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 (Click Here to Download) 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.

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.^* 

In this month's Item of Value (click here to download), 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

In addition, if you purchased a home with The Michels Group last year be sure  check out these additional potential deductions! (click to download)

* Source: President’s Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform

Who Would You Recommend to Your Family & Friends?

I would like to take a moment of your time to introduce a complimentary service I provide for all of my  referral partners.  My Client Appreciation Program! It's part of the commitment I have made to run my business exclusively by referral. Every month I will be sending information that I believe you will find useful. 

This first piece (click here to download), explains how my decision to work by referral benefits you and your referrals. It allows me to devote my time and energy to meeting the needs of my clients. There are a number of ways that I can be a valuable resource to you, such as providing market updates and referring other reputable professionals when you need them.

I will make a constant effort to provide your referrals with excellent service, because in my business, the most profound assets I possess are your respect and trust. Feel free to call if you need anything at all, I am always here to help.

DRE License# 01869321

Get Techy in the New Year!

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 (Click Here to Download this months Item of Value), 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. Feel free to share this useful information with your family or friends.


Now that you've bought that new device, what do you do with all your old electronics? Don't just throw them away!  Click here to download and learn how to dispose of them properly.

*Source: Wall Street Journal, July 11, 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.

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.

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

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.

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.