SUMMERTIME IS FOR GRILLING!

It’s summer time and the grilling is easy. Check out these BBQ facts and selection of fresh recipes.

The good weather’s on its way. Let’s fire it up!

Whether you're a die-hard charcoal fan, or more of a Hank Hill "taste the meat not the heat" propane griller, I hope you enjoy these tips and recipes. One of the great joys of owning your own home is making a space for a little outdoor cooking. It can be hard to grill on an apartment balcony!

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (http://www.hpba.org/) recently shared these interesting facts for National Barbecue Month. You can see why grilling is so popular!

81% of Americans report that at least one aspect of grilling outside is easier than cooking indoors. The most convenient parts are cited as cleanup (49%) followed by the cooking process itself (40%).

The majority of adults (58%) agree that cooking out is more fun and relaxing than dining out and beneficial for avoiding travel (58%), dress codes (57%) and crowds (56%).

70% of Americans say cooking out gets them in a healthier routine, specifically by encouraging time spent outdoors instead of cooped up in the house. Outdoor cooking also encourages adults to make smarter food choices such as eating fresh rather than frozen foods (54% agreed) and cooking healthier food on the grill overall (40% agreed).

(Source: http://www.hpba.org/consumers/barbecue/national-barbecue-month-2011-summertime-and-the-grilln-is-easy)

Get your tongs, spatulas, brushes, rubs, marinades, and skewers ready. Grilling doesn’t always have to be about meat. If it grows, you can grill it, and adding garden variety fruits and veggies can transform a BBQ experience. Check out 15 amazing recipes, recently featured on the Pacific Coast Farmer’s Market website:

15 Great Seasonal Grilling Recipes

http://www.pcfma.com/recipes_home.php?cuisineid=Grilling

Also: Don’t neglect to “set the stage” for grilling when selling your home. Dressing the patio for cookouts can get your buyers thinking of the fun summer afternoons ahead.

Invite the neighbors over and get grilling!

Looking for a patio you can call your own? Time to upgrade from no back yard to a grill-worthy lot? Get in touch with me today! valeriemcconville@realtyexecutives.com

THINGS YOU NEED WHEN APPLYING FOR A HOME LOAN

Congratulations!  Now that you have found the perfect home, all that's left is getting the perfect mortgage.  

In order to do that, you will have to know what your lender needs from you in order to get your loan application approved.

Property Description

When applying for a home loan, you will need to provide the lender with detailed information regarding the property that you intend to purchase, including a physical address, what type of loan you are requesting and how you obtained the funds to be used as a down payment.

Borrower & Co-Borrower Information

All persons named on a home loan must be able to provide their name, date of birth, current address, former address (if within the last two years), marital status, current and former employment information, telephone number and social security number.

Most lenders require tax returns for the two years preceding the loan application, along with current paystubs or, if self-employed, a year-to-date profit/loss statement.

Current Mortgage Expenses

An important part of every home loan is affordability, which is why your lender will need to know how much of your income is available to pay for a new home.  If you have a current mortgage, be ready to provide a detailed list of expenses that you pay each month in relation to the property.  This includes a mortgage payment, real estate taxes, mortgage insurance, homeowner's association dues, utilities, etc.  If you plan to sell the home, let your lender know so that they will understand you are simply replacing one debt with another.

Yes Or No

Almost every loan application asks both the borrower and co-borrower (if applicable) to answer a few simple yes and no questions on the application.  Questions pertaining to outstanding judgments, bankruptcy filings, foreclosures, lawsuits, alimony, child support and citizenship status are standard and should be expected when applying for a home loan.

Statement Of Assets & Liabilities

When applying for a home loan, both the borrower and co-borrower will be required to disclose all of their current assets and liabilities.  An asset is property, either real or personal, that is owned and is of value.  A liability, on the other hand, is a financial obligation for which one is liable.

A loan application will request information relating to assets and their current market value, including automobiles, real estate, stocks, bonds, life insurance (cash value), business net worth, personal property, etc.  If any amount of money is owed on these properties, the lender will request information relating to the unpaid balance in order to determine the actual equity that the borrower has in any given property.

FIVE STEPS TO HOLDING A SUCCESSFUL OPEN HOUSE

An open house is one way that REALTORS® attempt to expose a home to multiple buyers at once.  Not only is an open house designed to market the home in a way that differs from a simple listing, but it also opens the door for competitive offers as more than one buyer could potentially fall in love with a home on the same day.

Step # 1: Make Your Home Shine

A successful open house begins with cleanliness, so make sure that your home is ready to be shown.  This means the clutter should be removed and the home should be “staged” to allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in a beautifully decorated home.

