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“I want to work out, but I can’t afford the gym membership.”

Well, then you really don’t want to train. So how about you close it? This incessant annoying refrain… people walk in and ask a million questions about training, only to tell me after obliging them with an hour of my time: “I want to train, but I can’t afford the gym membership.”

Please don’t get me wrong: I’m more than happy to answer questions from serious prospective students, but the key word here is “serious” and if it’s not, get the hell out of my gym.

Over the years, you wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve heard this: “I want to work out but I can’t afford a gym membership.” Statistics show that 99.987% of the time the person is full of shit. I mean, I’m not a statistician, but… Fuck the statisticians, I’m right.

The only thing worse than wannabes are “almost changelings.” One guy told me that he couldn’t afford his tuition anymore because he bought an aftermarket exhaust system for his Harley Davidson. Now I’m sure this would have gone down well with his landlord: “I can’t pay/make rent this month, I had to buy an exhaust system for my motorcycle.” That?

A contract is a contract. I’m not playing “MMA trainer”, this is how I feed my kids.

The thing is, we all know this guy. He would love to train, but he can’t afford the monthly fees. He has a long list of reasons: work, girlfriend, wife, car, mom, etc. But, go out on a Saturday night to your local bar. You will see it there. Putting up a tab, eating hot wings at 2 am, flirting with a girl by buying her and all of her friends a round of Vegas Bombs.

It all comes down to how serious you take it and how much you want it. If you want it, you make it happen. It seems difficult, but in reality, it is not. If I don’t know you (and because you have a friend who is the brother of a guy who is dating a girl who is the cousin of a guy who is training at my gym DOESN’T MEAN WE KNOW EACH OTHER… AT ALL), don’t come up with me. a BS story about how times are tough and what the next GSP could be like if someone would just give him a chance i.e. let him train for free.

As a gym owner and trainer, I hear this story every week from someone. If you sign up (and pay), show me you’re serious and I see you have potential, then I might be willing to work with you.

You could eventually help out at the gym by cleaning the mats every day or work in some kind of trade, but don’t ask for a free workout with nothing in return for the gym. And, trust me, trust me, listen carefully, until you’ve proven that you don’t have anything I want.

No matter how confident you are that “you’ll make me famous and put my gym on the map,” I’m not going to buy what you’re selling. It costs money to pay for good instructors, utility bills, equipment, insurance… I’m not in the business of giving free training because you think you might be great.

Most of the time, these guys only last a few classes, at most a couple of months, and are never seen again. I, like many gym owners, have been the victim of a sad story here and there only to be repeatedly let down by said student’s work ethic, heart, commitment, and lack of talent, and the list goes on.

Show me you’re serious. Most of us have wrestlers that we let train for free because they fight for the gym, clean the gym, promote the gym, support their gym mates, love the gym, love the team, and love the trainers.

These guys… these guys, they’re pretty weird. So when I get one of them, I do my best to hold on. But if you’re not one of these guys, and before you insist that you are, take a good look at yourself because these guys eat, drink and breathe competition, if you’re not one of these guys, walk away.

If you’re just looking for a free ride, don’t ask for free training. You’re asking me to give you the equivalent of several thousand dollars a year for free, and I’m like, “There’s a little ‘fight club’ down the street, wait a minute, let me find their number…it’ll fit the bill.”

I used to love going to the gym, but my life has gotten busy and time has started to slip away. I eventually stopped going to the gym because of this. But I don’t regret it at all. Exercising at home has made my life so much easier. To show you the difference, let me give you a rundown of my typical trip to the gym.

I would change, do my hair (because you have to look good at the gym, I mean do the girls look cool?), get in the car, drive for 15 minutes, work out, drive for 15 minutes, and get home. Pretty typical workout. But have you noticed the time cost of going to the gym versus staying at home? That’s 30 minutes of wasted time traveling in my car. Not to mention the time it took me to change for the gym. If I had stayed at home, I would have been ready in no time! Advantage #1 Going to the gym takes dedication time, whereas working out at home doesn’t.

The second reason why exercising at home is better is that there are other people inside the gym. To dig into that, it’s the intimidating guys and the extremely attractive girls. As a skinny guy, every time I walk into the gym I am intimidated by gym freaks who spend most of their life in the gym. They’re there flexing in the mirror and lifting weights that would crush me instantly. At home I’m the strongest guy there is! I love that feeling and I refuse to give it up.

Girls in the gym are a whole different topic. I can’t stop starring, it’s as simple as that! I am constantly finding new ways to capture a look without them (or anyone else) noticing. This detracts from my value and distracts me from exercising. I love you guys but I’d rather be able to focus, and don’t tell me to ignore it and focus on the gym. The females are a place to celebrate. At home all I have to look at is my own mug. Which I like, but she doesn’t look like Kate Upton. Advantage #2 No distractions!

