Forbes: Buy Now or Pay More Later?

Forbes, in their online edition last week, spoke to the importance of buying a home now rather than waiting. The article, Should You Buy a Home Now or Pay More Later?, explains:

“With mortgage rates creeping up toward 5% as 2013 draws to a close, potential home buyers have some decisions to make — and soon. The danger for potential home buyers is not that mortgage rates are nearing 5.00%; the real threat is that rates could go higher, to 5.50% or even 6.00% in 2014.”

The article spells out the financials consequences a buyer would face by waiting. ($67,746 on a $300,000 mortgage).

They gone on to identify four things a buyer should take into consideration before delaying a decision to purchase.

1.    Rates will likely rise — and soon with 5% interest rates right around the corner.

2.    The Federal Reserve will stop “tapering” causing rates to return to historically normal levels (6-7%).

3.    Home values are rising

4.    The autumn buying season is underrated “as you can take advantage of year-end tax breaks and the fall weather makes it an ideal time to move”.

The financial advice Forbes gave to their readers was rather simple. Buy now or pay more later!!dvice Forbes gave to their readers was rather simple. Buy now or pay more later!!

WE LOVE TREES and Here's another reason why . . .

Years ago, Gary and I selected a symbol that represented our company. You know, something that relates to our core values in a single piece of art or graphic. A TREE it had to be. Strength, endurance, long-lasting, established roots, etc. That is where "Planting Lifetime Relationships Rooted in Real Estate Results" originated. So here are some interesting facts about trees:

Trees Improve Energy Efficiency
Mature trees add "curb appeal" to a property and can make a home more energy efficient. Planted at the edges of a building, a tree's broad canopy of leaves softens the hard lines of architecture and offers shade. Trees absorb light reflected from the roof and decrease the air temperature surrounding your home through evaporation of moisture.

The positioning of trees and shrubs around your home has a significant effect on how much you'll be paying to heat and cool your house each month. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, even one strategically placed tree can reduce your heating and cooling bill up to 25 percent. In general, deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides of the house keep the home cool during the summer and allow low-angle sun into the home during the winter. If you live on a windy hill or coastal bluff, planting evergreen trees or shrubs on the north and west sides of your structure will help protect your home from winter gusts and storms.

Consult your landscape designer for advice about your particular property.
Read this online and get more information: Trees Improve Energy Efficiency

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND IT IS FALL -- WONDERFUL TIME TO PLANT A TREE!!!

Thinking about what to do if you want to sell your home sometime soon???

According to Trulia.com, there is still time to sell. Typically, many buyers want to move and get situated before the actual end of the year and holidays are here, but that shouldn’t give you pause. Yes, the spring is considered a prime time to sell; however, there is still time to sell your home whether you live in a cold or warm climate.

Overall, there are some important factors that may help you get your home sold: 1) remember that the number of buyers may be reduced as we head closer to the holidays; 2)there are always serious buyers looking during the holiday season, especially if they're out looking at homes in dreary weather or nearing the holidays.

Knowing this, be sure to make the most of every showing; don't get lazy with the upkeep of your home despite the fact that you are juggling selling a home, working, or taking care of the kids. Getting your home sold in the fourth quarter must be a priority (with the goal being to sell sooner, rather than later, in the quarter).

Next, look at the rates of sales activity in your market to determine how long to keep your home listed through the holidays. Some areas may not be hot, but that doesn't mean there's little chance of selling. Some people may even have to purchase before the end of the year to meet their tax guidelines.

Also, staging your home well is also vital. The fourth-quarter sale requires a good strategy like using an expert stager where you can decorate for the holidays, but don’t overdo it so as to turn prospective buyers off when they see your home. With a reduced number of buyers seeing your home, make the most of each showing by having a well-staged and clutter-free house to show off. In any market, proper staging strategies provide a competitive advantage.

Lastly, the fourth quarter can see more buyers because interest remain historically low. The impending threat of a rise  in mortgage rates could have more buyers willing to lock into an exceptional rate, despite that it means making a move during the holidays.

A more serious pool of buyers coupled with stronger interest rates and less competition makes the end of the year a great time to sell. Please contact us if you have any questions about your specific situation. Check out what homes are on the market. Please call our hotline 330-2777 for instant help. If you want to speak directly to Gary about selling your home call 405-216-9600!

12 Questions to Ask an Agent/Broker BEFORE You List...

1 How is your real estate business capitalized?

Marketing is expensive – training is expensive – running a business is expensive. You don’t want to hire an agent/broker/real estate company that is undercapitalized.

