Don’t Forget These Items on Moving Day

The chaos of moving day is a prime time to forget or misplace essential items.  When you’re preparing for the big move to your new home, the following items are some of the most overlooked (and the most sorely missed in a time of need!).

To prevent the hassle and heartbreak of forgotten possessions and lost information, make a checklist containing the following items:

1. Jewelry, watches, and small valuables:  These small, expensive and often irreplaceable items are best kept in a safe deposit box or kept with trustworthy friends or relatives on moving day.

2. Garage door opener:  The old one won't be of much use at your new house, will it? Be sure to leave it behind for the new owners.  Also, make sure the old owners of your new house give you theirs!

3. Spare keys:  Sets to your old house should remain with the new owners, but don’t forget sets to the new house!  There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at your new place without a way to get in.

4. Old address books:  Yes, we all have fancy new smartphones, but it seems like families all have a well-worn phone book stashed in a spice drawer somewhere.  These are practically family heirlooms of information, so don't leave them behind.

5. Unfinished errands:  Do you have any clothes at the dry cleaner?  Books due to the library?  What about other video game or DVD rentals?  It can be a real hassle to settle up on these items from 100 miles away, right?

6. Medical records:  While a lot of medical information is digital these days, you should make sure you don’t misplace your copies, including dental information and prescriptions.  It’s easy to lose them at the bottom of a hastily thrown-away box.

 

I make sure my clients’ experience selling their old home and moving into their new dream home is a smooth transition. If you're interested in a hassle-free home selling experience, please get in touch today:

Single-Family Rentals Still on the Rise

Single-Family Rentals Still on the Rise

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2013

Single-family rental homes are on the rise in communities nationwide in the aftermath of the housing meltdown. 

In 32 of the country's top metropolitan regions, at least 20 percent of all occupied single-family homes were rentals in 2012. According to a USA Today analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, that is up from just seven metros in 2006. 

Researchers say the growth reflects changes brought by the housing bust and the enduring financial hardships ushered in by the Great Recession. Nationwide last year, 18 percent of occupied single-family homes were rentals — an increase from almost 15 percent in 2006. 

The metro areas with the most growth in single-family rentals are those where foreclosures were most prevalent, including Las Vegas, Florida's Cape Coral area, and Stockton, Calif. Metros outside the top foreclosure hot spots have also seen bigger growth in single-family rentals than the national average, including Memphis, Dallas, and Denver.

Source: "In More Homes, The Roof Overhead Is Rented," USA Today (Oct. 21, 2013)

© 2013 Information Inc.

This Month in Real Estate September 2013

PLEASE USE THIS LINK TO WATCH VIDEO : http://kellerwilliams.vzaar.me/1128635

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Tips For Buying A Foreclosed Home

Tips For Buying A Foreclosed Home

Homebuyers in the market for a deal on their dream home need two things: lots of patience and the stomach to do battle with investors. Any home that is in a decent area and priced right is facing keen competition in today's market.

Homebuyers in the market for a foreclosure need those qualities tenfold. Buying a foreclosure is a lengthy process, and, although most investors prefer pre-foreclosure sales and auctions, you will face your share of competition for bank-owned homes.

Let's take a look at some foreclosure-buying options and how to participate.

Buying a Foreclosure at Auction

Homes that are sold at auction, typically carried out at the county courthouse, are those that homeowners have lost because they failed to bring the mortgage current during the reinstatement period.

The lender's representative, known as the trustee, will be on hand to receive the money from the winning bidder, if there is one. The opening bid is typically equal to the loan balance, trustee's fees, accrued interest and other costs incurred by the lender during the foreclosure process.

Can you get a bargain at auction? That depends on how much the homeowner owed before defaulting on the loan. The opening bid must be met or the trustee purchases the property and it then becomes an REO, or "real estate owned" by the lender.

You may have seen foreclosure auction shows on TV. If so, you know it isn't the place for a novice to get a good deal. Most of the bidders are highly experienced flippers and investors offering up fierce competition.

