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Jan 12

New York City Penthouses – Life at the Top

by Mary Teresa Fowler
New York City Penthouses

When developer Ian Schrager, co-creator of boutique hotels, and his partners asked the renowned architectural firm, Herzog & de Meuron, to design 40 Bond Street in New York City, they were choosing a top team. This prestigious firm had designed the Tate Modern Museum in London, the main stadium for the Olympic Games in Beijing, as well as other world-class projects. Schrager made one more top decision.

"I'm taking the penthouse," says Schrager.

Luxury Penthouses

No doubt, building owners and co-owners can have the first chance to live in the luxurious penthouses. Most owners of luxury real estate position themselves at the top. Take Donald Trump and Trump Tower – another co-developer who took the opportunity to occupy an opulent penthouse. Do you ever wonder what life is like at the top?

40 Bond Street

The penthouse at 40 Bond Street makes a sizable impression and comes with a big price tag – a reported $18.5 million. That chunk of cash will get you 6,626 square feet of interior space and 3,529 square feet of exterior space. Of course, you could choose a smaller 3-bedroom apartment for $9,950,000. You could even choose a 2-bedroom unit for the more affordable price of $4,850,000.

Interiors

The apartments at 40 Bond Street have all kinds of luxurious features - Austrian smoked oak floors, Italian cabinets with smoked oak and high gloss lacquer, as well as Glacier White Corian walls, and shower floor with embossed graffiti pattern. 40 Bond Street was designed to reflect a version of SoHo commercial loft buildings. The building uses a green glass grid instead of cast iron.

Boomer hotel icon Ian Schrager is far from done

Trump Tower

Donald Trump chose an office and a penthouse in Trump Tower at 721 Fifth Avenue. Angelo Donghia designed this elegant penthouse. Even from the outside, Trump Tower is no ordinary building. Its unique look and unusual layout make an innovative statement.

Interiors

Donald Trump continues to express his individuality with his choice of detailing. From the inlaid Trump Tower seal on the ramp of the entrance to 'T' stanchions and vitrines, it is hard to miss the 'Trump' connection. Developers of luxury properties tend to make their mark with extravagant buildings.

Trump Tower is full of elaborate details. Its 100-foot high atrium features a seven-storey waterfall in front of Breccia Perniche marble in gorgeous colors – peach and orange - pink and rose. Polished granite walls and brass vitrines add an extra glow.

Trump Burns Mortgage At Trump Tower

NYC Penthouses

Life at the top might cost a fair penny but many buyers are willing to pay the price for a luxurious lifestyle. Of course, if you own (or co-own) the building, occupying the penthouse makes it a more probable and personal choice. Yet developers are not the only buyers wanting to move into penthouse apartments.

Despite the recent downturn in the economy, the U.S. luxury real estate market is rebounding in fast order. Upscale markets tend to make a fast recovery from economic woes. Luxury property is seen as a smart investment in the long term.

Luxurious residences and hotels do well in major centers like New York City. Ask Ian Schrager. He just started Schrager Hotels and created two new hotel brands – one luxury model - and one less expensive brand - for those of us who can't afford the penthouse suite.

What Would Be The Best Thing About Living In A Luxury Penthouse?

Image courtesy of bilgenozturk.blogspot.com

 

 

Dec 26

Giving the Gift of a Holiday Home

by Mary Teresa Fowler
The Gift of Holiday Home

Only a minority of gift-givers have sufficient financial resources to give the gift of a home during this holiday season. An increasing number of family and friends, however, are helping first-time home buyers (and other potential home owners) with financing. People who step in to help loved ones with financing for homes are known as "angel investors." This term seems especially appropriate for investors who help relatives get into a home for the holidays. The expiry of the Federal First-Time Home Buyers' Credit, as well as the recent economic downturn, has caused more people to become "angel investors."

