Family Trips - A Top Priority - 5 Reasons to Plan Now

5 Reasons to Make Family Travel a Priority

RISMEDIA, Wednesday, August 24, 2016— (TNS)—Whether you take advantage of last-minute travel deals or organize a shared experience, make a family trip a top priority. Here are five reasons to plan now.

1. Time is of the essence.

Sure, things are heating up at the office. Deadlines loom. Projects are underway. And of course, the family budget may be stressing the seams. But what could be more important than time away with the ones you love? Your plans need not be elaborate. Consider nearby festivals, camping, house trading, hiking or biking trips.

2. Things change.

Kids grow up. Cousins move away. Grandparents age. Before you know it, that family reunion that sounds like fun, the lake you long to fish, or the resort that has captured your attention will have somehow altered and will no longer be possible or appealing.Make plans now to capture the memories unique to this era in your family's evolution.

3. There is always something to learn.

Do your kids yearn to learn to surf or sail? To know more about space? Or science? Do they love art? Or are they eager to fly-fish? Perhaps they want to know more about their own family history and the places that forged the bonds of your clan.

Whether you opt for magnificent museums or nature’s classroom, give them the gift of knowledge by taking advantage of their current curiosity. Who knows where it will lead?

4. Create a “first” memory.

Many adults can readily recall a “first” they experienced while on vacation with their own families: a first glimpse of the Grand Canyon, the towering skyline of New York City, the White House, the pounding surf of the Pacific or a majestic fourteener. Often, that moment will be recalled as life changing.

Consider sharing such a moment with your own children. Talk about it. See what renders a sparkle in their eyes. Then make it happen.

5. Share an experience.

Shared experiences make for powerful memories. Consider changing someone else’s life through a volunteer vacation. Take on a challenge together like running or walking in a 10K in a neighboring town. Horseback into the backcountry. Plan to raft a river or paddle a canoe through a wilderness area. Travel the Oregon Trail or explore Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail and spend time talking about what it means.

©2016 The Dallas Morning News
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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Financial pros and cons of buying their college student an off-campus home

Pros and Cons: Buying a Property for a College Student

RISMEDIA, Friday, August 26, 2016— There’s no way around it, supporting a college student can be very expensive. Food, books, and most importantly, housing — all add a hefty expense on top of tuition. That's why the idea of purchasing a property for a college student can be a good investment strategy for families and an alternative to paying rent for four years. If you have clients with children going off to college, use this list to help them weigh the financial pros and cons of buying their college student an off-campus home.  

Pros:

• Offers possible tax benefits, appreciation in value, rental income, etc. Educate your clients on the area and demographics of the town in which they're considering a purchase, as well as the current property values and typical rent prices.  
• Provides a stable living situation for their child and helps avoid rising rent prices and security deposits.
• Eliminates any need to pay storage costs for furniture during summer breaks. In addition, they can rent the property out during the summer to make money. 

Cons:

• Creates homeowner costs such as a mortgage, insurance, and repairs. Have your clients determine a budget and create a list of estimated costs.
• Unlikely to turn a profit or even recoup the costs of buying and selling the property after their student graduates (e.g., 3-5 years).
• Must be prepared for the typical "college renter" consequences, i.e., the occasional party trashing, heedless roommate damage, etc. College students don’t have the best reputation when it comes to taking care of properties. Make sure your clients are financially prepared to cover possible repairs.
• Inherent risk: their student could decide to transfer to a different school, or move back home. Make sure your clients have thought about what they would do if something like this happened. 

Give this checklist to your client to help them determine if buying a property for their college student is a good investment.

Your real estate business is bigger than you think. ReferralExchange  matches your clients with 3 great agents and pays you a 25 percent referral fee at closing.

For more information, visit www.referralexchange.com.

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Pop-Up Staging - Inexpensive method to spruce up your home to sell!

