Subject: Is It Time To Enlarge Your Life Style By Moving To Smaller Residence In An Exciting Location?

For today’s Baby Boomer homeowners, quality of life, cultural experiences, and even a room with a view are often must haves on their list of needs and wants in their next home.

If you are considering a move and downsizing appeals to you, there are many things to consider as this move may constitute a major change in your lifestyle.

Downsizing today is hardly what it was in years past.

There are so many urban chic destinations, or maybe relaxing rural options that might appeal to you. And if you like variety, you might even be considering two smaller and less expensive homes in separate cities or states, two places with completely different climates and recreational activities.

As you map out your potential plans to downsize, you will likely have many questions and many emotional decisions to make. Some advanced research and time spent in your potential new location(s) can be a great way to try it out. It’s also necessary to examine all of the financial ramifications of this type of move.

Here are some important questions to ask:

• Are you looking to reduce your monthly obligations and maintenance?
• Will you have capital gains ramifications?
• How will the move impact your property taxes?
• What repairs, staging, and moving costs will you face on your current home?
• To have the best negotiating power is it best to sell first and then buy?

For a completely free and efficient downsize consultation, reply to this email. Our meeting could be the first step to your new future!

Warmly,

XXXXXXXXX

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Subject: Low Cost Touch Ups for Your Home

Whether you are selling your home or just sprucing it up for your own enjoyment, here are a few tips for quick and affordable impact:

• Freshen your paint
• Consider a splash of color to add interest
• Change light bulbs to brighten the room and save energy
• Clean carpets and wash windows
• Less is more in modern décor, eliminate unnecessary items
• Rearrange furniture for a more open feeling
• Replace old draperies and curtains with wood blinds
• A little fertilizer and weed control make a big difference

Consider a curb to curb inspection to spot obvious repair-needed areas that detract from curb appeal.

When updating and remodeling your home, it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and spend more than you planned. Set a budget and be mindful of preferred decorating style in your area, if you may be selling the future.

If indeed you feel that you may sell your home within the next few years, be cautious when remodeling, as statistics show that the more you spend, the lower percentage of return on your investment you will be likely to realize. Along those same lines, be careful to not overbuild for the area.

If you are planning to fix to sell, it is always best to ask the advice of an experienced local real estate agent. They can guide you on what buyers want, as well as help you not overdo or overbuild for the neighborhood. As a plus, they may also be able to recommend quality vendors to do the job for you.

Warmly,

XXXXXXXX

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Subject: Are You Wondering if Now Is the Time to Move Up?

If you are like many of today’s homeowners, you may be wondering whether it’s time to move up or stay and remodel your current home.

This is a big decision, as any move is disruptive to your day to day life, and when you own a home the process becomes a bit more complicated.

If you’re dreaming of a new home then you may be wondering…

“Do I buy first or sell first?”
“If I buy first how can I fund that purchase without the proceeds from my current home?”
“What if I sell first and have to move twice, or end up homeless because I can’t find a replacement home I like?”
“Should I wait until the market softens to make my move?”

So many questions, and often the lack of answers to these important questions may cause homeowners to miss that opportunity to take the next step into their dream home and to grow their net worth by purchasing a larger, higher quality home or a home in a superior location.

If you feel this is an opportunity you might like to explore, here are the steps that real estate experts suggest you take.

• Step 1: Develop your dream home wish list.

• Step 2: Do some research online to determine prices and area amenities.

• Step 3: If necessary, consult with a contractor to determine the expense.

• Step 4: Contact a local real estate agent that can give you an accurate estimate of value on your current home.

• Step 5: Meet with a lender to discuss financing.

• Step 6: Create a potential timeline with your agent.

• Step 7: Have your agent guide you on how to best prepare your home for sale.

• Bonus Tip: Begin your research well in advance of your potential move!

As your area’s wise advisor, I do offer a confidential and complimentary Move Up Consult, and at this meeting I will review with you my Stress Free Move Up System. There is no cost or obligation, just helpful information.

To book your free Move Up Consult, contact me by replying to this email.

Warmly,

XXXXXXXX

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Subject: Is a Quiet Sale Right for Your Home?

You might be wondering, what is a quiet sale? A quiet sale is when a seller asks their real estate agent to sell their home without putting it on the multiple listing service. In other words, the idea is to sell it quietly and under the radar. Some real estate agents call these types of listings “pocket listings.”

Quiet sales have always been popular with high end luxury homes where the rich and famous want to limit access of their home to only those quality buyers who have been extensively screened before gaining access.

