Existing Home Sales May Rise 8% in 2011

How is it possible that existing home sales are projected to rise in 2011? According to economic expert Dr. Lawrence Yun, home sales are tied into many factors but population numbers figure prominently. The U.S. economy shows signs of improvement.

There is also good news waiting on the horizon. The U.S. economy shows signs of improvement. New jobs have been created. In December, 2010, 1.1 million new jobs were created compared to 12-09. And in 2011, job gains are expected to accelerate to almost 2 million net new jobs.

Another important factor is that an improving economy bumps up home sale. A survey of home sellers indicates that recent sellers have been in their home for a shorter time than older homeowners usually live in their current residence for 10 year. Younger homeowners usually live in their home for a shorter time than older homeowners. While older homeowners are more likely to buy a second home for vacation or investment.

After putting all these factors to paper, economists project that existing home sales will rise 8 percent to 5.2 million homes sold and possibly to 5.5 million in 2012.

How to Get Your Children to Brush Their Teeth

Children aren't the only people who will love Toothtunes. Tiger Electronics' toothbrush contains a microchip loaded with songs such as "Let's Get It Started" by Black Eyed Peas, and Fun, Fun, Fun" by The Beach Boys.

As you brush, the toothbrush transmits music vibrations through your teeth to your inner ear. The better you brush, the louder the music. Two minutes later, the music stops and you are congratulated. Toothtunes uses three AAA batteries and costs $10.

Available at www.toothtunes.com

Organizing Kids' Drawings, Junk Drawers

Parents treasure their children's artwork but sometimes the piles of artwork produced by future Picasso's can be overwhelming.
Kim Cossette, is a certified professional organizer and says what to do with children's artwork that will control the clutter, yet encourage your young one's creativity.
First, designate a "Wall of Fame" in a place where the family can enjoy your kids' creations. Using shelves of strings, showcase their best artwork and rotate the pieces with new masterpieces. Cycle them so there is always something new on display.
After removing old works of art, store them (and other creations made during the school year) in a designated box or bin. In the summer, sort through the pile and decide which drawings are worth saving. For large pieces, take digital photos and create a memory book of their best work.
When it comes to junk drawers, Susan Fox owner of Chaos 2 in Chicago, says people can give themselves permission to have a junk drawer but it needs to be an organized one.
First pull everything out, sort and find homes for the disparate object stuffed in the drawer. Use organizing trays made for keys, scissors and pens. Batteries should be stored in a container with other batteries, and tools should be stored in a plastic box with other tools.