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Prepping Your Home for Sale: Get the Most Bang for Your Buck
 
Every seller wants to maximize his or her profit. Partnering with a real estate agent is a great start. Homeowners can further increase their bottom line with a few simple steps. To get the most out of your house, complete the following before you list.

Hire your own home inspector. If a buyer's inspector finds issues with your home, you can expect your profit to shrink. Stay one step ahead by hiring your own home inspector to unearth any potential issues.

Invest in repairs. In addition to addressing any trouble the home inspection reveals, it's a good idea to have cosmetic issues addressed. Prospective buyers notice things like cracked tile, chipped baseboards, or a squeaky floorboard, and this will be reflected in their offer.

Upgrade where it counts. You don't have to renovate your whole house to turn a healthier profit. Make small, impactful swaps, such as switching out lighting, cabinet hardware, or shower heads for cleaner, more contemporary options.

Add a few new accessories. Fresh flowers and potted plants go a long way in making a room feel inviting. For a cozier living room, drape a cable-knit blanket over the couch. String Edison bulb lights over a patio and put an Adirondack chair on the front porch. These small touches add major warmth.

Treat it like a model home. To sell your house quickly and for the most money, treat it like a house you've been hired to stage. Put personal effects into storage, declutter, remove artwork that could be seen as too loud, and make sure the house is absolutely spotless.

 
Best Backyard BBQ Ever: How to Make It Happen
 
Nothing says summer more invitingly than steaks sizzling on the grill. Whether it's a small family gathering or a fabulous shindig, when you start up the grill, you have an instant party. How can you make sure your culinary creations are a hit? It doesn't take study at the Cordon Bleu, but it does take a bit of know-how.

The first rule is to stay safe. That includes washing everything, never reusing the plate you designate for raw meats, and keeping water handy in case of flare-ups. It also means no rare hamburgers. The Official Scott Robert's Website offers additional tips that are certain to make your party pop. Here are 10 of his best.
  1. If you're using briquettes, light them about 30 minutes before starting to grill. This gives them time to heat and avoids the taste of starter fluid.
  2. When using charcoal, line the inside of your grill with aluminum foil for faster cleanup.
  3. Choose marbled meats for tenderness.
  4. Make chicken skin crispy by rubbing it with oil or butter before cooking.
  5. Don't pierce meat during cooking lest the juices escape.
  6. Coat salted veggies with butter, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, and "throw it on the grill."
  7. Add salt to meats after cooking to avoid drying them out.
  8. Use a stiff wire brush or a piece of crumpled foil to keep your grill grate clean.
  9. When using a marinade, marinate overnight or at least an hour before grilling.
  10. Experiment with different marinades to find a flavor you love.

 
Reduce Waste with These Food Storage Hacks
One of the best ways to manage your grocery budget is to store your food properly.

Start with the fridge. Not all parts of your refrigerator are created equal. Ignore the built-in egg storage in some refrigerator doors. Keep eggs in their cartons. Those doors are warm and won't keep the eggs. Additionally, dairy products are best stored on top shelves where the temperature is most consistent. Meat stores best on the bottom. Keep in mind that meat should only stay in the refrigerator for four days, fish for two. Vegetables and fruits should be kept in separate crispers. Some fruit, including apples and pears, can cause vegetables to spoil.

Counters are also important for storing food. Bananas, melons, and citrus fruits should be stored here. Tomatoes, potatoes, and winter squash are also best kept on the counter, along with garlic, onions, and shallots. As a bonus, these colorful foods can double as decorations and add beauty to your kitchen. Bread should also be stored on the counter, but only for two days. Wrap it in foil or place it in a Ziploc bag. After two days, move it to the refrigerator.

In your pantry, airtight containers are key. They keep your pantry clean and make dry goods last longer. Spices should be kept here to protect them from heat, light, and humidity.

Finally, remember that your freezer is good for more than meat storage. Stock and wine can be frozen in ice cube trays and muffin tins. Once frozen, place the cubes in freezer bags. Thaw to use at your convenience!