The third reason I like working out at home is that it’s cheaper in the long run. At least for me because the amount of weights I can carry is not heavier than me (yet!). Also, the price of my membership at the local gym is ridiculous. I picked up some cheap dumbbells and a straight bar at a local garage sale (yes, Mom, you said garage sales are great places for bargains). They may not be glamorous, but they get the job done. I mostly just do a workout I found online called “the skinny guy home workout.” Advantage Sp #3… Money!!

In general, working out at home is better because I don’t have to go to work, I’m not distracted or intimidated, and because it’s been cheaper in the long run! Join my cause to leave the gym and work out at home!

Thank you for reading!!

Real estate investing software is a real boon for agents and investors who are into real estate investing and rental property analysis in the same way that a surfboard is a boon for a surfer, it stands to reason. This is what I mean.

Real estate investing is defined as the act of using money to purchase real estate for the sole purpose of owning or leasing it to generate income. In other words, real estate investing is all about money (or more concisely, the “bottom line”) and “How much money will the property make?” It is the main and last concern of real estate investors.

Therefore, because investing is all about numbers, investors are forced to “run the numbers” when making investment decisions by default. Emotion plays almost no role in the real estate investing business: Investors look at a property’s financial performance and rates of return to decide whether to buy or sell.

Ok, now consider the logic of real estate investing software.

The best solutions calculate cash flow, rate of return and profitability, taxes, time value of money, plus create a wide range of compelling reports and charts, instantly and effortlessly.

In other words, investment software does exactly what real estate investors require: it crunches the numbers. Furthermore, it does this automatically, saving the user the difficult (perhaps impossible) and time-consuming task of having to learn the formulas and format the reports on their own.

Consider the benefits:

1. Cash flow projections and rate of return
2. Calculations for the most stringent ratios and analysis measures
3. Concise revenue projections
4. Compelling presentation-ready reports and charts
5. Ready for immediate use

Also, real estate investment software is affordable. For less than $300, you can buy a software solution that provides the forms, performs the calculations, and creates the reports you need to make wiser, more profitable investment decisions, compare various opportunities, and compose buyer, seller, lender, and colleague or partner. presentations

The best place to find real estate investment software on the web. However, there are several solutions available, so take your time and explore until you find the solution that best suits your business objective. Here are some tips:

1. Browse the website. Is it well organized, creative, informative, unobtrusive and easy to navigate? Remember, the same company that offers the program also publishes the website.
2. Browse the software. Does it provide the financial data and reports you want? If you are not sure, call the company and ask them for clarification.
3. Please review the screenshots. These will give you an idea of ​​what the program will look like when you start using it.
4. Seek customer satisfaction. What are others saying about the software? Do they seem qualified?
5. Review the support policy and developer profile. Does the company offer technical support? Does the software developer have real estate experience and is he approachable? Telephone contact with the developer who has experience related to the business is always preferred.

Finally, consider which options are most important to you, and make sure the software provides them. Here are some ideas:

1. Easy to learn and use
2. Allowed number of units: one more unit is preferred.
3. Loan Amortization: You want the ability to enter primary and secondary loans, as a loan assumption or as a new loan, and at a fixed or interest-only rate.
4. Rates of return – In addition to calculating things like cash flow, cap rate, and cash-versus-cash yield, does the software also calculate the four elements of the tax shelter and the time value of money?
5. High-quality, concise reporting – Be aware that you might be trying to sway the opinion of a buyer, seller, colleague, or lender. At a minimum, you want an APOD, pro forma income statement, rental listing, acquisition report, and sales revenue report. But also consider sensitivity and scenario reports, a comparable sales report, a marketing package (executive summary), amortization tables, and graphs. Make sure the reports are of the highest quality.
6. Special Features: Does the software provide smooth printing, built-in imaging, name and brand integration, email capability, help file, etc.?

This article would have been impossible several years ago. But with the advent of the computer, it is possible for agents or investors to benefit from real estate investment software. And now, thanks to the Web, a software program can be researched, purchased, downloaded, and put to use without ever leaving your seat and before your second cup of coffee.

In today’s real estate market, you must face fierce competition. In every big city, there are always thousands and thousands of agents vying to do business. It is not all of these individuals who are successful. If you want to be among those who are considered successful, you’ll need to put on your thinking cap and get out of the box. Here are some targets that a real estate agent can use and succeed.

• Get a great office location

If you’re looking for office space, go to a high-traffic area. You can never go wrong. It’s always accessible to repeat customers and easy for prospects looking to find you. Make sure that you stand out from your competitors and that there is enough parking space for your customers. Consider how much it will cost you. There’s really no point in staying in a place that’s out of reach just because you’re trying to maintain an image. Chances are you are struggling with rent all the time instead of looking for business or clients. It’s great if you can get your hands on an office location in a high-traffic area. But try to pin down your budget before deciding on the location of your business.