In the low inventory market, quiet sales began to grow in popularity with standard home sellers, and now account for just under 10% of all homes sold.

One of the biggest benefits of a quiet sale is your home is not invaded by open house looky-loos and your privacy and daily life is not as disrupted.

The exclusivity of buyers knowing that they have special access to a home, and knowing that if the seller chooses they could put the home on the open market, often motivates them to make a higher offer than they might if it were on the multiple listing service. Let’s face it – scarcity is a powerful motivator.

For your complimentary “Quiet Sale Consultation,” reply to this email to book your session.

Warmly,

XXXXXXXX

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Subject: Bathroom Design Strategies That Increase The Value Of Your Home

When it comes to adding value to your property, the experts in real estate will agree that beautiful bathrooms are a big plus in fueling buyer interest and higher offers.

Buyers often dread the work, mess, and expense of bathroom remodels and are often willing to pay a higher price to have it turnkey and done for them. And with today’s low interest rates, paying just a little higher price for move in ready has a small impact on their monthly payment.

If you aren’t currently remodeling to sell, it’s still a good idea to plan your bathroom upgrade as if you were, in order to ensure a solid future return on your investment.

Look at what’s popular, and yet will also be classic enough to stand the test of time. Bright colors, flashy motifs and trendy designs are fun, but will you ultimately grow weary of it and will it look dated a few years from now?

Models homes are a fun and excellent source of ideas for design, builders typically have to be strategic about their budget and know exactly what features create the “Wow Factor” without breaking the bank. Start a folder with your favorite pictures and fixtures. When you meet with your contractor you can give them your grand vision and then winnow it down to the budget as needed.

It’s expensive and invasive to do your bathroom makeover, so many contractors recommend having your complete plan organized and all fixtures, flooring, and necessary materials gathered before beginning the project. This can eliminate lengthy delays with a bathroom that is unusable as you wait for any needed fixtures to arrive. Getting ahead of this will allow your project to go smoothly!

Warmly,

XXXXXXXX

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Subject: If I’m Planning a Move in the Future, When Should I Reach Out to a Real Estate Agent?

Sellers today have access to endless data and information, making it easier than ever before when it comes to beginning to plan their next move.

If a move is in your future and you do not have a pressing deadline, it is wise to get a jump start on your planning. This advanced planning can potentially help you correctly time the market, reduce stress, and maximize profit.

But how far in advance should you start to plan?

If you Google this question you will see all sorts of articles and advice. However, this well-meaning advice may not fit your situation. There are many important factors to consider:

• The seasonality of your market – when is the best time of year to sell in your area?
• Best timing for you family – for example, the end of the school year?
• How much time do you need to allow for the work you want to do in order to prepare the home for sale?

Each homeowner’s situation is unique and often the best step is to consult with an experienced real estate professional early in the planning. While you may not yet be ready to list the home for sale, a quality real estate agent would be delighted to spend time with you in advance to help create an appropriate sales strategy and customized marketing proposal.

This type of professional consult may help you dial in the details of your move. An agent can also help you avoid spending money on items to prep the home for sale by advising you on changes that are not valuable or necessary. This consult can even help you or connect you to the help you need to shop your next destination.

Warmly,

XXXXXXXX

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Subject: How to Build Financial Security Through Owning Real Estate

We have all heard of people who have amassed great wealth by owning investment real estate. Considering the anemic returns banks are paying out, many Americans are grabbing up investment properties as their best path to financial freedom and future security.

Of course, any investment carries an element of risk and to minimize your risk you should seek the advice of qualified advisors, do your market research, and set your long term goals.

As you set your goals you will have some important things to consider:

1. Do I prefer a residential rental, apartment or commercial building?
2. Am I more focused on monthly cash flow or potential appreciation?
3. How long do I plan to own the property?
4. Do I plan to hire a property manager vs handling it myself?
5. Do I want a long term tenant or short term vacation renters?
6. Am I willing to take on a property that requires repair and renovation?

Across the country there are pocket markets with extremely affordable investment opportunities, however these opportunities may not offer high appreciation and may make it more difficult to keep your eyes on your investment. Many savvy investors believe that if you can’t drive to it you shouldn’t do it.

Many first time investors find it much more comfortable to purchase a small and affordable fixer upper in their own neighborhood and save money by maintaining and managing it themselves. These types of investors may be more likely to be in it for the long haul, setting a goal to pay off the property and have a future stream of monthly income from the rent.

Flipping is another investment strategy that we have all seen on TV and while it can be profitable to buy an ugly home at a bargain price and then fix and flip it for quick profit you have to be careful. Often the time to sell the property takes longer than expected, costs more than the original estimate, and can be a stressful process.