Habitat for Humanity

Yet in addition to affluent gift-givers and angel investors, a large percentage of the population are helping families receive the gift of a home. Internationally, people are supporting Habitat for Humanity – either through donations or with physical labor. Habitat For Humanity International (HFHI) (referred to usually as Habitat for Humanity or Habitat) has offices in five major areas around the world. They operate in the US and Canada, Europe and Central Asia (Bratislava, Slovakia); Latin America and the Caribbean (San Jose, Costa Rica), Africa and the Middle East (in Pretoria, South Africa), as well as Asia-Pacific (Bangkok, Thailand).

The operations of the organization in each main area are managed by a national office. Community Habitat offices act as partners with Habitat for Humanity International. The national and local offices handle the selection of the building site and partner family, fundraising, house construction, and mortgage servicing.

Habitat is a non-governmental and non-profit organization devoted to building affordable housing for people who need a helping hand. The homes are built with volunteer labor and are not sold for profit. Guidelines for the program may vary slightly around the world. For example, certain locations outside the US charge interest as a measure of protection against inflation.

Habitat for Humanity is a prestigious organization. In 1984, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, and his wife Rosalynn Carter, got involved in Habitat and greatly raised the organization's profile. In 1996, U.S. President Bill Clinton awarded its founder, Millard Fuller, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

By 2010, Habitat for Humanity had built more than 350,000 houses providing shelter for over 1.75 million people in more than 5 continents and 3,000 communities worldwide. The organization does not just provide a handout. The program offers assistance but allows recipients to maintain their dignity and play an active part in the process.

Usually, new homeowners are expected to put 'sweat equity' into their own or other Habitat homes .Any mortgage payments from homeowners are deposited into a locally-administered "Fund for Humanity." The proceeds go towards future construction.

Holiday Homes

Nothing could be better than giving or receiving a holiday home. Remember that you can donate your money, time, or effort to a local project .Read about a few of the latest new Habitat home owners during this 2010 holiday season.

Habitat finishes two homes just in time for Christmas

Habitat delivers holiday home

Family gets new home for holiday

Have You Ever Helped Or Benefited From The Habitat Program?

Image courtesy of orangehabitat.org

Dec 3

Refinancing-Mortgage Rates-Different Moves

by Mary Teresa Fowler
Mortgage Refinance

While Fannie Mae announced that mortgage rates had increased this week to 4.46%, refinancing rates experienced a drop. Signs of an improving economy, however, are inspiring people to buy homes. Yet with an increase in interest rates, home refinancing falls out of favor.

Refinances Fall

Last week, applications for refinancing dropped below 75% of all mortgage applications. During the late summer of 2010, refinancing seemed to be the choice of many home owners. In early August, loan applications for refinancing accounted for more than 80% of all applications.

Only once before in recent years had applications for refinancing come in above 80 per cent. Micheal Fratantoni of the Mortgage Bankers Association points to the 80-plus percentage "in 2003, for one week, when the rate on 30-year mortgages fell below 5% for the first time since the 1950s." In 2003, the total amount of mortgages issued was almost $4 trillion – with $2.5 trillion (60%) in refinancing.

Refinancing numbers fell temporarily for a single week during October 2010. Yet afterwards, refinancing statistics stayed the same until November 19. Since June, there has not been a fall in refinancing numbers that compares with the recent drop.

Mortgages Rates Rise

According to a survey (including higher-interest jumbo loans) released by the Mortgage Bankers Association, the average 30-year contract rate tops 4.5%. Increased mortgage rates (especially above 4.5%) will bring about a decrease in refinancing numbers. Indeed, there would be less refinancing except some homeowners wanted to act now before the next increase in mortgage rates.

Anxious Homeowners

Of course, rising rates are not the only factor responsible for low refinancing numbers. Many homeowners would like to choose a refinance. Yet they cannot go that route because of reduced home equity or a decrease in income. Both circumstances result from the economic downturn.

