#4 .  Using Your Home for Tax Deductions

Remember, tax laws can be complex and are constantly changing.  Consult with your professional tax advisor before filing any claims on your tax returns. 
Owning a home has its advantages when it comes to taxes, and they come in the form of deductions.  These tax deductions will lower your taxable income when filing your taxes, which means you keep more money in your bank account. 

Starting with the closing process, you are allowed to make deductions for any “points” you pay to reduce the interest rate on your loan.  A point is 1% of your loan amount.  In addition, the interest that you paid every month on your monthly mortgage bill is also a deductible, as well as your city, state, and county property taxes.

Another tax savings come into play when you have a qualifying home office.  This home office allows you to deduct a portion of your home expenses, such as heat/AC, electricity, etc.  Also, the Federal Government offers tax credits up to $2,000 when you repair to a home to make it more energy efficient, such as replacing old windows with double paned windows.

Real estate affordability is a major concern for home buyers in today's economy. DoorFly.com is great place to start when buying your next home. DoorFly provides a comfortable platfom for home buyers and sellers to connect with agents and to negotiate real estate agent fees. Use DoorFly.com to earn a rebate and to find a real estate agent.

#3.  Avoid Future Cost and Headaches with a Home Inspection

We all know the saying "don't judge a book by its cover."  Well the same is true for houses, so don't get too excited by a house just because it shows well!  Underneath that lovely exterior you may have problems; potentially serious problems.  A qualified home inspector will take an in-depth and impartial look at the property inside and out!  Otherwise you may fall into hidden costs associated with the home when you can no longer negotiate with the seller on price or other terms.

The cost of a home inspection is dependent on the size and characteristics of the property. Generally speaking it’s a few hundred dollars, which is a BARGAIN for the benefits you receive!  A licensed home inspector will examine for any structural concerns, plumbing issues, functionality of the electrical system and heating and cooling, check for mold and mildew, roof damage, leaks in doors or windows, etc.

We also recommend that you use DoorFly to find a real estate agent and earn a home buyer rebate. At DoorFly, buyers can compare realtor qualifications and negotiate real estate agent fees. Check out DoorFly.com today and watch as real estate agents compete to win your business.
 

#2  Increase Your Credit Score to Decrease Your Interest Rate

A credit score is a lenders snapshot of your credit history.  By looking at this one number a lender can very quickly determine how much of a risk they are facing when they lend money to an individual.  People with high credit scores are rewarded with low interest rate on their loans and low credit scores means paying higher interest rates.  The difference between a low interest rate and a high interest rate is hundreds of dollars every month on a large loan…such as a mortgage.

Since your credit score is based off of your credit history, you can bring up your score by following these tips:

> Tip # 1 Bills – Make all payments for your bills ON TIME. Late payments (payments that are 30 days late or more) have a negative effect on your credit rating.

> Tip # 2 Credit Cards - If your credit is in need of repair don’t cut up your credit cards.  If your credit is bad, you may not be able to gain additional credit cards later.  A great way to re-establish your credit is to get a secured credit card. You will have to keep a designated amount of money in an account that will be sufficient to cover your charges, and make payments on time.

> Tip # 3 Limits - Keep the charges on your credit cards way below their limits.  Lenders look at how close your spending is to your account limits.  If you keep your credit cards close to the maximum limit it shows the lender that you are over-leveraged.  It is best to keep your charges on your credit cards below 33% of their limit.

> Tip # 4 Bankruptcy and Tax Liens - Avoid bankruptcies, collections, and tax liens.  These can last for about 7 to 10 years on your credit report.

> Tip # 5 Check it! - Get a free yearly copy of your credit report to keep tabs on your progress and to catch any errors.  You can get a copy of your credit report free at www.annualcreditreport.com

Need a real estate agent to help you throughout the home buying process? By using DoorFly.com, you can easily locate a qualified real estate agent and negotiate real estate agent fees.  DoorFly provides a platform where real agents compete against other agents to win new business. Learn more about the benefits.

Buying a home can be a daunting task, especially when considering this is the largest purchase most individuals will ever make.  Therefore, reducing the financial burden of a purchase of this magnitude is something every homeowner welcomes.  This brief report will cover 5 ways to save you money on the purchase of your next home before, during, and after the closing process.

#1.  Be a Strong Buyer – Get Pre-Approved!!

