Blog

Personal Development

Gain An Extra Hour EVERY Week!

by indianapolisareahomesforsaleLeave a Comment on Gain An Extra Hour EVERY Week!

 

Wasn’t it nice to have that extra hour this past Sunday?  What did you do with it?  Did you sleep in longer or did you tackle one more task on your “to do”?

As a self proclaimed “Type A” individual, some days I feel like there’s not enough time to accomplish everything I’d like “to do”.  BUT, Sunday I used my extra hour to chill out.  I really did!  I lounged with my coffee a little longer before church and my daughter’s 2pm basketball game.  We had dinner earlier then usual, we rented a movie, and I went to bed early.  It was great!

Now, back to MY “real world” and my “to do” list.  And, thoughts of how I can try and gain an extra hour each week so I can replay Sunday all over again.

timeWake up a teeny, teeny bit earlier

I say “teeny, teeny” because I squeeze in every second of shut eye that I can – including hitting snooze for 9 minutes some days. BUT – this week I got up just five minutes earlier and it made NO difference on my sleep time but it made a huge difference in my coffee/lounge time.  If I do that 5 days a week, that’s almost a 1/2 hour freed up (to delete all the junk mail in my inbox every morning)!

 

mealsPrepare meals in advance.

I’ve tried this before – prepping meals on Sunday to portion out lunches and dinners for our work/school week. It actually takes A LOT of time. I don’t gain any hours that way.  However, it does help free up time during the week so I’m going to stay the course.  In addition, I’ve started ordering grocery delivery from Peapod and with their grocery delivery program you can also order FRESH ready made meal kits.  I made three slow cookers meals last week and I didn’t have to measure or chop anything!!  Then Monday, I bought a freshly prepared lasagna meal from Costco which easily fed my family of four and they loved it.  All of the above helped me gain about TWO extra hours this week.

shopShop on-line

I used to have see it, touch it, try it on, etc.  Now, it takes too long.  With free shipping offered on most items and the ability to buy near anything on line, I’ve gained more than a hour a week.  Just last week I ordered my face wash, my son’s Halloween costume, and a huge bottle of white vinegar (my odor eliminator & fabric softener of choice for our home laundry) in 5 minutes.  Easy!

 

mailHandle your “snail mail” ONCE

This is hard because sometimes I look at the items, put them down, and say I’ll get to this later.  NO!  Handle it immediately.  It will help you gain many minutes later.  I start sorting the mail walking slowly back from my mailbox and toss all the “junk” in the recycle container in the garage before I enter the house.  I even OPEN and toss the envelopes of items I have to open in the container as well.  I deliver bills and donation requests to our home office; place coupons in my coupon envelope in my handbag; and stack magazines on the coffee table to be read when I have more time.  Of course it’s not always this easy but the goal is to avoid handling the same piece of mail over and over to gain time later.

televisionTurn the TV off earlier

I had a bad habit of watching TV after the kids went to bed for a specific amount of time whether or not there’s was something “good” on that I wanted to watch.  Lately, even if it’s only been a half hour, if there’s nothing that I absolutely LOVE on TV or my DVR to watch, I turn off the TV and pick up a book.  I finished my new thriller in three evenings!  A few weeks ago I would have told you I had no time to read a book.  Not only did I have time – I finished the book in record time (for me)!

I could list many more ways to gain an hour of time each week.  Maybe that will be a Part 2 entry later.

What have you done recently to gain time?

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist
The Tumbarello Group

Market Update, Seller Tips

Will Your Home Sell In the Winter?

by indianapolisareahomesforsaleLeave a Comment on Will Your Home Sell In the Winter?

Will your home sell in the winter? The short answer is – YES!  Now, read the many reasons why.

It’s a common belief that one should put his/her home on the market in the Spring to attract those who would like to move during summer break. But not all home buyers have school aged kids – or any kids – to consider when choosing their next home and the time of year isn’t relevant if your home is a perfect fit for a serious buyer.

Here’s top reasons why a home will sell in the winter.

Less competition and low inventory
Fewer homes for sale means less competition for buyer’s attention. When serious buyers are looking for a home with your homes features and benefits, the law of supply and demand works in your favor.

Serious buyers will buy no matter the season
The spring brings a lot of “lookie-lous”, as I like to call them.  I was a “lookie-lou” for TWO YEARS.  The weather breaks and many are on a field trip to see what’s happening on the market. Most likely they are contemplating projects in their own home and/or considering selling in the future. Serious buyers are looking to buy. There are less “lookie-lous” this time of year, and less inventory, so when they find the perfect house for them, they will make an offer no matter the month.