Indeed even if people have home equity, they are less likely to use it in a recovering economy. Most homeowners have to be confident about the economy before they will use their home equity to take out cash. Chris George, president of CMG Mortgage in San Ramon, explains how homeowners think about refinancing in uncertain times compared to booming periods.

"In '04, '05 and '06 it was all about leveraging your home equity.… I would say back then three-quarters or better of the people refinancing were pulling out cash. Now it's the opposite — people are de-leveraging, saving for a rainy day," says Chris George, president of CMG Mortgage in San Ramon.

Home refinancing applications drop as interest rates rise

Reasons to Refinance

Home owners refinance for varied reasons from tapping into equity to shortening term to maturity. Yet the main reason is to save money. If refinancing is to make sense for home owners, they have to save on payments. If homeowners can see only minimal savings, the industry cannot expect to see maximum numbers in refinancing.

Of course, some homeowners are choosing a refinance. The Mortgage Bankers Association suggests that refinancing will account for almost $1 trillion of the entire mortgage market in 2010. Michael Fratantoni detailed the predictions of the Mortgage Bankers Assn. for refinancing numbers in 2011.

"Purchase loans are expected to increase a bit, to $600 billion of the total, with loan refinancing at $400 billion, or 40%, as rates rise above 5% by the end of the year, " says Micheal Fratantoni of the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Will You Be Applying For A Refinance?

Image courtesy of blogcu.com

Dec 1

Residential Energy Property Credit

by Mary Teresa Fowler
Residential Energy Property Credit

U.S. homeowners have only until December 31, 2010 to take advantage of the current Residential Energy Property Credit. This 'green' program is available to home owners who make energy-efficient improvements to their houses. New homes or rentals are not eligible for this credit and the home must be the person's principal residence.

Federal Tax Credit

This property credit is about to expire and qualifying items must be bought and installed before the end of 2010. People can make purchases such as heating and cooling systems, insulation, roofing, windows and doors, water heaters, and biomass stoves. The credit is a dollar-to-dollar reduction on the amount of tax owed and home owners can receive up to 30% of the cost – up to $1500 per home. Two or more unmarried people living in the same home with joint ownership are each eligible for the tax credit on money spent for improvements. Yet the total credit cannot exceed $1500 for a single home.

The credit includes installation costs in certain categories but not for all purchases. For example, installation costs are covered for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC). The tax credit, however, does not include installation costs for insulation. As well, not all ENERGY STAR qualified products are included in this initiative. Homeowners are advised to check out the rules of eligibility for this credit.

Associated Components

People are wondering if the tax credit applies to components associated with a product. If a homeowner purchases a biomass stove, will the cost of a hearth, stovepipe, and chimney be eligible for the credit? The IRS administers this program and they have not issued any written guidelines about eligible components.

Homeowners can contact the IRS for the official word. Yet it has been widely suggested informally that components are covered if they are critical pieces of the product's energy efficiency. If the component can be used with a non-qualified product, it does not meet eligibility guidelines for this credit.

How To Apply

For products installed in 2010, homeowners must file the IRS Form 5695. They must submit the form with their 2010 taxes by April 15, 2011. Homeowners must save receipts and the Manufacturer's Certification Statement for their records. A Manufacturer’s Certification Statement is a signed statement from the manufacturer certifying that the product or component qualifies for the tax credit. Manufacturers should provide these certifications on their website.

Income Limit

There is no income limit with this program but it is a 'non-refundable' credit. Homeowners' credits cannot exceed their tax liability (the amount they pay in taxes).

Future Energy

If a homeowner cannot make the December 31 deadline, there are other opportunities to take advantage of energy-efficiency programs. Indeed, new homes and second homes (as well as existing homes) are considered for a tax credit in two additional incentives. The programs vary and cover from 30% of the cost with no upper limit to 30% of the cost and up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity. These credits do not expire until December 31, 2016. Learn more about Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency.