Set the Selling Scene with Pop-Up Staging

RISMEDIA, Tuesday, August 23, 2016— Staging is a sizable expense for home sellers, who spend hundreds—even thousands— appointing their homes to web- and show-ready state. The National Association of REALTORS® reports the median spend on staging is $675, and according to StagedHomes.com, professional staging services average $3,000 to $5,000. Add remodeling expenditures to the tally, and the cost is considerable.

Enter pop-up staging, a new, inexpensive method that can eliminate the cost of not only hiring a stager, but also renting, transporting and storing décor and furniture. Flat-pack pieces made of lightweight materials like cardboard and corrugated plastic “pop up” in each room, effectively setting the scene as real housewares (and stage productions!) would.

One pop-up sets provider, Dandy Pack, purveys slip-covered cardboard furniture sturdy enough to withstand 1,000-plus pounds without collapsing. The company’s starter kit, which includes a full/queen bed, a sofa, an oversized chair and an ottoman, costs $1,031. The pieces, which ship in as few as two business days, can be assembled by the listing agent or the seller, further controlling costs.


Credit: Dandy Pack

inFormed Space, another pop-up staging vendor currently operating in New York City, supplies similar products made of plastic (assembled with hidden magnets), as well as set-up and break-down services. Two months of staging by the company starts at $1,899, and set-up can take just one afternoon.


Credit: The New York Times

Both products’ neutral finishes achieve the goal of conventional staging: de-personalization, minus the sparseness of a vacant space. Both render superbly in online listing images, drawing interest as traditionally staged homes do, and their clean lines read contemporary, but accessible.

Will pop-up staging become the new norm? With savings to be had, we won’t close the curtain on these prop pieces any time soon.

This post was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for top real estate tips and trends.

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How to Save on Closing Costs When Buying A Home

How to Save on Closing Costs When You Buy a Home

By Abby Hayes 

Many future homebuyers spend years saving and planning for a down payment. But when they get ready to actually purchase a home, they’re shocked at the amount of closing costs.

On average, closing costs amount to between 2 and 5 percent of the total purchase priceof a home. That can be a hefty fee, even for a modest house!

Learn More: A Complete Guide to Closing Costs

While certain closing costs are inevitable, buyers have control over some of them. Whether you’re just starting the home search or ending the process for your dream home, you can take steps to save on your closing costs. Here are 9 ways to save on closing costs:

1. Shop around for a lender

Because many closing costs are set by the lender, final costs can vary greatly from lender to lender. This is one reason shopping for a mortgage lender is so important. When you shop around, lenders should give you a good faith estimate (GFE) of your potential total costs, including closing costs. Examine the costs line by line to see who is offering the best deal.

Need Help? How to Find the Best Mortgage Lender

2. Negotiate lender fees

Once you have GFEs in hand, you can leverage them to negotiate for lower closing costs with your lender. If you need to, walk through the fees line by line. You may be able to shop around for some individual services, such as an appraisal, or simply get the lender to reduce some of the fees they impose.

3. Check for a reissue rate for your title

Most of the time, you’ll need to pay a fee for a title search and title insurance. A title search ensures that there are no outstanding liens on the home you’re planning to buy. And title insurance protects you and the lender in case something was missed during the title search.

These are typically required costs. However, if the seller purchased the home less than 10 years ago, you may qualify for a reissue rate on the title insurance, which will make it cheaper.

4. Buy title insurance directly

Another way to save on title insurance is to buy it directly, rather than through a larger company or conglomerate. New companies, such as OneTitle, allow buyers and lenders to do this. This can save between 20% and 40% on the total cost of title insurance.

5. Research before you pay points

Many lenders will offer the option of paying points up front during closing. This fee gets rolled into other closing costs. This can sometimes save you significant cash over the life of your loan, since each point paid at closing will reduce your interest rate. But how much you save depends on a variety of factors, including current interest rates and how long you stay in the home.

Here’s one helpful calculator to show you how paying points might work out in your favor. Run the cost-benefit analysis before you decide whether or not to pay points.