My husband and I, as I said, were “lookie-lous” for two years. When our current home became available early Fall, we had to jump on it or it would be gone by spring.  We closed November 7th and we were in our new family home in time to host Thanksgiving.

The Baby Boom
Summer months rank the highest for baby births, with the most babies born in September according to data compiled between 1994 and 2014 by the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Social Security Administration. What this means for home sellers is there are buyers out there looking to buy a larger home for their growing family once the baby is home and settled.

Using myself as an example once again:  Twelve years ago, our son was only 2 months old when we (unexpectedly) decided to buy our (larger, one level, open concept) second home together.  We closed on December 21, 2006 and moved in January 4, 2007!

Corporate Relocations
Indy is home to many large companies that transfer talent to their Indianapolis locations. Companies tend to relocate employees in the first quarter with January and February as the biggest months. During this time buyers need choices – and they need to move quickly. Once they find a home that fits their family and timeline, they will make the offer! The law of supply and demand, once again, will work in your favor once again.

Renters with Expiring Leases
Many winter buyers are working against a deadline and they are serious. If not a corporate relocation it could be due to an expiring lease or contract on their current home.

Buyers with Time off Work
We know summer is a desired time on average for some people to move but just because the kids are out of school, not all employed individuals have summer vacation time. Most people have more time off around the holidays. That means more time for viewing your listing on line and scheduling home showings.

Year End Tax Breaks
Some expenses associated with buying a home are tax deductible and there are many tax benefits to owning a home. New home owners can take advantage of these deductions on their next filing if they close on a home before the new year. And if they are also selling a home to purchase your home, they will benefit from more tax breaks!

Year End Company Bonuses
Have you seen “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation“?  Chevy Chase’s character anticipates his yearly bonus and starts to plan to build a pool for his family with the extra money. Some buyers who are receiving a year end bonus may choose this time to put a down payment on a new home. They may have been researching during spring or summer but financially not able to move forward with a purchase until they have the down payment money. When they’re able to purchase, your home will be front and center with the lack of competition you’d be up against in the spring.

 

Don’t be afraid to list your home in the winter. And if you listed late summer or early fall, rest assured there are buyers still looking.  Price your home well within the current market of it’s location and it will attract a buyer who loves it as much as you do!

 

If you have questions on current market conditions or would like a free market analysis on your home, please email me at shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com. I’m happy to help!

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist
The Tumbarello Group

 

Household Tips

Monthly Maintenance Tips – September 2018

by indianapolisareahomesforsaleLeave a Comment on Monthly Maintenance Tips – September 2018

As a homeowner, you know there’s a lot of upkeep to protect your investment.  Don’t get overwhelmed – do a little each season, each month, and each week to keep your home in top notch shape.  Here’s Septembers “To-Do” list.

  • Inspect roofing for missing, loose or damaged shingles and leaks.
  • Power-wash windows and siding
  • Flush hot water heater and remove sediment
  • Winterize air conditioning system
  • Have your HVAC inspected in preparation for winter
  • Check weatherstripping on doors and windows
  • Clean garbage disposal by running it with water, ice, baking soda and citrus rinds.
  • Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
  • Apply fertilizer to lawn

What would you add to this list to prepare your home for the Autumn season and cooler temps?

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist
The Tumbarello Group

Buyer Tips

Guide to Financing Your Home Purchase

by indianapolisareahomesforsaleLeave a Comment on Guide to Financing Your Home Purchase

GET PREAPPROVED

Getting preapproved requires that a lender verify your financial information, and it serves as their commitment to lend a specified amount based on that information. It will give you a number of advantages. When you find a property, sellers will take your offer more seriously given that you have a lender that has committed to backing your offer.

It also gives you the assurance that you’re looking at homes you can confidently afford to finance. Your efforts will be focused on properties that match your financing abilities.

You’ll have an edge over other buyers who aren’t preapproved. In situations where there are multiple offers on a property, this can be the difference between having your offer accepted or losing the property to another buyer.

FINANCING METHODS

Fixed-Rate Mortgage

The interest rate stays the same for the entire term of the loan — usually 15 or 30 years — so the interest and principal portions of your monthly payment remain the same. Your payments are stable and predictable, but initial interest rates tend to be higher on a fixed-rate mortgage than on adjustable-rate loans.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)

The interest on an adjustable-rate mortgage is linked to a financial index, such as a Treasury security, so your monthly payments can vary, up or down, over the life of the loan – usually 30 years. Some adjustable-rate mortgages have a cap on the interest rate increase to protect the borrower. The lower initial payments on ARMs make it easier for buyers to qualify.