Last chance for homeowners to get green tax credit

Have You Applied For The Residential Energy Property Credit?

Image courtesy of billshrink.com

Nov 24

Black Friday Real Estate Deals

by Mary Teresa Fowler
Black Friday Real Estate Deals

Black Friday shopping is no longer only about televisions, toys, and other terrific (and cheap) merchandise. Potential home buyers are just as likely to get a Black Friday deal on a new home as the latest laptop. There are real estate deals to be made on this busiest shopping day of the year.

After all, buying a home qualifies as a significant purchase and long term commitment. Why shouldn't home buyers be able to enjoy a holiday sale? Actually, if you check today's realtor websites and housing blogs, it is not that uncommon to see a home profile and a Black Friday notice side-by-side.

Buying a Home on Black Friday

More Shoppers – Fewer Buyers

While almost everyone else is checking out the e-reader specials, the alert home buyer can be chatting with home sellers. Generally, houses are not on the market in the holiday season unless home owners are serious about selling their home. Otherwise, they would be putting their efforts into holiday shopping or seasonal decorating.

The timing is perfect for an enthusiastic buyer. Interested sellers are waiting and there is less competition for home buyers on Black Friday. Many potential buyers browse though the stores instead of the real estate market.

Buyer's Market

Of course, every day in this holiday season is shaping up to be a buyer's market. Prices are favorable for buyers - although sale prices will vary in different markets. Home sellers, however, are cutting their prices. The statistics at Trulia.com show a common trend in the real estate industry.

"Twenty-seven percent of homes listed for sale on Trulia as of November 1st had had at least one price cut - in some cities, 33 percent, 39 percent - even 46 percent of the homes for sale had already been discounted by their sellers." ~ Tara-Nicholle Nelson, Trulia.com

Sale Prices

If a home buyer can snag that Black Friday 'sale' on a new home, they will also save on property taxes. Since property taxes (in most instances) are tied to the purchase price of a home, sale prices mean tax savings.

Holiday Spirit

If a home buyer finds their dream home on Black Friday, it is perfect timing to suggest a few 'included' deals. Often retailers add a bonus item with a Black Friday purchase. Home sellers might be prepared to follow suit - in the spirit of the season.

A home buyer might love a few furniture pieces. Maybe the seller will include them in the purchase. Such a deal is really not far-fetched because sellers in the holiday season want to sell their homes. As well, home owners have been known to include items with the sale of their house. In fact, one Connecticut home seller threw in a vacation property to sell his home.

Yet buyers can probably lower their sights to 'inclusions' being a piece of furniture rather than a full-scale property. Home sellers might be willing to include select items in the sale. Buyers must check out the situation, however, with their broker or agent and mortgage expert. 'Included items' must fit within lender and appraisal guidelines.

If you are committed to buying a home, Black Friday might be the best day to shop around for a good deal. Actually, anytime during the extended weekend is a great time to look for a new home. Just like with retailers, there is an opportunity to get a deal in the days following Black Friday. If you are a home buyer at this time of year, you could really be "home for the holidays."

5 Ways Real Estate is on Sale This Black Friday

Non-traditional Black Friday Deals

Will You Be Buying A Home On Black Friday?

Image courtesy of activerain.com

Nov 12

Home Sellers' Checklist

by Mary Teresa Fowler
Home Sellers' Checklist

Home sellers must get potential buyers to check out their house. Sellers have to be ready for this process. They must prepare their home and themselves for the sale.

Selling a home requires you to detach yourself emotionally from your house. The sale has to be set up to be attractive to home buyers. No monetary value may match your sentimental attachment to a home.

Yet selling a home must be less about sentiment and more about practical concerns. Home sellers need to address various issues including everything from staging a home to budgeting for selling expenses. A home sellers' checklist can help you prepare to sell your home.