As you begin to develop your own real estate investment plan you will want to start by talking to an experienced real estate agent who can start you down the right path and answer some of the questions you may have, and guide you to self-discover the type of investment situation that best suits your long term goals. I would be happy to offer a complimentary, no strings attached, consultation.

I would be happy to provide you with market statistics and trends, rental rates, and link you to receive property alerts and information on the types of properties you are interested in. If you are looking outside of the area, I have access to elite agents across North America. You can contact me at any time by reaching out to the number on this newsletter.

Warmly,
XXXXXX

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Subject: Bathroom Design Strategies That Increase The Value Of Your Home

When it comes to adding value to your property, the experts in real estate will agree that beautiful bathrooms are a big plus in fueling buyer interest and higher offers.

Buyers often dread the work, mess, and expense of bathroom remodels and are often willing to pay a higher price to have it turnkey and done for them. And with today’s low interest rates, paying just a little higher price for move in ready has a small impact on their monthly payment.

If you aren’t currently remodeling to sell, it’s still a good idea to plan your bathroom upgrade as if you were, in order to ensure a solid future return on your investment.

Look at what’s popular, and yet will also be classic enough to stand the test of time. Bright colors, flashy motifs and trendy designs are fun, but will you ultimately grow weary of it and will it look dated a few years from now?

Models homes are a fun and excellent source of ideas for design, builders typically have to be strategic about their budget and know exactly what features create the “Wow Factor” without breaking the bank. Start a folder with your favorite pictures and fixtures. When you meet with your contractor you can give them your grand vision and then winnow it down to the budget as needed.

It’s expensive and invasive to do your bathroom makeover, so many contractors recommend having your complete plan organized and all fixtures, flooring, and necessary materials gathered before beginning the project. This can eliminate lengthy delays with a bathroom that is unusable as you wait for any needed fixtures to arrive. Getting ahead of this will allow your project to go smoothly!

Warmly,

XXXXXXXX

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Subject: Creating Inside Comfort Outside

Do you enjoy making your home into a comfortable, cozy place where you can relax and enjoy yourself in peace? There are simple ways to make your backyard just as relaxing. With the addition of a number of items, you can enjoy serenity in your yard just as much as you can in your living room.

If you are looking to entertain in your backyard, one of the most significant improvements that you can make is to add a structure such as a gazebo, pavilion or pergola. Each of these has the potential to add both class and function to your outdoor living space.

The right backyard addition for your lifestyle will depend on what kind of use you plan to get out of it. A smaller gazebo is ideal for a couple of chairs and a small table for an outdoor lunch or morning coffee, a relaxing getaway for reading or catching up on emails. For those who love to entertain, a more significant structure, such as a pavilion, provides cover for guests and a central location to mingle and set up food and beverages.

You can leave the space as open as you prefer, or set up simple furniture or a fire pit. This space can be used to feature a full outdoor grill or bar, an excellent way to enjoy family dinners outdoors or to cook for and entertain guests in your home. Your pavilion can maximize the potential of your backyard and may help you enjoy spending more time outdoors.

These structures, much like your home, can be customized to suit your style. If you love a traditional look, you can opt for an elegant wooden design. Vinyl, on the other hand, requires less maintenance and looks a bit more slick and modern. Consider the style that best fits your backyard vision.

Once you have the foundation decided, you can personalize the space further through details such as a large outdoor rug or ambient lighting. Outdoor pillows will help make any sort of outdoor space cozy and inviting.

Whether you build yourself a cozy nook or create an area fit to be the life of any party, future homebuyers love to purchase homes with outdoor entertaining spaces.

Warmly,

XXXXXXX

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Subject: 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchanges

If you currently own an investment property and want to sell you may have to pay a tax on the gain at the time of sale. The IRS code 1031 provides an exception and allows you to postpone paying tax on the gain if you reinvest the proceeds in a similar property as part of a qualifying like-kind exchange. The gain is tax-deferred but not tax free.

This exchange does not have to be a simultaneous swap of properties, but there are strict timelines and guidelines to which you must adhere. To learn more contact your CPA or tax attorney and visit:
https//www.irs.gov/uac/like-kind-exchange-under-irc-code-section-1031

There are other tax benefits you may receive when you own an investment property such as depreciation, the ability to write off expenses and the ability to exchange up one day.

To find out if it’s time for you to buy your first or next investment property, contact me at the number above to arrange you FREE and confidential investment consultation.

Warmly,

XXXXXXXX

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