2 How many names are in your contact management system and how often are they contacted?

Yes, real estate data is important. Company files, personal files, and the MLS are full of important, useable, data. But what about people? You know, those who buy and sell real estate. Top agents compile a running database of those interested in buying or selling real estate.

3 What percentage of your business is listing… sales?

While most work with both, many agent/brokers today specialize in listing or selling.

4 What is your percentage of list to sell price?

Some associates, simply wanting to have a sign in someone’s yard, will take any listing at any price thus resulting in a low list to sell price. You’re looking for the professional who doesn’t have time to play games.

5 What is your & the area’s average days on the market?

While market conditions often dictate how long homes will sit on the market, you want to know that the agent you choose knows their stats.

6 What is your percentage of listings taken to sold and closed?

7 What percentage of your listings do you sell yourself?

It is great, as a listing agent, to sell your own listing. However, this happens less than you would expect – on average about 10% of the time. If someone promises much more, I would question it.

8 What percentage of your listings expire and why?

The number one reason listings expire is they are overpriced (discussed in #4 above). There are many other reasons: seller makes it difficult to show, unruly animals, unkempt property in poor condition and poor marketing.

9 What is the current market ‘absorption rate’ for my property?

For a full explanation of ‘absorption rate’ click here.

10 What’s your ‘compelling point of difference’ and how will that convince me to do business with you and your company?

In my book, Dog Eat Dog & Vice Versa, 9 Secrets to Put The Bite Into Your Marketing, I have a complete Chapter titled Dare to be Unique and You Don’t Have to Compete. As in most jobs, everyone just follows the leader – “Me Too”. You’re looking for the stand out.

11 When will I see a strategic marketing plan for selling my property?

Simply put, the steps the associate and company will do to get your home sold.

12 What is the highest price we can expect and what will we need to do to our property to achieve it?

The goal is to get your home sold for the highest price, in the shortest amount of time, with the least inconvenience to you. The professional will be able to demonstrate how they arrived at the price point and what you’ll have to do to bring your property to the top of the market.

KCM Blog

Do You Have To Plan Ahead???

All of life is a series of projects. A project is a complex task. It is often called a multitask job. This type of job requires the coordination of efforts of several people, each of whom is responsible for a part of the job, with every part of the job being necessary for successful completion. Your ability to handle these multitask jobs is a critical skill for success. All achievements of consequence are complex, and they involve the cooperation of many people.

The Key Management Skill

A study by Stanford University of the qualities that companies look for in promoting people into the position of chief executive officer concluded that the ability to put together a team to accomplish a task was the single most important identifiable quality of an executive who was destined for the fast track in his/her career. Your ability to put together teams to do multitask jobs, ability to complete complex projects, and visible qualities of leadership will determine the course of your career as much as any other factor. It will enable you to multiply yourself times the talents and efforts of others, and accomplish vastly more than you could do on your own.

A Learnable Skill

Project management is a learnable skill, like riding a bicycle. It can be divided into a series of steps, each of which you can master, one at a time. In managing any project, you begin by defining the ideal desired result of the project. What exactly are you trying to accomplish? What will the project look like if it is a complete success?  Start by defining a successful completion of the project, the ideal desired result.

Start at the Beginning

Once you are clear about your desired result, you then start from the beginning. Determine what you are going to have to do to get from where you are to the completion of this project, on schedule and on budget. Determine a specific deadline or target to aim at. Make sure that it is realistic and achievable.

Assemble the Team

Bring together all the people whose contributions will be necessary for the success of this project. Sometimes you need to assemble a team before you can even decide upon the ideal result and the schedule. Remember that people are everything. Take ample time to think carefully about the people who are going to be the team members.

Share the Ownership

Instill ownership of the project in the team members by sharing the job with them. There is a direct relationship between how much a person feels a sense of ownership for the job and how committed he is to making the project a success. One of the key jobs of management and leadership is to instill this feeling of ownership in each member of the team, so that each person feels personally responsible for the accomplishment of the overall project. You accomplish this by discussing every detail of the project with the people who are expected to carry it out.

Develop a Shared Vision

A shared vision is an ideal future picture of success that everyone buys into. How do you develop a shared vision? You sit down and work with the team to answer the question, “What are we trying to accomplish?” You encourage everyone to contribute, visualize, and to imagine the ideal outcome or desired result of the project. Once this vision is clear and shared by everyone, you move on to the development of “shared plans” to achieve the vision.