• own a website

The Internet remains one of the greatest inventions of the modern world. Every 1 in 6 people in the developed world has access to a computer and an Internet connection. These people mainly jump online to research and buy things online. If you are a real estate agent and you do not have an online website, you are losing a lot of money.

Owning a real estate website takes the stress out of picking up the phone and trying to sell to people who don’t know you. If you continue to use these types of old marketing techniques, you will end up at the bottom of the pack. Design a site that is distinct or unique. Navigation should be easy. People don’t want to go through web pages looking for basic information. Make sure images of properties on the market are strategically placed on the home page.

Also, work on the content of your website. It is important that you write for search engines. Use appropriate keywords and have a blog or forum where a constant stream of content can be provided and people can interact. There is really no point in launching yourself in different directions, showing your expertise in a particular area, and sticking to it. It can offer area histories, moving information, and other needs.

• Learn to Negotiate

If you are an agent, you need to understand the importance of improving your people skills and the art of negotiating. This is what helps you sell to a reluctant buyer or convince a tight-fisted seller that you should handle the sale of their property. Also, real estate investors love to hire powerful negotiators. Nobody likes to catch the short end of a suit and lose a profitable deal. If you are falling short in this department, go for public speaking and negotiation courses. You have to improve your social skills or your competition will just blow your mind.

Property for sale in Slovenia, if you choose the right locations, can yield huge returns and is one of the top investment property destinations in the world today.

Discover property in Slovenia and you will be glad you did, it could bring you great profits with low risk.

Let’s look at Slovenia in more detail and its potential.

With investment properties available for around $40,000 and growth rates in excess of 30% in many areas and with more gains to come, savvy overseas property investors are taking advantage of the bargains.

This is still a market in its infancy and buying cheap property for sale in Slovenia offers a market that is growing and will continue to grow.

Rent

Slovenia is a small country (half the size of Switzerland) located between Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia.

It is a country of extraordinary natural beauty. There is something for everyone and that includes rugged mountains, vast forests, valleys dotted with vineyards and a stretch of beautiful Adriatic coastline.

Why is Slovenia booming?

Slovenia is one of the newest countries in the European Economic Union and has strong economic growth from the new member states.

With this economic growth has come a demand for housing, particularly in the capital, Ljubljana.

The city is cosmopolitan and has long been liked by Prague and boasts some beautiful Baroque architecture.

Quality housing is in short supply and strict housing laws restrict the number of cheap properties for sale in the Slovenian capital and prices are rising.

With growth rates of over 30% and a booming rental market, it is generating big returns for real estate investors.

Whether you want direct investment earnings, a lucrative income from the buoyant buy-to-let market or simply a holiday home, Slovenia offers a great deal for foreign investors.

Other popular destinations for cheap property for sale in Slovenia include:

Primorska located on the Adriatic coast.

This Venetian city with cobbled streets and beautiful church towers is an impressive and bustling city.

Gorenjska, which is located in the mountains, is popular with the ski community and there are many other areas to take advantage of when buying investment property.

The largest ski resort in Slovenia is located in the Pohorje Mountains and is home to the popular Mariborsko Pohorje Ski Resort.

This resort is best known for its fantastic white ski runs, cross-country trails, lush forests, pristine streams and is an Area of ​​Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Nearby, the city of Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia and a popular place to buy investment property.

Another popular destination is the Kranjska Gora ski resort, which is located in the Zgornjesavska valley, one of the most beautiful alpine valleys.

Skiing is booming and buying property for sale in Slovenia in these specific areas can offer good returns and lucrative “buy to let”

Of course, there are other places to choose from to buy a Slovenian investment property and any location in an emerging market is key.

If you’re looking for investment property, Slovenia has relatively cheap property in a stable and growing country (this market is already ranked as one of the top ten investment property destinations in the world) and could offer you some great capital gains.

Find out what property for sale in Slovenia can offer you and you will be glad you did.

One of the main reasons people create a family trust is to avoid probate. Why don’t they always work as planned and actually end up in probate court?

Reason one: the family tried to save money by doing it themselves and not hiring an experienced attorney. Trust documents must include certain elements and the trust may be legally unenforceable if the required language is not included. If a successor trustee (one who will manage the trust when the original trustee is unwilling or unable to act) is not named, you may require the court’s involvement in appointing such a successor trustee.

Reason Two: The designated trustee is failing to perform his or her duties under the terms of the trust. The trust may require that certain trust income or principal be paid to an individual (beneficiary), but the trustee lacks the knowledge to perform that task. If the trust did not name a successor trustee, again, a petition may need to be filed with the court to name another trustee who is qualified to act.

Reason Three: The trustee commits fiduciary abuse by misappropriating trust assets. Unfortunately, this happens all too often. A trustee has one primary duty: to do exactly what the trust tells them to do. Unless the trust grants specific authority, a trustee has no legal right to use trust assets for personal use.

