Homes & Life Magazine (Preview)

Sally Agent presents

HOMES & LIFE YO U R LO C A L R E A L E S TAT E M A G A Z I N E

TIPS FOR SELLING DURING THE HOLIDAYS PAGE 2

SHOULD YOU BUY FIRST OR SELL FIRST? PAGE 7

4 MORTGAGE OPTIONS WITH LOW DOWN PAYMENTS PAGE 9

4 FUN & EASY

Holiday Décor Projects ISSSN82-2334-5678-8

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442355 790068

DIY: FESTIVE FRONT PORCH

Makeover

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Ta ke Ta a Lo st ok yR I ec nsid ip e es fo ! r

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Tips for Selling During the Holidays

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4 Fun & Easy Holiday Décor Projects

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DIY: Festive Front Porch Makeover

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RECIPE: Zucchini, Red Pepper, and Feta Egg Bites

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RECIPE: Cranberry Scones with Lemon Drizzle

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Should You Buy First or Sell First?

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4 Mortgage Options with Low Down Payments

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MY COMMITMENT TO YOU

Sell Buy ?

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Whether you’re selling your first home, or you’re an experienced seller, my goal is to make the process as simple and effective as possible for you and your family. I’ve negotiated contracts for millions of dollars’ worth of business and have been recognized for providing the utmost in quality service to my customers. My clients count on my knowledge and background to provide them with insight and direction in their real estate plans. If there’s anything I can do for you, please give me a call!

Sally Agent, Broker, REALTOR® Results Realty Cell: 931-723-2400

SPICY PUMPKIN BATH BOMB INGREDIENTS • 1/2 c. baking soda • 1/2 c. citric acid • 1/3 c. corn starch • 1/3 c. coconut oil (melted)

• • • •

1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice 6-8 drops pumpkin fragrance oil 3-4 drops orange soap colorant Silicone mini-muffin mold

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 180°. Combine baking soda, citric acid, corn starch, and coconut oil. Mix well. Add pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin fragrance, and soap colorant. Mix well until consistency of wet sand. Spoon mixture into the mold, packing down firmly and filling each cup to the top. Place mold on a baking sheet and into oven.

Turn off oven, allow mold to sit in warm oven for 1 hour. Remove from oven. Air dry for 6 to 8 hours. Gently remove from mold and store in glass container.

5 TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER MAINTENANCE

1. GUTTER DETAIL

Make sure all drainage areas are clear of leaves and debris.

2. CAULK IT UP

Carefully probe the trim around windows and doors to look for holes. Use caulk to fill the gaps, and replace damaged wood.

3. PUT A COAT ON

Cooler temperatures and lower humidity are great conditions for painting your home’s exterior.

4. CHIMNEY CHECK

Have your wood-burning fireplace inspected, cleaned, and repaired to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

5. INSULATION INSPECTION

Now is a great time to check your attic for proper insulation. If you need a trusted handyman, ask for a referral!

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Tips for Selling During the Holidays Traditionally, the market wakes up in September, after a late summer lull, while families are on vacation and enjoying the kids’ time off from school.

Once September and October roll around, the market gets busy and stays busy until a slight winter slowdown.

However, you will still find many highly motivated sellers throughout the winter season.

Selling your home during the holiday season doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience.

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If you’re thinking about making a fall or wintertime move, here are some tips for a quick, stress-free sale: CARE FOR THE CURB It’s important to make sure your home shows well – from the outside in. While manicured shrubs are a must, seasonal colors via flowers and porch planters (in the fall) and a festive wreath or garland (in the winter) are just as important.

PRICE IT RIGHT From the start, it’s vital to price your property right to get the best price for your home in the shortest time possible. As with most things, timing is everything.

To find out how much you can expect from the sale of your home, call me for a complete price analysis. I’ll do the research for you, show you what comparable homes are selling for in this market, and help you steer clear of the things that cause homes not to sell.

BE FLEXIBLE It can be overwhelming to keep your house “showready” on any given day. The good news is that, when it’s priced right and you have an experienced agent

on your side, chances are we can find a terrific buyer without a long listing period. Here’s my promise: I will be as flexible as possible in working around your family’s schedule and needs. I just ask that you return the favor when I have a ready-to-go buyer eager to see your property.

KNOW YOUR BOTTOM LINE If you have a bottom-line dollar amount you must get from your sale, or a definitive moving or relocation schedule, disclose that information up front. We’ll do our best to meet your bottom-line needs while getting the most from your real estate transaction.