Set Schedules and Deadlines

Once you have a shared vision and shared plans, and everyone knows exactly what is to be done and what the ideal results will look like, the next step is for you to set a deadline for project completion based on the consensus of your team.

Create a List

Create a to-do list and write down every task, function, and activity that must be completed, right down to the smallest job. Make it easier for yourself-get the project finished on time and break the project down into individual jobs and tasks as much as you can.

Organize the Project

Organize the different parts of the project in two ways: sequential tasks and parallel tasks. You organize by sequence when you determine which jobs must be done before other jobs can be done, with each task in order. Sequential organization is necessary where a particular task requires that another task be completed before it can be started. In almost every case, before you do anything, you have to do something else first. Organize the tasks sequentially with a logical process of activities from beginning through to the end of the project.

The second way to organize the tasks is through parallel activities. Parallel activities exist when more than one task can be done at the same time. Two or more people can be working on two or three different tasks independently of each other.

A Little Monday Inspiration

Spring, As They Say, Has Sprung

Spring Home Makeover Ideas to Inspire

As the signs of spring make their first appearances in nature, it’s time to wake up your home design, as well. From fashionable new window treatments to freshening up the home décor that you already have, we have tips to help you bring in Spring with style!


1. Brighten Your View: The Value of Updated Window Treatments
New, updated window treatments can make one of the most profound changes to the look and feel of a room. With spring in the air, you want to maximize the natural light that flows into your rooms. Choose something light and airy, like a soft drapery or a sheer window shading. There are many options to choose from, for a variety of sizes, from a single window to wide sliding glass doors.

Worried about privacy? Many sheer window treatments offer optional room-darkening vanes that you can adjust for a look and feel that is tailored to your unique needs.

Sunscreen window shades are also especially popular options that will prepare your home for the glare of the sun and the heat of the upcoming summer.

2. Get organized!
Did you know that extra clutter and crowding in your home décor can drain your energy? So, in the spirit of Spring’s renewal and rebirth, start organizing all the clutter that has accumulated throughout the winter. Overwhelming? Take it room by room, one week at a time. Slowly but surely, your cupboards, medicine cabinets, and even closets will bring feelings of peace and calm.

Your newfound organization will save you time (you won’t spend extra time searching for things!), and it will do wonders for lifting your mood, as well.

3. A Change Will Do You Good: Rearranging Furniture and Home Accessories
Okay, so you’ve purchased the latest in closet organization products and you’ve updated your home’s window treatments. Your next steps don’t have to require purchases at all. Look around you– most of your furniture has probably had the same position for years. Change it! Simply switching the placement of a couch, or repositioning the TV can make you feel like you have a whole new room.

Not much room for movement? Change and update the smaller things, like pillows, throws, and lamps.

4. Color Me Beautiful: The Power of Paint
You’ll find that I mention the power of fresh paint in almost every home decorating article. It’s really that important - and valuable. Adding a new color, brightening up the existing one, or changing the texture can give the room a completely new feel.

5. Think Outside the Home
After winter has left its cold, often dingy mark, the outside of your home needs some extra TLC. Be sure to wash the doors (especially your front door) and windows, and touch up the paint if necessary. Hang a wreath of silk spring flowers, or place pots of the real thing on your porch!

Don’t forget the garage, the driveway, tool sheds, and any other areas that may be less visible in winter, but when left to the bright lights of Spring, can sully the look of your fashion-forward home.

6. Cleaning
You can’t have a Spring Home Makeover without it – cleaning. But it doesn’t have to be something you dread. Start by making a “to-do” list for each room - everything needs sprucing up this time of year. Clean or replace shelf liners, and dust everything from the countertops to the dresser drawer handles. And don’t forget to clean your window treatments! Check the instructions first, but most window treatments need little more than a light feather dusting or a low level dust buster to freshen them up.

Once you have your “to-do” list, set the cleaning mood: play your favorite music, light some candles or spray some room spray, and enjoy the prospect of a fresh start for Spring! 

Have You "Paid It Forward" Lately?

