DeFina Realty Weblog

The Uses of Disorder

joedefinarealtor — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:09:55 +0000

I read an interesting article in Creative Livingmagazine published by Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. This article states that disorder in ones life and living is not a bad thing. That our ongoing effort to organize and order things is not necessarily as productive as one thinks. (I wonder if I can get me wife to buy into this.) Now we are not talking about being dirty, piggish, or a slob, but existing somewhere between the Oscar Madison’s and Felix Unger’s of the world.

We have all heard the qoute “Messy desk, messy mind”, but I prefer to qoute Albert Einstein “If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk?” Might a cluttered or messy person be more productive? Do we not spend less time organizing and putting things away but instead getting on with the work that needs to be done? Is not that file, paper, message, or result at our fingertips rather than stuffed in a draw?

The book A Perfect Mess: The Hidden Benefits of Disorder by Eric Abrahamson and David H. Freeman examines benefits of disorder. They look at the natural world and find that disorder works better in the natural world that order. Think about how a replanted woodland looks at a tree farm type environment. With trees all the same size and shape. It limits sunlight effectively reaching the ground limiting undergrowth and other vegetation which in-turn limits food supply for ground bearing animals. While in an old growth forest with mixed tree types, ages, and sizes ground animals and vegetation of all types prosper.

The science of order started in 1911 with an article by Frederick Taylor. Working in the height of the industrial revolution his ideas espoused systems and a systemic approach to manufacturing and engineering that limited, if not illimited, individuality. These ideals evolved into personal life and we got the idea that organized, scheduled, and tidy was better. That organization equaled efficiency. It is a message that we as managers, parents, teachers, etc pass along: clean, uncluttered, organized, scheduled is better. Also, organized is easier to recognized than messy or disorganized.

Why, because defining clutter, messy, unorganized is diffucult ay best. When does messy become slovan? In messy the system is in the eye of the beholder.

Here are the Parasoxes of Disorder as defined by Abrahamson and Freeman (i.e. things for you to think about):

1. Procractination can be efficient. (I love this one. Unimportant things go way.)

2. Creativity is about putting things together that are not related to form a new idea. (If everything is in its box or folder how do you make connections.)

3. Messy systems can change and adapt more easily.

4. Rummaging helps make connections.

5. The more orderly people tend to be, the more time they spend looking for things. (Hard to prove this one I think, but I know at times it is hard to find something that I filed or stored.)

6. Messy people tend to have strategies that are very effective and efficient.

The main problem with disorder is it can not make you money. There is not an Uncontainer Store. We do not sell programs called The Seven Habits of Highly Disorganized People. Day Timers might become Day Trippers (bad pun from the Beetles song). According to the article, organiztion is a $45 Billion dollar industry. Unorganization costs you little.

Just something to thing about next time you spend an hour or more “getting organized”.

Greening Up Your Life

joedefinarealtor — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:25:08 +0000

Making your home more energy efficient is often simple. Try unplugging appliiances when they are not in use. Here are some other tips on how to green a bedroom:

1. Ceiling fans provide great air circulation and can reduce summer air conditioning bills

2. A low-flow showerhead saves water

3. Hardfloors require no vacuuming and consequently save electricity. (an aside there is an interesting articles at http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/09/bamboo_flooring.php on bamboo flooring.)

4. Shutters on doors and windows act as great insulators and add a stylish look to any room.

5. Using CFL bulbs save electricty, and installing timers on lights also conserve enegry when you are away.

6. Natural Fibers on bedding make recylcing easier when the time comes to redecorate.

Thanks to Brian Buffini for these tips

Remodeling and Payback Part II Bathrooms

joedefinarealtor — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:31:56 +0000

Bathrooms

A major redo can be expensive. Depending on bathroom size and add-ons you could be looking at $40,000. The higher-end options such as granite, frameless glass shower doors, and basin vessel sinks can truly add cost. However, bathroom redos usually recoup upwards of 80% of there costs. Not that I would suggest putting a $40,000 bathroom in a $150,000 home.

Some quick, easy, and less expense fixes are:

painting cabinet doors and updating hardware,
adding stylish new faucets,
re-glazing worn tub and tiles, and
replacing older fluorescent light fixtures.

