3 TIPS TO BECOME A MORNING PERSON

Find yourself too tired to tackle those personal projects at night? 

Always fighting fires during the day instead of working on what matters? 

Here’s some help on how (and why!) to become a morning person.

How to Become a Morning Person

When you are your business, being a morning person gives you a big advantage in life. Mornings are super productive times for me, but you don’t have to be in real estate to reap the benefits.

Mornings also set the tone for the day. 

You feel great knowing you’ve paid yourself first... there’s no procrastination guilt. If you’ve ever suspected you’re squandering your time at night, just keep a time journal. Write down how you spent your hours. That alone might motivate you to make a change!

You have way more willpower in the morning. 

During the day, exercising your willpower wears it out. By the time night rolls around, how often are you charged up to get down to work on your next big project?

The morning is when you’re least likely to be distracted. 

Being a morning person means you get to pay yourself first every day. Exercise? Writing a novel? Learning a new language? The morning is a perfect time. Ask yourself: How many “emergency” phone calls are you likely to get at 6AM? Now what about 1PM? (It’s funny how emergencies tend to happen during business hours.)

Here are 3 tips to help you make the “morning person transformation”:

1. Picture your personally productive morning. Imagine it, see yourself doing it. Smell the coffee, as it were. What will you do?

2. Plan your morning. Determine how much time you’re going to have and plan what you’re going to do in that time. Do as much as you can the night before to make the path easier for yourself: Lay out clothes, get the materials ready, and set that coffeemaker!

3.Train yourself to rise early. Roll back your alarm 10 - 15 minutes a day for as much time as you need.

Don’t let the world spend your time for you! Make the morning person transformation!

Email: valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com 

Website: www.valeriemcconville.com

MEMORIAL DAY: HONORING THOSE WHO PAID THE ULTIMATE PRICE

My blog is dedicated to my friends and colleagues in the United States.

It’s hard to believe Memorial Day is already behind us.  I always think of Memorial Day as the true arrival of summer, a busy season when many of the families I work with are anxious to be settled before the new school year arrives.

I hope all of my fellow agents are well and enjoyed a little rest and relaxation on the long Memorial Day Weekend.  The smell of BBQs in the air and the sounds of kids playing is always a fortunate reminder of how much we have to be thankful for in our community.

This year I was also heartened to see people remember those families throughout history who have paid the ultimate price for the freedom we’re enjoying this summer.  Sadly, we do not have to look very far into the past to remember those who have died.  We have people in our community who have recently lost fathers, daughters, sons, and mothers.

Even though Memorial Day has passed, I encourage you to continue to show your respect and appreciation for those families whose loved ones will not be returning to them.  Invite them to enjoy fellowship with you throughout the year.   Honor them and honor their soldiers by holding up a mirror to show the generous, grateful community we live in.

It’s also not too late to teach our children that Memorial Day means more than a long weekend.  Why not take an evening soon to explore some websites which talk about the history of Memorial Day?  (The History Channel is a good place to start: http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history).

May your summer be a reward and a reminder to appreciate the big picture.  All my best to you and yours.  Keep in touch.

With gratitude,

Valerie McConville, REALTOR

Realty Executives Devonshire

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE IN OBTAINING A HOME LOAN

You have decided to purchase a home and need to obtain a loan. What do you do next? How do you obtain a loan? Here is my step-by-step guide in doing so.

Now that you've decided to purchase a new home, it's important to know what to expect throughout the loan process. With the right knowledge, the road to home ownership is just ahead.

Choose A Home

Some lenders may offer a pre-approval, but others require that you have a specific home chosen before they will discuss loan options.  Therefore, the first step to obtaining a home loan is to first select a home.  Some sellers may require you to provide an earnest money deposit, which secures the home while you obtain financing and have the necessary inspections completed in order to finalize the purchase.

Check Your Credit

Before you even think about applying for a mortgage, it's important to know where you stand from the lender's point of view.  Checking your credit report is a good idea for many reasons, but it's an essential step in your journey toward buying a home.

Every 12 months, you can request a free copy of your credit file from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.  Look for inaccuracies, outdated information or anything that requires your attention.  If you spot anything, file a dispute right away to get the information corrected.  A free credit report does not include your FICO score, which is available from the credit bureaus for a small fee.  Most lenders use this number in determining your interest rates and creditworthiness, so it may be a good idea to check it out for yourself first.

Gather Your Documentation

When you apply for a loan, you will be asked to provide certain documentation and/or information relating to your current financial status, employment, assets (including both real and personal property) and liabilities.  Before meeting with your lender, make sure to have your current paystubs, bank statements, tax returns for the two years preceding your application and information relating to any debts that you currently owe.  If you are self-employed, you will also be asked to provide a year-to-date profit/loss statement, which is also known as an income statement.