What does it take to transform your life in a way that you find greater meaning and satisfaction in what you do on a daily basis? Psychotherapy is certainly one option but the effects aren't often as long-lasting as we prefer; it also often takes considerable time and resources. I teach and supervise therapists for a living so I'm a big fan of the power that such an experience can have. And yet. . . there are other ways to find meaning in our lives and produce life-altering transitions. For instance, religious or spiritual involvement is a path that is often chosen. Others seek salvation in their work or immerse themselves in social activities. Still others pursue greater satisfaction and meaning through creative outlets or through reading and studying subjects of interest. I would suggest, however, that it is through service to others that we can most easily produce transformative changes--not only in those we help, but also in ourselves. 

Bottom of Form

There is such a hunger that many of us feel to find greater meaning in our lives and work, to engage more meaningfully with those we love, to create deeper intimacy in all our relationships, to feel the incredible (and frightening) thrill of encountering new experiences that move us emotionally, intellectually, and also deep in our souls. This search for deeper engagement with life is what leads to travel, education, to devour stimulating readings (to read articles like this!), but also destructive forms of self-medication that are intended to stifle that inner voice that challenges our current life choices. So how can we most effectively (and swiftly) produce such life-changing experiences?

I would submit that one consistently powerful option that often has lasting effects involves reaching out to others who are neglected, ignored, oppressed, abused, or marginalized--those most in need. It seems to make little difference exactly what you do, whether it is in your local community or a remote village abroad, whether you work with one person or a large group, whether you teach, mentor, support, consult, or build something; they key is feeling like you are doing some good. Your own life feels redeemed by your effort to use what you know, what you may have suffered or endured, what you can do, to help others who would otherwise have been left to flounder.

To select one problem that I find especially heart-wrenching is the prevalence of sex trafficking around the world. In one small region of Nepal, a place I have been working for many years, there are over 12,000 girls each year who are kidnapped or sold into sex slavery, some as young as 8 years old. These are mostly lower caste girls whose families have experienced catastrophic illness, deprivation, or hardships. With little money or resources to support all the children in school, it is the young girls who are most at risk. Whatever assistance or interventions that are offered by volunteers, it has been fascinating for me to observe the ways that their own lives have been transformed in unexpected ways. It is not uncommon that people return from these service trips resolved to enrich their friendships, build greater intimacy with their families, make abrupt shifts in their careers, or initiate dramatic changes in their lifestyles. Many of these life-changing experiences result from the transcendent feeling of greater meaning and purpose that often accompanies altruistic efforts.

"I meet these children and, initially, I feel such pity and hopelessness for their plight," one volunteer shared. "But then I realize that it is really my life that has been so impoverished in many ways. As little as these people have, they are often far happier and more engaged with daily life than almost anyone I know back home." It is gifts such as this that increase our awareness that it really makes little difference what we have, what we own, what resources we control or power we wield; rather 

So, the big question is that if you wanted to change your life, how would you go about doing that through paths other than the more traditional education, therapy, or reading? The answer is one you'd anticipate, but also one you'd prefer to deny: It means making some tough choices about priorities and values followed by sustained hard work. It also often involves taking constructive risks that involve a certain amount of sacrifice, pain, and inconvenience.

Each of us has a responsibility to take care of those who are less fortunate, who suffer terribly and without hope. It is through such service and activism that we not only make a difference for those who need help the most, but we also transform our own lives in ways that provide deeper meaning and greater satisfaction.

Growing up I felt pretty useless and inept, wondering if I would ever do anything of significance. I got caught up in ambition and achievement, trying to prove my worth through academic or professional success. It doesn't feel like I ever made a conscious choice to devote my life to service but rather it was chosen for me. How could I, how could anyone, ignore injustice or deprivation or suffering and not do something about it? When the very first girl in remote Nepal was pointed out to me and I was told she would be sold into slavery, I never stopped to think about the consequences of doing something to rescue her. It was only afterwards that I realized that once I had made that initial effort I really had no other choice except to follow through on what I started quite impulsively. Frankly, the responsibility terrifies me.

Each of us has an opportunity to make a difference in the world in our own small way. It doesn't matter whether it is in your own community or another remote part of the world. Sure, giving money to causes can help, but it is no substitute for sharing our love, caring, and expertise with people directly, especially with those who are most neglected and desperate. One of the amazing joys of activism and promoting social justice is not just what it does for those we help, but how our own lives are transformed by the experience.

The Jokes On You...

Unlike most of the other non-foolish holidays, the history of April Fool's Day, sometimes called All Fool's Day, is not totally clear. It is not like Halloween, where despite an interesting history, most people just put on Halloween costumes, get candy, and leave it at that. There really wasn't a "first April Fool's Day" that can be pinpointed on the calendar. Some believe it sort of evolved simultaneously in several cultures at the same time, from celebrations involving the first day of spring.

