Loan rates started to move up a bit as 2006 came to a close. But current rates are still lower than they were at this time last year. So folks who have adjustable rate mortgages or other types of loans that are due to reset in 2007 may want to consider a trade-in.

According to Freddie Mac, a major provider of funds for home loans, the rate on 30-year fixed mortgages average 6.13 percent in the week before Christmas. That's up slightly from 6.12 percent the previous week. But last year at this time, the average was 6.26 percent, or about an eighth of a point higher. (A point is 1 percent of the loan amount.)

The rate for a 15-year fixed loan averaged 5.89 percent during the survey period. That, too, is a little up from the average of 5.86 percent the previous week. But a year ago, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.79 percent.

The rates on adjustable loans were mixed during the week prior to Christmas. On the one-year Treasury-indexed ARM, the rate averaged 5.44 percent, down just a tad from 5.45 percent the week before. But for five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustables, the rate averaged 5.96 percent, up from an average of 5.92 percent the week before.

A year ago, the five-year ARM averaged 5.82 percent while the average for the one-year ARM was 5.22 percent

With ARM rates trending higher and fixed-rate below the level they were last year, borrowers with adjustables should consider refinancing, if they haven't already. Freddie Mac has seen a spike in refinancing activity over the past few weeks as rates have drifted down. And now that they are heading back up, those who haven't looked at the possibility of jumping to another, more pocketbook-friendly loan should do so -- now.

Tips for Selling in a Slow Market

If you're going to sell in what has quickly become a buyer's market, there are really only a few -- but very important -- things sellers must do:

• Fix up the place: Make the house look "wow" in this market or you'll lose buyers right when they walk into the front door.

• Price it below market: Price your place too high you could lose more money as each month floats by without a sale. Lower your price to the market or a tad below. Sell now so you can take advantage of the lower prices when it comes time for your own purchase.

• Market the deal as much as the house: If you will consider paying closing costs, don't just say so; put a dollar value on it. Offering $5,000, $10,000 or more right up front in your marketing will draw some of the cash-poor buyers to your doorstep.

• Bonuses and higher commissions: Offer more than your competition, and agents will show your house, perhaps even first.

In essence, make your house a one-of-a-kind deal that the buyer would be crazy to turn down.

Is It Time to Talk to Mom and Dad?

Discussing the birds and the bees with their children isn't the only difficult conversation parents will have. So will discussing livability issues with their own parents. But a good sit-down with Mom and Dad is what may be necessary if the "old folks" are to live out their lives in comfort.

According to the National Aging In Place Council, a non-profit organization based in Washington, older home owners are perhaps the least likely to take on a "home modification" project. Yet they are the ones who could most benefit from upgrades and improvements that can make a home more energy-efficient and free of the physical barriers that cause injuries and falls.

"Americans of all ages value their ability to live independently. But without a plan for aging in place, it can be hard to stay in control of your life," said Peter Bell, President of NRMLA.

"Knowing your health risks and financial options can make a big difference in your ability to stay in a familiar place."

Besides home modifications, family members should assess whether a parent needs outside assistance with financial planning and budgeting, in-home healthcare and chore services, transportation and meal services, or supplemental income from a reverse mortgage. NAIPC's website , provides information for consumers to learn more about these issues and to contact professionals who can help.

NAIPC serves as an ongoing forum for professionals from the private, public and non-profit sectors and businesses to work together to promote aging in place. Coalition members include skilled persons from a wide variety of fields, including remodeling, architecture, interior design, financing, elder law, product design and manufacturing, urban planning, social services and health.

New Year's Resolutions

Home improvements are on the minds of more people this year than last, according to a popular web site's predictions about the types of resolutions people are making this New Year's season.

myGoals.com, a site for setting and reaching personal and professional goals, bases its predictions on the current year's third quarter goal-setting activity. According to an anonymous, random sample of goals people have set at the site, this year's New Year's resolutions can be expected to break down as follows: Health and fitness, 27 percent; personal growth and interests, 15 percent; personal finance, 15 percent; career, 12 percent; education and training, 9 percent; home improvement and real estate, 7 percent; time management and organization, 6 percent; family and relationships, 5 percent, and recreation and leisure, 5 percent.

Last year, only 5 percent of the sample had home improvement and real estate on their minds.

"In 2007, people are going to spend a lot of time working on improving their homes and themselves," said Greg Helmstetter, CEO of myGoals.com.

Another notable shift is a decrease in goals related to buying real estate such as homes, second homes, and investment properties. This trend is offset by a corresponding increase in goals related to home improvement. "It's just like the what the economists tell us," said Helmstetter. "When people stop buying houses, they concentrate on improving the house they've already got."

Last year, 30 percent of all real estate-related goals were to buy a home, whereas 45 percent were to improve a home. This year, only 9 percent of real estate goals will relate to buying a home, whereas a massive 64 percent will involve improving a home.