You will also not be able to view the inside of the home or perform inspections. Plus, if you're the winning bidder, you may have to evict the current occupants. Depending on the state in which you live, eviction may be costly and time-consuming.

Finally, many foreclosures have additional liens against them, which you will take on if you purchase the property. Recorded liens are public information; you can search for them at the county clerk's office, the county recorder or the assessor's office. But not all liens are recorded.

One way to ensure you're protected is by purchasing an owner's title insurance policy.

Buying an REO

Purchasing a bank-owned property is much easier than buying a home at auction and much like a conventional purchase.

You'll need a loan preapproval letter from your lender, unless you're paying cash, and the services of a real estate agent.

Most REO properties are vacant and somewhat cleaned up. Although the bank won't supply you with property disclosures as sellers in a conventional transaction are required to, you will be allowed time for inspections.

Many experienced REO buyers perform extreme due diligence, such as checking the city planning office for permits that may be on file for any work the previous owner performed. Have anything that looks the slightest bit suspicious inspected, from the roof to the foundation.

Your buyer's agent should be able to assist you in learning as much as possible about the home's history. And, since real estate brokers are required to hold on to transaction files for a number of years (varying according to state), if the home sold in the past few years, your agent may be able to track down a past disclosure.

Banks typically don't pay for repairs to the property, so you'll need to take on that expense. Ultimately, although it may seem that you're getting a bargain-priced home, once all is said and done, it may be worth it to purchase another home in turnkey condition.

5 Tips For The Best Home Showings

5 Tips For The Best Home Showings

Home routines tend to come to a standstill while your home is on the market. The need to keep the house clean  - and not scare potential homebuyers away - means that kids can't throw their school books on the dining room table, Dad has to pick up his stinky socks, and even the pets need to toe the line.

Keeping the house clean is a good first step toward presenting the home in the best light. But it isn't the only step.

1. Odors

Have you ever walked into a home and been immediately assaulted by nasty odors? Cigarettes, grease, cooking odors, diapers and pets all leave their mark on the way a home smells. While it's almost impossible to rid the home of cigarette smoke without painting, there are ways to get rid of other odors.

Have the carpets professionally cleaned and deodorized.

Launder or dry-clean all curtains and drapes.

Consider having your upholstered furniture professionally cleaned.

Clean the grease from the range hood.

Keep the dog bathed and groomed to keep doggy smells at bay.

Place dishes of potpourri or scented candles in random areas throughout the home.

2. Sounds

Like the smell of a favorite perfume, we become habituated to certain things, including sounds. If you've ever lived under a flight path or next to railroad tracks, you understand how quickly one can get used to annoying sounds and not even hear them after a while. Strangers in your home, such as potential buyers, will hear the yappy dog next door, however, so here are some tips to mask the noises in your home.

Play some music, softly, while the home is being shown.

Invest in a white noise machine.

Play a sound-effects CD softly in the background.

3. Sights

Light and bright are the operative words when considering the ideal way to present your home to

buyers.

Change all the light bulbs in the home to higher wattage bulbs. Leave the lights on for showings, including closet lights.

Paint the walls. If you can't paint, clean the walls.

Remove heavy drapes and replace them with lightweight fabric that allows natural light into the home.

Don't neglect the outside of the house. Before a showing, make sure that the planting beds look clean and attractive and that the lawn is mowed.

4. Set the Scene

If you've ever toured model homes, you are familiar with the concept of staging – the art of carefully crafting interiors that appeal to homebuyers. If you're on a tight budget and can't afford a professional designer, make some simple changes that appeal to buyers.

Create vignettes throughout the home. Set the dining room table with attractive dinnerware or create a cozy nook in the bedroom with a small table and chairs. Group items in threes, use different heights, and keep it simple.

Fresh flowers add so much to a home, from masking odors to adding pops of color and texture. A gorgeous bouquet on the dining room table can take the place of a fussy centerpiece. Night stands are ideal places to set small vases of flowers.

Bathrooms are important, so pay close attention to how you stage yours. Get rid of the countertop clutter and add fluffy towels and a new shower curtain.