When submitting an offer on a home it is important to make it stand out from the competition.  By getting pre-approved for a loan prior to submitting any offers you will instantly make yourself a stronger buyer in the real estate market.  Once you are pre-approved you will have a letter from your lender stating how much money you are qualified to borrow.  Being pre-approved is not the same as being pre-qualified, which merely states an amount that you might be able to borrow. 

It is important to find out the highest amount that you are pre-approved to borrow, and then look at homes only in your price range.  There’s no sense in falling in love with a home that doesn’t agree with your finances.  When you are ready to submit an offer, include a copy of your pre-approval letter.  Sellers will favor offers that have a firm financial backing rather than offers with none. 

If you plan to make an offer that is below your pre approved amount, request a second letter from your lender in the amount of your offer.  Your lender should have no problems doing this since you are already approved for a larger amount.  When a seller sees your offer and a pre approval letter for the same amount, the seller is less likely to ask for a higher price.  In the seller’s eyes you are making your highest offer.  This tip alone can save you thousands on the purchase of your next home.

Use DoorFly.com to find a qualified real estate agent and to save on real estate agent fees. DoorFly provides a comfortable platform for home buyers and sellers to negotiate real estate agent fees. To get started, create an account and start watching as agents bid rebates to win your business.

• A recent study by the U.S. Department of Justice found that people who sell their own homes can save as much as $7,500 in real estate commissions on the sale of a median-priced house.
   
• According to the For Sale By Owner web site, depending upon the metro area and region the success rates of FSBO range from about 40% to 85%.
  
  Like all real estate marketing, the most important factor is the location of your property (both from a local and regional standpoint). It's the same issue that real estate agents face. Attractive properties (good homes in good areas, that are priced correctly) sell quickly and unattractive ones don't.
  
  If anyone has more information about statistics for FSBO, please leave a comment on this post.

• It is a statistical fact that the competent agent negotiates a higher sale price than the owner does. The buyer responds differently to the agent than they typically do with the seller.
   
• The buyer of a "By Owner" expects to pay less than the fair market value because they don't expect the services of the professional.
   
• FSBOs sell at least 3% below the real estate industry sales.
   
• For Sale By Owner sales typically take longer to secure an offer and longer to get the offer to closing.
   
• If the property is on the market just one month longer than it could have been, about 1% is lost in costs to the seller.
   
• Statistics tell us that only about 3% - 4% of home buyers actually buy the home that they called on.

Were you planning to try to sell your home yourself (FSBO) because you want to save the realtor commission?
This is not a bad idea for some, but it may not always work. Oftentimes, the home seller is left watching the value of their property drop, while the mortgage ticks up. Real estate agents can provide valuable expertise to the process - especially when it comes to the complicated parts of the transaction (e.g. negotiating price, paperwork).

If you are trying to save the real estate commission and for sale by owner is not working out, we want to tell you that the real estate agent commission is negotiable! What?! Yes, the real estate agent commission is something that you can negotiate with the Realtor.

It is a hidden secret in the industry that the agent fees are set at 6%. This is not by law and you can save thousands of dollars when you sell your home, but just asking to for reduced commission.

You might be asking, can I get a full service Realtor at a discount price? The answer is yes. Negotiate for what you want.

That seems a little bit intimidating, right? It can be, especially since Realtors take pride in what they do and many do not want to offer a "discount". But, there are many agents that are willing to reduce their rates especially in this tough market.

This is where DoorFly.com comes in. DoorFly.com is a system that will allow agents to make offers and discounts on their service to home sellers in a non-intimidating way. You can compare the discount offers and review the agent qualifications all in one place before making a decision.

So what's the inside scoop -- DoorFly.com is a great alternative to For Sale By Owner when you are selling your home. Our system will help you negotiate real estate agent fees and save thousands of dollars while still getting the expert help you need.

Home buying can be a great opportunity to reduce your ecological footprint.

Looking beyond the décor, consider the location, size and style of your house and take advantage of government grants for home energy audits for a resale home.

You may wish to consider a new EnergyStar home.

Find a Green Realtor
Find a Realtor with good knowledge of environmental issues and programs and services available to assist homeowners to reduce energy. You may review real estate agent profiles at DoorFly.com and use private message boards to ask them about their 'green' knowledge.

Conduct an energy audit
The Home Energy audit is such a new concept that most resale homes will not be energy rated. & Again, if you are considering a new home purchase, and if it’s available, consider an Energy Star certified home.

