The first thing every homeowner needs to know about plumbing is how to turn the water off in case of an emergency. It’s like having a fire extinguisher; you hope you never need it but you want it just in case you do.

Generally, the cutoff is in the front of the home. There may be a separate cutoff box on the owner’s side of the meter. If not, the owner needs to be able to open the water meter and turn it off there. This will require a water meter key which can be found at a local home improvement store and a wrench. Once you have the key, practice opening the meter door and check out how the shutoff valve works. Then, put the key in a quick and easy place to find when you need it.

The second thing a homeowner needs is a recommendation of two good plumbers. Having a backup name is always good in case your first choice can’t make it when you need them.

Some homeowners prefer to go the do-it-yourself route. There are plenty of DIY videos on the Internet but having the name of a good plumber if the job gets out of hand can be the tool that saves the day.

Our business puts us in touch with some of the most reliable and reputable service providers and we’re willing to share their names with you. Regardless of whether you “do it or delegate it”, being familiar with the basics can be very helpful.

Just the Facts

Interest Rates Should Rise in December

You can’t argue with monthly growth of 271,000 jobs and an unemployment rate of five per cent. That was Wall Street’s response to the release, on Friday, of the U.S. employment report for October. The yield on Treasury bonds rose sharply as traders priced in a December rate hike by the Federal Reserve, which would be the first in almost a decade. Indeed, some analysts were speculating about a second quarter-point rise come March or April.  That last bit of prognostication was premature, but it does seem highly likely that Fed chair Janet Yellen and her colleagues will act: as recently as Wednesday, Yellen described a December rate hike as “a live possibility.”

-          New Yorker Magazine, November 6, 2015

   

October Job Boom; Unemployment Drops

October hiring burst adds 271,000 jobs, drops Unemployment rate drops to 5-year low
U.S. hiring roared back in October after two weak months, with employers adding a robust 271,000 jobs, the most since December. The unemployment rate dipped to a fresh seven-year low of 5 percent.  The burst of hiring across a range of industries came as companies shrugged off slower overseas growth and a weak U.S manufacturing sector. Big job gains occurred in construction, health care and retail.  Healthy consumer spending is supporting strong job growth even as factory payrolls were flat last month and oil and gas drillers cut jobs.  Any gain above roughly 150,000 was expected to keep Fed policymakers on track to raise interest rates from record lows at their mid-December meeting.  A survey by the Institute for Supply Management found that companies in the health care, retail, financial and transportation and warehousing industries all added more jobs in October than in September. Overall, services firms expanded last month at the fastest pace in three months. That’s in sharp contrast to the ISM’s survey of manufacturing firms, which barely grew in October.  Chair Janet Yellen and other leading Fed officials have said that the economy is generally healthy and that the December meeting is a “live possibility” for a rate hike.
      -     Dallas Morning News, November 6, 2015
   

And Texas Home Prices Keep Going Up

“Unsustainable. Overheated. Overvalued.”

Those aren’t the usual descriptions used for the Dallas housing market.  But that was before local home prices started jumping more than 10 percent a year and before buyers were bidding up the cost of putting a roof over their heads.  The Dallas area now leads the nation in home price gains, according to analysts at Core Logic Inc.  And it’s not just Dallas that’s seeing higher prices. Costs are soaring in Austin and San Antonio, too.  Even in Houston, where the economy’s been slapped around by oil and gas industry layoffs, home prices are rising more than 6 percent a year.  The cover of the latest issue of Texas Monthly magazine calls it “The Great Texas Housing Boom.”  In Texas, the home price binge is being fueled by pure demand from the people moving here every year.  “We have thousands of people moving to this state, and we are not building enough places for them to live,” said Texas economist Mark Dotzour. “That’s what is driving up prices.  “Our housing inventory is ridiculously low, and that’s what’s causing these spiky prices.”  Dotzour doesn’t see a cool-down in Texas home price gains as long as the flow of people from California, Illinois and elsewhere continues.  “This is going to go on as long as jobs keep coming into the state,” he said. “As long as we have a shortage of home supply, I don’t know why prices won’t continue to go up. That’s just how it works.”
-          Dallas Morning News, November 5, 2015



Insurance and homeowners go together like peanut butter and jelly. Lenders require fire insurance at a minimum for homes with a mortgage but many owners opt for a more comprehensive coverage with a homeowner’s policy.

However, comprehensive doesn’t mean that everything is covered. Filing a claim is not the time to learn that you don’t have the right coverage. Discuss the following issues with your insurance agent to get a better understanding of your policy and whether some adjustments might be in order.

• Flooding?
• Rising water?
• Mold?
• Earthquakes?
• Pools?
• Termites?
• Certain kinds of pets or breeds of dogs?
• Limits on jewelry and cash?
• Deductible amount?

The whole concept behind buying insurance is to transfer the risk of loss that you cannot afford for an annual premium that you can. Price and coverage need to be considered when comparing policies. Call your agent and make sure you understand what you’re insured for and if there are alternatives available.