Selling your home during the holiday season doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. You can count on me to make sure everything goes smoothly, whether you’re looking to relocate, move up, or even downsize. Call or text me for the answers you need.

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4 FUN & EASY

Holiday Décor Projects 1. MASON JAR DISPLAY Fill a large mason jar with fall leaves, small pine branches, or pine cones, and place a battery operated votive candle in the bottom to create a warm glow.

2. BURLAP WHEAT BUNDLE Purchase enough dried wheat stalks from a craft store to create a twoinch diameter bundle, tie with a burlap ribbon, then fan out the bottom of the stalks to create a base for them to stand on.

3. PINE CONE CENTERPIECE Place one or more candles in the center of a large decorative serving dish, and surround them with pine cones.

4. CORNUCOPIA HURRICANE VASE Fill a hurricane vase halfway up with layers of popcorn seeds, nuts, and dried cranberry, place a candle on top of the seeds, and tie twine or a ribbon around the vase.

DIY: FESTIVE FRONT PORCH MAKEOVER

Take your front porch from blah to beautiful.

Create a warm and inviting entry that beckons the season forth in just a few simple steps.

Start by placing potted chrysanthemums, or small pines (based on the temperature), on each side of your front door. Chrysanthemums come in several color varieties starting in fall.

Add fresh or faux pumpkins alongside the flowers, and exchange them for oversized lanterns as winter nears.

Create a festive door wreath by gluing real or faux fall leaves, dried flowers, or pine cones to a circular base.

You can finish it all off with a black and white checkered rug as a fun, additional pattern.

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IMAGINE YOUR HOUSE HERE MY PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

Sally Agent Broker, REALTOR®

Cell: 931-723-2400 Office: 800-287-5710 sally.agent@prospectsplus.com www.ProspectsPLUS.com

Call Me Today! I Can Help with All of Your Real Estate Needs!

If your property is now listed with a REALTOR® or Broker, please disregard this offer, as it is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other REALTORS® or Brokers. The information contained herein is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. DRE#123456 ©ProspectsPLUS!, Inc. www.prospectsplus.com

Thinking of selling?

Picture your home featured here.

Reach out to me at 941-723-2400 to learn more!

Results Realty

10510 Portal Crossing, Suite #107 Bradenton, FL 34211

ZUCCHINI, RED PEPPER AND FETA EGG BITES

INGREDIENTS FOR EGG BITES • 12 eggs

• 2 c. diced zucchini

• 1/3 c. cottage cheese

• 2 roasted red peppers (chopped)

• Cracked black pepper

• 1/3 c. feta

DIRECTIONS Heat your oven to 325°F. Grease 12-cup muffin tin. Place tin inside roasting pan. Pour 1 1/2 to 2 cups of water into roasting pan, around the muffin pan halfway up sides. Blend eggs, cottage cheese, and pepper together in blender. Add zucchini, roasted red pepper, and feta to bottom of each muffin cup one-third of the way up, and pour egg mixture over vegetables.

Cover pan with foil, and bake in oven for 60 minutes. Remove from the oven, and run knife around edge of muffin cups to release eggs. Let cool.

Try breakfast on the move, and make these ahead of time!

CRANBERRY SCONES WITH LEMON DRIZZLE

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INGREDIENTS FOR SCONES • 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

• 1 c. milk

• 1 tbsp. baking powder

• 2 tbsp. lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp. baking soda

• 2 tsp. lemon zest

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 3/4 c. cranberries

• 1/2 c. cold butter (cubed)

• 1 egg (beaten)

• 1/2 c. sugar

• 2 tsp. milk

INGREDIENTS FOR LEMON DRIZZLE • 1/2 c. powdered sugar

• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400°F, place flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and butter in a food processor, and pulse until course crumbs.

In another bowl mix one cup of milk and 2 tbsp. lemon juice together in bowl, and let stand 5 minutes. Add lemon zest to bowl with dry ingredients, make a well in the center and add milk, stir until combined, fold in cranberries. On floured surface, press dough into 9-inch circle, then cut into 8 wedges. Place wedges on parchment lined baking sheet. Mix egg and 2 tsp of milk together, and brush over scones. Bake scones for 20 minutes, remove and cool, then mix powdered sugar and 2 tbsp. lemon juice. Drizzle over scones, and serve.