5. Security

Since sellers should make themselves scarce when the home is being shown, it's important to take security measures. Lock up or remove valuables, weapons, prescription drugs and money.

Don't leave personal items - especially paperwork with your financial information - lying around in plain sight.

Whatever you can do to make your home appear move-in ready will appeal to buyers. Tour some new home communities for more ideas and inspiration so that your home shows like a model.
http://www.fortlauderdalehomeseller.com/miarticles/articleid/117/

Household tip: label remover

If you're having trouble peeling off a label or sticker without leaving a gooey mess behind, try applying white vinegar until it is saturated. The label should peel right off. 

Bird Feeders: Basic Considerations

Bird Feeders: Basic Considerations

Placing bird feeders in your garden won't make up for lost habitat, but a well-placed bird feeder can allow you to see wild birds up close and create an awareness of nature. Before purchasing or building a bird feeder, there are a few basic things to consider, including which birds to feed, how much seed you want to buy, and how much mess you can tolerate.

Which Birds do You Want to Attract?

Perhaps you were hoping for a "building it and they will come" bird feeder, but it's important to make decisions about which birds to attract before purchasing or building a bird feeder and buying your first bag of birdseed.

Different birds have different preferences when it comes to food and what types of feeders they will use. For example, thistle seed is used in a thistle feeder and is especially attractive to American goldfinches and pine siskins. In terms of feeder types, some birds, such as chickadees and nuthatches, will use a feeder that is placed well above the ground, while other birds, such as sparrows and juncos, prefer to eat close to the ground.

Native vs. Non-Native Birds

When choosing which birds to feed, many people prefer native birds to non-native birds such as house sparrows and starlings. Non-native birds compete with native birds for food and nesting sites, so adding a bird feeder that will attract native birds will supplement their food sources.

Discouraging Aggressive Birds

Aggressive birds such as crows and pigeons can keep other birds from using a bird feeder. If you want to discourage aggressive birds from using the bird feeder, choose seeds to which they are less attracted. For example, grains such as barley, rye, oats, wheat and corn are particularly attractive to ground-feeding birds such as pigeons. Limit these grains if you want to discourage pigeons.

How Much Seed do You Want to Buy?

Some birds eat more than others and will really make a dent in your birdseed budget. Large birds, such as pigeons, can obviously put away more food than small birds. Other birds - such as starlings, finches, and house sparrows - travel in large numbers and will also eat much more birdseed than small birds like chickadees and nuthatches that don't travel in large flocks.

How Much Mess Can You Tolerate?

Another important consideration when deciding which birds to attract is mess. Large flocks of birds, like those mentioned above, tend to make a mess because they come in large numbers and stay at a bird feeder for a long length of time. Other species, such as chickadees, jays and nuthatches, tend to visit a bird feeder, get what they want, and leave. If having a mess under the bird feeder is going to be a source of irritation, it's best to attract birds that are less messy.

Watching birds come and go from a bird feeder in your garden can bring a lot of enjoyment. You may even start to notice birds feeding on the seeds of some of your garden plants. Maybe it will inspire you to add more bird feeders or a nesting box or two. In the end, know that whatever supplemental food you can provide will be appreciated by these small, feathered friends.

http://www.fortlauderdalehomeseller.com/miarticles/zip/33305/

Tips for settling pets into a new home

Moving takes a toll physically and emotionally on all of us. Not only is the process itself exhausting, finding yourself in a new environment can force an uncomfortable adjustment period. The same goes for pets, and communicating the change as a positive to them can be difficult.

I got my dog when I was still in college and she has made many moves (including cross country) with me over the years. Now that my boyfriend's dog is also part of the equation it's become an even bigger production. In order to make moving as easy a transition as possible, I try to keep the focus on making it a positive experience and taking little steps to help them acclimate. Here are some ideas to make moving easy on your critter friends:

1. If possible, visit the new home and neighborhood with them prior to moving in, allowing them plenty of time to sniff around and familiarize themselves with it.

