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.

Fantastic New Listing in Penasquitos Bluffs!

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

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.

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.

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.

Is Opportunity Knocking?

Historically low interest rates and bargain prices have made homeownership the most affordable it has been at any time during the past 40 years.* And while the market won’t shift overnight, dramatic decreases in new home production and household formation suggest that as demand for homes returns over the next couple of years it could outpace supply in some places.



This month (click here to download the Item of Value) I have sent an interesting piece about the current state of the national housing market and the opportunity it presents for those who are ready to take advantage of it. Nobody knows exactly how the recovery will unfold, but over the long run, owning property in America has always been a solid investment.

Keep in mind that all real estate is fundamentally local. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to tell you more about the housing situation in our area. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask!

Have you sent or received a friend request today?

The average Facebook member has 130 friends and is connected to 80 community pages, groups or events. The growing popularity of social media is a global trend that is difficult to ignore. Teens and young adults were the first to spend time socializing online, but their elders have recently discovered the benefits. Statistics show that adults over age 50 are the fastest growing category of social networkers.



In this months Item of Value (click here to download) I have an interesting piece about how social media use is changing the everyday lives of many families. It also includes information on some serious problems that teens could potentially encounter and tips to help parents protect their kids online.

I hope you are enjoying all of the wonderful things associated with the holiday season. Best wishes and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Huge Potential!!

For Sale: 2BR/2BA Condo in San Diego, CA, $239,900

A Holiday Budget is a Beautiful Thing!

40% of Americans start shopping for holiday gifts before Halloween.
- National Retail Federation

The holidays are fast approaching. Have you started to prepare for this fun and exciting time of year? Unfortunately, many people could end up paying for the merriment long after it has passed.



Click Here, because this month I have sent some tips to help keep spending in check while still enjoying the fruits of the season. You’ll also find some practical gift-giving strategies.

I hope you and yours have a warm and wonderful holiday season! As always, please call if there is anything I can do for you personally.

Are you a Winner or a Loser!?

You may ask yourself, what kind of question is that?
Well, check out this great article from my mentor and business coach Brian Buffini!!

Buffini

Are you Protected??

September's Item of Value is a great jumping off point in getting you prepared for the future and protecting your estate. Please download and read this very important information, as it could save you thousands of dollars in the future!

Click here to download the Item of Value