Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Setting 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. (Click Here to Download this months Item of Value)

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. Feel free to share this useful information with your family or friends.

Monday, November 21, 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 (Click Here to Download this months Item of Value) 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.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

As an extra bonus this holiday, Click here for Smart phone apps “5 Free Apps” to save you even more money this Holiday Season.

Tuesday, August 23, 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 Item of Value (Click here to Download) contains 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.

*Source: National Association of Realtors 2010-2011 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report



Thursday, June 23, 2011

Detox Your Home!

Did you know that in many states and municipalities across the country, it’s illegal to discard household hazardous waste into your regular trash? A tiny AA battery may seem harmless; however, as part of the 4 million pounds of household hazardous waste that Americans generate every day, the battery is part of a potent mix that can create lasting consequences.



The information I’m sending you in this months Item Of Value (Click Here to Download) outlines how to properly dispose of common household hazardous materials to keep your family and community safe. Goods we use every day, including CFL light bulbs and computers, contain harmful chemicals that when released can pollute the air, soil and water.

Since identifying these products can be tricky, page two provides a helpful list of items containing hazardous materials that you may have in your household. Feel free to share this information with your family and friends!

Please call me for more information about household hazardous waste or for a referral to a disposal site.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Have You Ever Thought About Moving?

Buying a home or selling the place you have is more than just a major lifestyle change; for many people it’s the largest financial transaction they will ever undertake.



In This months Item of Value (Click HERE to Download)  I have sent some valuable tips that provide sellers with strategies they need to get their home sold quickly and for the best possible price. On page two, buyers will learn how to master the current market and acquire the home of their dreams. Know someone else who would find this information helpful? Share it with family and friends!


If you’re thinking about buying or selling soon, or know someone who is, it’s important to lean into the knowledge of a local agent who can guide you through the process, and you know that I am always here to help.

Please call for an estimate of your home’s current value or to discuss your situation, goals and options.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Get the Most Bang for Your Home Improvement Bucks



Replacing drafty windows and exterior doors with energy-efficient new technologies often pays off immediately in the form of lower energy bills. It can also provide a dramatic lift to your home’s curb appeal and market value.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010-2011 Cost vs. Value Report, these projects delivered some of the highest returns of all moderately-priced home improvements. This month’s resource discusses a number of reasons to change out older windows and doors. It also includes tips for picking the perfect windows to suit your home, climate and pocketbook (Click Here to Download).

I hope you find this information useful. Please call if you have additional questions or would like to discuss this topic further—I’m always happy to help!

Sincerely,

Brad Michels

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Are you Prepared?

The past few weeks we have seen the devastating effects a natural disaster can have on the lives of millions of people.  No one ever really knows when a situation like the ones in New Zealand or Japan will occur. It is for this reason that one of the largest problems when disaster strikes is the lack of preparedness by individuals.

Do you have an emergency plan? Where would you meet? How long would you wait there? Who would get the kids or the animals? Do you have enough food and water to last everyone in your household? How long will it last? These are all questions that can and should be answered before a disaster strikes.

This months Item of Value (click here to download) was developed by the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services to help families be prepared in the event of a disaster. The Family Disaster Plan is a template and guide that will help you prepare for and survive a disaster. While this plan was developed for San Diego it's practices are valuable anywhere.




My job is to help you obtain one of your most important assets, but you, my clients, friends and family are my most precious assets, so please take the time to protect yourself and your family.

In addition to this months Item of Value is FEMA's in depth disaster preparedness report. This comprehensive and informative guide covers preparedness topics from earthquakes to electrical storms....just over 200 pages of useful "must-have" of information to keep your family safe.  Please make sure to download it and go over it yourself or with your family.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Would You Like to Save an Extra $1000 This Year?

Many of us would like to adopt a more environmentally-responsible lifestyle, especially if it happened to lower our living expenses at the same time. Fortunately, there are some easy, cost-effective ways for your household to help preserve the earth’s natural resources and keep harmful chemicals and pesticides out of our air and water supply.



In this month's Item of Value(click here to download) I've sent a resource that details a number of relatively simple changes that could save you as much as $1000 in utility costs each year. The suggestions are just a few of the great ideas detailed in a recent book called “Shift Your Habit,” by Elizabeth Rogers.

The payoff just might include a healthier home and a more livable community. I hope you can take advantage of these insightful tips, and save a bundle, too.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Are You Leaving Money on the Table at Tax Time?

Dig out your files, envelopes or shoeboxes full of records and receipts—it’s time to get your tax information organized! Preparing your returns can be a daunting task, but it’s one that should never be taken lightly.



In This months Item of Value (click to download) I have sent helpful information about the range of tax deductions and credits available to taxpayers for 2010, many of which are specific to homeowners.

Taking full advantage of the breaks you deserve may reduce your tax burden or get you a bigger refund from the IRS. Keep in mind that the sooner you file, the sooner the government can return your money. I’d be happy to recommend a knowledgeable professional if you could use some help.