When shopping for tech gifts this holiday season, purchasing quality, highly-rated products will help ensure your gifts will be enjoyed. But even the perfect gadget can present issues.
The experts at The Savvy Shopper Blog (www.thesavvyshopperblog.com) suggest researching in advance and purchasing service plans to protect your tech gifts. Here are their tips for a variety of popular items on the 2011 holiday checklist:
E-Book Readers and Tablets
Consider your loved one's preferences; do they wish to primarily read, play games, access email or social networking sites? Or would they prefer a device that can do all that and more?
Tablets and e-readers typically access the Internet via Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G networks, or a combination of Wi-Fi and a network. While e-reader models are offering more capabilities, tablets still reign supreme in terms of multi-functioning devices.
When determining whether you wish to gift a tablet or an e-reader, consider the price. Tablets typically run from several hundred dollars to $1,000, while e-readers start at less than $100 and run to several hundred.
For e-readers, consider either an e-ink or an LCD screen. E-ink screens mimic the appearance of printed ink on paper, while LCD screens use liquid crystals to display colors.
• E-ink -The e-ink screen image appears just like a printed page and can be read in bright light or sunlight. However, the pages appear in black and white and cannot be read in the dark.
• LCD screens -Bright and colorful, these lit screens can be read at night, but the screens can be difficult to read in bright light or sunlight, and some consumers believe the screens can tire or strain the eyes.
For tablets, keep in mind that most tech lovers have a preferred operating system, such as Apple's iOS or Google's Android. Also remember that storage size is important –if your loved one saves a great deal of photos and music files electronically, they will require more storage capacity.
Laptops
Size, weight, speed and storage are the most important elements to keep in mind when purchasing a laptop. For ample photo and music storage, purchase a computer with plenty of gigabytes. If your loved one streams videos, you'll need a fast processor and good speakers. Likewise, for video game use, make sure you have a quality graphics card.
While light-weight and small screen laptops are more portable, larger screens are better for video and gaming use. Models with built-in cameras and microphones are great for video chatting too.
Flat Screen TVs
Today, there are many options beyond size and picture, such as 3D technology and Wi-Fi capabilities. To get started, consider the following:
• Plasma screens -Plasma screens display a wide range of colors and a cleaner picture with fewer instances of motion blur while retaining faster refresh rates. However, the screens are made from glass and therefore reflect more light. When purchasing a plasma screen, look for a model with an anti-glare filter.
• LCD screens -These screens are lighter weight and come in a variety of sizes compared to plasma. They use less power and some models also feature LEDs, which illuminate the display and deepen blacks. But with the LCD, picture quality can be inferior, with slower refresh rates as well.
Video Gaming Systems
Each year, manufacturers continue to improve upon video gaming platforms. With so many games and accessories, it can be difficult to choose between gaming systems. Here are the top three:
• Xbox 360 -This gaming system features high-definition graphics and also plays DVDs and CDs, but users are required to subscribe and pay for online gaming.
• PS3 -With high definition graphics, this system also plays DVDs, CDs and Blu-rays as well, but it's priced higher than the Xbox, and if a user wishes to play PSOne or PS2 games, they must purchase an adapter.
• Nintendo Wii -While the graphics aren't as sharp and the system doesn't play DVDs, users can get up and move while virtually playing tennis, golf and other games, making this system much more interactive. In addition, this system is compatible with the GameCube.
Protection –The Extra Gift
Consider purchasing a replacement or service plan to protect your electronic gift. It's important to know the difference between the two standard types of product warranties:
Limited Manufacturer Warranty
• Generally comes standard with your product purchase. However, this type of warranty will only cover a problem with the product considered a "manufacturer's defect;" not products that fail from wear and tear; heat, dust and humidity; or accidental damage.
• Basic protection is limited, typically 90 days to one year.
• Manufacturers have been reducing the duration and scope of what they cover. Parts and labor may be split, so you could find yourself paying out of pocket.
Extended Service Plan (or "Extended Warranty")
• Builds upon the manufacturer's coverage.
• Provides for coverage due to defects in materials and workmanship, including those due to normal wear and tear and environmental factors like heat, dust and humidity and, in some cases, accidental damage from handling.