Location is Imperative
Consider how close the house is to shops, school, Church, entertainment, workplace and other amenities that you often utilize. Think in relation to all members of the household. Choose your location very carefully.

Size Matters
Although large houses are still popular, the trend will be for smaller homes and more efficient floor plans with no space wasted. The smaller the home, the less energy needed for heat and light and the less you money spent on utilities.

Expect to Upgrade
Once you have found the home you want, go ahead with a professional energy audit and expect to upgrade and implement some of the suggested changes. Re-decorate with low-VOC paint, upgrade the air system, remove old carpet and replace with wood floor. Renovate according to your ecological principles. The Canadian government will pay 50% (up to $150.00 max) towards the audit and provide grants towards certain upgrades. Visit the Home Energy Savings website http://www.homeenergyontario.ca
Remember: Anything upgraded will add value to your investment and create a greener, healthier home.

Research your renewable-energy potential
Another new trend - depending on where you live there is an exciting possibility of generating some or all of your own electricity with rooftop solar panels or a backyard wind-turbine. The costs of solar, wind, and geo-thermal power are falling and becoming easier to find. This may not be attainable immediately in your area so keep an ear to the ground for news to come.

The Yard
Just as smaller houses are becoming popular, so too are smaller yards. Less lawn means less water. A small space for a garden is ideal to grow some of your own fruits, vegetables and herbs. Some vegetables may be grown in containers- so yards do not need to be acres to produce enough for an average household. Also, consider a space for compost pile or bin, if you don’t need to worry about wildlife. & look for shady trees to help conserve energy in hot weather.

While most home buyers will clean the home to their own standards before moving in (regardless of a sellers' efforts), below is a list of things to do in effort to leave a home reasonably clean when you sell your home:

Cleaning Inside the Home Before Moving Out

• Remove all personal property.
• Vacuum the floors.
• Clean kitchen appliances, inside the refrigerator and oven, and wipe down counters.
• Scour sinks and tubs.
• Wipe down interior cabinets and shelves.
• Wash tile and vinyl / linoleum flooring.

Cleaning the Garage

• Remove personal belongings.
• Throw away trash.
• Properly dispose of toxic chemicals.
• Sweep the floor.
• Stack items pertaining to the home such as paint cans, roofing materials or extra flooring.

What is the legal home seller requirement for cleaning?

In some states, real estate purchase contracts stipulate that the home is to be "broom clean," meaning the seller should at least sweep the floor, the walls and ceiling. The language in some of these contracts is ambiguous.

To determine the extent of cleaning that you are contractually bound to do upon vacating, you should read your purchase contract.

• Home Seller Checklist
• Home Selling Guide

Are you home buying for the first time? There is so many things to learn during this process and we know that it can be overwhelming. HGTV posted really good home buying advice from Sandra Rinomato that we wanted to share -- especially useful advice for first time home buyers. (source)

• Don't forget to set aside money for closing costs when budgeting out what you can afford. It's typically 1-1/2 to 2 percent of the purchase price. That goes toward the land transfer tax and pays a lawyer.
   
• For resale, curb appeal goes a long way. But make sure you don't over improve for the area. Some houses have a cap on them, which means it is only gonna be worth a certain amount no matter what the homeowners do to make improvements.
   
• Brand-new condos tend to be smaller, sometimes no larger than one bedroom, while older units typically have more square footage.
   
• When figuring out the price of a property, sometimes it makes more sense to look at the price of a house in terms of monthly payments instead of focusing on that big number.
   
• Real estate never sleeps. If you're trying to buy a hot property, you have to move quickly, or you could possibly lose it.
   
• Sometimes people think that by starting really low they'll end up with a better price on a house, but actually it usually works the opposite way.
   
• You don't necessarily want to buy in a building that has a high percentage of tenants because they don't take care of the property the way they would if they owned.
   
• If you're going to live in a city, you often have to sacrifice space.
   
• Before you start renovating a condo, live there for a year to make sure you're doing the right thing.
   
• Properties in good shape are rare, and they don't stay on the market for long.
   
• You can make changes to the inside of a condominium, with the proper condo board approval, but never to the exterior.
   
• You can't negotiate maintenance fees with a condo, and those fees tend to go up periodically.
   
• When you buy new, you have to put down 10 percent within six months or 15 percent within nine months. Also, until the place is registered, you can't get title. Until you get title, you can't place your mortgage, so during that time you're paying what's known as a phantom mortgage or an interim occupancy fee that goes toward nothing — it's like rent.
   