Sell Buy ?

SHOULD YOU BUY FIRST OR SELL FIRST? There’s no requirement, legal or otherwise, to find your next home before selling the current one. In fact, selling first is wise in many situations. You’ll avoid making a contingent offer on a home.

Additionally, selling first eliminates the possibility of owning and making payments on two homes every month. The lender will consider those two monthly payments, and they will most likely ding your debt-to-income ratio.

One of the most attractive benefits of selling your home before buying is that you’ll be able to relax during the house hunt. With the pressure off, you won’t feel rushed and end up making compromises you wouldn’t otherwise entertain.

possibility of having to arrange for temporary living arrangements until you close on the new home.

The key to making this work, in fact, is sound communication skills and a competent negotiating strategy.

Yes, there are downsides, the biggest of which is the

Should we find your dream home before the home sells, I always suggest that you make an offer. Yes, the offer will be contingent on your home selling. However, I believe that, rather than assume the seller won’t entertain your offer, it’s better to get into the conversation. This is something I am very good at.

We will discuss your options for what to do if the home does or doesn’t sell before you close on the new home. In the end, it all comes down to effectively communicating to the sellers how the scenario might be to their benefit. The key to making this work, in fact, is sound communication skills and a competent negotiating strategy. This is my strength, and you can rely on me to help you through this process with ease.

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4 MORTGAGE OPTIONS WITH LOW DOWN PAYMENTS Too many consumers think they can’t buy a home because they don’t have the cash to put 20 percent down on the mortgage. The following are four mortgage options that don’t require large down payments.

1. Fannie Mae’s 3-Percent-Down Mortgage

This loan is a brilliant alternative to the FHAbacked loan. While borrowers are still required to purchase mortgage insurance, the premiums are usually less expensive than those of comparable FHA home loans. Borrowers can qualify with scores as low as 620, and gift funds can be used for down payment and closing costs.

2. Freddie Mac HomeOneSM Loan

This loan has features that include: no income limits, no geographical limits, and it allows for the purchase of a single-family home, condo, or townhome. Buyers are required to have at least 3 percent for a down payment, a credit score of at least 620, and are first-time buyers.

3. Freddie Mac Home Possible®

This program is a deal for lower income buyers who lack a big down payment and require “flexible sources of funds.” These sources can be family members, employer assistance “secondary financing and sweat equity,” or a combination of these.

The buyer’s qualifying income cannot exceed 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). There’s a 3 percent down payment, and the borrower can quality for 105 percent LTV.

4. HomePath Ready Buyer™ Program

This loan offers 3 percent down payment assistance for qualified borrowers who agree to participate in an online home buying course and then purchase a HomePath property. The request for closing cost assistance must be made at the initial offer in the HomePath Online Offers system. The buyer must not have owned a home within the past three years, they must agree to reside in the home as their primary residence and take possession within 60 days of closing.

There are plenty of other programs out there that will help you purchase a home without a huge down payment. Reach out to me for more information and assistance in deciding which program is right for you.

There are plenty of other programs out there that will help you purchase a home without a huge down payment. pg. 9

Results Realty

10510 Portal Crossing, Suite #107 Bradenton, FL 34211

4 Reasons Why My Clients Hire Me and Send Me Referrals

1. PRICING MASTERY

From the start, getting the price right is one of the most important decisions related to getting your home sold for top dollar. I am an expert at determining the best fair market value and pricing strategies to accomplish this goal.

2. NEGOTIATION SKILLS

Experience is critical when negotiating best offers. My clients tell me that they have more peace of mind knowing that I am watching out for their best interests.

3. ONGOING COMMUNICATION

Communication is a vital component in the sales process. Make sure the real estate agent you choose takes the time to establish a time and method for keeping you in the loop every step of the way! As a result, you are always informed, and everyone can avoid unwanted surprises.

4. AREA EXPERTISE Sally Agent

Broker, REALTOR®

Cell: 931-723-2400 Office: 800-287-5710 sally.agent@prospectsplus.com www.ProspectsPLUS.com

Call Me Today! I Can Help with All of Your Real Estate Needs!

I am a seasoned veteran, with enthusiasm, knowledge, time-tested strategies, and a network of industry-wide professionals at my fingertips, ensuring I have all your needs covered throughout the entire process.

Please reach out if I may be of assistance, or if you know of anyone who might need help with buying or selling a home.