 
Wondering How Much Your Home Is Worth?
 
How has the price of your home or rental changed in today's market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for?

If you're wondering what's happening to prices in your area, or you're thinking about selling your house or investment property, I'll be able to help.

Just give my office a call for a no-fuss, professional evaluation.

I won't try to push you into listing with me or waste your time.

I'll just give you the honest facts about your home and its value.

And maybe I'll also give you the "inside scoop" on what's happening in the housing market near where you live!

Just give my office a call or reply to this email to arrange an appointment. Alternatively, stop by at the office.

 
What You Need to Know before Becoming a Landlord
 
Thinking of becoming a landlord? While this can be financially and personally rewarding, you must do your homework before you take the leap.

To help you learn the ropes and avoid any costly missteps, here are some handy tips of the trade.

It cannot be overstated how important it is for landlords to do their pre-closing homework.

During the home inspection, remember to take a thorough look at the property to see what will need to be repaired or replaced.

For example, you might want to change the toilets to low-flow models. You'll also probably want to invest in essential upgrades to three common areas: water, door locks, and flooring.

Don't make the rookie mistake of underestimating the costs of fixing and maintaining the property, both before and after a tenant has moved in.

Most landlords account for insurance and taxes, but it's easy to miss expenses like garbage, gardening, and regular maintenance.

According to Money, you should set aside at least 35 to 45% of your annual rental income to cover these costs. (And when you're calculating this income, it's a good rule of thumb to account for only 10 or 11 monthly payments per year.)

When it comes to finding a tenant, don't be too relaxed. Interview prospective tenants on the phone first to find out if they meet your requirements. Then, it's important to check your potential tenants' credit and speak to their references. Confirm the source and amount of their income. It should be at least 2.5 times the annual rent. You should also learn what's legal in your town. For example, can you ban pets?

Once you've found a great tenant, act fast to get the lease signed. From there, never forget that you're running a business and your tenant is a customer. Treat your customer right, and success is more likely to come your way.
 
 
 
 
 
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Are You Selling Your Home? Get My Free Guide
First impressions count. So if your home isn't looking its best, you could fail to get the best price for it.

Put that problem right by requesting the free report "Great Ideas for Quick, Easy Fixes That Will Help Your Home Sell."
Just reply to this email and I'll send it right out to you.

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Quick Quiz
 
Each month I'll give you a new question.

Just reply to this email for the answer.

What food was considered the food of the gods and was said to bring eternal life to anyone who ate it?
 

Warm Lentil Salad
Try something new! Makes 4 servings
1 cup French green lentils
1 bay leaf
2 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 cup thinly sliced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or sherry
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 large carrots, shredded
1 cup diced tomato
1 tablespoon chopped mint
4 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled
Directions
Rinse lentils. Combine lentils, bay leaf, and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, uncovered, until tender. Remove bay leaf and drain lentils. While lentils are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat. In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk in remaining olive oil. Add lentils, onion mixture, carrots, tomato, mint, and goat cheese, and toss to combine. Serve warm.

Ask the Agent: This Month's Question
When is the best time to sell my home?

Sellers logically want to put their homes on the market when they will sell quickly and for the best price. To achieve this, they must find the busiest home-selling season - for their market. In most areas, this season is spring. For many regions, this time of year offers warmer weather and more daylight for shopping. It's also prime time for families to buy if their goal is to get settled in before the next school year begins. Launching in spring, the busy season typically peaks in June, then tapers off as fall arrives.

However, some areas are less affected by weather changes or may be affected by other factors. The timing and demand for houses may be more or less pronounced at different times of year, depending on the location. This is where real estate agent expertise comes in handy. Your agent is intimately familiar with the local market and can best advise you when your market is hot.
This newsletter and any information contained herein are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or medical advice. The publisher takes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible at any time for any errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek competent professional advice and/or legal counsel with respect to any matter discussed or published in this newsletter. This newsletter is not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.
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