September 2018

5 Most Popular Paint Colors in 2018 The easiest way to modernize a room or home is with paint; color can provide a subtle backdrop or steal the show. From soft neutrals to vivid brights, here are the 5 most exciting new colors for 2018. 1. Charcoals – While the soft neutral grays and taupe of the past few years still enjoys popularity, today’s grays are becoming bolder. Lush earthy grays and even darker charcoal are popping up in designs for 2018. 2. Blues – Always a popular color for paint, modern blues include soft elements of gray and brown, adding dimension. 3. Sage – Another color which incorporates gray tones of contemporary style is sage. Far from the old avocado of the 70s, sage is a delicate neutral which serves as a great backdrop for today’s home. 4. Brights – The accent wall is back in style. Vibrant red, rich purple and mustard yellow are just a few of the newest shades showing up in model homes. Carefully added as accent walls or nooks, these colors add energy and interest to rooms. 5. Blush – This is not your grandmother’s pink. Blush paint tones are delicate blends of pinks, grays and taupe to accentuate the natural light of the room. Every year, home designers embrace new colors intended to update the feel of the home; a simple way to update your home, over the weekend.

Nothing is more frustrating to a home seller than to have their home sit on the market without an offer. Selling a home is a big decision and an emotional one. By the time a homeowner determines the time is right to sell, they are ready to move. In addition, keeping a home show-ready is exhausting, so a listing that just sits is frustrating. The truth is there is only one reason why a listing doesn’t sell and eventually expires…price. It’s always the price. There is a price at which any, and all, homes will garner offers. Even the most run-down foreclosure will receive offers when priced low enough. Home sellers naturally want to get the best possible sales price for their home, but it’s important to be realistic. Present the home in the best possible light and offer it at a reasonable list price. There is nothing to be gained by holding out hope for a higher offer and sellers lose valuable time by trying to do this. A listing will always get the most attention when it’s new on the market. This is the time to get create excitement and get offers. When the house is over-priced it will also be over-looked and eventually, the listing expires.

The 4 Basic Tips for Investing in Real Estate If you are new to real estate investing, there is a lot to learn. Unlike investing in the stock market or mutual funds, the success of a real estate investment largely depends on you; what property you purchase and how you manage the property once you own it. Real estate is a large capital investment, so before you write that first offer, it’s helpful to learn as much as you can. These 4 basic tips will give you some direction as you learn about investment opportunities. 1. Location, Location, Location – One of the most important aspects of a successful real estate investment is the location. The right neighborhood, street or community can make thousands of dollars of difference. 2. Consider Wholesale Properties – Watch for properties listed below market value. Foreclosure lists, courthouse auctions and short sales are just a few of the options to buy below market value. 3. Understand the Tax Advantages – Before you invest, visit your tax professional and learn about write-offs, business taxes and tax breaks. Figure these numbers into your plans. 4. Manage Your Credit – Leverage is important in real estate investing. Determine your ability to gain loans and correct any mistakes in your credit report. Real estate investing has the potential for great profit. Do your homework before jumping into the market and you can position yourself to make the right decisions for your portfolio.

Make the Move Easier on Your Furry Friends Moving day can be stressful on everyone. Regardless of how carefully you plan your move, the day itself is still filled with activity and unexpected issues which can cause anxiety. If you have pets, imagine how unsettled they feel as their environment is packed up and taken away? While nothing can prevent some stress, there are a few tips to make the move easier on your furry friends. • Prepare a pet-kit. This should include all the necessities; food, toys, blankets, etc. • Talk with your vet. In advance, determine if you need a new vet and any specific concerns they have for your pet. You might even consider a sedative. • Isolate your pets from the action and keep them safely contained. • Transport your pets in your own car. While movers often offer pet moving services, try to keep them with you, if at all possible. • Remember behavior could change. Keep pets carefully contained while moving. A scared dog could run away during a potty break, even if this isn’t normal behavior. • Introduce pets to the home slowly. Allow them to adjust to their new surroundings by slowly allowing them to move around the home. Change happens. Help your pets feel secure and safe by shielding them from the craziness and help them feel secure in their new home.

What are Contingencies on a Contract? Contingencies are commonplace in contracts of all kinds. A contingency allows for one party or another to legally back out of a contract in the event of some specific condition occurring. They are protection against the unknown. In real estate, there can be contingencies inserted for either buyer or seller or both. These take many different forms and until removed in writing, either party may change their minds based on the result of the contingent event or issue. Some examples of home buyer contingencies: • Home inspections – condition of the home • Specialty inspections – mold, geological, roof inspections • Code Violations – an investigation into improvements made without permits • Lender appraisal – ensures the offered price is not too high • Sale of current home – allows the buyer to back out if they cannot sell their current home in specific time frame • Final loan approval – loan is ready for signature and close • HOA CC&Rs – review of documents to ensure rules and regulations do not infringe on enjoyment of property • Insurability – home owner’s insurance available at a reasonable rate Home sellers can also have contingencies included as well, such as one which states the sale is contingent on finding a replacement home. Contingencies are a fact of contract law. In real estate, they ensure that the offer is concluded as expected.