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Countdown to the Big Count: 2010 Census
 Starting in March, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico.
The U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years. The 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year.
What does this mean for you? Well, in addition to helping your communities receive federal funds for things like hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, and emergency services; the Census will arm you with statistics to better know your community and your home buyer.
The resulting data gives you a better idea of trends in the market, who’s buying homes, and home ownership statistics. To see recent reports on housing topics from the Census, visit U.S. Census Bureau Housing Topics.
People view their Realtor® as a representative of their new community. Often, the Realtor is the first person they meet when moving to a new town. By encouraging participation in the census, you ensure your clients will receive funding for programs and services in their new community.
And, of course, the data collected by the census also helps determine the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, further ensuring your client’s voices are heard.
For our Canadian readers, your census is coming up as well.
The Canada 2011 Census is scheduled for May 10, 2011. Planning is already underway.
The 2011 Canadian Census will be the 15th decennial census since required by the Constitution Act of 1867.
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New Tools
 Share the Move Advocate program with your team! Download the free Move Advocate time zone poster for quick reference when working with clients relocating across the United States.
Post in the break room and other public areas to encourage everyone to be a Move Advocate.
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Home Improvement:
Differentiate & Add Value
Courtesy of HGTV’s FrontDoor®
 Make a big impact with some minor (and some not so minor) home improvement projects. See the top ten picks below.
# 1: Top Budget-Friendly Project: Clean and Conquer Clutter
Cleaning and decluttering is by far the most cost-effective way to add value to your home. A clean and clutter-free home looks larger and makes a great first impression on homebuyers. So scrub, dust, mop and vacuum each room until it shines, and while you’re at it, seriously scrutinize your possessions and toss or donate anything you haven’t used in a year.
If you’re selling your home, put away your favorite knickknacks and family heirlooms. Buyers want to see a clean, neutral space where they can envision their own belongings.
# 2: Top Energy Efficient Project: Add Insulation
# 3: Top Outdoor Structures Project: Build a Fence
# 4: Top Big Ticket Project: Finish the Basement
# 5: Top Home Exterior Project: Repair Gutters
# 6: Top Outdoor Living Project: Add Outdoor Lighting
# 7: Top Landscaping Project: Tidy Your Lawn
# 8: Top Storage & Organization Project: Maximize Storage Space
# 9: Top Bathroom Project: Refresh Fixtures
# 10: Top Kitchen Project: Upgrade Appliances
For more ideas and details on the top 10 projects that add home value, click here.
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