6. Shop around for insurance

At closing, you’ll be required to pay for a year’s worth of homeowner’s insurance up front. This obviously results in a hefty fee, and can make up a substantial percentage of your monthly payment. This is why it’s so important to shop around for homeowner’s insurance to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

7. Ask for the seller to pay some of the costs

Strapped for cash or just wanting to reserve some cash to make improvements on the new home? Ask your seller to pay some of the closing costs. This is a fairly standard practice, especially in a buyer’s market. If the home you’re buying has been on the market for a while, you’ll have better luck with this tactic.

8. Examine the forms before you sign

Before you sign your closing documents, be sure to go over all of the closing fees. Sometimes lenders will slip in last-minute expenses unexpectedly. Compare your final closing costs to those listed in your Good Faith Estimate, and be sure to ask about any changes or discrepancies before you finish closing.

9. Close at the end of the month

When you buy a home, you actually don’t make a payment until the month after you close. So on your closing day, you’ll pay for accrued interest from your closing day until the end of your closing month. So if you close on June 1st, you’ll pay accrued interest from the 1st through the 30th. But if you close on the 29th, you’ll only pay two days’ worth of accrued interest.

Closing costs are just part of the home buying game. You’ll have to pay at least some on the day you close on your home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t save a few hundred, or even a few thousand, dollars by using tactics like these.

Have you used any of these in your own homebuying experiences? How much money did you save?

Moving on? 8 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale - Stress Free

AUGUST 17, 2016

Eight Tips to Prepare Your Home for SaleSo, you’ve decided to sell your home but don’t know where to start? It takes time and planning to get your home market ready, but a well-maintained home can help you get the best price in the shortest amount of time.

CALL A REAL ESTATE EXPERT FOR HELP

The first step is to choose a good listing agent who will become familiar with your home and all it has to offer. Your Realtor will complete a market analysis based on comparable homes that have sold in the area, so that together you’ll set the best price for your home. Your agent may also suggest any needed updates that will deliver the best return on your investment, and some even provide home staging tips to make your home look more inviting.

They’ll encourage you to scrutinize your home like a buyer. You’ll want to walk through every room and make a list of what needs to be repaired, repainted or de-cluttered. To simplify these tasks, here is a list of our top recommendations to help you get your home looking its best to prepare it for sale.

1. Maximize Curb Appeal

   • Cut grass, pull weeds, trim hedges, sweep leaves and debris from your front walkway and porch.
   • Paint your front door if needed.

2. Declutter

   • Clean closets, basement and garage, and clear kitchen counters.
   • Rent a storage unit for off-season clothes and bulky furniture.

3. Clean

   • Dust and clean ceiling fan blades, fireplace mantle, appliances, faucets, moldings, baseboards and windows.
   • Consider getting your carpets professionally cleaned.

4. Repair

   • Fix or replace anything that is broken.

5. De-personalize

   • Remove family photos, kid’s artwork on the refrigerator and knickknacks.

6. Brighten up

   • Open all shades and blinds.
   • Add floor or table lamps to dim areas; turn all lights on for evening showings.

7. Appeal to the Senses

   • Bake cookies or bread, or light a scented candle for a homey smell.

8. Create a Spa-like Bathroom

   • Add a luxurious look with plants, scented candles, colorful coordinating towels, washcloths and rugs.

Once you have put in the hard work and hired the right agent to advise you along the way, your home is sure to make a favorable impression on potential buyers.

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6 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

6 Ways to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

RISMEDIA, Tuesday, August 16, 2016— These days, it seems everyone is improving their efforts to be more sustainable. From ride sharing to recycling, “green” is on the tip of nearly everyone's tongue. But how green is your home? There are some easy steps you can take to improve the energy efficiency of your home, which not only helps the environment—it saves you big bucks.

Below are six ways you can make your home more energy-efficient.

