Items of Value

The Charles Shultz Philosophy

The following is the philosophy of Charlie Schultz, the creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip. This was taken recently from an email blast and offers great encouragement this morning.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name five people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for the best actor and actress.

The point is none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz….See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!!

Is this easier?

The lesson: The people who make the difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials…the most money…or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most. Be a champion to the people in your life. Let your family, friends, and clients know how much you appreciate them. Focus on positive results with a positive attitude in 2010.

Be Thankful for Your
Friends, Family, Freedom, and Faith
and look forward to 2010 with optimism and determination!

Free Garage Makeover!

  

 

 

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Garage Makeover

The Truth About Today’s Market

“For most folks, no news is good news; for the press, good news is not news.” – Gloria Borger

You hear the bad news everywhere you turn. It’s on the television, the Internet, the radio and in print headlines. What you don’t hear is the good news about the real estate market.

Bad news sells newspapers and gets high television ratings; therefore, the media has no reason to report the upside of today’s real estate market to the average American. This is where I come in. For example, did you know that approximately 30 percent of homeowners own their home free and clear?

The current market also affords some great opportunities for those looking to purchase a home. First-time homeowners, move-up buyers and investors can all benefit from low home prices, large selection and historically low interest rates.

In addition, the government recently approved a First Time Buyer Tax Credit, up to $8,000, that does not require repayment if the borrower resides in and maintains ownership of the property for at least three years. Regulations do apply and can be reviewed at www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com, or just give me a call and I will be happy to discuss it with you.

Call me to hear more about the good news in today’s housing market. I can’t wait to share it with you.

Design Trends

“Design can have such a positive impact on the way people live and on their relationships and moods.” – Genevieve Gorder

Not all remodels are created equal. You may already be familiar with Remodeling magazine’s popular Cost vs. Value report, which documents the average return on investment expected for specific improvement projects. But have you taken into account the latest design trends that will make your home more desirable and thus more valuable?

For example, many buyers are seeking homes with hardwood, composite or travertine tile
flooring because they require less maintenance than carpet and give a home a beautiful and natural feel. Replacing carpeted areas with these contemporary flooring options can give your home a worthwhile face-lift.

This month’s Item of Value is dedicated to new design trends around the home. You will
find innovative and affordable tips that can dramatically improve your home’s look and value, such as adding accent lighting and replacing outdated plumbing fixtures.

Specific ways you can stage your home successfully for an open house or merely to entertain friends and family are also included.

My hope is to keep you informed of the latest trends in home improvement and design.

Sincerely,

Alan Hopper

Oh, by the way®…if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number, and I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.

 

Improve Your Credit Score

“Improve your business, your life, your relationships,your finances and your health. When you do the whole world improves.”

– Mark Victor Hansen

If you are getting ready to apply for a new loan, your credit score will play a significant role in determining whether you are approved and what your terms will be. If you don’t know what your credit score is or how the process works, I can provide some insight.

Your credit score is determined by several factors, including your payment history, number of open credit cards and even the amount of recent loan applications. There are also many ways to improve your credit score, such as routinely paying more than the minimum due on your credit cards or closing unused credit card accounts.

For this month’s Item of Value, you will find a crash course in credit scores. I’ve listed several tips to raise or maintain your credit score, as well as a worksheet to help keep your finances in order.

Making a concerted effort to improve your credit score will enable you to secure the best possible terms on a future mortgage, car loan or student loan, and I am here to help!