U.S. consumers continue to be cautious about when and where they spend their money in the shaky economy

Overall, merchants on Thursday reported a 4.8 percent increase for January, according to the International Council of Shopping Center’s tally of 20 retailers. That’s above the 3 percent gain that ICSC had expected

 

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2017399310_apusretailsales.html

U.S. pending home sales rise from May to June

Home sales deals were up nationwide in June from May, although they fell in the Seattle area.

Pending sales, which may not close but represent more-recent activity, were up by a seasonally adjusted 2.4 percent from May to June nationwide, the National Association of Realtors reported. King county pending sales fell by an unadjusted 3.4 percent from May (compared with an unadjusted nationwide increase of 5.7 percent), according to the most-recent report from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

 

 

http://blog.seattlepi.com/realestatenews/2011/07/28/u-s-pending-home-sales-rise-from-may-to-june/

Home Equity Conversion Mortgages Great for Seniors

The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) is a program available to homeowners over the age of 62. The HECM is a type of reverse mortgage that enables homeowners who have little or no mortgage balance to borrow against the equity in their home. The main benefit of this type of loan is that it allows seniors to convert home equity into cash. The FHA insurance program insures this HUD approved loan. This is a good option for senior homeowners who have a small outstanding mortgage and want to cash it out without selling their homes.

Tucson Tops AARP Retirement List

The editors of the AARP Magazine recently selected its Top Ten Best Places to Live a Simple Life. Cities were selected based on U.S. Census demographics and the final list of 25 was culled further by the editors, based on criterion such as low cost of living and geographic diversity. Other factors included walkability, a low crime rate, and access to the outdoors. Cities with universities were favored, for the flavor and culture they bring, along with employment opportunities that fuel jobs and a strong economy.

The list included:

1. Tucson, Arizona
2. Greenville, South Carolina
3. Montpelier Vermont
4. Logan, Utah
5. Ames, Iowa
6. Northampton, Massachusetts
7. Lexington/Fayette, Kentucky
8. Texas Hill Country
9. Oxford, Mississippi
10. Walla Walla, Washington

Read full article here

How to Prune Roses Easily | eHow.com

Keeping your garden tidy will improve its sales value.
Roses need pruning all year. They need winterizing pruning in the fall, and clean up pruning in June after they flower. Roses need to be “dead headed” whenever a blossom is spent, so that the energy of the plant goes into growing new branches and flowers and not into developing rose hips.

How to Prune Roses Easily | eHow.com

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How to Lay Outdoor Tile | eHow.com

Tile can update and improve a home you are putting up for sale. Follow these tips to do it yourself.
Adding a deck or patio will improve the value of your home.
The first stage in any tile project is to measure the area. Tiles come in many sizes. Design your project, making sure to include the meaurements for the space for the grout. Sloping areas should lead to a drain.
How to Lay Outdoor Tile | eHow.com

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MSNBC reports: Seattle #4 to Rebound according to Barbara Corcoran on

MSNBC:

Seattle rated # 4 for rebounding real estate market to rebound. Average home cost is $300,000 and Corcoran says the rebound is because of the well-educated population and good industries, like Microsoft and Amazon.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/30825142#30825142