Step # 2: Cross Your T's & Dot Your I's

Your next step to an open house is making sure that the price is right.  If the day is successful, you may be fielding offers within hours, so be ready to make a deal.  Most open houses are advertised locally in order to attract buyers looking to move into the area, which means a newspaper ad may have a lot of potential.  The advertisement should feature a photo, along with text that outlines all of the unique and positive aspects of the home.  The date, time and clear directions should also be given in the ad, along with the REALTOR'S® contact information.  Before your ad goes to press, make sure that you have proofread it to ensure accuracy.

Step # 3: Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal

As buyers begin to show up for your open house, they will want to see attractive landscaping with an inviting atmosphere.  This will make them eager to see what's inside the home.  The front yard should feature an Open House sign with colorful balloons, but don't forget to place signs along the street (with permission, of course) to help potential buyers find you.

Make sure the lawn is freshly cut and flower beds are well kept.  Any clutter, including bicycles or yard care equipment should be removed to produce a visually pleasing image of the home.  Make sure your windows and doors are sparkling clean and free of fingerprints.  Nothing should distract buyers from the prize, which is your house.

Step # 4: Feed Your Guests

It's customary for every open house to have complimentary coffee or other refreshments and/or cookies.  The smell of freshly baked cookies will give buyers the feeling of being at home-exactly the type of reaction you want when trying to sell your home.

Step # 5: Reading Material Is Golden

Your REALTOR® should provide a business card and/or informational sheet for each potential buyer that tours your home.  If this is not a service that they offer, take a few minutes to design your own flyer using a computer and print out some full-color circulars to offer interested parties as they arrive.  You should also provide copies of any appraisal, inspection or other information about the home that potential buyers would find interesting.

CHILD-PROOFING YOUR HOME

When it comes to decorating your home, there's a lot more to consider than simply coordinating your window treatments with your carpet.  

This is especially true if you have children in the home, which presents a whole new concern for keeping them safe and sound.

Take A Look Around

When you take a quick glance throughout your home, what do you see?  Is the home decorated for an adult or a child?  If your little one is like most, he/she has a lot of energy and isn't afraid to use it.  To prevent a hard spill, many families replace hardwood or tile flooring with plush carpet or rugs for a little extra padding.  If your child stumbles and falls, the extra cushioning will come in handy.

Do you have any furniture with glass inserts or sharp corners, or do you see a lot of breakables throughout the home?  If so, it's time to remove them.  You should get rid of any furniture that could be hazardous to your youngster and this includes glass top tables and anything with protruding edges.

Lots Of Locks

When you have children in the home, it's important that you keep all cleaning products locked away in a cabinet and/or out of reach of your little ones.  If possible, consider adding an alarm that will alert you if the cabinet is opened.

Most families have a medicine cabinet, which contains either over-the-counter or prescription medication.  This area is a serious concern for children and should be locked and out of their reach.  It's also important that all medications feature a childproof lid for added protection.

If there is an area of your home or a specific room that your child is not permitted in, place a child gate in the doorway to prevent them from sneaking in while you're not looking.  Children are fast, but this is one way to make sure that they are also safe.

Do Not Touch

Children are curious by nature, but there are some common household items that they simply must refrain from touching.  These include a fan, paper shredder, space heater, scissors and other sharp objects that could pose a serious risk for your little one.  Make sure that these items, along with anything similar, are kept out of reach.  All electrical appliances, including hairdryers, styling products and appliances must be stored away from water and out of your child's reach to prevent injury.

Speaking of which, all electrical outlets should be covered with outlet covers and any small items, including marbles and coins, must be picked up and kept out of your child's reach.  Because children love to see what they can fit into their mouths, it's important that they not be left alone near these items.

Safety At Play

When your child is outside, make sure that the environment is a safe one.  This means that your yard should be completely fenced with a locked gate to prevent him/her from wandering out into the street.  It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your child, but it's even better to make sure that he/she is safe if you happen to glance away for a second. 

HOME BUYING NEGOTIATING TIPS

When it comes to buying a home, the ability and willingness to negotiate is a must for both the buyer and seller.  

In general, sellers ask for more than they are actually willing to accept and buyers offer less than they are willing to pay.  

The trick is to find the perfect balance so that you, as a buyer, feel good about the purchase price without leaving the seller feeling insulted.

Know Your Market

Real estate is a business that either favors the buyer or seller, hence the terms buyer's market and seller's market.  When negotiating a purchase price, it's important to know which of the two you are in.  As the buyer, you will have the best chance at a successful negotiation if you research the price of other comparable homes in the area before making an offer.

