Termites: The Silent Destroyers

Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage a year in the United States, according to the National Pest Management Foundation. Yet, many homeowners know very little about the danger that termites pose to their property.
"You don't usually notice them until the damage is extensive. Termites may take up residence in a home for years-even decades- eating away at the structure from the inside out until the damage shows itself- hence the unsettling nickname "silent destroyers", says entomologist Ron Harrison, technical director for Orkin, Inc.
So how can you protect your investment from these crawly insects? Harrison offers these preventative measures:

• Keep moisture out. Use downspouts and gutters to divert water away from your home's foundation
• Store mulch, firewood, and wood chips away from home.
• Make sure shrubs, vines, and other plants aren't planted too close to the home and aren't covering vents
• Ventilate crawl spaces to reduce humidity
• Eliminate gaps and cracks in attic vents, window joints, and roof eaves.
• Remove old tree stumps and roots near home.

However, a home owner's best defense is to schedule regular inspections with a termite specialist.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's web site provides information by state about areas most prone to termite damage. Go to www.hud.gov and search for "Termite Infestation Probability Zones".

Working Women Balancing Act

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Real Estate Careers Still a Savvy Choice: The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television Reveals Why Real Estate Agents Still Matter

(Pompano Beach, FL)—Even though the economy has been in a slump, savvy investors are still pursuing the “American Dream” of homeownership, and that still makes the role of the real estate agent a very relevant one. To better understand the opportunities in this field and how real estate agents play an invaluable role in the process, The Balancing Act welcomes Tami Bonnell, President of the U.S. Organization of EXIT Realty Corp. International. The segment airs Thursday, August 13^th, 2009.

“We hear all the news reports about the housing slump,” says Bonnell. “But there are still millions of people who are buying homes this year.”

According to research by Marissa Miley, a reporter at Advertising Age, despite record foreclosure rates and depressed home sale prices, the real estate industry anticipates selling 5.3 million homes this year, many to first-time home buyers.

And while computers have aided in the search and sale of one’s abode, real estate is still all about the personal connection, and that’s why so many women are excelling in this field.

“A good REALTOR^® really is a partner in the process,” explains Bonnell, “You need to listen; really hear your client’s story and be a smart detective. Understand the why for the consumer,” she said.

Consumers can find facts on a computer but only a real estate agent can offer the insights, advice, marketing tips and negotiation options that make a home sale or purchase a smooth and easy transaction.

Many women, especially moms, have found great financial success and a balanced family life with a real estate career, and not just in the boom times. Taking it to the next step, EXIT Realty developed an innovative residual plan that allows REALTORS^® to earn bonuses from the transactions of the new recruits they introduce to the company, creating an exciting financial opportunity from which many women have benefited.

“The real estate market is about good deals and long-term benefits,” says Doug Campbell, Executive Vice President of Programming, BrandStar Entertainment, the producers of The Balancing Act. “Understanding the importance the real estate agent plays was indeed very insightful.”

About Brand Star Entertainment’s The Balancing Act: The Balancing Act TV show on Lifetime Television is America’s only morning show about women, for women, trusted by women. Celebrating life and all there is to accomplish, The Balancing Act inspires and empowers with entertaining and educational segments, placing women in the best position to achieve success in every area of their lives. The show is produced by BrandStar Entertainment and airs on Lifetime Television 7 a.m. Eastern/Pacific (check local listings). Additional information and each segment can be accessed on the show’s website, www.TheBalancingAct.com. Each episode is also available on http://www.google.com/video and http://www.youtube.com/. Sign up for the show’s newsletter at www.thebalancingact.com/join.php. For more details about BrandStar Entertainment please visit www.brandstarentertainment.com.

About Tami Bonnell: Tami Bonnell’s real estate career spans more than 25 years during which she was instrumental in building three major brands. Ms Bonnell has been featured several times in major industry publications, including Real Estate Magazine, Bay State REALTOR® and Frog Pond Communications. She is a much sought-after international speaker, addressing thousands at events such as RISMedia’s Leadership Conference in NY, Inman News Conference in San Francisco and the Top 500 Power Brokers at The National Association of REALTORS® Convention. Since becoming President of the US Organization for EXIT Realty Corp. International, her focus is on growth and profitability for Regions, Brokers and Agents. Ms Bonnell is available for interviews.