The National Geographic channel has coined the phrase "Disaster Doesn't Wait" to promote its TV show entitled, Doomsday Preppers. The show features families preparing for economic, political and natural disasters, and as the phrase suggests, they're preparing because disasters can happen...and they don't wait until we're ready for them. Thousands across North America have had more than a passing acquaintanceship with natural disasters this year, as hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and fire storms have wreaked havoc from coast to coast.

The results have been catastrophic for many - loss of friends and relatives, loss of homes and possessions and financial losses, as some insurance policies didn't cover all damages. In one instance, the affected homeowners had hurricane insurance, but not flood insurance, and therefore weren't protected from the flood caused by last year's Hurricane Sandy.

It has been a year of extreme weather: Insurance companies are reporting huge losses and the media are calling it "the new housing crisis." Statistical forecasts indicate that many cities are at risk should this extreme weather pattern continue, and experts are debating how to respond.

Many cities are examining or revising flood plain maps to ensure they are up-to-date, and discussions are underway on measures that will make our concrete urban spaces more weather resistant, and our homeowners better prepared for flooding around their homes.

One thing you can do now: Ensure your insurance policy is in order by checking with your provider to be sure you're prepared for more extreme weather. Disaster Doesn't Wait.

But Eric's God was more an "it" than a "he", a collective consciousness rather than a personal deity, something akin to the "Force" without the Jedi powers. He cringed when people spoke of following Jesus or knowing God, because God wasn't a person you could name or a being you could know. New York Times #1 Best Selling author, speaker at the president's National Prayer Breakfast, and frequent guest on CNN, Fox News, and other national media outlets, Eric Metaxas never believed in blind faith. He never expected be a spokesman for God, that is until he had a dream that changed everything.

Whether we're alone, or on a family vacation, traveling can present all sorts of challenges. Even the best-laid plans go awry, but thanks to our smartphones, we're always in a position to handle wherever the road takes us, providing, of course, our phones are equipped with the proper applications.

There are apps for everything today, and a plethora of them are focused on travel. Here are some free travel apps to download before you take off: For the financial whiz
Mint (www.mint.com) holds all of your financial information - from account balances to transactions to investments. Whether you're in a cab, or in line at Disneyland, you'll be able to monitor your finances. Mint also allows you to transfer money within the app and is highly secure.

Oanda Currency Converter (www.oanda.com/currency/converter) can help you determine the value of any product in 190 currencies. This app certainly comes in handy, but makes it almost too easy to spend abroad.

For the practical tripper
There never seems to be a bathroom around when you need it...or is there? The SitOrSquat app (www.sitorsquat.com) lists 95,000 bathrooms worldwide, so you can always find one close to you. It includes ratings, so you'll know whether to sit, squat or keep walking.

Of course, every app uses data, and that means roaming fees. Onavo (www.onavo.com) compresses your downloaded data usage, so that you use less and get more from it. Onavo backs up to a cloud-based technology and provides monthly usage reports.

CMA stands for Comparative Market Analysis, and your real estate agent will use this to help you decide on the right price when you're listing your home.


A CMA will compare your home with sold and currently listed properties in your neighborhood. These have features similar to yours and will give you an idea of your home's true value.

Active listings indicate the prices for homes currently on the market in your neighborhood - your competition - but don't represent market values for those homes.

A more realistic way to establish price is by looking at sold listings. Sold listings tell you what people have paid for area homes in the last six months, and appraisers use these to determine market value. That's what you really need to know.

Your agent will explain the importance of CMAs in establishing a price that will have your home sold quickly.

They're called total-tech hotels or resorts, and their offerings go far beyond cable TV or iPod docking stations.

Imagine a mirror television where you can fix your hair and tune in to the news? Or robots that take your luggage? Or a room key that permits you to enter by scanning your iris? And then there's the in-room oxygen system that helps guests in a Colorado hotel acclimatize to altitude changes.

Even if you're not a techie, you can still enjoy visiting a total-tech hotel. They make it easy: Tech amenities are user-friendly and intuitive.

Milk jugs with sensors. Personalized wine bottles. Edible boxes and bags. These are just a few examples of The Next Normal in packaging. They might sound gimmicky now, but they could be commonplace in the coming years.  See more in "The future of packaging: Smart bottles, edible boxes" in The Next Normal series: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/the-next-normal/packaging .

You need to become familiar with your competition and establish a selling price that's consistent with comparable homes in your area. You can do online research and visit open houses yourself, but at this stage, consider hiring an experienced agent.

Your agent can provide you with a RPR Report which details what other homes like yours have sold for.

RPR is 100% owned by REALTORS®. Created by NAR for the sole purpose of providing REALTORS® with the data they need to meet the demands of their clients.

There are no third party investors or silent partners.

RPR is Only available to REALTORS®. No third party or public access...guaranteed. The only way a non-REALTOR® has access to the data in RPR is through an RPR report that has been created, branded and sent by a REALTOR®.

RPR is a no cost member benefit Included in yearly NAR dues, RPR does not cost REALTORS® any extra money. Period. Available to all REALTORS® across the country, RPR also has tools for Brokers, Commercial, Appraisers, Associations and MLS.

Pending home sales rose while existing-home sales declined on a month over month basis in November.

Yes, we have an on-line store to help our members promote Dorothy.com. You can purchase signs, business cards, clothing, marketing materials, license plate brackets, etc. When you purchase through our store you earn 1 brick for every dollar spent.