Meet With Your Lender

Now that you have your documentation together, it's time to meet with your lender.  At this point, you will complete a mortgage application and submit it for approval.  Depending on the lender, it may take anywhere from several hours to several days before learning whether or not you are approved.  In most cases, however, a lender can provide you with an answer within 24 hours.

Last Minute Details

If your loan is approved, it's time to move forward to the next step in the mortgage process.  Your lender will order an appraisal and inspection to be completed on the property.  This is just as much for your own protection as it is for the lender because it may reveal hidden problems within the home.  The inspection and appraisal can take up to 30 days, at which point the results will be forwarded to the lender.  If all goes well, you will close on the loan and get ready to move into your new home.

COMMON QUESTIONS REGARDING SENIOR HOME TRANSITIONS

A primary concern with many aging Baby Boomers is whether or not their home will suit them as they age.

Recently I’ve spoken to a number of clients who have concerns about their home as they age. You (or someone close to you) may be facing similar questions.

As we all age, our thoughts inevitably turn to the question of the quality of our lives in the future. Where we live is an important part of that equation. I know I’ve thought about it, and I’ve definitely worked with people who have dealt with the uncertainty.

How will I know when maintaining my home becomes too much? How can I remain comfortable, safe, and independent in my own home? If my home becomes to big for me, how do I find one that meets my needs? Who will protect my interests when it comes time to sell my home?

If you find yourself wondering about these issues, or worrying about them on behalf of an aging parent or friend, I would be glad to offer my assistance. As a real estate agent with a special interest in senior clients, I’ve had the privilege of helping seniors and their families navigate this phase of life.

Please reach out to me if you’d like to chat. I’d be happy to help, even if you don’t necessarily need the answers to these questions for some time yet. 

Email me at: valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com

AWESOME KITCHEN MODS: MORE SPACE, MORE USE!

Is your kitchen cramped? Check out these simple kitchen hacks to open up your space and make it more usable.

You probably don’t need a scientific study to tell you that the kitchen is one of the most used spaces in a family home. It serves as a hub for food, a communal space for gathering, and often a message center for family traffic. Some consider it the “brain” of the home. While giant master bedrooms might sound nice, a kitchen with abundant space can be surprisingly satisfying!

Unfortunately, many homes have kitchens which are small or overrun by clutter. The mess can be a major barrier to enjoying the space, and without some systems in place to keep it organized, the kitchen can be rendered almost useless for many of the enjoyable aspects of cooking and entertaining. So, what’s the solution? Does opening up your kitchen require a total renovation? Not necessarily. Below are six clever kitchen hacks to open up your usable space.

Hack #1: Hang it high. Long-handled pots, pans, and other utensils can be easily accessed with an appropriately-installed ceiling rack. Use your longest-handled pan as a guide and install a rack high enough above your head.

Hack #2: Play all the angles. Corners are often wasted space, consumed by knife blocks that are mostly wood beasts. You might install corner shelving, or even place a magnetic knife strip near a convenient corner.

Hack #3: Shelve it for later. Counters and cabinets don’t have to do all of the storage work. Nesting shelving in windows or even on surrounding back splashes and walls can be a great solution.

Hack #4: Save the sink space. Seldom are you using the sink while you’re prepping veggies, so why not get a large cutting board and lay it across the surface? This way, you turn a sink into a temporary counter.

Hack #5: See the studs. Open up a wall or two in your kitchen to access the recessed space between studs. Subdividing this space with shelves or hanging hooks can be a space saver. Properly finished, it doesn’t have to look like an eyesore!

Hack #6: Jar it up! Take a mason jar lit and screw it to the underside of an existing shelf or overhang. Now, put items in the mason jar and screw the jar into the lid. Bingo! New hanging storage.

Of course, if no amount of clever hacks will open up your kitchen, it may be time to upgrade. I can put together a list of common kitchen upgrade costs. Just get in touch! Email me today: valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com

LIVING WITH INTENT

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson               (1803 - 1882); Philosopher, Poet, Author, Essayist

Living in a reactionary pattern of crisis-of-the-moment management has the unpleasant side effect of distracting us from making the most of our unscheduled time. 

When the day’s demands lift, we’re all too happy to flop down and look for a little mindless recovery. On one hand, it’s understandable: Our brains need a break! On the other, we may be missing out on a great opportunity.

In life, there are activities which recharge us mentally and physically. Generally speaking, reality television and involved political arguments on Facebook are not. But activities like brisk walks, reading imaginative fiction, and building a couch cushion fort with your kids can be.

Who we become has more to do with what we choose to do with our unstructured time than it does our “must do” time. What you decide to do in this time will shape your character and the quality of your life far more than you might think. The easiest thing in the modern world is to ride a tide of distraction. With a little discipline, though, we can live a life of intent.

