Cindy's monthly real estate advice and information
March 2012: Is Now the Time to Buy or Sell?
With spring on the horizon, many people are beginning to think about selling their homes. Even those not currently considering a move are curious about the state of the American housing market.
The information I'm sending this month is intended to give you an overview of what's going on in the national housing market. The statistics offered on page one provide a glimpse into current trends and predictions for the year, while page two delves into the financing choices of recent homebuyers. Feel free to share this timely information with your family or friends.
Please call me if you would like a market analysis of your home or more information about our local real estate market.
February 2012: It's Tax Time: Are you prepared?
Did you know that taxpayers spend over 3.5 billion hours each year preparing for and completing their tax forms?* Given that the instructions for the forms seem to increase each year, this number is likely to increase. Even if you're among the 3-in-5 Americans who pays a professional to complete their tax forms, there are ways to streamline the process and make it as painless as possible.*
This month, I'm sending timely information designed to help you prepare for tax time. Page one offers tips to help you become organized, including things to keep in mind if you bought a home, got married or donated to a charity in 2011. Page two provides an overview of three of the most popular tax preparation software programs on the market. Feel free to share this pertinent information with your family or friends.
Please call me if you would like a referral to a tax preparer in our local area.
January 2012: The Top Mobile Gadgets for 2012
Over 35% of American cell phone owners have a smart phone. While the majority of smart phone owners use the device to access the Internet daily, one-in-four conduct most of their online activities on the device, which is expected to grow in the coming years.
Technology is being developed every day that allows us to carry our favorite photos, books, songs, videos and business and personal documents; organize our lives, and connect with loved ones and colleagues from a gadget that fits in the palms of our hands. This month, I'm sharing information about the latest smart phones, tablets and e-readers that are designed to entertain, streamline productivity and boost connectivity anywhere in the world.
December 2011: How to Set Attainable Goals in 2012
It's that time of year again, when we begin to think about the future and what we'd like to accomplish in the New Year. Clearly defined goals are vital to creating the life that you imagine.
Setting goals can be an intimidating process for many. However, the information I'm sending you this month explains how to create feasible and measurable goals that will drive you forward and help you achieve your dreams. While the first page explains how to set SMART goals through visualization, page two offers suggestions to help you overcome the common obstacles to achieving your goals. Please read more on my blog!
November 2011: Get the Most out of Black Friday Retail Deals
This holiday season is right around the corner and you know what that means: Black Friday. While many people brave the crowds before dawn to capitalize on big savings from major retailers, others sleep in and surf the internet for similar deals.
Whatever your strategy, this month's information helps you prepare for the holiday shopping season. The first page offers tips and tricks to help you score deals on gifts for everyone on your list. Page two provides valuable information about how to avoid scams and protect your credit and debit card information both in the store and online. Feel free to share this useful information with your family or friends.
October 2011: Never Worry About Money Again
If you're like millions of Americans, you dream of the day when you will be debt free. The economic recession has prompted many families to restrict spending in order to take control of their finances, pay down outstanding debt and make saving a priority. In fact, the average household debt has fallen over 8.2% since its peak in 2008.* For many people, eliminating household debt feels unattainable; however, with the right tools, anyone can take control of their spending and begin to build wealth.
This month, I'm sending tips to help you break the cycle of debt and achieve financial freedom. The first page outlines steps you can take to create a budget and save money. Page two details a plan to eliminate debt from credit cards and loans in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take. Feel free to share this information with your family or friends who are looking to get out of debt and improve their financial security.
If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to call me.
September 2011: The Truth about the American Real Estate Market
If you watch the news or read the newspaper, it can be difficult to keep up with the state of the economy. Over the last century, the real estate market has had its share of ups and downs, none as dramatic as the highs and lows experienced during the past decade. However, the pendulum is on its way back, signaling the recovery of the housing market. Although the housing slowdown has fostered anxiety among investors and homebuyers alike, real estate has been, and will continue to be, a good long-term investment.
To help separate fact from fiction, I'm sending you timely information about the historical trends that have shaped the real estate market over the last century and offer valuable insight into its recovery. The first page provides an outline of historical trends in home values, mortgage rates and home equity over the last century. Page two gives an overview of homeownership trends and demographics. Feel free to share this information with your family or friends who are looking to buy a home.
Please call me for more information about the local real estate market.
August 2011: The Average Kitchen Renovation has a Return on Investment of 68.7%*
The kitchen remains the most popular room in the house to remodel. Homeowners renovate to modernize the space with the latest appliances, to accommodate changing needs or to add value to the home in anticipation of a home sale. Although it's tempting to spend thousands on the latest trends and brands, it is possible to revamp the kitchen without breaking the bank.
This month I've sent valuable information about conducting a cost-effective kitchen remodel. The first page outlines cost-saving alternatives of the most common elements of a kitchen remodel. Page two offers valuable tips for a pre-sale kitchen renovation. Feel free to share this information with family and friends who may be interested in remodeling their kitchens.
Please call me for more information about kitchen renovations or for a referral to a contractor.