The closest point in time that can be identified as the beginning of this tradition was in 1582, in France. Prior to that year, the new year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25. The celebration culminated on April 1. With the reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1.

However, communications being what they were in the days when news traveled by foot, many people did not receive the news for several years. Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the new year on April 1. These backward folk were labeled as "fools" by the general populace. They were subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes.

This harassment evolved, over time, into a tradition of prank-playing on the first day of April. The tradition eventually spread to England and Scotland in the eighteenth century. It was later introduced to the American colonies of both the English and French. April Fool's Day thus developed into an international fun fest, so to speak, with different nationalities specializing in their own brand of humor at the expense of their friends and families.

In Scotland, for example, April Fool's Day is actually celebrated for two days. The second day is devoted to pranks involving the posterior region of the body. It is called Taily Day. The origin of the "kick me" sign can be traced to this observance.

In France and several other European countries, April 1 is often referred to as April Fish. The prank is to stick a paper fish on the back of another person without being noticed.

Mexico's counterpart of April Fool's Day is actually observed on December 28. Originally, the day was a sad remembrance of the slaughter of the innocent children by King Herod. It eventually evolved into a lighter commemoration involving pranks and trickery.

Pranks performed on April Fool's Day range from the simple, (such as saying, "Your shoe's untied, or I accidentally stepped on your glasses!), to the elaborate. Setting a roommate's alarm clock back an hour is a common gag. Whatever the prank, the trickster usually ends it by yelling to his victim, "April Fool!"

Practical jokes are a common practice on April Fool's Day. Sometimes, elaborate practical jokes are played on friends or relatives that last the entire day. The news media even gets involved. For instance, a British short film once shown on April Fool's Day was a fairly detailed documentary about "spaghetti farmers" and how they harvest their crop from the spaghetti trees.

April Fool's Day is a "for-fun-only" observance. Nobody is expected to buy gifts or to take their "significant other" out to eat in a fancy restaurant. Nobody gets off work or school. It's simply a fun little holiday, but a holiday on which one must remain forever vigilant, for he may be the next April Fool!

You Know What They Say About Fools...

It's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and leave no doubt. --Mark Twain

However big the fool, there is always a bigger fool to admire him. -- Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux

[Politicians] never open their mouths without subtracting from the sum of human knowledge. -- Thomas Reed

He who lives without folly isn't so wise as he thinks. -- François, Duc de La Rochefoucauld

The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly, is to fill the world with fools. -- Herbert Spencer

Sometimes one likes foolish people for their folly, better than wise people for their wisdom. -- Elizabeth Gaskell

Looking foolish does the spirit good. -- John Updike

Let us be thankful for the fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed. -- Mark Twain

A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees. -- William Blake

A fool must now and then be right by chance. -- Cowper

It is better to be a fool than to be dead. -- Stevenson

The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year. -- Mark Twain

No Such Things As A "Little" Lie

We're all conditioned to believe that some lies are acceptable. But, in reality, there are costs and consequences to our lives whenever we lie, including stress, low self-esteem and even disease.

Seventy-eight percent of the 6.5 billion people on the planet operate under the conscious level of integrity, as reported in a recent article featuring Gary King and The Power of Truth™  in Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine.

This week, we want to challenge you to take the 24 hour truth challenge.

Here's how it works: Starting right now, and for the next 24 hours, you decide to be honest and authentic in everything you do. You don’t lie to yourself and you don’t lie to anyone else on any level of your life. You will start to become acutely aware of your thoughts and words about everything you say and do.

Once you get past the initial discomfort of being completely honest, you start to feel a sensation of strength. A lightness and energy and freedom arise. You’ll notice a difference in your courage, the way you walk, the way you stand, the tone of your voice, the communication you have with people you love, the depth of connection with those close to you and with people you don’t even know.

When you speak the truth, feelings might get hurt. That is okay, humans are not weak. You do people no favors by trying to protect them from the truth. If you honor the people around you, be honest with them. You are beginning to shift your consciousness; you are now paying attention.

We offer this challenge as a gift to your inner self. After the first 24 hours, take another, then another. Your life, health, and peace of mind will never be the same.

Challenge people you know to do the same…it will change their lives.

March Is Already Here.. How Crazy Is That??

TO REALIZE...