So how do we develop a practice of living with intent? Here’s a tip: Look at your schedule for the week and identify a few times when you’re most likely to have unstructured time. Now, structure it a little. Don’t build yourself a fresh fortress of to-do lists, but make a plan to pursue something that recharges you and reinforces the direction you want to go.  

I think if you practice this tip for mindful living you’ll find the truth at the heart of the Emerson quote. 

Wishing you health and happiness,

Valerie McConville, REALTOR®

HOME BUYING CHECKLIST: THE PROCESS OF BUYING YOUR NEW HOME

Once you've made the decision to buy a home, it's time to start thinking about what comes next.  Every buyer needs a check list that will guide them through the process of searching for the perfect home, evaluating their choices and making a purchase. 

Learn The Lingo

When you set out to buy a new home, you will need to familiarize yourself with various real estate terms, conduct research on the market value of homes in the area in which you intend to shop and learn the art of negotiation.  This information will help as you browse homes, talk with REALTORS® and get further into the buying process. 

Get A Free Credit Report 

Every 12 months, you are entitled to request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, TransUnion and Experian.  You should make this request before you begin looking at homes in order to allow yourself enough time to identify and dispute any inaccuracies in your credit file(s).  When you approach a lender, you will need to make sure that everything is correct and up-to-date. 

Get Pre-qualified

Pre-qualification is different than pre-approval in that it gives you a possible price range that you can afford, but does not guarantee you the loan.  Pre-qualification is important because it will help you narrow your search to include only homes that you can afford.  Knowing what you can pay beforehand will save you both time and disappointment in looking at homes that do not fit your budget. 

Speak With A REALTOR® 

Nobody knows the real estate business like a REALTOR®, so let them help you to find your new home. Based on your specific requirements, a REALTOR® can locate a home that will suit you at a price that's within your budget.  When he/she finds one or more possible candidates, you will be invited to tour the home.  At this point, you should take a camera for the purpose of later reviewing each house with visuals instead of relying solely on memory. 

Make An Offer 

Once you find the perfect home, make an offer that's less than you are actually willing to pay.  This way, the seller can make a counteroffer that would hopefully still be within your budget.  It's important to familiarize yourself with the art of negotiation so that can learn how to get the best deal without insulting the seller.  If you have not yet been pre-approved, make sure that your offer is contingent upon your being able to obtain the necessary financing. 

Obtain A Loan 

Once you and the seller agree on a purchase price, you may be required to provide an earnest money deposit that will secure the home as you obtain a loan (if applicable).  A lender will require a home inspection and appraisal for the property in connection with your loan application.  In most cases, you will know within 24 hours whether or not your application is approved, but the actual closing will not occur until the inspection and appraisal are complete. 

Get Moving 

Now that the papers are signed and you have the keys to your new home, it's time to get moving - literally. Remember to decorate your new home and add all of those special touches that reflect your personality. After all, a house is only a house until you make it a home.

FIVE WAYS TO ACHIEVE A GORGEOUS LAWN

Spring is here, and it's time to truly make your landscape shine!  After all, one of the joys in owning your own home is attending to and personalizing your own yard!  

Since the focal point of most landscaping is the lawn (also one of the trickiest things to maintain), I'm including a special list of tips and tricks to help you whip your lawn into perfect shape.  Giving special attention to the lawn now will help to keep it healthy throughout the summer; I hope you find this list to be as helpful as I have!

Water = Green: Water is one ingredient that your lawn cannot live without, so make sure that you've got a great routine in place for keeping the lawn damp.  If you have a good sprinkler system installed, you're already a step ahead of the game!  If not, make sure that you're reaching all areas of the lawn if watering by hand or by moveable sprinkler.  Water in the evening or very early morning for best results, but don't overdo it!

Know how to mow: Make sure your lawn mower has sharp blades; mowing with dull blades can tear the grass, altering its healthy appearance.  Also, the more often you mow, the healthier your grass will be!  Mow the lawn at least once per week for optimal results.

Fertilize and vitalize: Invest in a good fertilizer and use it regularly for the thickest, greenest grass.  Ever wonder why the fairways and greens on a golf course manage to look beautiful throughout the year?  Fertilizer is the key to the greens keeper's success.  For the greenest grass possible, purchase a fertilizer with iron content.

Weed it out: Weeds are an obvious eyesore when it comes to the care of your lawn, and you've probably noticed how quickly they can grow.  With a good fertilizer program in place, you'll get a step ahead of weeds in no time.  For the pesky, hardier plants, manage the growth with a little weed spray (or dig them out by hand for best results).

Don't get bugged: Lawn pests are not just annoying; they are bad for the grass.  If you're properly watering, fertilizing, and mowing your lawn, but still have an insect or pest problem, try aerating the lawn; this should help to eliminate the little buggers!