Conventional Loan

A conventional loan can have as little as 3% down with mortgage insurance. To avoid mortgage insurance, you have to have a minimum of 20% down. The maximum amount for conventional loans is $424,100. Loans above $424,100 require a jumbo loan. The advantage of a conventional loan is that there is no upfront mortgage insurance payment and mortgage insurance can be removed when you have paid the loan down to 80%.

FHA

An FHA loan requires at least a 3.5% down payment. The advantage of an FHA loan is that it has lower credit score guidelines and allows higher debt to income ratios to qualify. This is generally a good choice for first time homebuyers, but be sure to talk to a trusted lender to determine if this is the right product for you.

VA

A VA loan requires zero down payment and does not require mortgage insurance. It also has lower credit score guidelines and allows higher debt to income ratios. This loan is reserved for qualified veterans. To determine if you qualify, you can work with your trusted lender to obtain your certificate of eligibility.

USDA

USDA loans require zero down payments, but they do require guarantee insurance, which is similar to mortgage insurance. Homes are restricted to designated rural areas determined by USDA, and USDA has maximum household income limits for eligibility.

Click here to download a LOAN PRE-APPLICATION CHECK LIST

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist
The Tumbarello Group

Household Tips

August Household “To Dos”

by indianapolisareahomesforsaleLeave a Comment on August Household “To Dos”

This time of year in mid-August has always been a weird transition for me.  It’s still summer and HOT, but with kids back in school and fall sports season started, my mind wonders to fall activities and fall maintenance.  Just last weekend we got a wild hair and cleaned out our garage.  It looks and feels amazing.

It motivated me to think – what can I tackle in August to get ready for fall so I’m ahead of the task list this year?

August Household “To Dos”:

Create a family Calendar

Last week was the first week back to school so I broke down and purchased a white board calendar.  It’s really great.  All of our appointments related to work, school, sports, meetings, etc. are all in one place.  We color coded everyone and although not Pinterest worthy, it works!

Organize and Clean Summer Items and Gear

You never know when the weather will flip and you no longer need the beach toys, towels and endless items that clutter your laundry room and garage during summer months.  During our garage clean out we pitched almost empty bubbles containers, broken shovels, and nubby sidewalk chalk. We narrowed down our beach bag collection to just a couple and took inventory of faded, thinning towels.  When our last day at the beach, pool or lake finally comes, we’re already organized for winter storage.

Clean and organize the kitchen and pantry for Fall.

My recent Sam’s Club stock up shop last week to get ready for back to school lunches and quick evening dinners forced me to clean out my fridge and pantry too.  It took some time but it was worth it and now I feel like it can carry me over until “Spring Cleaning Season”.

Clean out the car

For me, sometimes it’s easier to leave items in the trunk if they’re used so often.  Picnic blankets, camp chairs, sunscreen, sunglasses, ball caps, DVDs for the road trips.  But, when summer comes to a close, it’s a good time to give your car a thorough cleaning.  Clean out the glove box, cup holders and door cubbies and wipe them down.  I like to take my car to a local car wash company that as long as I declutter, they do an amazing job vacuuming the dirt, sand, and cookie crumbs as well as wiping down all of the interior after washing the exterior.

Organize Closets

Again, it always seems like I can’t find what I’m looking for that first day it becomes cool, windy or chilly rain.  Soon the temps will drop so take time now to purge and donate items you aren’t in love with for fall and find out if those windbreakers still fit for when the weather changes. Make a list of what you need for fall and get started supplementing (gloves, boots, jackets, etc).

Other ideas I haven’t tackled yet but it’s on my list this month:

  • Clean my baseboards.  Hoping I get another wild hair like when we cleaned out the garage.
  • Assess my Fall Décor.  A craft store ALREADY had fall and Halloween décor displayed in JULY! I just wasn’t ready to think about it yet.
  • Finish outdoor projects.  For us this includes some deck repair and most definitely inspecting the windows and roof.
  • Organize my home office.  I love working from home, especially when it’s dark and quiet in the morning. I can sip my coffee while being productive.  But, the office is suffering from our busy summer.
  • Organize summer memories.  Before the holidays come around again, I need to transfer pictures on my phone into my favorite share site where I organize by year, month and function.  Another time consuming activity that always makes me feel accomplished when it’s completed.
  • Plan Halloween costumes.  We already have a Halloween party on the calendar and the next two months always fly by with our busy sports and social calendar.  Any costume ideas you can share?

Do you have any ideas for August projects to get your home in tip top shape for fall?

Shawna O’Brien
shawna.obrien@talktotucker.com
F.C. Tucker Geist
The Tumbarello Group