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What is RSS?RSS = Advanced Bookmarking Do you hear the term RSS but don't know exactly what it means or how it works? Here's an easy to understand explanation on how to sign up and why it's becoming so popular.

Once you've picked an RSS reader, you can add feeds to it. A feed is information obtained from a Web site, usually a list of the Web site's content with links, that updates any time the site updates. Most sites with available feeds will have a specific link, or an orange icon like this , or maybe like this , that will let you know a feed is available. When you see that icon, you have the ability to subscribe to that site's feed. Subscribing is like advanced bookmarking, only this is a bookmark that comes to you instead of you going to it. To add a feed, follow the site's link and the instructions your reader provides. Since there are many readers, and each can add feeds its own way, it's best to follow your reader's specific instructions. Once subscribed, you should see a slimmed-down version of the content with your reader. It could be a heading only or a heading with a brief description. Want to read the full article? It should have a link to visit the full version on the site. Why is RSS becoming so popular? Imagine you add 12 feeds to your reader. If you want to check to see what feeds have new content, just open your reader and refresh the feeds. It cycles though and shows which ones have new content since you last visited them. You no longer have to visit every site to see what's new. In just seconds you can see all your feeds and what has new and updated content. This is a major time-saving tool that more people use every day.

RSS means "Really Simple Syndication", which is a way for a Web site to provide updates that you can subscribe to using an RSS reader. There are hundreds of RSS readers out there for Mac and PC. Some are based online, like Bloglines or Google Reader, and others are programs you run from your computer. Some are free and some are not. Below are lists for:

How do I program my in-car transmitter to an Genie Intellicode or Chamberlain Security Plus system? Homelink in-car programming instructions: To program a built-in-car transmitter to a rolling code garage door opener (Genie rolling code is called Intellicode, Liftmaster/Sears is called Security plus), you should take the following steps. Clear out anything previously programmed into the in-car system from the factory by holding down on the 2-outside buttons simultaneously, until the in-car red light starts flashing rapidly.  This may take up to a minute.  (In a few cases, some make cars require the keys to be in the ignition, or the car motor must be running, or the car door must be shut) Decide which button you want to make to be your in-car garage door transmitter.  Hold your transmitter up near the selected button, pressing both the garage door remote and the selected in-car transmitter button simultaneously.  Hold down on the buttons until the in-car, red light flashes rapidly.  this sets the in-car transmitter to be your garage door openers make transmitter, but you are not done.  You now need to make this in-car transmitter your personal transmitter. Go to the Learn Button on your garage door opener.  The button is usually right next to the area the floppy antenna is connected to the motor head.  With Genie it is most often behind the light lens, and flashes red when pressed.  With Sears or Liftmaster (Chamberlain) it is near, or part of, the terminal screw board.  Press this learn button momentarily.  A red light should start to flash or an amber light should turn on and stay lit.  Go back to the in-car transmitter button you programmed and press this button 3 or 4 times, or until the door starts moving.  This should set your in-car transmitter to your garage door opener. How do I program my Intellicode or Security Plus Transmitter? The code changes every single time you press the button.  It is a rolling code transmitter and there are 4.5 billion combinations, so it is never on the same frequency twice!  If you've lost a transmitter you can delete out all of the transmitters programmed into you garage door opener by holdingdown on the learn button, or smart button until the light stops blinking.  The learn, or smart button is behind the light lens or on the back of the motor head and is close to the floppy antenna wire.  Some models require you to unscrew 2 bolts on the light lens to be able to remove the lens and access the learn button.  The smart button for Chamberlain openers is usually on the terminal board. To reprogram each transmitter, push the learn button momentarily and the red or amber light will start  blinking.  It will blink for up to 30 seconds.  In that time press one of your transmitters 3 or 4 times  until the garage door starts moving.  Keep the transmitter at least 2 feet away from the antenna.Perform the same process with each transmitter. If you are in need of an Intellicode transmitter (GIT-1), you can find them on our Web site in the Genie section.  If you need a Chamberlain (Liftmaster/Sears) Security Plus transmitter, go to the garage door transmitter section of our Chamberlain store.  Stanley and Linear have similar, rolling code transmitters.  To access our transmitters go to Transmitters and Receivers and click onto the appropriate manufacturer.

Like it or not (and the NAR doesn't like it one bit) the business of buying and selling a home is changing

Joe Fox said the percentages in Iggy's Facts come straight from the NAR. So if 64% of home buyers find a home without the help of an agent (24% online and the rest driving around neighborhoods or by other means),

BuySide Realty operates on the principle that people who find the home they want to buy should get paid for their effort. So BuySide actually shares with the buyer 75% of the commission

Interview Your Agent HomeGain's anonymous profile service allows you to review sales proposals from local agents without pressure or commitment. In comparing sales proposals, consider several factors, including experience, local knowledge, credentials, brokerage services, cost and marketing plan. After comparing proposals and backgrounds of agents, then schedule an interview with at least three agents. Questions to ask a prospective agent "Do you work full-time or part-time as a real estate agent?" Full-time work typically means more attention for you. "How well do you know the area(s) I am interested in?" An agent who specializes in the area in which you are interested is preferable. Definitely interview the agent who has the most for-sale signs in your neighborhood. "How many other sellers or buyers are you representing now?" The busiest agents often are the most efficient."Will you handle all aspects of my transaction or will you delegate some tasks to a sales associate or administrative assistant?" A knowledgeable assistant can be invaluable, but make sure that you can connect with your agent when you need to."How much can I expect to pay?" Commissions are negotiable depending on what kind of listing arrangement you have with your agent. "Can you give me a comparative market analysis of recent sales in the area and homes currently on the market?" This should contain listing and sales prices for recently sold homes as well as sales prices and the listing date of homes currently for sale. It also should include detailed property descriptions (such as square footage and numbers of bedrooms and baths)."What does your marketing package contain in addition to a comparative market analysis?" Listing presentations should also include a suggested asking price; information on the local housing market; advertising plans; a discussion of various listing agreements; and an analysis of sale proceeds at various price points and commission levels."Can I list the house with you for 60 to 90 days?" Most consumer experts agree that a three-month listing period, or less, is best. You can always renew the listing agreement at that time. "Is your license in good standing?" You should check an agent's certification yourself with your state's department of real estate. "How many years of education and experience do you have?" Experience and continuing education typically make for better agents. "Are you also a broker and/or a Realtor?" Brokers have more stringent licensing requirements and responsibilities. Realtors are voluntary members of the National Association of Realtors, a trade group.