But an unscrupulous trustee can take advantage of the family trust, for example, by withdrawing and pocketing money from a bank account owned by the trust. Such a dishonest trustee can mortgage a house owned by the trust and pocket the loan money. When such wrongdoing is discovered, the matter may need to go to court to remove the thief, seek reimbursement and appoint a new administrator.

Fourth reason: Undue influence on a mentally incapacitated settlor. The settlor is the person(s) who contributed assets to the trust and decides who will receive the trust assets when the settlor dies. As the years pass and the settlor ages, his mental capacity may diminish to the point of being susceptible to undue influence.

An unscrupulous caretaker or friend may intentionally manipulate the settlor elder to modify the trust to add the caretaker/friend as a beneficiary and disinherit the settlor’s originally designated beneficiaries. If this occurs, then the matter must be brought before the court to invalidate the improper changes that were made to the trust.

Reason Five: The trust was never funded. For a trust to be valid, you must own something. Many DIYers forget to identify the assets that will be owned by their trust. Upon the death of the settlor, the beneficiaries may learn that title to the home was never transferred to the trust.

In Riverside County, California, for example, failure to create a deed of transfer of trust for a home may not be fatal to the validity of a trust. If the deed was never prepared and recorded, but the trust document itself lists the house as a trust asset, then a petition can be filed with the probate court to have the court recognize the house as a trust asset and, therefore, avoid a full-blown probate. box. Under this scenario, a petition must still be filed with the probate court, but the trust is still valid and the costly and time-consuming probate process is avoided.

These are just a few of the main reasons trusts don’t always keep you out of probate court. However, a properly prepared and executed trust document is still the best way to avoid probate.

It is possible to increase the value of a home, but sometimes renovations can become the deal breaker. Homes that are consistent in style and finishes are generally worth more than those that display different influences. Residential appraisers often say that a true value killer is a remodel that is not finished.

The appeal of the house has to be consistent. It is possible to increase the value of an older home by keeping up appearances. Appraisers have a system that takes into account both age and maintenance, for example, C1 indicates that the property is new. C2 means any age if recently renovated, C3 well maintained, C4 adequately maintained with minimal repairs, C5 deliverable but needs help, and C6 serious defects.

If you have white appliances in your kitchen, it’s not good for your home’s value to invest in a stainless steel dishwasher. It is highly recommended that if you renovate, you don’t get modern countertops while you still have old appliances. It’s best to do enough so that the appraiser can classify the changes as a new kitchen or an updated kitchen.

Neighbors don’t have to be human to hurt your home’s value. A power station, a school or a cemetery can reduce the price of a property. If you let garden art get out of hand or have too much Elvis, you have a value killer.

Homeowners often have to choose between an improvement they would really love to own and one that would prove to be a better investment. If your home is on the market or you want to refinance, you can take steps to make sure you get credit for the improvements you’re planning.

Home for sale ads often emphasize kitchen features like stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and travertine tile. This is a good guide to current features and trends in popular cuisine. Real estate agents advertise properties they know are in demand. This is also a great guide if you plan to update your kitchen.

Kitchen features that are currently in high demand include:

• Cabinets: Maple is currently the most popular. It used to be cherry cabinets, but Maple topped them this year.

• Popular colors for kitchens are gray and beige.

• The contemporary design style is not as popular anymore. Shaker style is now the new trend.

• Granite and quartz countertops remain the most popular kitchen feature and continue to be the number one choice.

• Energy efficient LED lighting is the most popular.

The best designers often recommend repairing cabinets rather than replacing them. This is cheaper and you can only change the cabinet doors, while the original cabinet structure remains the same. Wood floors are popular. The least expensive options for hardwood flooring are engineered wood flooring made with a plywood underlayment with a real hardwood veneer.

Lights are essential kitchen features and are recommended for any well-designed kitchen. The lights can be installed in strategic places to create a soft atmosphere.

Another hot trend for 2014 is commercial-style stoves and other useful built-in appliances. Stainless steel appliances continue to be the most sought after in kitchens. Stainless steel appliances are in high demand and can add value and convenience to your home, but updates need to be consistent throughout the kitchen. Stainless steel appliances can do little to add value if your vinyl flooring dates to the 1960s. A kitchen island is a near-essential and a winner for most homebuyers.

A fresh coat of interior paint in a neutral color can add value to a home. Get expert advice from your estate agent before settling on colour. Vinyl floors are outdated. Try ditching the vinyl by replacing it with laminate flooring or ceramic tile. Homebuyers also prefer granite countertops over laminate countertops. Countertops can be replaced with ceramic tile if granite countertops are too expensive. A large window over the kitchen sink is also a good idea, space permitting.

