ADJUSTING ATTITUDE WITH GRATITUDE

I thought I’d share this simple exercise that helps me maintain a positive outlook every day. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed, try it out and see if it improves your view, too.

"Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted."

-Aldous Huxley, (1894 - 1963) English writer

Do you have a practice for dealing with daily stress? I thought I’d share a simple and surprisingly effective exercise you can do each day that will not only boost your spirits, but lighten the perceived burden of “the daily grind.” No running shoes required! You can do it without breaking a sweat, right from the comfort of your car, your desk, or even the line at Starbucks.

It sounds simple, but it’s quite powerful: Each day, think of five things you're grateful for. They don't have to be big things. In fact, it's great to start with the little things. It helps get you in the flow.

Start with one or two basic things you take for granted, for example: "I'm grateful for a hot shower in the morning." Or: "I'm grateful for a safe neighborhood."

Come up with five new things each time you practice. You might find this challenging at first. There should be a little struggle, but push through it. "I'm grateful for the smile of the guy at the bagel shop." Or: "I'm grateful for my family dinner on Sundays."

It might seem silly at first, but you'll notice that the more you express your gratitude, the more you'll connect to a general feeling of benevolence for others and well-being. Really take a moment for each simple gratitude to sink in. Visualize what you're grateful for and recall experiencing it.

This gratitude exercise connects you to the world in a positive way. It makes the trivial annoyances in life sting less, and reminds you to note what it is in the world you truly appreciate. When your focus shifts to gratitude, your attitude improves.

Give it a try this week and see what you think. Waiting in line, stuck in traffic, killing time between appointments... they're all great windows to practice a little gratitude.

Sometimes my clients ask me how I keep my cool when dealing with a difficult real estate deal. Well, this is one of my tricks to keep everything in perspective. If you’re looking for a stress-free home buying or selling experience, I can help: valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com

TIPS FOR CONSIDERING A SECOND HOME

Do you dream of owning a second home? More and more people are turning to second homes for a variety of personal and financial reasons. 

Here are a few things you’ll want to consider to inform your second home strategy.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a second home, it’s never too early to begin planning how to make that dream a reality. Whether you’re ready to buy now or think it may be a little while before you make the move, there are several key considerations that will inform your “second home strategy.”

1. Identify why you want a second home. What role will this second home play in your life? Is it designed to be a family retreat? Are you hoping to supplement your income with a cash-flow positive rental? Is your second home going to be a retirement destination? It could be all three, of course, but you’ll want to understand the unique requirements each situation dictates. This will include location, tax impact, and the home’s amenities.

2. Begin with your location. Many second home purchases are made for seasonal reasons, with many flocking to the south and the west for winter months. This may be the norm, but it might not be so for you. Where do you want to be? Have you experienced the location first hand, or is a visit in order? If you imagine kids and grandkids making the journey to share this home, will it be conveniently located? It’s one thing to fly into Atlanta, but quite another to reach remote parts of Arizona or Nevada.

3. Eyeball the upkeep. You may think you want a two acre lot with a big lawn, but imagine paying to keep that lawn in shape for all the time you’re not in your second home. The same goes for homes with large square footage, pools, and elaborate gardens. Mitigating your exposure to upkeep can be an important factor in holding your second home for the long-term.

4. Figure out financing. This is especially important if you don’t have the financial picture ironed out yet. Securing a mortgage for a second home can be tricky, and a number of buyers look for all-cash purchases of relatively inexpensive homes. Regardless of how you do it, financial planning is a must.

5. Talk taxes. How a second home impacts your tax picture is a vital part of a second home strategy. The tax implications can vary widely depending on how you choose to utilize the home, whether for personal residency or as a rental. Even how long you choose to rent out a second home each year can have unique tax implications. Laws change, so take the time to review your strategy periodically with your accountant.

I love helping buyers find second homes! If you’re curious what might be on the market, let’s talk: valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com

SPRING ROOF INSPECTION

The roof is the one thing between your home and the elements... doesn’t it deserve a little respect? 