Home Sellers' Checklist

Educate Yourself About The Process

Arm yourself with the tools to get the most from the sale of your home – the best price and the most satisfaction. Free home selling seminars are cropping up across the US, Canada, and elsewhere. Home sellers should take advantage of seminars and similar resources such as e-courses, books, and articles from reputable industry sources.

As well, be open to the advice of your real estate agent and trusted family and friends who have gone though the process. By performing 'due diligence' (researching the situation from all angles), home sellers put themselves in the best position to sell their home.

Free Home Seller Seminar

Organize The Information

A ton of resources exists out there for home sellers. Stick to reputable, well-known, and trusted sources for accurate information. Sellers can collect mounds of research. They need to organize the data. Using folders to file the information according to category will simplify the process.

Store collected research and names of contacts as well as appointment dates in an efficient filing system. In addition, include documents such as household warranties and copies of property tax records and utility receipts. Obviously, you will also need to have easy access to your property deed.

Make Time In Your Calendar

Selling a home takes extra effort and time. Meetings and preparation are inevitable during the process. Plan ahead and arrange free time in your schedule. Sellers must set aside space in their calendar to devote to the selling process. If home owners try to sell their house and still hold down their regular schedule, they will end up stressed and not in the best frame of mind to sell a home.

Budget For Extra Expenses

Of course, home sellers have to budget for the costs of closing a sale. Yet they also have to consider the cost of repairs (major or minor) to improve the saleability of a home. Home sellers must also budget for staging their home.

Staging A Home

Staging your home involves presenting a home so that potential buyers can see themselves living in the space. Staging a home can include removing clutter, making everything sparkle, and adding welcoming touches or even a refreshing neutral shade to your wall. If you figure that staging is not worth the effort, think again. According to a recent survey by The International Association of Home Staging Professionals®, staged homes spend 83% less time on the market than non-staged homes.

Staging a House to Sell provides Big Returns

What Would You Include On A Home Sellers' Checklist?

Image courtesy of winnersedgetrading.com

Oct 29

Inviting Front Doors – What a Treat

by Mary Teresa Fowler
Inviting Front Doors

On this Halloween weekend, the more mysterious and creepy your entrance looks, the better kids (and adults) like it. Yet come Monday morning, lose the look! Indeed, if you are planning to sell your home, a mysterious, hidden, or overgrown entryway won't attract buyers. No dead branches or plants in the yard! Without a doubt, a horror of a door will spook your buyers.

Potential home buyers respond to well-tended property and a welcoming entrance. A neat and attractive entryway gives the impression that you care about this home. An inviting door and tidy yard can help to sell your home before the buyers even see the interior.

Added Attraction

Every house should welcome guests (and buyers) through an attractive and well-maintained front door. No scratches and scrapes or doors that won't open or close without considerable effort! The finish on doors can fade and chip after years of enduring weather conditions. Sometimes it is not necessary to buy a new door. A light sanding and a paint job might do the trick. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to choose the right type of paint.

Complementary Colors

The color of the door must work with the color scheme of your home's exterior. It doesn't have to be the same shade as the house. Yet the color should not provide so much contrast that it draws attention to the door alone instead of the entire home.

A bright color can work if your home is surrounded with brilliant flowers or blazing foliage. Generally, colors that blend with natural hues look welcoming at an entrance. Choose shades that match the natural elements (like stone or brick) of your home and its surroundings (landscape and other buildings).

Brilliant white is not an appealing choice for a front door because it is a stark color. Bright white is a cold tone - not a welcoming color. A white paint with a touch of yellow or pink is a better choice.

Your door should fit the look and style of your house. A small cottage should have a cozy look. A stately home should have a more formal entrance.

Surviving the Storm

Your door must look sturdy enough to survive a storm. You don't want potential home buyers to think that their entry door will blow down at the first gust of wind. If a home has a main door and storm door, both should look their best. If you can't afford to replace the main wood or metal door, buy an affordable and decorative storm door to make a great first impression.