• To realize the value of one year:
  Ask a student who has failed a final exam.
• To realize the value of one month:
  Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
• To realize the value of one week:
  Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
• To realize the value of one hour:
  Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
• To realize the value of one minute:
  Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.
• To realize the value of one second:
  Ask a person who has survived an accident.
• To realize the value of one millisecond:
  Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Author Unknown

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

The Straight Dope On Adding Value To Your Home!

Here’s the link to the blog post. Please feel free to call us if you’d like a complimentary review of your home to help you determine what the best next steps are for you and your family to get your home sold.

Here’s the link:

http://www.realestate.com/advice/10-best-home-improvements/

Meet This Kid of The Year!!!

Here’s the link.

Enjoy!

The Story of The Butterfly

The Story of the Butterfly

A man found a cocoon of a butterfly.

One day a small opening appeared.

He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours

as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole.

Then it stopped, as if it couldn’t go further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly.

He took a pair of scissors and

snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon.

The butterfly emerged easily but

it had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch it, 

expecting that any minute the wings would enlarge

and expand enough to support the body, 

neither happened!

In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life

crawling around.

It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness

and haste did not understand:

The restricting cocoon and the struggle

required by the butterfly to get through the opening

was a way of forcing the fluid from the body

into the wings so that it would be ready

for flight once that was achieved.

Sometimes struggles are exactly

what we need in our lives.

Going through life with no obstacles would cripple us.

We will not be as strong as we could have been

and we would never fly.

The ONE Thing by Gary Keller

Gary and Deb Atchley just left Keller Williams Realty Reunion in Dallas. We read the book, The ONE Thing, by Gary Keller with Jay Papasan, all the way home. The simplicity of this book is so elegant. It seems to turn down the clutter/chaos in your head. We heard Gary Keller speak on Saturday afternoon and felt so inspired by his candor and clarity that we thought seriously about leaving the conference on day 1 just to reflect on this message alone. We've (in Keller Williams Realty organization) heard Gary give pearls before, but this has us renewed to get back to that ONE Thing! Thanks to Gary and Jay for this great tool for all of us to use. Great read! Clever and inspiring . . .

If interested in getting information check out web: http://www.the1thing.com

Here Are Some Simple Tips To Help You With Tax Season

Benjamin Franklin famously said, “The only things certain in life are death and taxes” and come this April, the citizens of our country will be hustling to get their taxes done on time. Tax season doesn’t have to totally stress you out every year. Proper planning and the right attention to details, you can be done before that “famous” day gets here. Here are some tips on how to “keep calm and keep moving,” while avoiding headaches during this hectic time.

1. It’s the 21^st Century – E-File

E-filing is one of the best routes to take when doing your taxes on your own. In the US, there’s Turbo Tax and in Canada there’s EFILE. In both cases, you can get professional input on some of your burning questions. It also saves a tremendous amount of time – and you can save a tree or two in the process.

2. Pay attention to your exemptions

Exemptions are the government’s way of giving a little back to the hardworking citizens of our country. If you’re married, have children, or are a contributing member of society you qualify for exemptions, you can save thousands of dollars.

3. Be sure to file the proper status

Your status when filing is extremely important to the Government. It lets the taxman determine your filing requirements, standard deduction, eligibility for credits and deductions, and your correct tax rate. Filing under the improper status could cost you thousands of dollars in improper taxes and even keep you from getting the proper deductions.

4. Learn from Last Year

Mistakes become less painful when we don’t repeat them. A quick look at last year’s tax documents will ensure that you don’t miss out on any opportunities that you may be missing. Each year’s tax paperwork leaves clues and you should use them to ensure that you don’t miss an important deduction, or worse, pay more than you’re supposed to.

5. Deductions are your friends!

Like exemptions, deductions are the Governments way of reducing your total taxable income. Your filing status and your type of employment govern what deductions are allowed under the law. Be sure you are aware of every deduction available to you when you file by checking www.irs.gov for those in the United States and www.cra-arc.gc.ca in Canada. Even a little bit of research could save you money.

While this list is certainly not all-inclusive of year-end tax planning strategies available, you should check with a tax professional regarding your own, personal situation. A little planning can go a long way in helping you save money. Please note that the information provided here is not intended as tax advice.

Preparing Your Home For A Spring Sale

Maybe you simply need to clean up the yard and trim your hedges. Maybe you need a new paint job and to clean up a cluttered room or two. Or maybe, you need to bring in the team from Extreme Makeover: The Home Edition.