1. Begin by focusing on those small cracks and crevices around doors and windows. According to Lowe’s, a 1/8-in. space between a standard exterior door and its threshold is equivalent to a 2 sq.-in. hole in the wall. Close those gaps to save up to 15 percent in heating and cooling costs and also reduce the demand on your heating and cooling system.

2. Lower your water heater’s thermostat setting; less heat means less fuel, and you likely don't need your shower scalding.

3. Blanket or insulate the water heater to reduce the amount of heat lost by the unit, particularly if it is located in an unheated area.

4. Insulate water pipes, at least the hot water pipes, to prevent heat loss that can cause your water heater to work harder.

5. Change furnace filters to prevent reduced airflow through the heating/cooling system and overheating that can lead to premature compressor damage in the A/C systems.

6. Install water-saving shower heads, and, if possible, purchase a water-saving toilet.

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OCMD Sandfest Aug 26 -to Aug 28

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OC SANDFEST - August 22-28, 2016

Back by popular demand!  Experience all of the fun at the 3rd Annual Ocean City Sandfest.  OC Sandfest will feature giant sand sculptures along the beautiful Ocean City boardwalk with special family attractions and activities.

August 22-26, watch as master champion sand sculptors transform the smooth beach sand into massive works of art.  Sculptures will remain on display thru August 28.  Stroll along the Boardwalk from N. Division Street to 4th Street to see these breathtaking sculptures.

On Thursday, August 25, there will be a Sand Sculpting Class at 9am followed by a Family Sand Sculpting Competition at 10am.  Prizes will be awarded at noon.  Gather your friends and family and join the fun!  On Saturday, August 27, there will be a Hands in the Sand Demonstration at 9am, where you can learn some tricks of the trade from the pros.  All events will be taking place on the beach near N. Division Street.

New this year, spectators can vote for their favorite sculpture!  Make sure to pick up a vote for ballot at the Sandfest information tent, stroll along the boardwalk to find your favorite sculpture, and turn the ballot back in for a chance to win a prize.

The nights of Friday, August 26, Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28, see the Sand Sculptures like never before as they light up the night from 8pm to 11pm.  In addition, the OC Beach Lights show will take place Sunday night on the beach at N. Division Street with three different shows at 9:30pm, 10pm, and 10:30pm.  These shows feature lasers, lights, music, special effects and more, all displayed displayed on a five-story giant beach ball.

For additional OC Sandfest information, visit www.ocsandfest.com, call 410-798-6304, or email infoevent@specialeventpro.com

These exciting events are brought to you by the Ocean City Mayor and City Council along with the Tourism Advisory Board and generous sponsors, including 28th Street Pit & Pub, dough Roller, Francis Scott Key Resort, Hotel Motel Restaurant Association, Layton's Family Restaurant, OC Today, and Seacrets.

Please see OC Sandfest pictures below:

4 Tips When Moving to a new State - A Moving Checklist

           4 Tips to Consider When Moving to a New State

RISMEDIA, Saturday, August 06, 2016— Relocating to a new state offers the opportunity to start fresh and experience a life you may not have otherwise planned. But, like anything new, moving can present its own unique challenges, from organizing what to bring and discard, to deciding where to enroll the kids in school, to ensuring everyone remains happy and positive. Truly, the devil is in the details.

But because deciding where to move is the easy part, it's wise to cobble together a moving checklist to ensure you're not excluding any items to make your new house a home. Check out these helpful tips that will make your out-of-state move as seamless as possible.

Create a Checklist and Budget
Getting organized is one of the keys to a successful move. The best way to start is by creating a checklist. For example, in addition to packing and arranging moving services, you will need to:

• Change your address and phone number
• Update your billing and credit card information
• Update your insurance policies
• Obtain a new driver's license and plates

After creating this checklist, organize it chronologically into a calendar. For instance, you might start sorting through your belongings and research moving companies two months before your move, order moving supplies six weeks ahead of your move, and start packing and scheduling moving services a month ahead of time. Real Simple provides a sample calendar checklist that you can modify.