Getting a Handle

When home owners put in the time and effort to make improvements to their entrance, they are 'getting a handle' on the sale. They are setting the stage for the sale of their home. Maybe that will mean having to buy new door handles.

Metal door handles can tarnish and chip over time. If yours look the worse for wear, replace them. Handles and locks are not difficult to install and it could be a DIY project. If there isn't already a deadbolt on the door, it may be a smart idea to install one. It will be safer for you while you're in the home as well as an extra safety feature that will impress buyers.

Decorative Touch

Even though the Halloween decorations are gone, potential home buyers won't mind a glorious fall arrangement or silk flower wreath on your door. It adds a decorative and welcoming touch. Inviting doors 'invite in' guests – and home buyers!

How to Improve the Front Entrance to Help Sell a Home

How to Choose a Front Door Color

Which Inviting Color Did You Choose For Your Front Door?

Sep 8

How To Add Value To Your Home

by Mary Teresa Fowler

Every home owner should keep up-to-date regarding the value of their home. Today's worth is not necessarily last year's value or even last month's worth. Whether home owners have moved in recently or are planning to move out soon, they should be aware of home value.

The market - in the immediate neighbourhood and the marketplace at large - affects home value. A home owner is stuck with that reality to a point. Yet home owners can take things into their own hands and try to increase the worth of their home.

It helps to work with a skilled professional to determine home value. Home owners should review strategies that will improve their home's worth. They should understand about the current market – especially in their neighbourhood. Home owners should decipher the factors that impact the worth of their home. Although all renovations are not equal as to how they affect home value, certain home improvements can make a big difference to home value.

Adding Value To Your Home

. Spruce Up The Exterior

First impressions apply to homes as well as home owners. The house that makes a good impression will be a fast seller. It is just common sense that potential home buyers are affected by the state of a home's exterior and the outdoor setting.

Home buyers are looking for a house to suit their needs. If the exterior and surroundings are a disappointment, the stage is set for this house to stay on the market for a longer period. The home's exterior has to look its best for the "open house." The outdoor area and entryway has to be safe and the location has to look appealing to buyers.

. Remodel The Kitchen

Remodelling a kitchen is a major investment ($15,000-$80,000) as well as a true hassle and definite source of stress. Yet a kitchen renovation is one of the best things you can do to add to a home's worth. The intense effort and hefty expense can translate into a high return on a home sale.

Of course, home owners can impress home buyers without having to spend huge sums of money. Most importantly, the kitchen must have a friendly atmosphere and safety has to be a priority. Even a fresh coat of paint or a clean-up and 'declutter' session can make a dramatic improvement to a kitchen.

. Redo The Bathroom

Redoing the bathroom to reflect more comfort and extra style is a wise move for every home owner. Redecorating a bathroom can come with a substantial cost. Keep in mind that an extensive bathroom renovation is a time-consuming project.

Redoing a bathroom can involve plumbing – a costly and labour-intensive process. Yet a bathroom renovation can get a home seller a return equal to or greater than the cost of remodelling. If a major project is beyond your budget, a thorough cleaning and new coat of paint can work wonders for your home. Even simple things can help to add a slight value to your home. The difference might be the deciding factor for a home buyer.

How Do You Plan To Add Value To Your Home?

Sep 6

Creating The Perfect Study Space

by Mary Teresa Fowler

It's that time of year again – back to school! Suddenly your home needs an extra space that wasn't so important during summer vacation. Learn how to create the perfect study space for every busy student.

6 Steps to the Perfect Study Space

1. Suit the Student 

The student will determine the type of study space. Although most study spots share certain basics, a teenager's space will be different from the study space for a young child. Sometimes one study space is set up to be shared by the entire family. In this case, a more general style would be the best choice.

2. Color Is Personal

The color of the room or section of a room must also suit the individual. Use energizing shades for the student who needs that extra burst of vitality. Serene and soothing colors make studying easier for the student who needs to calm down before study time.