Here are some roof maintenance tips to preserve your home’s value.

Ah, the humble roof. We forget that the single most important structural element in our home is the roof. It provides shelter for those we love and the things we value.

It’s easy to let maintenance slide on something we take for granted. With better weather days upon us, now is a good time to inspect the roof and make sure it’s up to the task of protecting your home’s value.

Here are some crucial elements you’ll want to look for during a roof inspection:

• Are the gutters clean and in good shape? Organic debris building up in your gutters can cause water to pool and foster an environment for roof rot.

• Do you see any curling around the bottom edges? Are there any gaps or holes in the soffit?

• Are there surface cracks in shingles? Cracks warn you of impending disintegration or separation.

• Is the flashing in good shape? Flashing is material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from a joint. This often amounts to shaped metal around seams for chimneys, vents, etc.

 

• Are there any blisters? This could reveal a defect or possibly insufficient ventilation.

 

• Is the insulation in good shape? Attic insulation can protect a roof from warping and reducing overall moisture in your home. Additionally, it helps keep snow from melting and refreezing, a major contributor to water damage.

 

• Is anything going to fall on the roof? Part of roof maintenance is ensuring there’s nothing which might cause an undue load on the house. This includes rotten trees or dangerous overhanging limbs. It’s also a good idea to look at areas which may be eroded by vegetation or tree contact.

A happy roof makes for a happy home. May these simple tips help you protect your home for years to come.

WHAT IS AN EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT?

An earnest money deposit, also known as a good faith deposit, is a specific dollar amount that a potential buyer pays to the seller in an effort to display their serious interest in a property.  It's important to note that an earnest money deposit is not the same as a down payment.

The Purpose Of An Earnest Money Deposit

An earnest money deposit is used to secure a purchase contract, which means the buyer doesn't have to worry about the property being sold out from underneath them.  Without an agreement, the seller would be free to sell the home at anytime.  An earnest money deposit, however, secures the availability of the home as the potential buyer obtains an inspection, appraisal and financing for the purchase.

How Much Good Faith Is Enough

So, just how much of an earnest money deposit is required?  Truthfully, it depends on a number of factors, including the home's purchase price, your location and the standard as set by other sellers.  In most cases, the earnest money deposit is negotiable and the seller will be happy in knowing that the potential buyer is serious enough to offer their money in good faith.

How An Earnest Money Deposit Is Used

If the transaction is successful and the buyer follows through with the purchase, an earnest money deposit is most commonly refunded to the buyer or applied to closing costs.  If the buyer defaults or is unable to obtain financing, the seller often has the discretion to retain the earnest money deposit as damages or as otherwise described in the purchase agreement.

Using Your Dollars And Sense

When it comes to an earnest money deposit, it's essential that buyers know who should receive the money and how to handle the payment.  In most cases, the deposit should be made payable and presented to a licensed real estate broker, an attorney or escrow company.  Your REALTOR® can assist in getting your earnest money deposit into the right hands.  It's important to obtain a receipt, which should clearly outline the purpose of the deposit.  The funds will be handled in accordance with the purchase agreement and/or as agreed upon by both the buyer and seller.

Before handing over a good faith deposit, make sure that you have faith in the person accepting your money.  Potential buyers should not give an earnest money deposit directly to the seller, nor should they give it to anyone who claims to be with a brokerage firm unless their credentials are verified. 

HAPPY EASTER!

I just want to wish you a very blessed Easter holiday.  I hope that you have time to draw close to family and friends and to reflect on the rich symbolism of this special time of year.  

Easter means many things to many people.  To Christians the day celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and promises hope of a new life for believers.

Some historians place the holiday long before the birth of Christ and claim that the early church merely preempted an ancient pagan holiday that welcomed the new birth of spring and honored the goddess of the moon.  Go figure.