• Coverage ranges from two to five years.
• Due to the "no lemon" clause of many extended warranties, if your gift cannot be fixed, it will simply be replaced with a new product or gift card for the value of your purchase.
• Can provide support 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays.
To learn more about protection plans, visit www.newcorp.com.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Home Decor Color Forecast for the 2012-2013 Season
Is repainting the interior of your home on your to-do list for the new year? For the 2012-2013 season, homeowners are predicted to take the leap into deep and vivid hues this year, according to PPG Porter Paints' Insider's Color Guide. They'll go for colors that stir the senses and set them in motion. Their choices will be the vibrant, optimistic colors that pack a punch and can't be ignored. Their spaces will be full of strong contrasts – heavy and weightless, shadow and light, hot and cold. Bold colors that help them stand out in a crowd and showcase their individual personality.
If you're shopping for paint to update your home décor, one of these four new color palettes may just fit your taste and lifestyle:
Local Revival
This trend is about unplugging from a complicated life and living more simply and in harmony with one's community. Materials are strong and honest classics: leather, wood, aged metal. Design forms are simple and familiar; antique-industrial and retro-mechanical. Folkloric patterns tell the stories of generations. The palette is a mix of red berries, stone gray and solid brown refreshed by a creamy white.
Beauty Queen
This palette speaks to the unapologetically confident. It's the return of glam with a disco sophistication. It's high-intensity color that can turn light and airy on a dime. Lush and mysterious, soft and fresh – the built-in contrasts sensation-seekers want. Ultra-slick surfaces like Lucite and mirrors capture the best spirit of the 70s. Sharp fuchsia pink and juicy purple are softened with cosmetic pink and freshened with this year's brighter teal and white.
Quiet Tech
It's impossible to unplug without a place to escape to, so minimalism is the foundation of this trend. Rooms have visual interest without complication. Details and embellishments are kept to a minimum. Pale and mid-tone wood tones don't overpower the space. Shapes are rounded and tactile to keep rooms from feeling barren or cold. In the palette, ink blues play with earthy and calming neutrals.
Deco Candy
Bringing together vibrant colors and fun design, Deco Candy transforms a home into an intensely joyful playground. A vivid harmony of citrus accented by this year's bright blue, clean green and tangerine, the color scheme is irresistibly optimistic. Stripes and color-blocking bring a sense of organization to what could otherwise be too boisterous a spectrum of hues.
For more information about choosing the right color scheme for your home, visit www.voiceofcolor.com.
If you're shopping for paint to update your home décor, one of these four new color palettes may just fit your taste and lifestyle:
Local Revival
This trend is about unplugging from a complicated life and living more simply and in harmony with one's community. Materials are strong and honest classics: leather, wood, aged metal. Design forms are simple and familiar; antique-industrial and retro-mechanical. Folkloric patterns tell the stories of generations. The palette is a mix of red berries, stone gray and solid brown refreshed by a creamy white.
Beauty Queen
This palette speaks to the unapologetically confident. It's the return of glam with a disco sophistication. It's high-intensity color that can turn light and airy on a dime. Lush and mysterious, soft and fresh – the built-in contrasts sensation-seekers want. Ultra-slick surfaces like Lucite and mirrors capture the best spirit of the 70s. Sharp fuchsia pink and juicy purple are softened with cosmetic pink and freshened with this year's brighter teal and white.
Quiet Tech
It's impossible to unplug without a place to escape to, so minimalism is the foundation of this trend. Rooms have visual interest without complication. Details and embellishments are kept to a minimum. Pale and mid-tone wood tones don't overpower the space. Shapes are rounded and tactile to keep rooms from feeling barren or cold. In the palette, ink blues play with earthy and calming neutrals.
Deco Candy
Bringing together vibrant colors and fun design, Deco Candy transforms a home into an intensely joyful playground. A vivid harmony of citrus accented by this year's bright blue, clean green and tangerine, the color scheme is irresistibly optimistic. Stripes and color-blocking bring a sense of organization to what could otherwise be too boisterous a spectrum of hues.
For more information about choosing the right color scheme for your home, visit www.voiceofcolor.com.