3. Study Should Not Be Boring

Maybe every moment of study time will not be an exhilarating experience. Yet a study space does not have to be a boring spot. There is no rule that says that only one type of furniture or accent can be used in study areas. A desk and chair can be an antique or modern design. Comfort is the priority. Style is a must but the specific style is determined by the students' needs and preferences.

4. Light It Up

Light up the space in style. Yet remember the basic requirements for a study space. A proper source of lighting is a necessity. Students need to see their work clearly without having to endure glare or eye strain. The combination of task lighting and a desk lamp should provide the perfect level of brightness.

5. Make It Personal

Everyone has their own personal approach to study and their space should reflect their individuality. Whether students are in kindergarten or high school, their study space should reflect something personal about them. Personalized pencils might be a nice touch for the little ones. Monogrammed covers or mugs with favourite logos can add a personal touch to the work space.

6. Fun And Focus

A study space should be bright and can incorporate elements of fun. Yet the main focus of the space should be on study. If students need computers for their work, they must be part of the work space.

Between 1980-2002, the National Center for Education Statistics found that the number of high school students spending more than 10 hours on homework per week rose from 7% to 37%. This statistic suggests that high school students spend at least 2 hours per day in study mode. Even middle school children can spend up to 1.5 hours per day on study.

Therefore, it is imperative that students spend this time in comfort. The better the study environment, the better the results. The student who likes the process in the short term will enjoy learning in the long term.

What Would You Consider The Perfect Study Space?

The best way to celebrate Labour Day is to do as little work as possible – in other words – celebrate the fruits of your labour. It can take little effort to throw a party to end the easy living of summer with a final blowout. Revitalize yourself for the new season. Get ready to face the remainder of the work year.




How to Have A Labour Day Party

Shed Some Light On The Subject

Anyone can create their own unique set of party lights. With a string of lights in hand, feed them through items that can act as light fixtures. Certain cups are an option – if they are safe to be in contact with a light and a hole can be cut in the bottom to string the light into the inside. Keep in mind, however, that a dark light fixture will give a dim light. Yet a bright color or brilliant white will spread more light.

Keep Your Cool

'Keeping your cool' is great advice for the workplace. A successful Labour Day party will capitalize on a 'cool' theme. An ice cream buffet is refreshing for guests and relaxing for hosts. Prepare the toppings in advance. They can be elaborate or simple (depending on your preferences). Ice cream toppings can range from homemade fudge sauce to cookies made from scratch to sliced bananas and colorful sprinkles.

Play The Game

Labour Day parties should be about playing the game. Some of your work associates might be part of your social group. Yet this occasion is not about discussing corporate moves. Concentrate on simple, old-fashioned fun and play like kids before the long weekend is part of history. Badminton, ring toss, frisbee, softball, or any favourite sport will get everyone in the game.

Impromptu Party

Labour Day parties can be thrown together on the spur of the moment. Keep frozen drinks in the freezer (pina colada, margaritas, lemonade for the kids), chips in the pantry, dip in the refrigerator, and chicken ready for the grill. You will have the makings of a great party and it can be organized with minimum effort in a few minutes.

Have Some More

The Labour Day party can be formal or casual but it never hurts to end it with a little fun. S'mores, the chocolate/marshmallow/graham wafer treat, the star of every campfire, is the perfect ending to any Labour Day party. S'mores are synonymous with fun. Whether you are a kid or an adult, they are bound to create smiles.

Moving Up

If you are convinced that a Labour Day party should involve labour, get your guests on the move. Organize a street party or similar party in which guests move from home to home. Each location should be close to the other. This event works best within the same apartment complex or neighborhood. This type of party requires a bit of effort in the planning stage. It is, however, an innovative and fun way to celebrate the last weekend of summer.

Happy Labour Day!

Are You Having A Labour Day Party? 

Tips and Advice for Home Buyers and Sellers

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