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Brought to You By: Randy Elgin
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Randy Elgin 10999 IH10W; Ste 175
San Antonio, TX 78230
(210) 232-2310
Thinking of Buying a Home? Get My Free Guide
Buying a home is a complex decision with many factors to consider.
Make the process easier for yourself by asking for my free guide, "10 Easy Steps to Buying a Home."
Just reply to this email and I'll send it right out to you.
Quick Quiz
Each month I’ll give you a new question.
Just reply to this email for the answer.
What is the only radio station in the U.S. whose call letters match its town's name?
Recipe: Shrimp in Coconut and Lime
Serves 4
• 2 pounds raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
• Grated zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in one tablespoon water
• 4 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 4 spring onions, green and white parts sliced crosswise
Marinate the shrimp in lime juice and zest for up to an hour.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
Remove shrimp from marinade and stir fry for 3-4 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and ginger and stir until fragrant - about one minute. Add coconut milk, fish sauce and cornstarch mixture.
Lower heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
Add half the cilantro and the onions.
Simmer another 1-2 minutes, or until shrimp are cooked through.
Serve with remaining cilantro sprinkled on top.
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Ask the Agent
How can I be sure I'm pricing my home to sell?
Obtain current comparable estimates. If you live in a neighborhood with similar-sized homes, try to find a recent sales example and then extrapolate the price per square foot to derive a rule of thumb. Increase or decrease the estimate based upon condition, age, upgrades and other amenities.
Include income potential. If the property is capable of generating an income via rental, then use the profit potential of the property to estimate the return on investment or ROI. Most investors expect an ROI at or above the safe, headache-free option of investing in Treasury bonds.
Get a second opinion. Work with a real estate agent who specializes in that location to provide valuable feedback and a second opinion.
Remember, if you expect a fast sale then search for all available properties and then plan to price your home near the bottom range of the properties currently listed and sold in the area.
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Sell First or Buy First? When it comes to buying and selling real estate, timing is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, it's also a topic few people truly understand. The following are some tips to keep in mind when speaking with your real estate agent.
Sell before buying or buy before selling?
It's an age-old question, but asking a few strategic questions might enable you to narrow your decision down to the right choice for your individual situation.
Is selling or buying a necessity or do you have some flexibility?
Job relocation, change of marital status or other life situations often require a relocation within a specified period of time. Equally important are the needs of the other party. Work with your agent to understand the opportunities and limitations of both sides in order to create a win-win situation.
Buying before selling typically benefits those who simply must move or relocate within a specified period of time and who are unable or unwilling to lease or rent. It is also a popular option for those seeking an exchange of property under Section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or for those who are attempting to minimize taxation via other deals.
Can you obtain financing or afford to carry both mortgages for any period of time?
If so, you may have a little more flexibility at your disposal. Speak to your agent about a leaseback or other temporary term. It's often possible to use these when negotiating terms.
Selling before buying can benefit those who are unable to obtain financing with an existing mortgage in place or who wish to use cash proceeds from the prior sale to fund repairs, renovations or an entire purchase.
In many instances, it is possible to arrange a simultaneous closing for both the home purchased and the home sold with contingencies that reflect this situation on both transactions.
Why Goals Are Better Than Resolutions This New Year
 You can start off the New Year on the right foot by setting your goals in advance.
Many people find that establishing goals is more beneficial than setting resolutions.
Try the following simple starters to make sure that each goal you set is achievable and memorable and encompasses every aspect of your life:
Goals Rather Than Resolutions: By their very nature, goals tend to be positive and achievement oriented, but it's still possible to take it a step further. Write down each goal and the benefit to be derived from reaching that goal. Keep it in a visible place as a constant reminder.
Round It Out: A healthy body leads to a healthy mind, but both are necessary for maximum performance. Take time to select at least one goal for your body, mind, spirit, finances and social life, and then share your goals with others. Don't focus on the negative. Emphasize the positive instead. You'll be surprised to learn how quickly each builds upon the success of the other and how willing others are to help you reach your goals once they know about them.
Reward Yourself: Make sure that you reward the small stepping stones of success along the way. Each goal should consist of smaller steps that are significant enough to garner recognition while remaining within reach for the allotted time. If you keep it up, it won't be long before you begin to truly enjoy a New Year that transforms all your wishes into reality.
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Making Repairs? Essential Equipment for Every Toolbox
 A properly stocked toolbox is essential if you're buying your first home or gearing up to take care of a few necessary repairs and renovations. The following are a few items you might need:
Power Drill: There's a reason the humble power drill has become one of the most popular tools among homeowners and craftsmen alike. It makes easy work of hundreds of household projects. From hanging shelves to installing cabinets, a power drill should be at the top of every list. Be sure to pick up drill bits and other accessories.
Tape, Glue and Other "Gunk": Everyone knows that duct tape is an essential item, but don't forget about WD-40, a tube of wood glue, plumbing tape, electrical tape, J-B Weld and other types of household adhesives.
Protective Gear: A good pair of gloves and safety glasses and hearing protection can go a long way toward keeping you safe when making small repairs.
Sockets and Screwdrivers: A quality set of sockets and screwdrivers can last a lifetime, so buy the best you can afford, since both of these are some of the most used tools. Pliers and C-clamps are excellent additions if you can afford them.
Pull Saw, Putty Knife and Razor Edge: Superficially, these might not appear to be related, but in real-life situations, the flexibility provided by each gives them all a top rating for every toolbox. Pull saws or Japanese saws are super sharp and easy to use, even in tight spaces, while putty knives and razors tackle everything from adhesives to spackle with ease.
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Wondering How Much Your Home is Worth?
How has the price of your home 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, 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.
How to Make Good Decisions in the Real Estate Market
Matters of the heart tend to hurt rather than help the negotiation process when it comes to buying and selling real estate. The following tips will help you manage the emotional ties that bind buyers and sellers to bad decisions.
Use an Agent: Agents do more than just show a home. They provide an impartial and objective opinion about the condition of a property, pricing and comparable real estate on the market.
Establish a Priority List - Then Stick to It: Every stakeholder in the buying and selling process should have a priority list that includes needs and wants. Creating such a list helps you stay organized and reduces the risk of becoming emotionally entangled in a bidding war or falling in love with unnecessary yet expensive features that won't add to the functionality of the home. Ask your agent to focus on finding buyers or homes that meet the main needs on your priority list, and move to the wants later.
Get a Second Opinion: Ask a friend or family member for his or her opinion, especially if you aren't certain. But be prepared to listen to constructive criticism. Appraisers, inspectors and agents are also vital sources of expert information.
Document: Take plenty of photographs when buying or selling so you can share them with others. Sellers can assist buyers by providing a fact sheet that includes room dimensions, existing warranties, upgrades and other important features of the property. Or buyers can bring along a tape measure and a notebook to jot down important details.
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| 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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