To our children Easter is the season of the Easter bunny and egg hunts.  But whatever view you take you can't escape the fact that Easter represents new beginnings and fresh starts.  I hope that this Easter you are filled with the hope of a new day and the promise of a new life.

And what would Easter be without glazed ham?  Here is my favorite recipe.  I hope you enjoy it!

Grandma's Easter Ham

7-8 pound fully cooked smoked ham

1 cup genuine maple syrup

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 tablespoon prepared mustard whole cloves

Combine syrup, vinegar, and mustard. Place ham, fat side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan. Pour about 1½ cup mixture over ham and bake, uncovered, in a preheated 325º oven for 1½ hours. Baste every 30 minutes with additional sauce. Remove ham from oven and score fat into diamond shapes. Insert a clove into each diamond. Bake ham an additional 30 minutes.

RECYCLING FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE

You have garbage cans all across your house, but what about recycling cans? Here’s a simple trick to be more mindful about being green.

Recycling is now the norm in communities, but as widespread as the environmental trend is, there are still opportunities to improve the amount we recycle. While recycling is not only good for the planet and helps us reuse materials which would otherwise end up in a landfill, it’s also good for the economy.

According to the Tellus Institute, a research and action group for a global civilization of sustainability, equity, and well-being, improving the U.S. recycling rate from 33% to 75% would create 1.5 million new jobs. While traditional waste disposal generates 0.1 jobs per 1,000 tons of landfill, recycling generates 2 jobs for every 1,000 tons! (You can learn more about the Tellus Institute here: http://www.tellus.org)

Here’s a quick life hack to increase the amount you recycle in your home: Put a smaller garbage can in your bathroom and place a recycling bin next to it. While people are generally good about recycling in their kitchen and home offices, the bathroom can be a surprising source of waste. According to a study by Johnson & Johnson, manufacturers of a wide range of health and beauty products, 40% of Americans throw out plastic shampoo bottles in their garbage rather than recycle them. The same is true of toilet paper rolls and other sanitary packaging, including cardboard soap boxes.

If it’s not too unappealing, consider choosing a recycling bin that’s green or the same color as your neighborhood’s recycling bins. Many hardware stores will carry recycling bins in a variety of colors. This will serve as a simple visual reminder to recycle those bathroom items rather than committing them to the landfill. Combined with a smaller garbage can, you’ll find that that your total progress toward “zero waste” will improve considerably.

What other simple tricks do you use to recycle, reuse, and ultimately reduce waste? Share them with me!

If you’re green in the extreme, get in touch with me for your next “green home” search. Many new homes have integrated sustainable energy practices that can reinforce your commitment to a healthy, happy planet. Get in touch today: valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com

HOW TO TELL IF A NEIGHBOURHOOD IS IMPROVING

When you’re looking for a new home, you want to find one in a great neighbourhood – or, at least, in a neighbourhood that is on the upswing. 

How can you tell if a particular area is improving? Here are some common indicators:

Pride of ownership. Take a walk around the neighbourhood. Do you get a sense that people take good care of their homes? Are the lawns mowed? Is the landscaping trimmed? Are flowers planted? Home owners are more likely to look after their properties when they like where they are living.

Home improvements. Are people investing in their homes? Are they getting their driveways re-done? Their windows replaced? Are there signs of home improvement projects? If so, this is a clear indication that home owners like the area enough to invest in their properties.

Real estate sales activity. Do homes tend to sell quickly in the area? Do they sell for a good price? If so, the neighbourhood is probably in demand. If people want to live there, it's a desirable area.

Business investment. Are businesses investing in the surrounding area? Is there an increase in the number of up scale shops, health clubs, restaurants, and other commercial enterprises that often locate near desirable neighbourhoods?

Community involvement. Are there signs that the community plays an active role in the look and lifestyle of the neighbourhood? Are there neighbourhood picnics, yard sales and other get-togethers? Check Facebook to see if the neighbourhood has a community page.

City plans. Find out what plans the city has for the area. Will there be road improvements done in the near future? Are there any major construction projects on the schedule, such as a new school or community centre.