Curb appeal is a very important aspect if you plan to sell your home. Painting the exterior of your home is always a good place to start improvements. Choose a color that matches the period of your home. You would like your home to make a good first impression. Note the peeling paint and the blinds hanging lopsided. A well-kept and attractive front lawn will add value to your home.

Some improvements may make the home more attractive, but will not significantly increase the resale value. A large, expensive remodel, such as adding a second story, may not add value if the home is located in a small-home neighborhood.

Create a well-designed living room with great ideas.

You can set up a cozy atmosphere in the living room using your imagination. The living room is often the first area visitors will see and should make them feel at home. You can create a well-designed area with great ideas that reflect your personality. New ideas will inspire you. We’ll take a look at space, color, furniture arrangement, lighting, windows, fireplace, a centerpiece, and how to personalize it.

The following ideas are easy and affordable.

• Paint always works wonders in a room. Use warm, neutral colors for the living room. You can use bright colors, as long as they match.

• Leave room for traffic in your living room.

• Furniture should be placed according to space.

• Lighting is an important complement to highlight some areas. Dramatic lighting usually creates the most amazing atmosphere.

• A large window will allow the flow of natural light and provide a beautiful view of the garden.

• Decorate the fireplace.

• Invest in a beautiful painting or large mirror.

• Add exciting ideas and details in your living room. Place paintings, vases, and sculptures where they are best seen.

• Place a bouquet of fresh flowers on the coffee table.

It’s always a good idea to invest in more timeless vases, sculptures and lamps. Fashion trends are expensive and don’t last long. Plan ahead before spending money on paint or light fixtures.

The living room is the most popular area in a house. You have to be comfortable with the ideas as you will most likely be spending a lot of time in the room. Try to stay in touch with the style that you would like in the living room.

If you plan to sell your home, make improvements before it goes on the market or before the real estate agent arrives. Try not to leave evidence that you are busy fixing broken windows or tiles. A potential buyer may not be able to envision what the home will look like once it’s finished.

How is your house from outside? Remove clutter from the yard. If your driveway is cracked, now is the time to fix it. Make sure all the windows are sparkling clean and don’t forget the walls. Is your front door clean or does it need a coat of paint or wood protection?

First impressions are important, and the potential buyer will ring the doorbell and have time to look around. It’s a good idea to make sure all exterior lights are working, as the buyer can come and view the home after hours. If there is a pool, it must be spotlessly clean.

When the buyer enters the house, you want the person to see a clean and tidy interior. Make sure carpets and floors are spotless. Messy things should be removed. It is important that your home smells fresh and clean. Bad smells will definitely kill the deal.

Messy rooms appear smaller. Remove all the clutter in the bedrooms. Make sure closets are organized and clean. Clean your kitchen from top to bottom. All appliances must be sparkling clean. Clean your bathrooms, scrub sinks, bathtubs and toilets. Clean mirrors, cabinet handles, and light switch plates.

Some sellers forget to clean the bases and garages. Use cleaning solutions to remove stains from the floor. Once he’s cleared all the clutter, he’s washed and cleaned her house from top to bottom and inside out, her house is ready for the show.

The following is based on 30 years of helping people sell their homes. I hope it helps you sell your house.

1. The urban landscape is essential. People may not make the decision to buy your house when they stop in front of it, but they will make the decision NOT to buy it if the curb appeal is not good.

2. When you focus on the cityscape, DON’T, REPEAT, DON’T forget about the backyard and its view. The front will draw the buyer to the door, but the back is what they see every minute they are in the house.

3. Get rid of indoor clutter. You might love those 5,000 photos of Elvis you’ve collected over the years, but it detracts from the people seeing the house. Also clean out the garage and any other areas where you store “stuff.” This includes the attic and storage rooms.

4. If it’s broken, fix it, if it needs painting, paint it, if it needs cleaning, clean it. Whatever makes your home show better, get it done and get it done before you start showing it.

5. Eliminate surprises. Get a home inspection. This will eliminate any surprises later that may delay or cost you a sale. Needless to say, it fixes any problems found. You’ll end up having to do it anyway. The buyer will do their own inspection and ask you to make the repairs or lower the price in order to do it and most buyers don’t want to deal with their problems.

6. Make your home available for showing on the potential buyer’s schedule. Your schedule is not important to buyers. Accommodate them.

7. Ask your agent to prepare a “Financing Options” sheet to give to people who view your home.

8. Prepare a cost sheet that you have each month and year. Things like taxes, monthly electric, water/sewer, association dues, etc. Anything you have to pay, they will have to pay and they will want to know. Add any transfer fees associated with the sale.

9. Go over a sales contract until you know it backwards and forwards. This will help you when you receive an offer. It will allow you to get back to the buyer much faster.

10. When your home needs to be shown, turn on all the lights and open all the shades. The more light, the better. Increase the wattage of the bulbs you use.

