Before placing your house on the market, make as many repairs and improvements as you can.  It will be worth it.  "New" and "just replaced" are the magic words to attract buyers, according to Homestore.com.

Steam clean or replace carpet, fix loose door knobs and railings, make sure windows and doors open and close easily.  Apply a fresh coat of paint where needed. 

But you may find yourself deliberating over larger problems.  Should you replace the crumbling driveway? Buy new kitchen appliances?  Refinish the floors?  Big repairs cost more time and money.  You can factor that into your asking price and allow the buyer to take care of it upon closing. 

On the other hand, the better condition your home is in, the wider the group it will appeal to.  When making a decision of this kind, consider that repairing the problem could also result in a higher sale price.  The best thing to do is start making these repairs a year or two before you plan to move.  Then you get to enjoy the results too!

More than 43 million people move every year.  According to Mayflower Transit 2006 Customer Relocation Study, these were the most poplular states to move to;South Carolina, District of Columbia, Delaware, North Carolina, Montana, and Kentucky topped the list with 60 percent or more of moves going into these states.

The biggest losers included North Dakota, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, Nebraska and Michigan, with more than 60 percent of moves coming out of these states. 

The Long Island Real Estate market is becoming more favorable to buyers than in the past 5 years.  Now we may have more people deciding to stay put right here on Long Island because they are getting more home for their money!

For America's youngest movers, moving to a new home can be an unsettling experience.  The excitement of meeting new friends or decorating a new room is often outweighed by fears of losing touch with old friends or fitting in at a new school.

Here are some tips to help ease the anxiety children may feel when changing addresses:

1. Include your children in decorating decisions for the new room.
2. Assign your children a box to pack, or glassware to wrap, so they feel involved.
3. Familiarize them with your new neighborhood, and located some of your family's favorite restaurants and stores.  This will help your children feel more at home.
4. Introduce yourself to your new neighbors before moving, and invite them and their children over to get acquainted.