Tuesday, November 25, 2008

LPG

I received an email today from Dr. Deborah Kern. I felt compelled to share it. She writes, "In what was simply a passing remark, Tim Cook, the minister of our church, made a very powerful comment that quickened my pulse and opened my heart. He said, "There is a technology for abundance. It is 'LPG'.

LPG? Yes, that's what he said.

Then he continued to say the technology of abundance is Love, Praise and Gratitude. Love magnetizes abundance. Praise magnifies abundance. And Gratitude opens us to receive abundance.

As I heard his words, every cell in my body responded to the truth of them. Whether it is abundance in friendship or love or health or money or experiences, LPG works!

The opposite of Love, Praise and Gratitude is Fear, Criticism and Entitlement. Fear pushes abundance away from us and magnetizes the very thing we fear. Criticism shrinks and constricts abundance. And Entitlement closes us off from receiving abundance."

Kevin and I would like to share with you that at this time of thanksgiving we pause to count our blessings. The freedom of this great country in which we live. It's opportunity for achievement. The friendship and confidence you have shown in us. For all of these things we are deeply thankful. Our best wishes to you and your family for a Happy Thanksgiving!

Kevin and Debbie

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Thinking About Putting Your Home On the Market?

Try some of these tips before you list:


1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin. You'll also know if buyers are over estimating those items when negotiating price with you.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

Preparation is key and the wisest decision you can make. It will most certainly effect the end result!

Tips are in part a reprint from Realtor.org/Realtor.mag.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

How To Get An Offer On Your Home

1. Price it right. Set a price at the lower end of your property’s realistic price range.

2. Prepare for visitors. Get your house market ready at least two weeks before you begin showing it. See Simple Tips For Better Home Showings.

3. Be flexible about showings. It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show at the spur of the moment. But the more amenable you can be about letting people see your home, the sooner you’ll find a buyer.

4. Anticipate the offers. Decide in advance what price and terms you’ll find acceptable.

5. Don’t refuse to drop the price. If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, you should be prepared to at least consider lowering your asking price. We can help you determine from your market area and its activity if it’s time.

You may also want to check out our website for current real estate information. We keep current market information in our Market Watch report and you may also sign up for your personal Market Snapshot. It’s a live snapshot of the real estate activity in your area. Market Snapshot is not a substitute for a Professional Market Analysis (CMA), but it can give you current information as often as you would like to receive it. Let us know what you think of it!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008