Make It Personal

When you make an offer, the seller will see nothing more than a piece of paper with some numbers on it that represent the price you are willing to pay.  If you really want the seller to take your offer to heart, let them know why you want to buy the home.  You can do this by preparing a handwritten letter expressing your interest and the reasons you fell in love with their house.  If you have a family, tell them about everyone who will be living in the home.  Let them get to know you and allow them to picture the happiness that you can bring to their house.  Believe it or not, some sellers actually look at the process like finding a good home for a lost puppy.  They want quality people to buy their home, so do your best to show them that you are sincere.

Nobody Likes Rejection

Not every offer is accepted, so don't be disheartened if your first offer isn't a winner.  In some cases, the seller will make a counteroffer for your consideration.  Have you ever heard the old saying, “never take the first offer?”  The same is true in real estate, and almost every seller knows it.  Your first offer is likely to be less than you are actually willing to pay, which leaves you some bargaining room.

Why Your Offer May Not Be Accepted

There are a number of reasons why a seller may choose to reject an offer, including a feeling that the offer was just too low, the house is newly listed on the market or another offer may be higher than the one you created.  In some cases, sellers may also reject an offer that includes owner financing or other requests that are impossible to meet.  One example may be an offer that requires the house be available within a certain amount of time.  Most contracts require that the seller move out within 30 days, but anything less would require negotiation.

Read The Fine Print

Before you sign anything relating to a real estate transaction, make sure that you read over every detail of the agreement.  If you have any questions, ask your REALTOR®.  After all, real estate is their business and they are there to help you through every step.

WHAT KEEPS YOU FROM YOUR DREAMS, REALLY?

Are you looking to make a major change in your life, but find yourself hesitating? Research reveals five flaws that may be sabotaging your success.

Lots of people I talk to these days are looking to start new business ventures or find more fulfilling jobs. As a real estate agent, I definitely understand the desire for independence and to do something you love. It can be hard to pursue success in a new venture, though. I’ve often wondered what stands in the way of our desire and our ability to achieve the success. Well, recently I found a little insight into this question.

In Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman's book, "The Extraordinary Leader: Turning good managers into great leaders," researchers identified five "fatal flaws" which were effectively "success killers." In contrast to areas where professionals had "allowable weaknesses" (i.e. deficiencies in skills which could be avoided or overshadowed by other strengths), these five weaknesses were considered absolutely toxic to a successful career. The flaws included:

1. Lack of initiative

2. Lack of accountability

3. Lack of openness to new or different ideas

4. Lack of core interpersonal skills or competencies

5. Inability to learn from mistakes

It's interesting to note that these five flaws are generally organized around inactivity as a result of FEAR. For example:

1. Lack of initiative = fear of making a wrong decision (fear of mistakes)

2. Lack of accountability = fear we'll have to face our own laziness or inactivity

3. Lack of openness to new ideas = fear we won't be able to adapt, or we're being "left behind"

4. Lack of core interpersonal skills = fear of social interaction, fear of low self-esteem

5. Inability to learn from mistakes = fear of change

To overcome these fears, we have to transform them into hope. Understanding that growth comes from adversity, it helps to frame our fears as undernourished hope for change and prosperity. "Maybe I'll get it wrong," needs to become "What happens if I get it right?"

If you've found yourself hesitating out of fear, perhaps this will shed a little light on your own resistance!

3 THINGS BUYERS FORGET TO CHECK DURING A HOME SEARCH

When you’re home hunting, it’s easy to spot the great and the glaringly bad... but what about the little details that will impact your daily life? Most people overlook these three details.

Think you’ve found the perfect home? Think again. There are three little details which can turn an ideal house into the world’s most annoying location. Before you make your offer, take into account these three small, but surprisingly important details:

#1: “Let me call you back on my landline.”

Does your future dream home have cell reception? Check your signal when you’re on the property and see if it has dead spots, poor/limited data connections, or flat out “NO SERVICE” messages. This is especially important if you telecommute or had planned on skipping a landline entirely. While you can try and live on VoIP connections, WiFi, and other options, the hassle of a hole in cell coverage can wear on you.

#2: “Wow, the commute is longer than I thought.”

It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and for kicks you decide to see how long the drive is from your potential dream home to your office. Doesn’t seem too bad, does it? Now try it during rush hour on a Monday (in bad weather if you can swing it). You might be surprised how school zones, backed-up interstate ramps, new construction, and peak transit schedules extend that commute. This goes for urban commutes too, so even if you don’t drive to work you’ll want to evaluate the commute in real-world conditions.

#3: “What do you mean we’re outside your delivery zone?”

The neighborhood was gentrifying. The home price was within your range. Now you find out that there’s no such thing as food delivery to your new address! Don’t assume that just because you’ve seen pizza delivery cars whipping through the ‘hood means they stop there. Restaurant delivery areas are often drawn like congressional districts, so if you can, check out what the local food delivery options are like ahead of time. Look up a few places, call them, and verify they deliver to your address. (Asking the average delivery time is a good idea, too.)