• It's better to walk away if you're not comfortable with the situation.
   
• When making an offer, you want to go as low as possible without insulting the sellers.
   
• It's the market that determines the value of a house.
   
• A simple renovation after the sale can boost the value of the investment by thousands.
   
• A middle-unit townhome is often less expensive than an end unit.
   
• Try not to fixate on the list price of a house, but rather the fair market value (an estimate of what a buyer would pay a seller for any piece of property).
   
• When it comes to investing, the best place to invest is in an up-and-coming area.
   
• It is especially important to have a home inspection if you are looking to buy an aging or older house. They look past the visible surface to the infrastructure, inspecting plumbing and looking for faulty fixtures and waste lines. They check electrical systems to make sure they aren't overloaded or a safety hazard. They also look at possible structural problems like the foundation, walls and floor joists.
   
• The old adage holds true. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
   
• It's great to have your financing in place before you look because houses are bought and sold overnight. You could lose your dream property waiting to secure the financing.
   
• When a house is empty, buyers can see the actual size of each room and can better visualize their things in them.
   
• When a renovated house is priced low, it is a good indication that the owners are looking for a bidding war — they want to get as much money as possible out of the sale.
   
• When you're house shopping, you can't pull a number out of a hat. Find out what other homes in the area have sold for, how long ago the sale was and what amenities they have.
   
• What you want to pay for a house has nothing to do with the fair market value (an estimate of what a buyer would pay a seller for any piece of property). Also, what you can or cannot afford has nothing to do with the value of a house.
   
• The key to success when buying a home is to trust the experts.
   
• Before you begin to house shop, you need to have an idea of what kind of neighborhood you want to live in and the style of house you want.
   
• The rule of thumb is that you should be able to afford a mortgage three times your income.
   
• Lenders subtract any debt payment from your income, so if you have a big debt, you have a lot less income — and a lot less house.
   
• When you are looking at a house, you have to have a wish list, but you have to understand that no house is going to be perfect.
   
• Don't judge a book by its cover. Same goes for a house. Go inside and look around before making a decision.
   
• When you buy a property, you should always have a home inspector come through. You never know what they're going to uncover, so don't crack the champagne just yet. If the home inspector should find something, then you can use it to your advantage to renegotiate the deal. Or you might have to walk away.
   
• You have to see past the junk and see the potential. When you buy a house, it's not just a place to live in, it's an investment. Keep in mind your dollars down the road.
   
• Home staging is big business. It can add thousands of dollars to the selling price. An unstaged house that has not been properly prepared for sale will sell for much less than the asking price.
   
• Feelings often take over the first time you go through a house, but the second visit allows time to do a thorough inspection led by your head, not your heart.
   
• The three most important matters when it comes to negotiation are information, preparation and realism.
   
• Reality often outweighs fantasy when it comes to buying a home.

As spring approaches, many new homes will go on the market and buying real estate will hopefully be on the upswing. In order to sell your home and make it stand out from others on the market, it needs to be prepared properly -- often called "home staging". Below is home selling advice to get your house ready for sale.

Every one selling real estate wants their home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Careful planning and knowing how to professionally stage your home will increase home buyer interest and potential offers. Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an irresistible and marketable home (source: About.com).

1. Disassociate Yourself With Your Home.

• Say to yourself, "This is not my home; it is a house -- a product to be sold much like a box of cereal on the grocery store shelf.
• Make the mental decision to "let go" of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.
• Picture yourself handing over the keys and envelopes containing appliance warranties to the new owners!
• Say goodbye to every room.
  Don't look backwards -- look toward the future.

2. De-Personalize.
Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can't see past personal artifacts, and you don't want them to be distracted. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You don't want to make any buyer ask, "I wonder what kind of people live in this home?" You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."

3. De-Clutter!
People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it.

• If you don't need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
• Remove all books from bookcases.
• Pack up those knickknacks.
• Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
• Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
• Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.

4. Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets.
Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. This means:

• Alphabetize spice jars.
• Neatly stack dishes.
• Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.
• Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.
• Line up shoes.

5. Rent a Storage Unit.
Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Since your bookcases are now empty, store them. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don't want buyers scratching their heads and saying, "What is this room used for?"

6. Remove/Replace Favorite Items.
If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, she won't want it. Once you tell a buyer she can't have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.