Thanksgiving Decorating Made Simple
By Nick Caruso
Thanksgiving is a relaxing holiday based solely around food and gratitude. A nice decorative atmosphere would enhance the dining experience as you and your guests are enjoying mouthfuls of turkey, yams and stuffing. Decorating for Thanksgiving doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. With these simple and affordable tips, you can give your home a festive, fall look that everyone will enjoy.
Bold fall colors should be used as much as possible when making any decision regarding décor. Use many of the same colors as some of the traditional food you'll be serving. Yellows, oranges, browns and reds set the perfect tone for any fall-themed meal. Try incorporating them any way you can, including placemats, serving utensils and dishes. A colorful centerpiece would also work nicely for your holiday table.
Go outside and get inspired. The autumn season is all around us, so go outside and look around. Brightly colored leaves, berries and pinecones are just a few examples of items that could be garnered for decoration. Fill a large vase with some of these natural beauties for a decorative centerpiece. Things like pumpkins and hay bales also make great indoor and outdoor decorations. Use them sporadically for that extra fall feel.
For those with eager children, a fall garland can be a fun project to get them involved. Use red and orange leaves, or even use construction paper for cut-out turkeys or pumpkins. This will not only decorate your home, but keep the children occupied while you get some cooking and cleaning accomplished.
Thanksgiving-themed towels, pot holders and candles are also great ideas. Hand towels in bathrooms can carry the theme outside of the kitchen, while sweet smelling candles can do the same for dining or living rooms. A few bottles of red wine can also add to any autumn-colored display or centerpiece.
With all of that cooking to do, you may not have time for complicated and time-consuming decorating. With a little creativity and these fun and festive tips, you can create a wonderful atmosphere for you and your family.
Thanksgiving is a relaxing holiday based solely around food and gratitude. A nice decorative atmosphere would enhance the dining experience as you and your guests are enjoying mouthfuls of turkey, yams and stuffing. Decorating for Thanksgiving doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. With these simple and affordable tips, you can give your home a festive, fall look that everyone will enjoy.
Bold fall colors should be used as much as possible when making any decision regarding décor. Use many of the same colors as some of the traditional food you'll be serving. Yellows, oranges, browns and reds set the perfect tone for any fall-themed meal. Try incorporating them any way you can, including placemats, serving utensils and dishes. A colorful centerpiece would also work nicely for your holiday table.
Go outside and get inspired. The autumn season is all around us, so go outside and look around. Brightly colored leaves, berries and pinecones are just a few examples of items that could be garnered for decoration. Fill a large vase with some of these natural beauties for a decorative centerpiece. Things like pumpkins and hay bales also make great indoor and outdoor decorations. Use them sporadically for that extra fall feel.
For those with eager children, a fall garland can be a fun project to get them involved. Use red and orange leaves, or even use construction paper for cut-out turkeys or pumpkins. This will not only decorate your home, but keep the children occupied while you get some cooking and cleaning accomplished.
Thanksgiving-themed towels, pot holders and candles are also great ideas. Hand towels in bathrooms can carry the theme outside of the kitchen, while sweet smelling candles can do the same for dining or living rooms. A few bottles of red wine can also add to any autumn-colored display or centerpiece.
With all of that cooking to do, you may not have time for complicated and time-consuming decorating. With a little creativity and these fun and festive tips, you can create a wonderful atmosphere for you and your family.
MBA Welcomes Changes to HARP
David H. Stevens, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) issued the following statement in response to the recent announcement of changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP).
"The mortgage industry welcomes these changes designed to help more underwater borrowers who are current on their mortgages refinance at today's historically low interest rates. Not only will these changes allow more borrowers to qualify, but they will streamline the process and reduce the cost to borrowers and should lessen risk for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
"Lenders are particularly gratified that the refinements will provide relief from some representations and warranties that lenders face when originating new loans. These changes alone should encourage lenders to more actively participate in HARP.
"Borrowers need to be aware that these changes will not be implemented overnight. Lenders likely won't receive specific guidance and operational details from the regulators for a couple of weeks, after which it will take a bit of additional time for lenders to implement them. Therefore we ask borrowers for patience as the changes are put into practice.