Markets can be super competitive, but remember that you’re planning on living in this new house for a considerable amount of time. (Most people would tell you at least 5 - 7 years.) Perhaps your priorities don’t include these three details, but they might to other buyers when you’re ready to sell. Time changes things, but ask yourself: Do you want to put up with the annoyances for two years? Even one?

Follow these simple tips and you won't overlook these small details when checking out potential homes to buy.

HOW TO MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT POSSIBLE

Does the prospect of a big down payment make home ownership seem impossible? It’s not as out of reach as you might think. Here are five tips to help you climb the down payment mountain.

Every month you pay the rent, you’re probably thinking, “I wish this money was going into my future.” For a lot of would-be first-time home buyers, it’s the down payment which makes home ownership seem impossible. Climbing the “down payment mountain” isn’t impossible. Like any major challenge, it’s all a matter of breaking your big, hairy, audacious goal down into practical steps.

Here are some tips to conquer saving for a down payment:

Find out where your money goes. You can’t start saving if you don’t know where you’re spending. For a month or two, track each expenditure, no matter how small. Get an objective picture of where you’re spending the cash.

Get specific about how much you need to save. Even if you’re not 100% sure what your down payment needs to be yet, it’s good to start doing a little math to figure out how much you need to save. Pick a dollar amount and a timeline to hit that dollar amount. For example, a $25,000 down payment in two years comes to $1,041/month. Sound unrealistic? Either scale down your home desires to something smaller or scale up your timeline. If you can wait three years, that monthly savings goal drops to $694/month.

Determine the big moves you can make. If you’re in a three bedroom apartment and can stomach the idea of scaling down to a one bedroom, how much would you save in rent? What about going from two cars down to one? If you can make it work, these sacrifices will have a huge impact on your savings goals.

Setup a separate savings account. Don’t let your dream home money mingle with your regular checking or savings account. Establish a high-yield savings account with a credit union or money market account to protect and build your stash. It’s important to have a separate account with a “hands off” attitude.

Mind the risky investment schemes. Once you have a little momentum, you might be tempted to take some of that cash and invest it in order to make it grow faster. Be very prudent about this, as investing in stocks, startups, or high-yield funds can easily decimate your savings. Be conservative.

Of course, it’s important to know how much home you want to buy when you’re saving up for your down payment. I’m happy to give you an idea what homes are selling for in your area. 

Feel free to get in touch any time if you have questions: valerie@valeriemcconville.com

SUPER-SIZING SMALL LIVING SPACES

Feeling cramped by your small house? 

There are some simple tricks you can use to make tiny spaces look larger and feel bigger.

Has your home started to feel a little small for your family? It happens to the best of us. The things we own gradually end up colonizing a lot of our free space, and the house which felt “just right” a few years ago can suddenly feel as tiny as a shoe closet.

Fortunately, there are some simple tricks you can try to supersize your small space. Most of these tricks are a matter of changing perspective rather than opening up more square footage. Before you try them, consider a real effort to declutter first. If your declutter campaign falls short, though, these tactics may come to your rescue:

Lighten up the walls. Color can make the difference between breezy, cozy, and claustrophobic. Dark colors on walls make them seem smaller and denser, while lighter ones broaden your view and reflect more light. While white can be a bit harsh, there are other cheerful tones such as lemon, mint, and cornflower which can transform a space.

Aim high. Many times, our gaze tends to lock onto the things in the way of our feet. If you have zones of heavy storage occupying square footage, look for ways to get those items off the ground. Corner shelves, hidden cabinets, and even hanging racks can do wonders for widening up narrow spaces. Hanging pictures higher up on walls can make rooms feel taller, too.

Widen up the windows. Big curtain rods which extend beyond the border of the window can make a window seem larger, and making the move to keep them open (perhaps with sheer drapes for privacy) can let in crucial light. If you have a little renovation money, consider adding windows to rooms where less-than-ideal lighting conditions exist.

Cast mirror magic. Amplifying light is a big theme here, so position large mirrors across from windows to create “windows” where no window can exist. Even if you don’t have a window handy, a large mirror can double up the tiniest room.

Demand double duty furniture. Hidden storage in large furniture can be a boon for making the most diminutive room more manageable. Take, for example, raised bed platforms with drawers built in the frame. Look for any opportunity to hide storage in existing objects.

Hopefully these five tips will make your small house more spacious. If they still don’t make enough room for peace of mind, it might be time to consider upsizing. I’m happy to help you assess how much home you can afford, and what you might be able to get for the house you’ve outgrown. Drop me a line if you’re ready for the big time! valerie@valeriemcconville.com