No matter what you’re facing, you may want to consult a professional stager (we can refer one to you) to ensure that you’re doing the right things in the right order to get your home prepped for the best results.

That said, there is some good general advice from our friends at the National Association of Realtors® that you can rely on to get you started. Here’s a link to this great article that you can use to see what you need to do, if anything, to ensure your home sells fast and for top dollar.

Enjoy: http://www.realtor.com/Basics/Sell/PrepHome/GetReady.asp?source=web

How Did February Only Get 28 Days?

As you may know, there are lots of groups that claimed their own calendars for use in their daily lives. The Romans, Mayans, Aztecs, and Hindi all relied on their own version of how the days, weeks and months of the year should pass.

The gold standard used today is the Gregorian calendar and it is the “gold standard” used for civil purposes almost everywhere.

How the calendar we use today ended up the way it is as we know it is explained very well in this article from Slate online magazine.

Enjoy:

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/explainer/2007/02/28_days.html

Why Relationships Are Important

We tend to take for granted our relationships with others. We get too busy to spend the needed time as we seek to get ahead in the “rat-race” of life. But, if we can stop for just long enough to think about this, do the other things matter if we don’t have relationships? Does success in finances, career, material things, etc., really matter if we don’t cultivate relationships with others who can share in those successes?
We’re all familiar with Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol. In watching the wealthy yet miserable miser Scrooge, we've probably all wondered the same thing: Why? What’s the point? Why pinch, scrimp, save, and reach financial success, to be miserable all by one’s self?
I don’t know about you, but I rarely enjoy eating out by myself, especially at a nice restaurant. While it’s definitely a nice break sometimes in between appointments to go over my goals and get back on-track, it’s definitely not the type of thing I like to do all the time. Have you ever been to a fancy restaurant, maybe on a business trip, ordered the filet mignon, and felt very hollow and alone as you looked at couples talking over a nice meal? Some things are meant be enjoyed and shared with others. In fact, most things are best enjoyed in the company of friends and family!
So how do we keep from subconsciously undervaluing relationships? The truth is, nurturing those relationships usually doesn't take as much time as we think. We blow relationship building out of proportion! It doesn't mean we have to quit our careers, sell all of our belongings and give up all of our personal goals. It does mean that we need to be more thoughtful in our approach. Here are some pointers that have helped me:

-          Date your family members. I think it’s very important to take close family and/or dear friends on “dates” every so often. What little kid won’t remember that special one-on-one fishing trip, road trip, visit to the local ice cream shop, for the rest of his life? What spouse won’t remember that “date” that was specially crafted with their favorite interests in mind? What dear friend won’t remember an out-of-the-blue dinner or lunch invite?

-          Take friends or acquaintances out for coffee. For those people who aren’t connected quite as closely, it never hurts to sit down over a cup of coffee. Just the thoughtfulness of asking is a big sign that they matter to you.

-          Make a phone call. Have you called that old friend from college in the last several years? What about your aunt in Pennsylvania? When’s the last time you thanked a past customer? The fact that you took the effort to dial their number will mean something to them.

-          Send something special. I know it’s old fashioned, but a handwritten note means a lot. Even a quick e-mail means something.

In real estate, there are three ways of getting business: new customers, past customers, and referrals. We love all sources of business, but we cherish the business that comes from past customers and referrals! They’re easier to talk to. Referrals have been introduced by a friend
In order to get referrals, we have to constantly realize that we are in the business of cultivating relationships. Our goal has to be to provide such a high level of service that our customers want to refer friends and family. It takes a long-term approach rather than a short-term perspective.
We are grateful for the relationships we have with you and are anxious to serve you and anyone you know at the highest level. Please let us know what we can do for you today.

Top 5 Feel Good Stories About Overcoming The Odds

Eric LeGrand signed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers—LeGrand is a former Rutgers University football player who sustained a severe spinal injury in a 2010 game. Throughout LeGrand’s ongoing recovery, one of his staunchest supporters has been then-Rutgers coach Greg Schiano.

Schiano was hired as head coach of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this year. One of his first personnel decisions was to symbolically sign LeGrand to a player contract. LeGrand spent almost three months as a member of the Buccaneers before announcing his retirement in late July.

Man Climbs Sears Tower Using Bionic Leg—It may not have taken place on a track, field or court, but Zac Vawter’s story deserves recognition as a symbol of the convergence of human spirit and advances in rehabilitation. Vawter, who lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident three years ago, climbed all 103 flights of stairs of Chicago’s Willis (formerly Sears) Tower in November with the help of a bionic leg.