11. Before showing, boil cinnamon sticks or bake some cookies. Put that “grandma’s kitchen smell” in the house. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT SPRAY any fruity smelling air freshener around. This makes people think that you are hiding some scent that you are not telling them about.

12. If you smoke, try to air out the house before showing it. Hide all ashtrays, matches, lighters, and cigarettes. Cinnamon sticks or boiled cookies will help.

13. Take your pet for a walk or ride when the house is shown. Not everyone loves Fido or Kitty like you and me. Put away your bowls with your food.

14. Sandboxes must be placed outside and off site during the show.

15. If you must be there when your house is shown, and I don’t suggest it, don’t try to sell your house. Let people walk alone. Do not follow or scroll. Let the agent do his job.

16. Keep a list of recent improvements you’ve made to your home and list any warranties still in place. Purchase a 1- or 2-year home warranty for your home and include it in the price. These cost around $400-$500 per year.

17. Kitchen counters need to be cleaned so you can show how much counter space there is.

18. Time is critical when listing your home. Have all your repairs completed and your home on the market in time to take advantage of the buying season in your area.

19. Get a market analysis so you know how many houses like yours are on the market and what the SALE PRICE has been for recent houses like yours. Do your homework before quoting and listing your home. Half the battle of selling your home is positioning it correctly on the market. Overpriced houses sit. The key is what houses like yours SOLD for, not what houses like yours are listed for. Don’t fall into the “I’ll show up tall and people can always make me an offer” trap. People will not only NOT make you an offer, they will not come to see your home and homes that are not shown are not sold.

20. Cleanliness is next to godliness. Make sure your home is always clean, every room, porch, and garage before you show up.

21. Get a copy of a Housing Disclosure Report, fill it out, and have it available to potential buyers.

22. DON’T BE LATE FOR YOUR VISIT APPOINTMENT! Make sure the safe is outside, the door is open, or you are there. They may keep you waiting, but don’t you dare keep them waiting.

23. Review #15.

24. Ladies, DO NOT SHOW YOUR HOUSE ALONE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. NEVER BREAK THIS RULE!

25. Take every opportunity to let people know your house is for sale. Network, network, network.

26. List your home with an experienced, full-time agent who has the resources of a large company with a proven track record of getting results in your community. Choose an agent who will do this to support your family. Agents who support their families are motivated to get results by the most powerful motivation in the world: taking care of their family.

27. Raise the curtain. Make your home show its best. Moving a piece of furniture from one wall to another can make all the difference in the world in the way a room is displayed. Flowers, colors, etc. There are people who help with this for very reasonable fees. This is called staging and it is well worth the money.

28. Buyers are looking for a house they can move into. They don’t want to inherit your problems. That’s why you fix it, paint it, clean it, etc. before the buyers arrive. This also helps justify the price in buyers’ minds.

29. Here’s a real shock. Real estate agents are for the most part lazy. They don’t want to show properties that are hard to access, or don’t display well, or are overpriced. They are in this business to make money. They show houses where they are paid the full commission. Especially at times like this. In boom times like 05/04 when inventory was tight they would show anything. Not now. Do not reduce your commission in this market. In the long run, it will only hurt you.

30. Closures. Ask your attorney to provide you with an estimate of your closing cost so you can calculate what your net will be. This may not be exact, but it will give you a good idea. This will really help when negotiating a deal.

31. Choosing the right company to represent you is critical. Find the leading company in your area. When you do this, you are sure that you have a company that focuses on your area. Anyone else is just waiting for someone from that leading company to sell it. The odds are against you if you accept this.

32. Open houses work, but not if you do it every week. Open Houses must be held in conjunction with other Open Houses. The more houses open, the more people will come regularly. Review 10-15.

33. A buyer for your house is as close as next and as far as Europe. Marketing a home is not just a matter of placing ads in a magazine. In fact, very few buyers come from seeing your home in a magazine. New age marketing is more focused and targeted. Make sure your agent is doing more than running ads in newspapers and magazines.

34. Selling your home is your agent’s job. If you have chosen the right company and the right agent, listen to them. They are the experts.

35. Keep in mind that the sale of your home is a partnership between you and your agent. It requires effort from both parties.

36. The hardest part of this process for you as the owner will be understanding the market. Your agent will have no problem as you are treated every day. All a homeowner sees is how nice a house he has, how much he has in it, and how much he wants for it. He must deal with reality when listing his house. The numbers don’t lie, the agents can do it, but the numbers don’t. As cruel as it sounds, the market doesn’t care what you have in your house, how much you want or need to get out of it. The market is what it is. If you can successfully get divorced from the property and consider selling your home a “goal” and focus on achieving this goal, you will sell your home faster.

