CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY!


It has been 243 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence - a relatively short  time when compared to many European and Asian nations.  They might consider us mere adolescents, but we have come a long way in those 243 years.

In those early years the odds makers were split on whether America would long survive.  We had more things going against us than for us.  We were now thirteen states hugging the eastern coast of a vast yet untamed interior.  

We were still working out the details of whom and what were wanted to achieve and how we were going to accomplish all that being America meant.  The rest of Europe was just as concerned with our progress as we were; and waited anxiously as America moved forward to take its place on the world stage.

We have learned much, suffered much, endured much and hopefully matured much in 243 years.  The ideals and principles at the heart of what it means to be America still influence other peoples.  

It may be difficult for us to fully appreciate the struggles endured by our fore fathers in founding America.  For a cadre of men to give life and breathe to an idea called independence and then bring together in one place and time all the resources of a nation to insure the idea became a reality.

On this the 243rd anniversary of Independence Day, let us pause and take stock of the all that it means to be an American.  Of the bountiful nation we call home and of the principles we safeguard and espouse to be true.

Happy Birthday America!  

THREE LITTLE WORDS!

Without a doubt the following three little words are three of the most important to both sellers and buyers.  They are the driving force behind most real estate transactions.

Let me introduce you to PRICE, CONDITION and MARKETING.

1. PRICE

  Arriving at a realistic price for a seller is often a difficult task.  Many sellers value their home at a higher price than buyers are willing to pay.  It is the job of the real estate agent to work with seller to help them understand current market conditions.

 Buyer are always looking for a bargain; and buying a home is no exception. It is the function of the buyer's agent to negotiate with the seller's agent a price agreeable to both seller and buyer.  

The agreed upon price represents the current market value of the property, which may be lower than the seller originally listed the home.

2. CONDITION

  An equally important factor in the sale of any home or piece of merchandise is it's condition.  Is it brand spanking new or does it show evidence of years of neglect and abuse.  

 Condition is a determining factor in the buyer's willingness to pay the price listed for the home.  The buyer evaluates the condition of the home to set in his/her mind a value for the home and what they consider a fair or reasonable amount of money to pay for the home.

3. MARKETING

 The seller's agent is the "marketing director" for the  home.  It is incumbent upon the agent to orchestrate a most effective campaign presenting to the public the seller's property.  

 The success or failure of the marketing campaign will become evident quickly.  If the house sells quickly the campaign was successful; however, should the property linger and not sell, it may be due in part to a weak marketing campaign.  

Bottom Line:

These three little words are vital for both sellers and buyers.  It is important to understand their role in the whole process. Keep them in mind during your next selling or buying experience. 


   

  

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

This edition is a slight departure from the norm.  Today is Father's Day and this blog is dedicated to all the dads who make it their business to do their best for their family.

I have often wondered what a job description of a Father/Dad would look like if someone was applying for the position.  I am sure there would tasks, duties and responsibilities easily recognized as what we stero-typically attribute to a Father.  But then at the end of the list is that last little, almost insignificant notation..."and other duties as needed."

It is to this end I want to direct our attention today those, "and other duties as needed."  

If I were asked to create a list of "other duties" I know, at least from my personal experience, there would not be sufficient room in this blog to contain them all.  

I can tell you that I have been the guest at countless tea parties for two; the "client" at my daughter's "House of Style"; the one who helped her learn how to ride a bike and later drive a car; one of six who hauled an upright piano up a flight of stairs and later down again.  The list goes on.

For me, the joy of fatherhood was not the "expected" responsibilities, but the "other duties" that were and still are the most memorable.

Fathers, here is to the"other duties"!

FIVE QUICK TIPS FOR THAT PERFECT LAWN

There is this house in the neighborhood with the lawn that looks like a million dollars how can I get the same results with out going broke in the process?

Creating and cultivating a stunning landscaping is not easy. Obviously there are some key questions you need to ask yourself before you take on the project.