Designed to respond to electrical impulses from muscles, the leg is controlled by the mind. As Vawter climbed the stairs, the leg worked in conjunction with his body and mind to propel him forward. While the device itself will continue to be improved and perfected, Vawter’s accomplishment was an inspiration to athletes with disabilities everywhere.

Oscar Pistorius Competes in 2012 Summer Olympics—Pistorius, who has double below-knee amputations, was the subject of a long legal battle to determine his eligibility to run against able-bodied athletes in international competition. This year, the South African star qualified and competed in the men’s 400-meter race, where he advanced all the way to the semifinals, racing against eventual gold medalist Kirani James of Grenada.

Pistorius also qualified for South Africa’s men’s 4 x 400-meter relay team in the London Games before winning two gold medals and a silver in the Summer Paralympics later that month.

Manteo Mitchell Breaks Leg, Continues to Compete in Olympic Event—One of Oscar Pistorius’ opponents at the 2012 Summer Olympics was Manteo Mitchell of the United States. Running the first leg of the 4 x 400-meter qualifying heat, Mitchell felt a pop in his left leg. He’d broken his left fibula.

Amazingly, Mitchell continued on—the injury occurred at about the halfway point in his lap— to finish his leg of the relay and keep the United States’ medal hopes alive. With a substitute runner in Mitchell’s place, the United States would go on to win the silver medal in the finals of the event, cementing Manteo Mitchell’s spot in Olympic history.

Adam Greenberg Returns to Major League Baseball—In 2005, Adam Greenberg was a rookie outfielder for the Chicago Cubs. In his very first plate appearance in the majors, Greenberg was struck in the batting helmet by a 92 mile-per-hour fastball. The pitch left Greenberg with a concussion, vertigo and vision problems and derailed his baseball career.

Slowly, he recovered and returned to the sport—a comeback that culminated in signing a one-day contract with the Miami Marlins this past October and earning a pinch-hitting appearance against the New York Mets and eventual Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey. The baseball portion of the story doesn’t have a fairy-tale ending—Greenberg would strike out against Dickey—but Adam remains determined to continue his comeback.

“Life throws you curveballs," Greenberg said. "Mine threw me a 92 mile-an-hour fastball, and it hit me in the back of the head. I got up from it, and my life is great.”

Sports Doc, Expert Advice on Staying Fit and in The Game, December 12, 2012

Waiting ‘till spring…may want to rethink that.

We live in a counter-intuitive society. Rather than buy stocks when they are low, we jump into the market when we hear the stock is hot, missing out on the best part of the growth. Instead of selling when things are high, we wait until the ship is already sinking before we jump off. And for many of us thinking of selling our home, we wait until the newspapers, radio and television let us know the market is heating up and it’s time to sell, rather than selling when the time is best for us.

In virtually every market across America – and even in our market here – 15 to 20% of the homes that sell will do so in the first three months of the year, before the spring market gets a good head of steam going. And the best part of that is those who sell during the first part of the year usually face way less competition than those who wait until after March has gotten here.

If you are open to selling at this time of the year, you’ll have a stronger pool of motivated buyers knocking at your door to see your home. That is for sure.

Here are a few things to consider if you are open to selling now:

• ·         Best foot forward: The first showing on your home, believe it or not, is the pictures that people see when they go on line. Make sure you have professional-looking photographs of your home on line so buyer prospects get a great first impression of your home.

• ·         Christmas is over: Packing up the Christmas decorations is a hassle, let’s be honest. Sometimes we can let them linger a little longer after Santa has dropped off the goods. Make sure that you’ve returned your home to its every day look and keep is spotless. It may even be worth it to invest a small amount of money to have your home professionally cleaned so that it shows extremely well to prospective buyers.

• ·         Make small improvements: Sometimes that toilet-paper roller falls off and we let it linger longer than it should. Occasionally, the wall gets marked and we don’t wash it or paint over it right away. From time to time, a stain gets on the floor and we don’t call in the flooring people to get it squared away. Unfortunately, these seemingly insignificant issues can detract from the saleability of your home. Take the time to fix the little things to make your home shine.

There are scores of other hints, tips and tricks we’d love to discuss with you if you’re thinking about putting your home on the market.

Please call us today at 405-216-9600 for a no-cost, no-hassle consultation on what to do to prepare your home for sale in the next few months.