37. Treat all offers with respect, no matter how insulting they may be. You don’t have to accept an offer, but keep the dialogue open. With all the offers you won’t accept, just ask your agent to say, and you’ll have to tell your agent to say it this way: “Thank you for the offer. While my client cannot accept that offer, he would like to propose what following .” Again, stay focused on the goal and do the things that will get you there.

Selling a home, especially in this market, takes work. Consider these 37 points as a roadmap to achieve your goal of selling your home.

Given the rapid rise in home prices in recent years, home sellers are taking a hard look at the commission they have to pay a real estate broker to market and sell their home. Real estate commissions vary across the country; they average in the range of four to seven percent.

According to the 2004 National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, fourteen percent of homes were sold by owner. The NAR study listed the two most difficult tasks for selling by owner (FSBO): preparing and fixing up the home for sale, and getting the price right.

Invite three full-time mid-to-high production agents to your home to give you an opinion on pricing. Understand that if all three price opinions are not what you think the property is worth, you need to understand the danger of an overpriced property. Overpriced homes have been studied by large national real estate brokers and overpriced homes take longer to sell and sell for a lower price as a percentage of the original listing price.

Ask the agents to give you constructive feedback on what you need to do to make your home visually appealing to the majority of buyers. Below are some staging tips to get your home ready for the market.

1) Research how to “stage” your home to maximize its appeal to homebuyers by creating a spacious and buyer-friendly home environment.

· Start by eliminating the first thing that gets in your way.

Remove one or more important pieces of furniture from each room to make it more spacious.

·Keep matching furniture pieces together to create uniformity in a room.

·Create break areas where two or more people can talk.

2) Keep your eye moving when organizing a room.

·Use the placement of furniture to direct the buyer’s eye to the features of a room.

·Move large furniture away from windows.

Place large pieces of furniture at the entrance end of the room to lighten the visual load at the opposite end of the room.

·Use rugs to anchor the seating arrangement.

·Have your dining table closed to its smallest size.

3) Use furniture placed at an angle in a room to give it a quick update.

· Tilt a bed in a corner of a bedroom to draw attention.

·V-shaped angled furniture in living and family rooms.

· Angled furniture can help fill a sparsely furnished room and give it a designer look.

4) Create room vignettes to set the mood.

·Breakfast tray with coffee cups, newspaper, vase in bed.

·Set the dining room table with a linen tablecloth, porcelain, cutlery and glasses.

· Set up a game table for chess, bridge or backgammon.

5) Effective model homes focus on creating the right environment.

Tidy up the clutter so shoppers can layer their furniture and lifestyle.

Smell clean, fresh and new.

·Attention to details. Clean rooms and trimmed landscaping.

· Subtle, classical, light jazz or rock background music.

·The interior decoration and the colors of the walls accentuate the architectural characteristics of the house.

·Live plants or fresh flowers add the finishing touches.

6) Understand decorating basics that can guide you in repositioning a room.

Color. A little goes a long way.

·Scale. Does the furniture complement the sizes or overwhelm a room?

·Pattern. Easy does this to avoid being distracted from the room.

·Turning on. Use it to define dark corners. Helps fill a room.

·Focal point. Fireplaces, views, art, find one in each room.

·Texture. Add visual interest, bring warmth to cool spaces and finishes.

Understanding and completing the paperwork in a real estate transaction was the number three most difficult task according to the NAR study. Once your home is priced right and ready for the market, you should hire a real estate attorney to help you review contracts, disclosure forms, and help you qualify potential buyers for your home. An experienced real estate attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls in real estate negotiations and facilitate a smooth transaction.

Here are some key notes on real estate contracts.

Use a real estate contract approved by your state real estate bar association or local Board of Realtors®.

·Real estate contract. A binding agreement between the buyer and the seller. It consists of an offer and an acceptance, as well as consideration (ie money).

· Acceptance. Agreement by the parties to the terms of a contract.

·Contract period. Research typical contract lengths, the standard is 45 days from contract to close.

Have sold comparable properties available to potential buyers.

·Comparable. Fixed prices for homes similar in age, condition, location and size.

·Price. Study the average prices sold as a percentage of listings over the past six months.

· Low-ball offers. Buyers must offer more than 87% listing if serious; otherwise, you should not respond to low offers at all.

against offers). The response to an offer or offer by the seller or buyer after the original offer or offer. Request that all counter offers be in writing.

Require all buyers to present the highest level of mortgage commitment with their contract.

Mortgage Commitment. A document from a mortgage lender that commits the lender to provide a loan on agreed terms and conditions.

Term, rate and amount of the mortgage. Look for strong down payments of twenty percent or more. Interest-only loans indicate that buyers may be struggling to qualify for a loan.

Offers in cash in lieu of mortgage financing must be confirmed with a letter from your financial institution stating that funds are on deposit to close the contract.

Federal law requires disclosures about lead-based paint hazards.