 1. Will I be doing the work myself or will I work with a landscape professional?

 2. If I do it myself, can I commit to the hours needed to maintain it throughout the year.

 3. Should I work with a professional to do the initial plantings and then take over the maintenance?

 4. What kind of plantings will compliment my house?

I am sure there are more concerns you will have to address as you develop your landscaping plan?

Here are Five Quick Tips to the Perfect Lawn that you can implement right now.

1. Don't ignore harmful trees, plants and weeds.

  Depending upon your locale some weeds can overtake your yard and destroy the grass.  Common weeds, like crabgrass, dandelions, nut sedge and chickweed, are easy to control when detected early.

2. Don't neglect pest control.

  Ignoring the signs of pests and pest related blight results in a ruined lawn.  Cinch bugs, sod web worms and army worms destroy yards.  Moles undermine the top lays of soil in search of food leaving behind a rutted lawn surface.   Unchecked these pest will make short work of your landscaping.

3. Poor planting plan.

  What to plant and what not to plant is critical at this juncture.  Factors to consider are sunlight, soil type and irrigation and drainage when selecting trees, shrubs, and plants.  Another factor for considerations is which plants will thrive in your climate.  When planting make sure to allow for growth of the shrubs and plants.  Crowding is damaging to the overall success of any garden.

4. Excessive mulch and gravel 

  More is not better; it is just more.  When it comes to mulch consider this too much mulch may smother your plants and prohibit water from reaching their roots.  

  Gravel allows water to flow through it quickly.  Sometimes too quickly for plants to absorb the moisture.  If your soil has a strong gravel base, try turning in some mulch to slow down the flow of water and allow the plants to improve water absorption.

5. Don't over commit.

  Creating a beautiful landscape can be rewarding, but do not allow the upkeep of the yard to demand all your time.  Select plantings climate specific to reduce the time you spend caring for your landscaping. Doing so will enable you to enjoy the beauty surrounding you.

TIPS ON SAVING FOR YOUR DOWN PAYMENT

Are you feeling a little over crowded in that studio apartment you are currently renting or perhaps that little cottage no longer seems enough for your growing family.  You're thinking of buying but not sure how you will be able to come up with the down payment.  Here are a few practical tips to help you through the process.

1. Assess your housing needs

    Asking a few simple questions will narrow your focus and help you on the path to saving for the down payment.

    1. How big of a house will I need, i.e. number of bedrooms and baths?

    2. What is the average price of the house I am looking to buy?

    3. Do I want a move-in-ready house or will I need to make renovations?

2. Assess your finances

   There is the "28% rule" which states that a household should not pay more than 28% of their monthly income on housing expense.  So, get out some paper and a pencil and do the math.

   How much do I spend on the following expenses:
        a. rent
        b. utilities
        c. taxes
        d. insurance
        e. mortgage (if I already own)
        f.  miscellaneous maintenance

   What is my total monthly income?

   How much disposal monthly income do I have available for a down payment?

3. Seek expert advice

     Armed with the results of the assessment of your housing needs and finances, you need to take your findings to a professional to further refine your data.

     A. Real Estate professional - a real estate professional will help you understand the current real estate market in your community and provide you with housing options to meet your needs.

    B. A Bank or Lender - a banker or lender will review your finances and evaluate the amount they would be able to lend towards the purchase of your next house.  They will also provide you with information about the types of loans you are eligible to receive.

4. Save for the down payment

   Saving for your down payment will also depend on how much you plan to put down, either 10% or 3%.

   Example: Saving for a 10% down payment in Washington state may take upwards of 4.69 years;  while in South Carolina it would take 1.9 years.

  If you qualified for a 3% down program the time in Washington state would be 1.4 years and in South Carolina it would be .05 years.

TAKE AWAY:  REGULARLY BE PUTTING ASIDE A STATED AMOUNT OF MONEY TOWARDS A DOWN PAYMENT ON A FUTURE HOUSE.  

Being one step ahead of the game may bring you two steps closer to your dream home.