Please remember that if you have any need for household advice or tips-or would like to discuss any real estate questions-I'm always available at valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com or visit my Web site at www.valeriemcconville.com.

COUPLES ADVICE: SHARE PRIORITIES WHEN HOME BUYING

When a couple agrees it’s time to move, does that mean the couple has the same house in mind? Here’s a simple exercise for making sure you and your partner share a vision for your next home before the search begins.

It starts innocently enough one Saturday morning. Maybe you find yourself wishing you could host family at your house. Maybe you’re already dreading the long Monday morning commute. You look up at your partner and say: “You know, maybe we should think about moving.” To your surprise you hear: “I’ve been thinking the same thing. Let’s start looking tomorrow!”

Not so fast! Knowing that you and your partner want to move isn’t enough to begin your home search in earnest. Before you jump the gun and a start going to open houses, it’s a good idea to determine what’s behind the desire to move. Is it the neighborhood? Is it the commute? Is it the lack of space? If you don’t get an idea what’s behind your urge for a new house, you could end up house hunting with mismatched priorities.

Without a mutual understanding, you can end up wasting a lot of time looking at homes which don’t have a hope of satisfying your needs. Without articulating your needs to one another, you could end up fighting without knowing why. Worse, you might decide to spend more than you can afford in order to accommodate each disparate desire. 

Here’s a simple exercise to ensure you share your home priorities with one another:

Step 1: Set time aside to separately make lists of the factors which inspired you to consider moving. List your motivating likes and dislikes. Write them down, and don’t share these with each other yet.

Step 2: List everything you’d like to have in your next home. Again, do this separately. Be free, list everything. Be specific. Don’t hold back. Let it rip to get the ideas flowing.

Step 3: Look at your list and draw a box around what you consider a NEED. After that, draw a circle around everything that’s reasonable to WANT. Again, do this alone.

Step 4: Rank your needs in order of importance. Rank your wants from highest to lowest.

Step 5: Once you’ve created your list, get together with your partner and compare lists. It’s unlikely everything will match up perfectly. Talk it out. See where you can compromise.

Step 6: Make a third list together of ranked NEEDS / WANTS. Congrats! This is the home you’re really looking for.

The final step? 

Get in touch with me to help you find that home! valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BIDDING BURNOUT AND SAVE MONEY ON YOUR HOME

Did you know the more homes you bid on and lose, the more likely you are to pay too much for a home? 

Here’s a primer on the phenomenon of “bidding burnout” and what you can do to avoid it.

As real estate markets continue to improve, and the neighborhood you’ve had your eye on is suddenly the “hot spot” on the map, there’s a real risk you could end up paying too much for your next house. One of the major culprits? A little phenomenon called “bidding burnout.”

There’s a serious emotional roller coaster associated with finding the right home, putting in an offer, discovering you’re in a competing offer situation, and then losing the home to someone who’s willing to pay more, or can squeak through on an all-cash deal. The highs and lows can take a real toll. Just when you’ve imagined what it will be like to put the hunt behind you, you feel like you’re back to zero.

When it happens once, it’s a hassle. When it happens five times? It’s downright traumatizing!

Bidding burnout sets in when you find yourself too fatigued to hold firm on what you’re willing to spend, and you begin making major financial decisions based on the desire to simply “be done with it.” You may have been pre-approved for $500,000, but had been planning to only spend $390,000. Suddenly you find yourself itching to pull the trigger on your full pre-approval, even though a little voice is telling you paying the premium will cost you in the long run.

In addition to paying too much, bidding burnout often leads to compromises in other areas. Before long, you’re looking beyond the borders of the neighborhood you’d wanted. Rationalization sets in: “What’s an extra 10 minutes added to my commute?” And: “Maybe it’s not that big a deal to settle for a different school district.” Full fever sets in when you find you’re far, far away from all of the qualities you told yourself were “must haves” for your next home.

While there are times where spending a little more may be justified, it can be wise to regroup and cool off before chasing the next listing. A professional agent will understand if you need to sit out a few rounds and see what develops. They’re also willing to help talk you through your priorities for the home again and see which, if any, compromises should be made first.

I love helping buyers find the right home for the right price. Don’t succumb to “bidding burnout”! Contact me today: valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com

CHARM, DIGNITY, AND CHARACTER...Best describe this...

Overview Maps Photos Features Neighborhood

$370,000 Single Family Home Main Features 6 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms Interior: 1,967 sqft Lot: 5,928 sqft Location 9203 107 Avenue Edmonton, AB T5H 0T3 Canada

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Valerie McConville Realty Executives Devonshire (780) 449-2800 valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com http://www.valeriemcconville.com/        Listed by: Realty Executives Devonshire

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