2. Try to avoid having them present for the final packing stages and when everything is taken out. I started leaving my pup with a friend on the actual moving day because watching everything being carried out would send her into a near panic.

3. Pack their toys, bowls and bed separately and put them out before you bring the dog in. Being able to quickly identify their things amongst the boxes puts them at ease and signifies that they are at home.

4. Bribe them. Our go-to strategy is to buy a few new toys and something for the dogs to chew on, in order to distract them, get out some nervous energy and create a positive experience. We bring out the new toys almost immediately after walking through the door.

5. Tire them out. Once your dogs have spent a bit of time exploring their new surroundings, take them for a good long walk around the neighborhood to burn off some of their nervous energy and help them relax when they get back to their new home.

Posted by Kim Lucian

I'm a photographer and writer based in San Francisco in a constant competition with my boyfriend to see who can get the most dots on the map. 
Read more from Kim »

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Do you know someone throwing money away on rent?

If you do then call me today!

KEVIN CLARK - 954.703.0353

Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Shrimp

The Right Financing

Dinner at Rosie's in Wilton Manors, Florida

Tonight I had dinner at Rosie's Bar & Grill

2449 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL with my good friend Steven. Rosie's is one of my favorite hamburger joints in South Florida. Their Sunday brunch is a ton of fun and it is always packed. I had the plain Jane tonight and the burger is soooo tasty. Rosie's has a very campy menu, loud music and indoor/outdoor dining. Just go already!!!!!

Can you really purchase a HUD home with a $100 down payment?

HUD is offering a $100 Down Payment Initiative for owner occupants purchasing a HUD Home with FHA financing.  This incentive is also available to owner occupant purchasers who obtain a FHA Home Repair loan (203K).   This means you can purchase a home with only $100 down.

• Following are the criteria:
• Property must be a  HUD REO (foreclosure).
• Buyer must be Owner Occupant - Buyer must live in the home for at least one full year.  This program is not available to investors.
• Loan must be FHA Financing or FHA Home Repair loan (203k) -  You must be able to qualify for a FHA loan.
• Buyer must bid full asking price. 
• HUD will pay up to 3% towards your closing costs if requested in the contract
• You must have a HUD registered Broker/Agent in order to put a bid on a HUD home

Not all FHA lenders offer the $100 down payment loan so be sure to ask your lender if they participate.  Here is the link where you can search for HUD Homes.

Evaluating Schools

Schools are a contributing factor for anyone buying a home. Even if you don't have kids yourself, your next buyer might, and they might base their decision to buy on the school district which serves your home.

The question remains: How do you evaluate schools? What’s the best approach for understanding if your local schools will score your property an “A” or relegate it to the land of “D-”?

Luckily, there are some excellent resources out there for vetting schools online. Here are a few I’ve come across which provide a good place to start:

Education.com: A major portal site for education everywhere, you’ll want to pay particular attention to the schools section, found here: http://www.education.com/topic/school-and-academics/

GreatSchools.org: A good search engine for researching schools, you can do zip code based searches and learn lots about the public and private institutions in the area.

ProjectAppleseed.com: A website dedicated to improving public schools, you can learn a lot here about the crucial elements of what makes a local school and excellent local school.

Finally, here are a handful of questions to ask yourself if you’re doing research:

How comprehensive is the school’s safety policy?

What social/support services are available at the school?

How does the school handle discipline?

Are people involved in a parent/teacher organization?

How healthy is the school district’s annual report?

Finally, be sure to ask your agent!

Looking for neighborhoods with great schools? I can help!

Kevin Clark

Back to School

To all the blessed families:

It’s that time of year I think of as the “Back to School” season. It’s not really Fall and it isn’t exactly Summer, either. Maybe the weather hasn’t changed yet, but the morning commute is definitely quite a bit busier.

Each year I help families get settled before the Back to School season starts. A lot of people choose to move in the summer months. It’s often easier on the kids to break in a new school with a new school year, too.