As for complete bathroom additions think about what is available in your neighbor. If you go to sell are you competing against two or three bathroom home and you have one or one and half. Then it may be time for an addition. Besides you will enjoy the privacy while you live there.

again thanks to USAA Magazine.

Remodeling and Payback

joedefinarealtor — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:25:47 +0000

You want to update the master bath or add a master bath, add a screen porch, put granite in the kitchen, or build that deck; but, wait are you adding value? If you are going to stay for less than five years be budget conscious about what you are doing if staying, in your home, greater than five years, think about what will make you happy.Typically kitchens are the most expensive room to remodel. However, they also offer the most return on the remodel dollar, upwards to 85% according to Remodeling magazine Cost vs Value Report 2006.

If resale is your top priority go for broad appeal:

· When replacing or adding cabinets use lighter woods and nothing to contemporary,

· Stick with features and finishes common to your neighborhood and the kind of house it is (i.e. don’t put granite countertops in a starter home),

· Ask local salespeople what sells best,

· Change out cracked and/or stained countertops,

· Select up-to-date appliances.

Keep in mind that the kitchen is the primary room in a home and buyers always want to be impressed by the kitchen. If a kitchen is shabby it may inhibited a buyer from purchasing; upgrades will impress.Stay tunes from my ideas on other rooms!

Thanks to USAA Magazine.

Benefits of Trees

joedefinarealtor — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:27:16 +0000

Benefits of Trees

Trees benefit communities in a number of important ways.

Aesthetics – By softening the harsh lines of the urban world, trees play an important role in visitors’ first impression of a community. Trees add beauty to an urban area. Homes and offices set in an environment with mature trees are typically more appealing and valued at a higher rate.
Air Quality – Trees improve air quality in three ways.

1. The leaves can collect and absorb particles of airborne pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, and they also store carbon absorbed from the carbon dioxide in the air.

2. The physical presence of trees can reduce wind speed, which allows heavy particles of air pollutants to settle to the ground.

3. Burning fossil fuels for electricity is a major source of carbon emissions in the air. Properly placed trees can reduce the energy needed for heating, and especially cooling here in Texas, thus reducing the need for electrical power.

Clean water -Trees contribute to improved water quality by decreasing soil erosion and reducing storm water runoff that may affect the sanitary sewer system. Trees can minimize runoff and help developers comply with storm water requirements without relying so heavily on expensive retention facilities and sediment traps. They prevent soil erosion and reduce water pollution by holding soil in place and preventing the transport of sediments and chemicals into streams.
Economic benefits -Trees increase property values for both residential and business locations. Because trees increase property values, the result is an increase in the tax base for the community. In a recent National Association of Home Builders survey, builders reported that 43% of home buyers would pay up to $3000 more for wooded lots and 30% would pay up to $5000 more. A Bank America Mortgage survey of real estate agents showed that 84% believe a home with trees would be as much as 20% more saleable.
Energy savings –Well-placed trees can contribute to a reduction in heating and cooling costs for homes and businesses by providing shade, windbreaks and evaporative cooling effects. Trees offer shade and protection from the elements, making it easier to maintain constant temperatures throughout a building’s interior space. Heating and air-conditioning systems don’t have to work as hard or as long resulting in significant savings to home and business owners.
Increase Economic Stability – The National Arbor Day Foundation reports that people linger and shop longer along tree-lined streets. Apartments and offices rent more quickly and tenants stay longer in wooded areas. Studies conducted by the USDA have shown that healthy, mature trees add an average of 10% to a property’s value.
Reduce Crime – Crime levels in communities are reduced when there are extensive street tree systems and well-landscaped parks.
Reduce Noise Pollution – Trees act as buffers against roadways and other noise producing sources by absorbing unpleasant sounds from the urban environment.
Traffic Calming - The Institute of Transport Studies at England’s University of Leeds has found that street tree plantings have a traffic calming effect. Tree lined streets act as psycho perceptive measures, which subtly slows traffic and encourages speed limits of 25, 30 or 35 mph by making roadways appear narrower. Landscaping along streets provides a separation between motorists and pedestrians and reduces the visual width of the roadway. By presenting a visual narrowing of the roadway, trees and other landscaping create an image of the street that is one of a place rather than a through route.
Wildlife habitat – Trees serve as wildlife habitat, providing food and cover for a variety of creatures including deer, squirrels, rabbits, reptiles, insects and birds. Trees create a local ecosystem and provide these suitable habitats that would otherwise be absent from urban areas.