As you develop your checklist and calendar, you should also start planning a budget for the items on your list. Moving out of state can be expensive — as much as $8,000 to $14,000 if you're moving across the country, according to Updater.com. Items to include in your budget include:

• Moving company expenses
• Costs for unpacking and assembling appliances
• Vehicle transportation costs
• Post-move costs for security deposits and furniture

Before Your Move
Your checklist should include a number of key items you need to complete before your move. These include researching the cost of living in your new state, scheduling moving services, conducting a home inventory in deciding what to keep or discard, and packing. You may also need to take care of arranging transportation for plants and pets, collecting important documents and paperwork (insurance and school records), and canceling utility services at your old home and activating them at your new home.

Finding the Right Movers
Choosing the right movers can make the difference between a smooth moving experience and a big hassle. Interstate moving companies are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which requires them to comply with regulations for registration, a unique Department of Transportation number and insurance. This information should be posted on their website. You can read moving company reviews and receive quotes at MovingCompanyReviews.com. When considering moving companies, find out if they will subcontract your move, which might mean some of your belongings arrive at different times than others.

Post-Move Follow-Up
After moving into your new home — surprise! — there are a few more items to check off your list. Some of the more high-priority items include getting acclimated and set up with your new job, finding new local healthcare providers and registering your car. DMV.org provides an online map to discover motor-vehicle registration and license plate requirements for any state. You should also make it a habit of become familiar with local traffic and safety laws in your new home state, which you can research on driving-tests.org.

Finally, start laying down some social roots by checking out community events and getting to know your neighbors. Soon, with any luck, your new house will start to feel like a home.

This post was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for top real estate tips and trends.

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Mortgage Rates Land Near 2016 Lows - Prosperity Home Mortgage = 3.375% Rate

Mortgage Rates Land Near 2016 Low

As part of my continued service to you, I'd like to provide the most up-to-date interest rates at Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC. This is an indication of mortgage rates at the time this document is published. Specific rates are quoted based on a borrower’s qualifying criteria, credit score, equity, property type, and any applicable state-specific requirements. I would like the opportunity to provide specific rate quotes to your clients based on their specific needs.

REFERRAL PARTNER RATE SHEET August 6, 2016   Rate APR Points 30 Year Fixed 3.375% 3.497% 0.000 15 Year Fixed 2.625% 2.869% 0.250 5 Year ARM 2.875% 3.470% 0.000 5/5 ARM (>$417K) 3.000% 3.126% 0.125 5 Year FHA ARM 3.000% 3.786% 0.000 30 Year FHA 3.125% 4.258% 0.250 30 Year VA  3.250% 3.533% 0.000 5 Year VA ARM 3.000% 3.006% 0.000 30 Year USDA 3.250% 4.047% 0.000 Two Step 15/15 ARM 3.750% 3.563% 0.000 30 Year Jumbo 3.500% 3.559% 0.250

Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC and I look forward to working with you to develop client relationships that last a lifetime. Please contact me at 410-937-1520 or lisa.diesel@phmloans.com if I can assist you or any of your clients.

RISMEDIA, Saturday, August 06, 2016— Average fixed mortgage rates declined after nudging slightly higher for three consecutive weeks, according to the recently released Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®).

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.43 percent with an average 0.5 point for the week ending August 4, 2016, down from last week when it averaged 3.48 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.91 percent.

Additionally, the 15-year FRM this week averaged 2.74 percent with an average 0.5 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.78 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.13 percent.

The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.73 percent this week with an average 0.5 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.78 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 2.94 percent.

"Treasury yields fell last week following both the FOMC's meeting and a disappointing advance estimate for second quarter GDP,” says Sean Becketti, chief economist, Freddie Mac. “Mortgage rates, which had moved up 7 basis points over the past three weeks, responded by erasing most of those gains, falling 5 basis points to 3.43 percent this week for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Mortgage rates have been below 3.5 percent every week since June 30. Borrowers are taking advantage of these low rates by refinancing. The latest Weekly Applications Survey results from the Mortgage Bankers Association show refinance activity up 55 percent since last year."