I think a lot about kids going into a new school in a new year, and I know it can be tough for them to find new friends and get used to new routines. Just the other day, I came across this quote, and I thought it was pretty good advice for kids and adults alike:

“The way to be happy is to like yourself and the way to like yourself is to do only things that make you proud.” - Mark S. Lewis, Clinical Psychologist.

It’s a pretty good maxim to live by, especially if you find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings facing new challenges. It’s not so much what you would do to fit in, or what you think others would expect you to do... it’s doing what you know will make you proud that makes your way happier.

My best to you and yours in this transitional season. Catch me up on your life when you have the time.

Warm regards,

Kevin L Clark

Keller Who? (playlist)

Common Real Estate Terms and Their Definitions

Appraisal – The process of estimating or setting the market value of a piece of property, partially based on an analysis of comparable sales of similar homes in the area. An appraisal usually takes the form of a written report. Appraisals are usually required during the mortgage loan approval process.

Closing Costs – For buyers, closing costs consist of expenses that must be paid in addition to the purchase price of the home, like... For sellers, closing costs include expenses that will be deducted from the proceeds of the sale.

Commission – Compensation paid to real estate professionals for services rendered in connection with the sale or exchange of real property.

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) – An in-depth analysis of nearby comparable home sales done by a real estate agent to estimate a home's market value, usually performed to help select the most appropriate sale price.

Contingencies – Conditions written into a real estate contract that specify that the contract will cease to exist in the event of certain conditions. Contingencies, like requiring an acceptable property inspection report within a certain time period, must be met for a contract to be legally binding and carried out as written.

Contract – An oral or written agreement between competent parties who agree to perform or refrain from performing a certain thing. In real estate there are many different types of contracts, including listings, contracts of sale, options, mortgages, assignments, leases, deeds, escrow agreements, and loan commitments, among others.

Deed – A written, legal document that conveys or transfers property.

Escrow – The process in which an item of value, money or documents is deposited with and held by a trusted third party to be delivered upon the fulfilment of a condition. For example, the earnest money deposit is put into escrow the transaction is closed, at which time it is delivered to the seller.

Foreclosure – The process of taking possession of a mortgaged property as a result of a failure to keep up with timely mortgage payments. This can involve a forced sale of the property at public auction after which the proceeds of the sale are applied to the mortgage debt.

Home Inspection – A thorough inspection by a qualified professional who evaluates the structural and mechanical condition of a home. A home inspector may assess the condition of a property's roof, foundation, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical work, water and sewage and some fire and safety issues. In addition, the home inspector will look for evidence of issues that may affect the value of the property.

Homeowner's Insurance – An insurance policy that combines personal liability insurance and hazard insurance coverage for a dwelling and its contents, often required by mortgage lenders.

Lien – A legal claim against the property as a result of a debt that must be paid off when the property is sold.

Mortgage – A legal document that specifies a temporary, conditional pledge of a property to the lender/creditor as security for the repayment of a debt, in this case a home loan.

Pre-approval – Pre-approval is a loosely used lending term that usually implies that a buyer has already talked to a lender. The lender has, in turn, checked the buyer's credit history and income to determine that they will be able to get a loan up to a certain amount. The pre-approval helps a buyer find a home within their price range and submit a strong offer.

Short Sale – A short sale occurs when a property is sold at a moderate loss, as an alternative to foreclosure. The home is listed at a price lower than the amount owed on the mortgage. Buying a short sale home can require approvals from multiple lenders.

Title – A legal document evidencing a person's right to or ownership of a property. A title report, often done by a title insurance company after an offer has been accepted, will show the history of the title as well as applicable encumbrances such as easements or liens.

FYI on DIY

The Hidden Value of a Good Real Estate Agent

Real Estate’s Potential for the Greatest Good

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” -Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881); Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

What does it mean to reveal a person’s riches to themselves? What is the mechanism by which you can even accomplish such a thing? And what does it have to do with your real estate agent?

Quite a bit, I would argue. I think a real estate agent has the power to reveal their clients’ self-possessed riches.