"While ultimately helpful, these changes are not going to be a silver bullet to solve all the issues facing our housing market and borrowers who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. But they will offer lenders another tool to help borrowers and hopefully help bring some stability to housing markets, particularly those most impacted by home value declines."
For more information, visit www.mortgagebankers.org.
"The mortgage industry welcomes these changes designed to help more underwater borrowers who are current on their mortgages refinance at today's historically low interest rates. Not only will these changes allow more borrowers to qualify, but they will streamline the process and reduce the cost to borrowers and should lessen risk for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
"Lenders are particularly gratified that the refinements will provide relief from some representations and warranties that lenders face when originating new loans. These changes alone should encourage lenders to more actively participate in HARP.
"Borrowers need to be aware that these changes will not be implemented overnight. Lenders likely won't receive specific guidance and operational details from the regulators for a couple of weeks, after which it will take a bit of additional time for lenders to implement them. Therefore we ask borrowers for patience as the changes are put into practice.
"While ultimately helpful, these changes are not going to be a silver bullet to solve all the issues facing our housing market and borrowers who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. But they will offer lenders another tool to help borrowers and hopefully help bring some stability to housing markets, particularly those most impacted by home value declines."
For more information, visit www.mortgagebankers.org.
Make Sure Your Pets are Ready for Winter
With the colder weather settling in, it’s time to take some time to get your pets settled in for the winter. Even if your cat or dog is normally an outside pet, winters can be especially tough.
“Just like people, pets can get hypothermia,” warns Nancy Peterson of The Humane Society of the United States. “We recommend keeping your cat indoors all the time.”
In addition, most dogs are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
If you choose to leave your dog outdoors, even during part of the day, make sure that there is a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw; any bedding should be moisture resistant. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Provide plenty of food and make sure water is unfrozen and in a plastic dish.
There are dangers other than cold, as well. For instance, warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood or wheel well. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet, and automobile antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.
Colder temperatures are on their way! Make sure your family and its pets are prepared.
“Just like people, pets can get hypothermia,” warns Nancy Peterson of The Humane Society of the United States. “We recommend keeping your cat indoors all the time.”
In addition, most dogs are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.
If you choose to leave your dog outdoors, even during part of the day, make sure that there is a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw; any bedding should be moisture resistant. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. Provide plenty of food and make sure water is unfrozen and in a plastic dish.
There are dangers other than cold, as well. For instance, warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood or wheel well. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet, and automobile antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family.
Colder temperatures are on their way! Make sure your family and its pets are prepared.
Homeowner Alert: Receive Compensation for Foreclosure
The Federal Reserve Board recently announced that borrowers who believe they were financially harmed during the mortgage foreclosure process by four institutions in 2009 and 2010 can now request an independent review and potentially receive compensation.
Four large mortgage servicers supervised by the Board—GMAC Mortgage, HSBC Finance Corporation, SunTrust Mortgage, and EMC Mortgage Corporation —are required to conduct this program as part of their compliance with enforcement actions issued by the Board in April 2011. Under these actions, servicers are required to compensate borrowers for financial injury resulting from deficiencies in their foreclosure processes. A number of servicers supervised by the Office of the Controller of the Currency must also conduct the program.
As mandated by the Federal Reserve's enforcement actions, the four servicers were required to retain independent consultants approved by the Federal Reserve to conduct the reviews. Borrowers are eligible for a review if their primary residence was in the foreclosure process in 2009 or 2010, whether or not the foreclosure was completed. The review is intended to determine if those borrowers suffered financial harm directly resulting from errors, misrepresentations, or other deficiencies. The Federal Reserve will monitor the implementation of the program and the servicers' outreach efforts.
To apply for a review, individuals may call 888-952-9105, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (ET), and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET). Individuals can get more information about the review through a website created by the servicers, www.IndependentForeclosureReview.com. In addition, the servicers will conduct an advertising campaign and send letters to borrowers who may be eligible to participate in the review to provide information.
Requests for review by the servicers' independent consultants must be received by April 30, 2012. Borrowers are encouraged to carefully consider the information about the review program to determine if they should participate. There are no costs associated with being included in the review.