Personal Interest - Ways to Save on Halloween Candy, Courtesy of Shelton Becnel

Bags of candy are an essential element to the trick-or-treating experience but the costs can add up rather quickly if you are not mindful of your spending. To prevent high costs that can cut into your budget, below are a couple of tips that can help you save on your Halloween candy costs:

•  Buy Late - usually, procrastination doesn't pay, however, in the case of Halloween candy, it often does. Halloween candy will often be discounted at the last minute so that stores can attempt to get rid of inventory. Waiting to buy Halloween candy can prove to be a cost-saving trick.
•   Coupons - many retailers will run deals on candy so that it can be purchased at a lower cost around Halloween time. Before you head to the store to pick up some Halloween candy, make you sure grab those coupons!
• Non-Candy Items - can be a big hit! Try looking for inexpensive items like plastic rings, stickers and mini balls that you can pass out instead of candy. Items of this nature can be purchased at dollar stores, party stores and department stores so they can be relatively easy to find. In addition, these are a healthier alternative to sugary candies.
•  Non-Chocolate - have you noticed that non-chocolate items tend to be less expensive than chocolate candies? Well, it is true; just take a look the next time you are in a store. If you are trying to cut the cost of candy this year, try going with fruity candy as opposed to chocolate candy as they are often less expensive.
•  Hand Out The Candy - some people will allow kids to pick out their own candy, of course, this can lead to them taking a number of pieces and thus you running out of candy sooner than expected. To prevent this, hand out the candy yourself so that you have control over the quantity that each 'trick-or-treater' gets.
•  No One Is Home - the last way to save money is to not give out any candy - this will likely prove to be the most cost-effective method but the least favorable among the 'trick-or-treaters'.

Finances - Fall Fashion Essentials, Courtesy of Shelton Becnel

Ok, it is time to pull out the fall clothing items, see what fits (and what doesn't), prepare some items for donation and make a list of new items you'll need this fall. Below are a couple of items that are essential for the fall:






Men

•   Shoes - Oxford and/or loafers are classic and timeless. Having a nice pair of shoes in your wardrobe is essential because you can dress them up or down, depending on the situation.
•  Peacoat - a nicely fitted peacoat can add great shape and structure. This is another timeless piece that is a staple for colder weather. A peacoat can add charm to an outfit.
•  Blazer - another essential is a classic (dark color) blazer. This should be tailored so that it gives a polished yet laid-back feel. You want to show that you care about your appearance but don't want to look like you're trying too hard. 

Women

•  Shoes - ballet flats. While a nice pair of boots with a heel is really important, a nice pair of ballet flats are just as essential. Ballet flats cover your toes for the cooler months and are comfortable. Not to mention, ballet flats come in all different styles so you have a variety to select from.
• Classic Black Dress - of course this has to make the list. A nice black dress can be worn to just about anything and still be appropriate. Find a black dress that is flattering to your body and you'll always be in style.
•  Peacoat - a nice coat is just as important for a woman as it is for a man. Find a nice coat that fits well for the colder months so that your ensemble is still complimented. It might even be nice to experiment with a bold color if you want to change up your wardrobe a bit.
•   Black Blazer - a tailored blazer can add a very feminine and classic element to your fall wardrobe. Blazers prove to be versatile and can be paired with jeans, skirts and just about anything. 

Another important fall essential is your signature fragrance. Fragrance is in a class of its own because it is important for both men and women. Smell is the sense most closely linked to memory. We all want to be remembered positively so leave a lasting impression (but not too much or too strong) for people to remember you by.

Your Home -Fall Decor, Courtesy of Shelton Becnel

Can you believe that the first day of fall was September 23rd, 2015? My goodness, time flies. Since fall is upon us, this might mean that your home is in need of some fall decor updates. Fall provides the opportunity to update your decor with deep bolder colors and unique accents. Below are some tips you might want to incorporate into your fall home decor:

•  Vintage Finds - try browsing your local thrift shop to find unique and often times, affordable goods. Not only can vintage finds add unique touches to your decor, it is also a great way to be eco-friendly because you are recycling old items as opposed to purchasing new ones. · 
•  Neutrals - neutral colors can add a warm and elegant look to any room. Try incorporating neutrals with a pop of color for contrast. 
•  Warm Wood - warm wood can give your home a vintage and rustic feel. If you are looking for a rustic touch, try adding some wood accent to your decor. · 
•  Bold Accent Colors - try decorating with deep accent colors like yellows, blues and orange. When pairing neutral colors with these bold accents, it can give a room a burst of personality and charm. 
• Textures and Patterns - when done subtly, a bold texture and/or pattern can give a room tenacity without being overbearing. Try adding unique, contrasting, yet complimentary textures and patterns to your rooms to add a hint of creativity and personality.

The Cost of Co-Signing



It seems fairly innocuous; a friend or family member wants you to co-sign on a loan because they don’t qualify. They assure that they’ll make the payments; they’re quite convincing and very appreciative. You don’t want to disappoint them and after all, it’s not like it’s going to cost you anything…is it?

Think of it this way. They couldn’t get a loan unless you co-sign for them. If they don't make the payments, the lender is going to look to you to repay the loan plus late and collection fees. The lender may be able to sue you, file a lien on your home or garnish your wages.

And it’s not just money that you could be losing, it could be your credit too. Co-signing a loan is a contingent liability that could affect your debt-to-income ratio and your ability to borrow.

Co-signing is an obligation to repay the debt if the other signer is unable. You could be out the money and unable to recoup the loss because you don’t have control of the asset. The impact on your credit could take years to recover.

Before you obligate yourself, consider all of the ramifications involved in co-signing a loan for someone.