One, a good agent will help clients see how a home is an investment in their future. That they are investing in themselves and the decision to do so is a mark of their own wisdom.

Two, a good real estate agent helps guide clients through an emotionally fraught transaction, which often shows they have deeper reserves of self-confidence and strength that they may have overlooked in the past.

Three, a real estate agent helps foster a sense of trust and interdependence -- that we can, in this world, rely on others to represent our best interests, and that we are not in a perpetual state of “king of the mountain” and abject self-reliance. A client with a good agent has both a friend and a professional ally.

Whether you're buying your first house or selling your home, there’s both a tangible, bottom-line difference when working with an agent, as well as valuable intangible benefits. For me, it’s a great privilege to be a professional part of that process!

I’d love the opportunity to “the greatest good” on your behalf. Now is a great time to make your next move: 

How to Make the “Morning Person Transformation”

Don't Let the World Spend Your Time for You

How to Become a Morning Person

When you are your business, being a morning person gives you a big advantage in life. Mornings are super productive times for me, but you don't have to be in real estate to reap the benefits.

Mornings also set the tone for the day. You feel great knowing you’ve paid yourself first... there’s no procrastination guilt. If you've ever suspected you're squandering your time at night, just keep a time journal. Write down how you spent your hours. That alone might motivate you to make a change!

You have way more willpower in the morning. During the day, exercising your willpower wears it out. By the time night rolls around, how often are you charged up to get down to work on your next big project?

The morning is when you're least likely to be distracted. Being a morning person means you get to pay yourself first every day. Exercise? Writing a novel? Learning a new language? The morning is a perfect time. Ask yourself: How many “emergency” phone calls are you likely to get at 6AM? Now what about 1PM? (It’s funny how emergencies tend to happen during business hours.)

Here are 3 tips to help you make the “morning person transformation”:

1. Picture your personally productive morning. Imagine it, see yourself doing it. Smell the coffee, as it were. What will you do?

2. Plan your morning. Determine how much time you’re going to have and plan what you're going to do in that time. Do as much as you can the night before to make the path easier for yourself: Lay out clothes, get the materials ready, and set that coffeemaker!

3.Train yourself to rise early. Roll back your alarm 10 - 15 minutes a day for as much time as you need.

Don't let the world spend your time for you! Make the morning person transformation!

www.KevinClarkRealty.com

www.FortLauderdaleHomeSeller.com

Creating Curb Appeal: 6 Ways to Improve Your Home's First Impression

Creating Curb Appeal: 6 Ways to Improve Your Home's First Impression

You've probably heard the old saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." That's true in life, and it's true in real estate. If you're in the process of selling your home, take a moment to walk across the street and look at your home with a critical eye. What are potential homebuyers seeing as they pull up? Is your home giving off a good first impression? Does it have good curb appeal?

Real estate agents and home staging services know how important curb appeal is to the home selling process. It only takes a couple of seconds for potential homebuyers to form an opinion of your home based on its curb appeal. Below are six ways to improve your home's first impression.

First Step: A Critical Review

Remember that trip across the street I mentioned above? Well, after living in your home for years, you may not be the best judge. Invite a friend or family member over to give your home a critique. What would they do to improve your home's curb appeal? If they can't make it over, take some photos and email them to some friends for their review. We tend to see things in photographs that we miss when we're casually looking at things. Print your pictures out on 8 ½-by-11-inch paper, draw on them, and make notes about what changes you want to make.

Give it a Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint can go a long way toward improving your home's curb appeal. If a potential homebuyer drives up and sees cracked and peeling paint, what impression will that leave? Not only will the homebuyer think you haven't maintained the exterior of your home, but he is going to wonder what other maintenance items have been neglected.

Make sure the colors you choose fit with the neighborhood and the character of the house. You want your home to have great curb appeal, but that doesn't mean it should stick out markedly from the rest of the houses on the block. If you're selling your home, neutral colors are the best because they will have broader appeal. However, a neutral paint color doesn't have to be boring. Add some pizzazz by painting your front door a more vibrant, complementary color.

