Edit Photos Online for Free

Edit Photos Online for Free

No expensive software required!

Think you need expensive software to resize, retouch, and edit photos? Think again. No longer will you have to wait for a graphic designer or webmaster to handle your routine requests. The following websites allow you to edit photos quickly and easily from any computer with an internet connection and a web browser:

QUICK IMAGE ADJUSTMENTS:

Upload your image through your browser, then easily resize, crop, rotate, flip, adjust brightness and contrast, saturation, color effects, blurring and sharpening, plus special effects. Excellent for quick fixes in record time:
http://www.pixer.us/

PHOTOSHOP-STYLE EDITING:

Looking to spend a little more time on a photo? Need the basics of Photoshop without the $1000+ price tag? Use these free alternatives:

http://www.pixlr.com/

http://www.splashup.com/

Perk up those listing photos right from your web browser!

Tip for Screening Home Inspectors

Tip for Screening Home Inspectors

A sample report is worth a thousand words...

When you are searching for thorough home inspectors, asking for a sample report is a sure fire way to compare inspectors in a short amount of time. An inspection report should provide concise details surrounding any observable issues as well as photographs. Recommendations for solving problems should also be included in a brief, clear manner.

How the inspector handles your request for a sample report will clue you in to the level of professionalism you can come to expect in the future. A quality inspector will always be glad to provide a representative sample for review. If they resist or put you off, move on to the other names on your list.
No list of inspectors yet? Call me I have a list of proven inspectors.  Naturally, personal referral is a great way to find a good inspector. However, if you're interested in learning more about inspection details or need help finding professional inspectors, definitely check out InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors:
http://www.nachi.org/

The site features videos, guides, and help finding reputable inspectors. It can't hurt to educate yourself on some of the particulars of home inspection.

A Traveler's Guide to the Airport

Be Organized
From the moment you start planning your trip, you need to create a system of organizing tickets, receipts, itineraries, passports and the like. While it sounds like we're stating the obvious, you would be surprised at the amount of people who don't do this, as well as the time it wastes rummaging for these items once you're at the airport. If, by chance, things do not go as planned on your day of travel (i.e. flight delays or cancellations), organizing your documents will provide you quick access to necessary information.

Early Check In
Many airlines now allow you the ability to check-in early, even pick your seat, as much as 24 hours in advance of your plane flight. This process can be done via the airline's website, and in some cases by way of free applications that can be downloaded to your smart phone. If possible, take advantage of these options. Doing so buys you peace of mind, and possibly a lot of time.

Packing
Be sure to check your airline's restrictions for both carry-on and stowed baggage. For carry-on baggage most restrictions have to do with size. Simply put, you cannot bring anything into the airplane's cabin that is too large to fit in the overhead compartments.
Dress Code
The clothes you wear to the airport can save you a lot of time while moving through lines.

Dress comfortably and weather appropriately, but forgo wearing any unnecessary accessories. Items such as belts, watches, wallets and jewelry will have to be removed when passing through airport screening.

The shoes you wear are important, as you will be asked to remove them as well. We suggest wearing loafers or any type of shoe that can be easily slipped off and on.

Checking Bags
You have several options when it comes to checking bags. The first is utilizing the skycaps. Normally located just outside your airline's departure terminal, skycaps can check in your bags, and check you in as well. Skycap lines can vary in size, but many times they are much shorter than those inside the terminal. It's important to know that while most airlines offer free skycap check-in, a few do charge, usually a couple of dollars per bag. No matter if your airline charges for this service, it is customary to tip your skycap two dollars (or more) for every bag you check.