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Brought to You By: Randy Elgin
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Randy Elgin
10999 W IH10; Ste 175
San Antonio, TX 78230
(210) 232-2310
Thinking of Buying a Home? Get My Free Guide
Buying a home is a complex process with many factors to consider.
Prepare for the decisions you’ll need to make along the way by requesting my free report, "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 English-speaking Caribbean Island has a Spanish name meaning "bearded"?
Recipe: Mexican Tomato Soup
Serves 4
- 6-8 medium tomatoes, whole
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken stock, plus more, to taste
- ˝ teaspoon dry thyme
- Tabasco sauce, to taste
- 2 small avocados, cubed
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- ˝ pound Mexican-style cheese, cubed
- Tortilla chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place tomatoes, onion and garlic on a baking sheet and sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour, or until tomatoes and onions are soft and starting to brown. Remove tray from oven and carefully place everything in a blender.
Gradually add chicken stock while blending until you reach the desired consistency. Pour into a pot and simmer, adding more salt and pepper, thyme, and/or Tabasco, to taste.
Serve soup in bowls with avocado, chicken, cheese, tortilla chips and cilantro on the side.
Ask the Agent
What information is contained in a home appraisal report?
A home appraisal report provides an estimate of the current value of a particular property in an open and competitive real estate market. The appraisal contains information about the property such as location, lot size, square footage, upgrades and year built. Following are four things you should know about appraisals:
1. The buyer pays for the appraisal, which can cost from $250 to $500.
2. Appraisers are licensed by individual states.
3. An appraiser compares the features and amenities of a property to those of at least three other comparable properties sold in the area.
4. Lenders require appraisals to be done when a buyer wants a loan for a home purchase or refinance.
Negotiate an appraisal and loan contingency when you purchase a home so you can get your deposit back if the home appraises for lower than the sales price. |
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5 Ways to Take Advantage of a Down Market
Real estate remains a bargain in much of the United States. For many home buyers this is the ideal time to jump into the housing market with a long-term investment strategy. Following are five tips to help you take advantage of a down market.
Use a Buyer's Agent: A buyer's agent can help you navigate a rapidly changing marketplace and let you know how to maximize your real estate dollar.
Get Preapproved for a Mortgage: Sitting down with a mortgage professional before you begin your search will help refine what you are looking for. This will allow you to set your budgets and narrow your search criteria. Note that a mortgage prequalification is not the same as a preapproved mortgage.
Make a List of Your Needs and Wants: Understand what you need and what you want. Wants are the things you can live without but you would like. Sitting down with your real estate agent will help speed up the home-buying process.
Invest for the Long Term: Buying in a down market offers affordable prices and greater home selection. Long-term investment in real estate is the surest way to maximize your initial investment.
Be Patient and Ask Questions: Down markets allow home buyers to be more patient. Surplus housing inventory means that there are fewer buyers competing for homes, allowing buyers to ask questions and ensure that they are selecting the home that is going to be right for them.
With real estate bargains in much of the United States and with market improvement across the country, this is the ideal time to jump into the housing market.
How Smaller Resolutions Can Get You Bigger Results
 On Jan. 1, many people pledge resolutions of titanic proportions. By the time February rolls around, though, about 75% of those people will have given up.
People fail on resolutions because big goals aren't realistic. So instead of making big goals, make smaller, more realistic goals that are not only doable but also rewarding. For example:
Play More: Get involved in a fun recreational activity like a cooking class. Try out a new hobby or rekindle an old one. That way you'll be carving out more time for yourself and doing something relaxing. Stepping away from what you normally do most of the day also makes you a more creative thinker.
Get Social: Find out what's going on locally. Go to local events like fairs and markets. This is a great way to meet the people in your community and strike up new friendships.
Work on Your Body: Instead of making a big plunge into working out, start by making a commitment to doing something active for 20 minutes each day. Even 20 minutes of stretching a day can make a big difference toward a leaner, healthier you.
Start Saving: Saving can be hard in tough economic times, but you can start off on the right foot by tossing all your daily change into a bowl. For an extra boost, start putting all your $1 bills in a savings jar. You'll be less inclined to break a big bill and will quickly save up to go on a special trip, pay off a bill or save for a rainy day.
5 Tips for Losing Weight After the Holidays
 After weeks of parties, baking, extravagant dinners and holiday-themed cocktails, many people wake up in January to find they've added a few extra pounds.
According to several studies from the last 10 years, the average adult gains at least one pound during the holiday season. A study by The New England Journal of Medicine indicates most people don't ever shed that weight.
Following are some tips and tricks to help you sensibly shed the holiday weight:
Trade Sugary Juice and Soda for Water: Drinking water will help your body flush out toxins and can stop you from overeating. If you overindulged in seasonal cocktails, try eliminating all alcoholic beverages in January.
Eliminate Starch and Sugar From Your Diet: This can help kickstart your weight loss. Refined sugars and starches - like those found in candy and white bread - can add to waistline bulge.
Eat Small Meals: Christmas meals usually involve long, sit-down meals with several courses. Try eating five small meals instead of three large ones, with no snacking in between. Aim to include protein, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables in each meal.
Snack Responsibly: Have a container of washed and cut vegetables and fruit in the fridge so that an easy and healthy snack is always available.
Eliminate Processed Foods: Highly processed items such as potato chips, some granola bars and frozen meals are often high in sugar and sodium.
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 Help Your Agent Sell Your Home
While your real estate agent may be working flat out to sell your home, you - as the seller - also have an important role to play.
It's up to you to prepare your home for sale.
While your real estate agent may suggest, recommend and even cajole, selling your home is your job, and no one else can do it for you.
You have only one chance to make a first impression.
It's so true.
A recent survey indicated that more than 60% of buyers knew the property was for them the minute they walked in the door.
So make sure you put a lot of your effort into that first impression.
Cut the grass or shovel the snow to make it easy to get to your front door.
Repair stairs and railings and remove all the usual clutter.
For a great first impression, paint the front door a color that coordinates with your trim and add new hardware.
De-clutter the foyer and make it a grand entrance. A mirror over a hall table reflects light and gives your entrance a finished look.
In the living areas, remove some of your furniture and paint the walls a neutral color to give them a spacious feel. Use lighting, even in the daytime, to brighten dark corners. In the bedrooms, organize your closets to make them seem roomier.
Kitchens and bathrooms can sell - or not sell - your home. If you can afford it, replace outdated appliances and fixtures. If you can't, go for a good first impression with uncluttered, sparkling-clean counters.
In the bathroom, new fluffy towels and accessories may help visitors overlook the dated vanity.
While it's listed, your home should always be kept clean, tidy and smelling fresh. Help your real estate agent and you'll find that between the two of you, 60% of buyers may just find your house is "the one." |
| 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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