Make it Welcoming

Whether it's a decorative wreath on the front door, some decorative pots with brightly colored flowers, or simply great porch lighting, make your front door visible and inviting. Don't overdo it. Keep things simple, but make it easy to spot your front door. If you have overgrown shrubs blocking the view to your home, it will feel less safe. Trim shrubs back to eliminate any areas where predators could lurk, and make sure your house number is clearly visible.

Get Rid of the Junk

"One man's trash is another man's treasure" applies to garage sales and antiquing. Improve your home's curb appeal by putting things away and storing items that don't enhance your home's first impression. The less clutter you have around your front door and in your front yard the better.

Maintain Your Lawn

If you have a home with a lawn, the best thing you can do to create great curb appeal is to keep it maintained. Mow your lawn to a height of about 2 inches. Many people believe that mowing a lawn shorter is better, but with a blade height of about 2 inches, the grass is long enough to provide some shade for the roots, which helps the roots retain moisture and promotes stronger root growth.

Manually remove weeds as soon as you see them to prevent them from going to seed and becoming a bigger problem. Weeds generally show up in areas where the lawn is weak or lacking in nutrients. Over-seed any areas where the grass is thin and use an organic fertilizer to provide nutrients and maintain healthy soil.

Near sidewalks, driveways, and planting beds, edge your lawn with a line trimmer or straight spade to maintain a nicely manicured edge. There is no need to buy plastic lawn edging. It rarely holds up over time. A spade and a little muscle can do the trick. However, if you find you really want a built edge to your lawn, use aluminum edging. It is far more durable than plastic and will cut down on some of the maintenance needed to maintain the shape and size of your planting beds.

Oh, the Pressure!

Maintaining concrete driveways, sidewalks, and patios is always important for providing safe walking surfaces. However, if you are selling your home, what is the one thing a potential homebuyer is going to do? They will walk up your sidewalk or driveway to your front door. If you want your home to make a great first impression, fix any major cracks and make sure your entry sidewalk is free of debris, moss, and uneven edges. Pressure-wash concrete surfaces to remove any built up dirt and moss.

As you can see, most of these tasks are things you are probably already doing, but when neglected, they can take away from your home's curb appeal. Creating great curb appeal really just comes down to maintaining your home. Performing these tasks on a regular basis means you'll never have to worry about your home making a great first impression.

5 Flaws that Sabotage Success

5 Flaws that Sabotage Success

Lots of people I talk to these days are looking to start new business ventures or find more fulfilling jobs. As a real estate agent, I definitely understand the desire for independence and to do something you love. It can be hard to pursue success in a new venture, though. I’ve often wondered what stands in the way of our desire and our ability to achieve the success. Well, recently I found a little insight into this question.

In Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman's book, "The Extraordinary Leader: Turning good managers into great leaders," researchers identified five "fatal flaws" which were effectively "success killers." In contrast to areas where professionals had "allowable weaknesses" (i.e. deficiencies in skills which could be avoided or overshadowed by other strengths), these five weaknesses were considered absolutely toxic to a successful career. The flaws included:

1. Lack of initiative

2. Lack of accountability

3. Lack of openness to new or different ideas

4. Lack of core interpersonal skills or competencies

5. Inability to learn from mistakes

It's interesting to note that these five flaws are generally organized around inactivity as a result of FEAR. For example:

1. Lack of initiative = fear of making a wrong decision (fear of mistakes)
2. Lack of accountability = fear we'll have to face our own laziness or inactivity
3. Lack of openness to new ideas = fear we won't be able to adapt, or we're being "left behind"
4. Lack of core interpersonal skills = fear of social interaction, fear of low self-esteem
5. Inability to learn from mistakes = fear of change

To overcome these fears, we have to transform them into hope. Understanding that growth comes from adversity, it helps to frame our fears as undernourished hope for change and prosperity. "Maybe I'll get it wrong," needs to become "What happens if I get it right?"

If you've found yourself hesitating out of fear, perhaps this will shed a little light on your own resistance!

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