Lead-based hazard. A disclosure of reports or knowledge of lead-based hazards. Buildings built after 1978 do not present lead-based hazards.

Read Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home by the US EPA.

Real property disclosures required by the federal government or your state Written statements from the seller or sellers of a property revealing any known defects.

·Local disclosures. Local disclosure requirements that are provided by the seller and recognized by the buyer, such as certificates of occupancy.

W-9 form. An IRS form requesting buyers’ taxpayer identification and certification numbers to receive interest on the security deposit from delivery to closing.

Subject to appraise. Most contracts as part of the mortgage contingency require that the property in question be appraised at the minimum of the contract price.

Assessment. An objective third-party opinion of value from a licensed or certified appraiser.

Down Payment. Money given to the seller at the time of the offer as a sign of good faith on the part of the buyer.

·Research typical security deposits as they vary. The higher the deposit, the higher the motivation buyers show to fulfill the contract.

Return of earnest money deposits. Contracts must provide for repayment of the entire security deposit within agreed contingency periods. The seller’s attorney must have security deposits.

· Period of approval of the lawyer. Your lawyer reviews and makes changes to the contract, usually in 5-7 business days.

· Property inspection period. The right under a contract for the buyer at his expense to discover the actual state of the property. This period usually lasts 5-7 business days.

·Inspections of wells and septic tanks. These are separate from structural and mechanical inspections.

· The deadlines for contingencies are executed simultaneously.

·Contingency. A provision in a contract that requires certain acts to be completed before the contract is binding.

Closing/Escrow Date. The completion date of the transaction process where the deed is delivered, documents are signed, and funds are dispersed.

· Date of possession. The date agreed by contract in which the buyer can occupy the property.

·Final tour. A tour of the property prior to closing or escrow that allows buyers a final check on condition, agreed upon repairs, and personal property.

· Tax apportionment. The amount of credit given to buyers at closing for unpaid property taxes, when taxes are paid late. Apportionments should always be more than 100%.

·Personal property. Please list and initial all personal property included in the sale, such as air conditioners, appliances, and play equipment.

· Contingency sale of housing. The contract is contingent on the sale of the buyer’s property.

Buyers show motivation by including a contingency in the home sale by having their current property already on the market.

Home closure contingency. The contract is solely contingent on the successful closing of an existing real estate contract.

Marketing your home to potential buyers should include these methods.

·A professionally painted yard sign.

Ads in classified newspapers and photo.

·Houses open to the public and brokers.

Internet: virtual tour and at least eight photos.

Located in the Thornybush Game Reserve, bordering the Kruger National Park in the Limpopo Province, the Shumbalala Game Reserve is as close to nature as you can imagine. It is an unfenced reserve where guests enjoy an unrivaled jungle lodge experience and where animals are free to roam the seemingly endless African landscape. This gives guests the opportunity to see Africa’s Big 5 in their natural habitat.

Thornybush Game Reserve is the perfect destination for a safari holiday. While staying at one of the lodges, you can enjoy an exciting range of outdoor activities, including morning and late afternoon game drives, where guests are taken by experienced rangers in open-top 4×4 safari vehicles. Guests can experience Africa’s Big 5 as well as smaller game such as the elusive cheetah and African wild dog.

If you’re feeling daring and up for the challenge, a hike in the bush is an exciting and unforgettable experience. The search for animal tracks could perhaps lead to a face-to-face encounter with one of the Big Five. Expert guides also inform participants about the wildlife and plants that inhabit the savannah, river, and forested environments.

Exciting night tours give visitors the chance to experience the awakening of the African bush at night. Dozens of extraordinary creatures activate after dark and the various sights and sounds that come from the African bush at night are an experience not to be missed.

Guests can also take a trip to Hoedspruit, a small town near the Thornybush Game Reserve. Hoedspruit is a pleasant little town that has retained its rural charm over the years. Very close to Hoedspruit is the well known Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. This center has helped a large number of injured and poisoned animals in need of medical attention, and makes a vital contribution to the treatment and conservation of endangered wildlife species.

There are a number of accommodation options at Thornybush Game Reserve, most being high-end luxury lodges. A highly recommended lodge is Shumbalala Game Lodge. Here, guests stay in luxurious suites enhanced by natural African décor to create a stunning living space. All suites feature a private observation deck overlooking the spectacular African bush and a bathroom with a picture window and an open-air shower, all designed to give guests as close to nature an African experience as possible.

Guests can enjoy extravagant cuisine on the hostel’s decks, positioned to ensure picturesque views across the river. Alternatively, guests can dine in a more formal setting in the candlelit dining room which always has a cozy fire going in winter.

After a visit to Shumbalala, you’ll be able to reflect on close encounters with the Big 5, dazzling sunsets, tempting meals, and luxurious accommodations. Guests take with them the memories of their experience, sure to stay with them for a lifetime.