In addition to conducting the reviews generated by this outreach program, the independent consultants retained by the servicers supervised by the Federal Reserve will separately review all cases in certain categories of foreclosure actions by the servicers to determine whether borrowers suffered financial injury.
These categories include members of the military who were in the mortgage foreclosure process in 2009 or 2010 who were covered by the service members Civil Relief Act and borrowers who had previously filed complaints with the servicers about foreclosure actions that were pending during 2009 or 2010. Borrowers who previously filed complaints with these servicers about foreclosures pending during the review period also may seek independent reviews of their foreclosures.
The enforcement actions issued by the Federal Reserve in April also require the servicers to correct other deficiencies in residential mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure practices going forward. Under the plans, among other things, servicers must specify a single point of contact for certain borrowers who are having difficulty paying their mortgages, ensure that foreclosures are not pursued when a borrower is performing on a loan modification, and establish robust controls and oversight over their third-party vendors.
As previously stated in April, the Federal Reserve believes monetary sanctions in these cases are appropriate and plans to announce monetary penalties. These monetary penalties will be in addition to the compensation provided to borrowers in the independent review process.
For more information, visit www.federalreserve.gov
Four large mortgage servicers supervised by the Board—GMAC Mortgage, HSBC Finance Corporation, SunTrust Mortgage, and EMC Mortgage Corporation —are required to conduct this program as part of their compliance with enforcement actions issued by the Board in April 2011. Under these actions, servicers are required to compensate borrowers for financial injury resulting from deficiencies in their foreclosure processes. A number of servicers supervised by the Office of the Controller of the Currency must also conduct the program.
As mandated by the Federal Reserve's enforcement actions, the four servicers were required to retain independent consultants approved by the Federal Reserve to conduct the reviews. Borrowers are eligible for a review if their primary residence was in the foreclosure process in 2009 or 2010, whether or not the foreclosure was completed. The review is intended to determine if those borrowers suffered financial harm directly resulting from errors, misrepresentations, or other deficiencies. The Federal Reserve will monitor the implementation of the program and the servicers' outreach efforts.
To apply for a review, individuals may call 888-952-9105, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (ET), and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET). Individuals can get more information about the review through a website created by the servicers, www.IndependentForeclosureReview.com. In addition, the servicers will conduct an advertising campaign and send letters to borrowers who may be eligible to participate in the review to provide information.
Requests for review by the servicers' independent consultants must be received by April 30, 2012. Borrowers are encouraged to carefully consider the information about the review program to determine if they should participate. There are no costs associated with being included in the review.
In addition to conducting the reviews generated by this outreach program, the independent consultants retained by the servicers supervised by the Federal Reserve will separately review all cases in certain categories of foreclosure actions by the servicers to determine whether borrowers suffered financial injury.
These categories include members of the military who were in the mortgage foreclosure process in 2009 or 2010 who were covered by the service members Civil Relief Act and borrowers who had previously filed complaints with the servicers about foreclosure actions that were pending during 2009 or 2010. Borrowers who previously filed complaints with these servicers about foreclosures pending during the review period also may seek independent reviews of their foreclosures.
The enforcement actions issued by the Federal Reserve in April also require the servicers to correct other deficiencies in residential mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure practices going forward. Under the plans, among other things, servicers must specify a single point of contact for certain borrowers who are having difficulty paying their mortgages, ensure that foreclosures are not pursued when a borrower is performing on a loan modification, and establish robust controls and oversight over their third-party vendors.
As previously stated in April, the Federal Reserve believes monetary sanctions in these cases are appropriate and plans to announce monetary penalties. These monetary penalties will be in addition to the compensation provided to borrowers in the independent review process.
For more information, visit www.federalreserve.gov
Monday, November 7, 2011
Buyer's Seminar November 15th!
Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners will be holding a Buyer’s Seminar Tuesday, November 15th at 6:00 pm at its Beaufort Office located at 1211 Boundary Street. The seminar will teach the advantages of buying in today’s real estate market and attendees will leave the seminar understanding the differences between short sales and REO opportunities. For more information or to RSVP for this informative event, please call 843.986.2444, email debbie.barrett@mycbpp.com or visit http://www.MyCbpp.com.
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