For more information, visit www.FreddieMac.com.

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Is A Summer Home Right For You? Things to Consider When Buying A Summer Home is an Option.

                                    5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Summer Home

RISMEDIA, Wednesday, August 03, 2016— My brother’s favorite summer car game was table tennis. Off the back of my head in a minivan, with a rubber bouncy ball on a string. Now, as adults, we all play a different game in summer car rides. It’s called: “Hey, we should all chip in buy a cabin together.” Done well, this is a generational dream come true. Done poorly, you will actually be daydreaming of feeding a family member into a chipper.
 

Perhaps no summer decision could have more lasting effects than the purchase of a summer home. Let’s make sure those effects keep everyone happy:

1. Can my kids take care of this house?
Why don’t you buy pets for your loved ones every holiday? Puppies make you melt, admit it. You’d love to drop one off for your sibling or their kids every holiday, and then leave before you have to clean anything up. Yes - real estate is an investment. Yes - most people would take it as a gift. But it’s also a costly, time-consuming investment, one that requires monthly attention. If you just drop it off like a stork for your kids, good intentions and all, they have to figure out who, how, and when to maintain it. Then, the soldiers have to figure out what to do without the general (back to that table tennis…) and bedlam ensues. If you are going to give a summer home to your kids, specify one owning party (one child), and the terms of sharing it with the other kids. But, that’s only if you want them to talk to each other when you are gone.

2. Do I like room service?
Don’t forget, for the price you are going to pay for a summer home——you could enjoy first class hotels wherever you want them. And massages. And dinners. And Ferrari rental cars. When you own a summer home, you own it. Even if you hire work out on the home, when you are there, someone will clog the toilet, and you'll spend a whole weekend with rubber gloves on. If this situation makes you quiver, stick to the hotel and room service, and put the balance of the money into your house, converting it to a 15-year loan to pay it down faster.

3. Do I want to marry this location?
The great thing about summer vacations is that they are over quickly. Remember that hotel room next to the drunk people throwing up off the balcony? You get to drive away the next morning with a refund. When you buy a summer home, you are marrying that location. Do you want to go there every year? Do you want to see those neighbors every year?  Do you want to swim in the same lake every summer? If so, maybe you should buy it. If not, maybe a perfectly clean rental home, at a different spot every summer, is your cut.

4. Who gets to be the villain?
Well, someone has to do it. Someone has to collect taxes. Someone has to send out the bill for the garbage disposal that your cousin plugged with beer bottle caps (yes, that was an in-law, and yes, I am bitter about it).  Someone has to decide it’s time for everyone to throw in $5,000 for a new roof. Will that be you? There has to be a villain, a tax guy, a character in a black robe with a scythe. Some rare Disneyland families somehow beat this trend and everyone drops money in the basket at donation time. Most are more like mine: the rich guy is cheap, the rich girl gives too much, and the engineer wants to do it himself. Who is going to wrangle these folks up and take their money…for the garbage disposal that none of them broke?

5. Who wants it during Christmas?
In Seattle, no one. Summer homes near Seattle, where I live, are universally dreary in the winter. But the Fourth of July? Everyone wants the cabin. Memorial Day? Labor Day? Same thing in both cases; these are the golden cows of vacation times, and, yes, people fight over golden cows. So, what is the protocol for the best weekends? Set up a lottery system for the hot weekends now, or you will feel and see the heat later.

Matt Parker is the author of Real Estate Smart: The New Home Buying Guide and Real Estate Agent Talks. As a real estate professional in Seattle, Wash., he has sold over $75 million in homes and became a top producer in his market during the real estate collapse in 2008—all before he was 30. Parker works entirely paperless and happily lives in a 560-square-foot home with his wife, as he prioritizes living and not clutter.

This post was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for top real estate tips and trends.

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