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Historically low interest rates and bargain prices have made homeownership the most affordable it has been at any time during the past 40 years.* And while the market won’t shift overnight, dramatic decreases in new home production and household formation suggest that as demand for homes returns over the next couple of years it could outpace supply in some places. As of the end of 2010 this about the current state of the national housing market and the opportunity it presents for those who are ready to take advantage of it. Nobody knows exactly how the recovery will unfold, but over the long run, owning property in America has always been a solid investment. Keep in mind that all real estate is fundamentally local. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to tell you more about the housing situation in our area. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask! What is really going on in todya's Market? This flyer explores the current market and its expectations Did you know that landscaping and curb appeal have an effect on the value of your home? In fact, according to the Council of Tree and Landscaping Appraisers, a mature tree can be worth up to $10,000. Even if you aren’t selling your home, a gorgeously landscaped and maintained yard can be a joy to come home to all year round. Here are some tips to help you beautify your landscaping. You will find ways to design in small spaces, select the best plants for your yard, sustain a healthy lawn and even give the exterior of your home and hardscape an easy upgrade In the United States, a burglary occurs every eight seconds. Thieves average 8–12 minutes in your home, searching for valuable items like electronics, jewelry and hidden cash. Despite this, the vast majority of burglars are not professional thieves and can be thwarted with a few basic measures. In this Newsletter are several ways of warding off thieves. Steps as simple as lighting your home’s exterior and displaying a home alarm system sign—even if you don’t have a security system installed—will make your home unattractive to burglars, who are likely to move on to an easier target. Many people think of their home as a safe place for themselves and their loved ones. Unfortunately, injuries occurring on residential property result in nearly 21 million medical visits and 20,000 deaths each year1. It is important that you and your family be aware of potential hazards that may exist in your home and the ways to keep your environment free from danger. This flyer outlines the most common causes of unintentional home injuries and deaths. It also provides ideas you can implement to make your dwelling safer, such as ensuring that you have an emergency evacuation plan and checking for recalls on potentially hazardous items commonly found in residences. Contemplating buying a home that is a Short Sale? This flyer provides insights on the basics of a short sale. Whether your budget is large or small, here are some design essentials you should know. When it becomes time to upgrade your home Here are a few Preventive Measures and Tips you need to know to help you avoid becomong victim to a scam With businesses focused on increasing profits, it’s an everyday battle to hold onto your hard-earned dollars. Use these 12 Tactics to help you become a better saver The vast majority of home buyers and sellers turn to the agent they used previously or one who was referred by someone they know. It’s understandable because we all want to work with someone we can trust, especially when it involves the largest transaction many of us will ever make. I’ve included an explanation of how my decision to work by referral benefits you. It allows me to devote my time and energy to meeting the needs of my clients. There are a number of ways that I can be a valuable resource, such as providing market updates and referring other reputable business professionals when you need them. I will make a constant effort to provide you with excellent service, because in my business, the most profound assets I possess are your respect and trust. Your referrals are a priceless gift, and I want you to know that they will never go unappreciated. Have you taken the time to draft a will? If so, you have already addressed at least some of the most important decisions regarding the distribution of your estate and providing for the needs of your family when you are no longer with them. Here is an informative piece that highlights the importance of estate planning. It explains the roles of most common legal documents and what can happen if an estate falls into probate. There’s also a practical checklist to help you get the process started, or to update the one you already have. A thoughtful plan takes your priorities into account, protects the interests of your heirs and establishes your legacy. If you need guidance in any of these matters, I would be happy to recommend a reputable professional in our area. Of course, I’m also here to help whenever you need to know the present value of your property for estate planning or any other purpose. |
Dig out your files, envelopes or shoeboxes full of records and receipts—it’s time to get your tax information organized. Preparing your returns can be a daunting task, but it’s one that should never be taken lightly. Here is some pointers about the range of tax deductions and credits available to taxpayers for 2010, many of which are specific to homeowners. Taking full advantage of the breaks you deserve may reduce your tax burden or get you a bigger refund from the IRS. Keep in mind that the sooner you file, the sooner the government can return your money. I’d be happy to recommend a knowledgeable professional if you could use some help. This Newsletter discusses many of the options available for paying your mortgage off early, as well as the advantages these choices create for you and your family. On the second page, you’ll discover several different ways you can fit an extra annual mortgage payment into your budget. Even during the uncertain housing market of recent years, 90% of surveyed homeowners maintained that their house is a source of comfort in their lives.* Have you ever stopped to think about why so many Americans make it a goal to buy a home one day? Here are the reasons why the idea of homeownership is important to so many people. It shows the immense impact that the home construction and sales industries have on our national and regional economies, as well as how ownership helps build strong local communities. It also discusses the personal and financial benefits for individual families. I hope that you find this topic as interesting as I do, because in my work I get to see what owning a home really means to people every day. Feel free to call and discuss your personal home ownership goals and how I can help you reach them. The nation’s collective mindset is often evident in housing market trends, and if you own a home or are planning to purchase, it’s important to stay updated on the most significant changes. In order to protect their investment, homebuyers and renovating homeowners should consider resale potential when making key decisions, and that requires an understanding of the features that appeal to the majority of today’s consumers. This month I have sent information about the most recent trends captured by a prominent survey of American architects. In addition to the emphasis on smaller, more efficient floor plans, the survey also identified other popular characteristics that relate to modern lifestyles like outdoor rooms and home offices. Of course, preferences can vary considerably from one region to another. If you are planning a home-improvement project, or would simply like to know more about trends that are specific to our local area, feel free to give me a call. I’m always happy to help maximize your home’s market value. Even if you aren’t looking for the latest high-tech gadgets, today’s smart appliances will save money on energy bills and help the environment. This Newsletter examines the latest in smart home technology. You will find information about the whole-house remote control, energy-efficient appliances and innovative products that benefit the environment. I’ve also included a list of high-tech questions to consider when buying a new home. Here are several tips to raise or maintain your credit score, as well as a worksheet to help keep your finances in order. Making a concerted effort to improve your credit score will enable you to secure the best possible terms on a future mortgage, car loan or student loan. During these difficult economic times, its easy to neglect your savings. Here are 7 tips to growing your savings there might be a cache of cash in your budget? Here are some ways to save more money in 2010 The average Facebook member has 130 friends and is connected to 80 community pages, groups or events. The growing popularity of social media is a global trend that is difficult to ignore. Teens and young adults were the first to spend time socializing online, but their elders have recently discovered the benefits. Statistics show that adults over age 50 are the fastest growing category of social networkers. This interesting piece is about how social media use is changing the everyday lives of many families. It also includes information on some serious problems that teens could potentially encounter and tips to help parents |