AS Borrowed from the City of Plano Website

The 5 Big mistakes over anxious home sellers make

joedefinarealtor — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:35:04 +0000

The 5 Big mistakes over anxious home sellers make

1. Don’t make small reductions again and again. Instead slash the price once. Figure out what your house is worth and price it 10% below the market.

2. Don’t hire the wrong agent. Interview agents, remember for them it should be a job interview and the seller should walk away understanding the selling plan.

3. Don’t wait it out. If you do, you’ll just join the thousands of other homeowners who also have waited too long.

4. Don’t show your house before you get rid of your stuff. Buyers can’t see past clutter.

5. Don’t refuse the first offer. The first bid is usually the highest.

5 Simple Ways to save more for retirement

joedefinarealtor — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 15:57:29 +0000

Get rid of debt
- Bad debt (credit card or expensive car payments) can be a barrier to savings. Create a payment plan and when you are done paying it off start saving the same amount.
Save big on the small Stuff
- Look at your spending habits and you can find ways to save a few extra dollars. Skip vending machine trips at work and bringing your lunch to work few times a week. Putting $62 a month in your retirement account at 8% interest per year could save you over $60,000 in 25 years.
Shop from a list
- Do your self a favor and make a list before you head to the store. Start with a list that fits your budget, then stick to it. You will find your shopping is under control and your bank account in better shape.
Save more in your retirement plan when you get a raise
- Increase your savings by 1% after each raise makes savings simple and painless. A neighbor of mine did this and she was able to retire at 51.
Get the full match
- Put enough dollars into your company plan to achieve the full company match. It is easy and free money.

Reviewed from StandardRetirement Services, Inc.

More Information on Fighting Holiday Weight Gains

joedefinarealtor — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:47:39 +0000

Strategies to Fight Holiday Weight Gain

Eat Healthier Foods.
Stay on your exercise routine or don’t wait until January 1 to start an exercise routine.
Make simple changes to the holiday dinner:
1. Eat white meat turkey,
2. Skim your gravy (put it through a skimmer),
3. Cook your stuffing outside the turkey, in a separate pan,
4. Serve at least on item very low in calories and fat,
5. Serve bake potatoes instead of mashed,
6. Lay-off the butter,
7. Serve Frozen Yogurt with the apple pie,
8. Pay attention to what you drink.

And remember Have Fun!

5 Other Workouts

joedefinarealtor — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:50:28 +0000

Staying on the topic of Holidays and Staying Healthy here are some ideas to start a workout program or change up your workout program. Some may even say Alternative Forms of working out.

Yoga
Pilates
Tai Chi
Water Aerobics
Belly Dancing

What do you think?

10 Ways to Beat the Holiday Weight Gain

joedefinarealtor — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:45:39 +0000

10 Ways to Beat the Holiday Season Weight Gain

Develop a Plan.
Stick to Your Plan.
Eat Right 90% of the Time:
1. At 21 meals per week (3×7) 90% equals 19 meals,
2. So 2 meals a week that are “Off Your Plan”.
Be Kind to Your Body. Like putting the correct octane in your car, put the correct octane in your body.
Get Moving. Find a away to get exercise. Holidays can be stressful, exercise is a great way to beat stress.
Don’t Beat yourself up. If you fall off the wagon, put it behind you and get back on your plan.
Be Prepared. Pack healthy snacks for yourself and the family if you are going out.
Be Accountable:
1. Step on the scale,
2. Use the tape measure,
3. Count calories,
4. When eating out ask for a doggy bag before dinner, cut the plate in half and bring half home, or split with your partner.
Eat Several Times a Day. Don’t wait for meal time. Enjoy healthy snacks.
Stay Hydrated. This does not mean drinking a lot of coffee, juice, or coke, but drinking water.

Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season.