Although such projects can be disruptive in the short term, they may improve the neighbourhood – and, as a result, boost the value of any home you buy in the long-term. Of course, the best way to find out the desirability of a neighbourhood is to talk to a good REALTOR® who knows the area. Call today.

GOING NATIVE IN YOUR GARDEN

With Spring upon us, it is time to start thinking about your garden.

Interested in lowering your garden bills while creating a more sustainable, wildlife-friendly environment? Consider native plant gardens.

Homeowners all over North America are looking for ways to make their gardens sustainable and ecologically friendly. For those looking to save time, water, and money, the growing trend of “native plant” gardens is increasingly popular.

Native plants are those plants indigenous to your particular region. Unlike non-native species, native plants have an evolutionary advantage: They’re used to the soil, climate, rainfall averages, and availability of pollinating insects and seed dispersing animals. Typically the require a lot less water and attention. As a result, they tend to survive well and require less maintenance (and seasonal replacement).

Native gardens also attract native wildlife and provide vital natural habitats for animals whose green space has been displaced by construction and development. To create a National Wildlife Federation certified wildlife habitat, you simply need to meet four criteria:

1. Provide food (native plants and feeders work)

2. Provide water (typically in a bird bath or other water feature)

3. Create cover (places where wildlife can seek refuge from predators or weather)

4. Give wildlife a place to raise young (at least two: nesting boxes, host plants, water features, etc.)

So how do you know which plants are native to your region? One resource is the American Beauties Native Plants website (http://www.abnativeplants.com/). Another useful resource is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centre's Native Plant Information Network (http://www.wildflower.org/explore/).

Most major garden centres will also be able to direct you to native plants as well as help you create a plan that fits your budget and goals. A beautiful garden can be a major component of your home’s curb appeal. Consider doing double duty for your home and the local wildlife by exploring a native plant garden.

Looking for more gardening ideas? Write me! valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com 

HOW TO MAKE A HOME INSPECTOR HAPPY (6 Tips!)

Sweating an upcoming home inspection? 

Here are six tips that will make your home inspector happy and save time and money in the process.

Everyone wants a smooth home inspection. Sellers, buyers, agents... everyone’s rooting that this high-stakes moment passes without a hitch. Add to that list the home inspector, too! Save time, save money. If you’re selling, there are things you can do to make the home inspector’s job easier and help ensure the most accurate report possible.

1. Declutter your appliances. Get the pots off the stove, remove pans stored in the oven, take that bowl out of the microwave, and check the washer and dryer bins for clothes. While all of these appliances need to be tested, you don’t want an inspector rummaging through your laundry or scorching a pot to get the job done.

2. Replace burned-out lightbulbs. If a light switch doesn’t work, the inspector will need to determine if it’s a problem with the fixture itself. Take the time to hunt down those lightbulbs that might be out-of-the way, too... (Closets, attics, basements, guest rooms, etc.)

3. Keep access doors clear. You might have furniture blocking seldom-used crawlspace entrances, or the space for the pull-down stairs up to the attic may be obstructed. Make these entryways clear to the inspector and save them the time and hassle of getting into hidden areas.

4. Be honest about what doesn’t work. Don’t deceive your home inspector or hope they’ll overlook something. It’s bound to come out, and failure to disclose home defects can be a legal hassle down the line. Know the garbage disposal is broken? Say so. Leave notes for the inspector or prepare them in advance with an email message, etc.        

5. Point out pumps and septic tank locations. If you have your own well and septic system, make sure the location of these is clearly described for the inspector. Annotate a photo or draw a simple map if need be.

6. Check your smoke detectors. People forget to change batteries in smoke detectors, and if you’ve neglected yours (or taken them down to change batteries and left them in the garage!) double-check to make sure they’re in place and functioning.

Naturally, this list assumes you’ve made any pre-inspection repairs you want to address. Want a more information about the home inspection process? Get in touch with me today: valeriemcconville@gmail.com.