Some banks are launching a “second look program” to review loans that have been denied in order to identify circumstances that might persuade underwriters to reverse their decisions.

The Financial Services Roundtable, a trade group of 100 financial companies, includes Bank of America Corp., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., and U.S. Bancorp.

Bankers say these programs are starting to loosen the log-jams that have made it so hard for both home buyers and small businesses to get loans.

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The national average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 4.2 percent, up from its all-time low of 4.17 percent set last week. The local 15-year rate also rose 0.03 point to 4.30 percent; the local rate hit a 25-year low on the week of May 24.

Selling a property in this tough market can seem like a challenge. Here are four factors that actually make this a good time to post a For-Sale sign.

1. Sell low and buy low. Because all property values are down, the loss on the property a home owner sells is really only a paper loss because the next property he buys also will be a bargain. If he buys smartly, when prices come back up in a few years, he’ll be in better shape.
2. Down-payment help is widely available. While nothing-down loans have disappeared, it is easy to find down-payment assistance for lower-income and first-time home buyers. Programs vary all over the country, but one good way to find them is to search online for “down-payment assistance programs” and the name of your region.
3. Your uncle has money to share. Besides the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit and the $6,500 move-up credit, there are an array of energy tax credits that can make home improvements pay off in cash.
4. Good help is available. Really talented real estate practitioners, contractors, and designers are available and eager for business.

1. Sidewalks and Driveways:

This may be the first part of your property that your guests or prospective buyers step foot on. Literally.

An affordable, virtually maintenance free option for sprucing up your paths is concrete stain. It can cost around $30 a gallon and requires very little prep work. This is a do-it-yourself project.

Consider picking a color that is in the same color family as that of your home. A blue home could be happily complemented by a gray drive.

Another tip: Fix cracks and uneven sections. This project may require a bit more professional attention, but will give buyers the impression that your entire home, not just the entrace, has been maintained.

2. Accent Door:

It has been called the lipstick on the lady. It’s inviting and it draws visitors – or buyers – in to your home. A plain door tends to recede into the background.

Consider a contrasting color to the siding of your home. On the color wheel, green is opposite red and yellow is opposite blue. Don’t be afraid to be daring (think a fushcia door on a cream colored home). Just a pint of paint can cover most doors, and if you don’t like the result – you can try another color!

3. Trimming Trees:

Stand in front of your home and take a close – and fresh – look at your trees and bushes. Are there branches that have become overgrown and now obstruct the view of the home?

You want your landscaping to complement your home, not hide it. Trees should frame paths and entries. To trim tree branches yourself you can buy a pole pruner or chain saw. Or you can hire a professional, who has experience in shaping trees.

Keep in mind, however, that spring is NOT the time to prune flowering trees or maples. These should be done in late Summer and early Fall.

4. Early Spring Planting:

The last frost date varies by area. It also varies from year to year in that area, but if you feel that your home will not see another frost, then you may be safe to plant a few hardy annuals to add some pops of color to your yard. Even if a frost catches you by surprise – you can cover the plants for the evening to save them from succumbing to the cold.

The plant must also have time to take good root before severe rains come.

Some plants that you can give you an early burst of color:

Pansies: these bolts of color can even survive winter in some areas

Calendula: these “pot marigolds” are a versatile plant

Violets: heart shapes petals

Other options: cornflower, foxglove, larkspur, sweet alyssum, dianthus, baby’s breath, bells of Ireland, blue sage, candytuft, celome, forget-me-nots, love-in-a-mist, snow-on-the-mountain, strawflower, and torenia
5. Outdoor Lighting:

Low voltage (12 volt) and solar lighting are great options for improving curb appeal.

There are hundreds of designs of solar lights. These small fixtures are generally set on stakes in the ground and can be used to accent paths or gardens. And they are a great do-it-yourself option.

Also, consider using uplighting on trees to create night-time focal points – great for buyers doing after work drive by inspections!

Suzie Wong’s Pan-Asian Bistro is scoring rave reviews from citizens and food critics alike. Polly Campbell, the popular Cincinnati Enquirer food critic, recently awarded the restaurant 4 stars in her Januray 22, 2010 review.