More than 80% of Americans live in counties that have experienced a weather-related disaster.* Do you have a plan?

A weather-related emergency or disaster can occur any time. While they may be difficult to predict, it is possible to prepare. In fact, the more prepared you are, the more comfortable you’ll be when putting your plan into action.

The information in this month’s blog offers tips on how to create a plan that will help you and your family in the event of an emergency. It covers everything, including: deciding on a meeting location, collecting documents and practicing your plan on a regular basis . You may not be able to control if or when an emergency will happen, but you are able to control your preparation for it; and preparation equals safety. Access here: Emergency Prep.

Although we may not want to think about what would happen in the event of an emergency, it’s necessary to plan for such an occasion. I enjoy serving you and care about the well-being of you and your family.

*Source: NAR, 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

4 Factors to Consider Before Your Next Home Search

“More than half of recent homebuyers said the hardest part of the buying process was finding the right home to purchase. * Since a home is the largest purchase most of us will make, it is easy to become wrapped up in finding the perfect place that meets all of our wants and needs. We overwhelm ourselves by focusing on checking off the boxes that will result in our ideal home. That’s a lot of pressure!”

This month, I’m discussing information intended to take the stress out of finding the right home. Before you begin your search, there are four things to consider—price range, features, location and lifestyle. These four factors will help you focus your search on homes that meet your needs, allowing you to make the best decision for your family and for your wallet.

Access here: The Right Home for Me! and here: Internet Searching

When you’re looking for a home, you need an experienced professional in your corner to help navigate the process and get you the best deal. If you’re ready to buy, give me a call! I’d love to help you achieve your dream of homeownership.

*Source: NAR, 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

Save money every month with these simple home improvements!

If you’re like many people, you’re always looking for ways to save money on your monthly water and utility bills. You turn off the lights when you leave the room, turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth and only wash full loads in the dishwasher. What else can you do?

The information I’m including this month outlines six simple home improvements you can make to help you save on your utility bills. From upgrading your fixtures to applying weather stripping to drafty windows, these simple suggestions are sure to save resources and money. Access here: Home Improvement Basics

Do you want to improve the value of your home? Page two outlines three projects that will help you boost its value, whether you’re thinking of listing it now or in the future. If you’re thinking of selling, give me a call!

This month I am excited to offer six great listings as well as another two coming shortly. Page over to my listings for these and other wonderful properties.

“Habit is a cable; we weave a thread each day, and at last we cannot break it.” -Horace Mann

Have you ever set a goal or made a New Year’s resolution only to give up or forget about it a few weeks later? You’re not alone. Many of us set goals and then fall off track after a few weeks. The reason? We haven’t changed our habits.

 

Good habits help us achieve our goals. To help you stay on track to reach the goals you set for 2016, I’m attaching information that offers tips for developing better habits. These nine tips will make it easier to incorporate a new habit into your daily routine. Changing Habits

Whether your goal is to get healthier or buy a home, these tips are sure to help you rethink your habits and adopt new ones. Since habits take time to develop, it’s important to remain patient and, of course, never give up. Change Habits and Save for a Down Payment !

Check out my newest listing here  4193 Texas Street, North Park  and please call me if you or someone you know would like more information on this newly remodeled, great property.

 

 

How does housing impact the economy?

Happy New Year!

Buying a home not only offers you potential benefits, it also positively impacts the local and national economies. How so?

The information this month delves into the positive impact of a healthy housing market on the national and local economies. Page one gives the scoop on the impression housing has on the local economy, specifically the impact of new homes. Page two goes into the influence of housing on the national economy and the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Access here: Housing & The Economy

Housing is sure to be a hot topic in the coming months, as the election takes center stage in the media. If you’d like to learn more about how this benefits you, don’t hesitate to give me a call. For a housing outlook in 2016, click here: 2016 Outlook

 

Save money on gifts and decorations this holiday season!

Don’t throw your budget out the window this holiday season! There are many ways to save money while spreading holiday cheer to your loved ones and friends.

This month, I’m including information that offers ten tips to save money during the holidays. While page one delves into five ways to save money on gifts for the people on your shopping list, page two provides five ways to help you decorate your home for less Holiday Ideas ,  while Pets too! gives some ideas on keeping your animal friends safe over the holidays.

Pass this information along to your family and friends to help them save money as well.

Wishing you all a wonderful, safe and happy Holiday Season.

“Gratitude is the best attitude.” -Author Unknown

Although Thanksgiving comes once a year, there are many benefits to expressing gratitude all year long.

Research shows people who express gratitude on a regular basis are healthier, sleep better, have stronger relationships and are generally happier than those who do not. To celebrate Thanksgiving, I’m sending you information that includes the eight great benefits of adopting an attitude of gratitude. Access here: Gratitude  and Expressions of Gratitude

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank you for both your business and your referrals. It’s an honor and a pleasure to serve you and help you meet your real estate goals. Remember, I’m never too busy to answer your questions, talk with you about the local market or help your referrals.

Click here for a new listing of mine, please call me if you would like more information: Country Calm

 

Happy Thanksgiving,