7. Make Minor Repairs.

• Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
• Patch holes in walls.
• Fix leaky faucets.
• Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
• Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls.
  (Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the house with the orange bathroom.")
• Replace burned-out light bulbs.
• If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!

8. Make the House Sparkle!

• Wash windows inside and out.
• Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
• Clean out cobwebs.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
• Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
• Clean out the refrigerator.
• Vacuum daily.
• Wax floors.
• Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
• Bleach dingy grout.
• Replace worn rugs.
• Hang up fresh towels.
• Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.
• Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.

9. Scrutinize.

• Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?
• Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.
• Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense.
• Make sure window coverings hang level.
• Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?
• Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You're almost finished.

10. Check Curb Appeal.
If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.

• Keep the sidewalks cleared.
• Mow the lawn.
• Paint faded window trim.
• Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.
• Trim your bushes.
• Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

Spring is in the air! Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, so remember to set your clocks 1 hour ahead.

If you are getting ready to sell your home this Spring, read our home selling advice below.

Make your home stand out.
There are a lot of foreclosures on the market, but these homes tend to be in a state of dis-repair. You want to market your home to those that are looking to purchase a home that is ready to move into. See more specific suggestions below.

Remember to do the little things to make your house stand out.

Here are a few examples:

1. Wash the windows inside and out. Clean all the mirrors to shine.
2. Set out fresh flowers with a fresh and inviting smell.
3. Polish hard wood floors to shine and vacuum right before any showing.
4. Offer a shoe mat at the entrance and even an umbrella stand. This will encourage prospective buyers and agents to remove their shoes and help keep your floors looking great.
5. Fluff pillows and put out fresh towels in bright colors. Even consider replacing these items because they are inexpensive and can add interest to a room.

First impressions count.
Landscaping is always a good idea. With spring on the way, it should be easy to make your home look amazing on the outside.

1. Mow your yard with diagonal rows to make your yard appear larger.
2. Edge the lawn along driveways and sidewalks. This will show the buyer that you care and pay attention to detail.
3. Transplant tulips or other spring flowers near the walkway or anywhere in the front. Yellow stimulates happiness and everyone is anxious to see flowers in the Spring after a long Winter. Consider container plants also in groups of three to five and place near the entrance.

Paint your walls white.
White walls let the potential home buyers imagine their own style in the home instead of yours. It also makes every room feel bigger. Avoid dark colors which can discourage a home buyer if they do not like the color and makes the room look smaller.

If you have an open house, purchase bright colored helium balloons for in front of your home. This will help you home stand out and no one will miss it.

We also recommend you find a real estate agent using DoorFly.com and negotiate real estate agent commission. DoorFly recently opened home seller listings and allows you to compare agent offers that will help with selling real estate.
 

A buyer or seller signs up on DoorFly.com and receives a bunch of rebate offers from various real estate agents. They review the bidding agent profiles and select the top 3 agent for the job.

So what happens next? 

To start, the buyer or seller should interview these agents to learn more about their skills and qualifications. Here are some good questions to ask an agent during the interview process. (Questions provided by MSN Real Estate)
 

1. May I see your resume?
   Since you're searching for an above-average agent, look for evidence of advanced training and designations, professional recognition and membership in professional organizations, all signals of commitment to the profession.
    
2. What makes you special?
   Don't settle for someone who just promises to show you homes or list, advertise and sell your place. What you want to know is, "What sets you apart? What will you do to go the extra mile for me?"
    
3. How often will I hear from you?
   Your agent's communication style and availability should mesh well with yours. Prepare for your agent interviews by asking yourself whether, for example, you'd need a twice-weekly check-in, even if there are no homes to visit.
    
4. What's your plan for marketing my home?
   No agent can guarantee she'll sell your home. But she can tell you what steps she'll take to bring it to the attention of buyers.
    
5. How many transactions did you complete last year?
   Some agents keep score in dollars, saying, "I sold $50 million in real estate last year." But property values vary from market to market and house to house, so what you really want to ask is, "How many deals did you complete?"
    
6. What do you know about the neighborhoods where I want to live?
   A super salesperson is no good to you if she isn't doing an active business in your target neighborhoods, so ask how many of the homes she sold last year were located where you want to buy and how many listings she has there now.
    
7. Are you a solo agent or part of a team?
   There's no right answer to this question. Teams are growing in popularity. They're good for engaging several individuals' expertise at once and for allowing high-powered salespeople to concentrate on what they do best, offloading to associates tasks like filing and tracking documents, dogging details and showing houses.

Buying real estate is one thing, but what about landscaping, gardens, and flowers? I remember our first Spring after home buying. We had no idea how to landscape or select the best flowers. A great event is coming up in Indiana that will give you ideas and introduce you to many local companies. It's the Indiana Flower and Patio Show.

The Indiana Flower & Patio Show

The 51st annual Indiana Flower & Patio Show has been redesigned! We’ve listened to show goers suggestions and have pruned our show to ensure only the ideal exhibitors are here to help fulfill your every finer outdoor living need. Getting back to what has made our show great for over 50 years – Gardens. Landscapes. Experts. Ideas.

The show features over 30 extravagant gardens/landscapes crafted by many of Indiana’s premiere landscapers, hundreds of finer outdoor living experts, and thousands of ideas to take home! You can learn more about the show navigating through our site.

When: March 14 - 22, 2009
Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Indiana State Fairgrounds, West Pavilion
1202 E. 38th Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46205

Cost: General Admission: $12
Children 12 and Under: Free

• Get a Printable Coupon to the home show
• Purchase Tickets online

Some of our favorite exhibits are:

• Brick Paving of Indianapolis, Garden #02 - Check our their Monopoly themed Show Garden.
• Gardens of Growth, Garden #08

Do you want to be regularly stuck in a "traffic jam"? Probably not. If you are home buying in a new location, congestion is an important factor to consider.

Los Angeles California is the most congested city in America according to Yahoo Real Estate and Kirkland, Wash.-based research firm Inrix, which provides real-time, historical and predictive traffic information to television stations and other groups across the U.S.

Consider this story from an average commuter.

For two years, 26-year-old marketing associate, Stefani Cole, commuted from her home in Long Beach, Calif., to her job at a radio station in Burbank. The 40-mile drive takes about 45 minutes without traffic but averages between two to two-and-a-half hours during rush hour.

"I would try to get to the office early and work later so that I would miss the major traffic," says Cole. "But if there was a wreck or something, forget it. It was going to be bad no matter what."

In September 2008, Cole decided enough was enough. She packed her bags and moved to Burbank. She now lives just eight miles from work. Her commute, however, is still 25 to 30 minutes. That shouldn't have come as much surprise, since the roads of Los Angeles are the most congested in the country.

The top five congested cites are:

1. L.A.
2. New York
3. Chicago
4. Dallas
5. Washington, D.C.

• See pictures of America's most congested cities.
• See traffic reports for cities you are considering.
• Most cities have a Transportation Authority that will outline various transportation option. For Central Indiana, see the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority.

DoorFly ranked #2 on MakeUseOfIt.com's February 21, 2009 list.

Here is the top five list from today:

(1) BehindTheName - It is a comprehensive resource that lists thousands of names, using this site you will be able to find out things like; name meanings, origin, popularity and more. Read more: BehindtheName - Find Out What Any Name Stands For.

(2) DoorFly - Connects home buyers, sellers and real estate agents, with the main focus on home buyers helping them to find the best realtor. The best part is that the buyer does not actually have to search for anyone, the agents find buyer via his DoorFly listings and even offer rebate from their commission.
Read more: DoorFly - Find The Best Realtor

(3) Fonomo - Dead simple video conferencing app that lets you quickly create virtual room and video chat with others online.
Read more: Fonomo - Easy Online Video Conferencing App.

(4) LovelyCharts - Online diagram editor that allows you to create professional looking diagrams and charts quickly.
Read more: LovelyCharts - Free Online Diagram Editor.

(5) Shutterborg - Online word processor that runs in your web browser and makes life easy by allowing you to edit documents online.
Read more: Shutterborg - Edit Documents Online.

These are just half of the websites that MakeUseOfIt discovered in the last 3-4 days. If you want us to send you daily round-up of all cool websites we come across leave your email here. Or follow us via RSS feed.

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Makeuseof.com is very different from most of the other tech blogs/websites. It’s unique and original in what it reviews and how it does it. On makeuseof we don’t write about any new web applications that come around but only about ones that are COOL, FREE and USEFUL. Or as it says in our tagline: cool websites, software and Internet tips. It may be a subjective judgment but that’s how it is. We also try to keep it simple and accessible, so that even newbies who never used such sites like Digg and Delicious or ones who think AJAX is famous washing powder brand can easily find their way around.

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