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| News You Can Use |
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| Quick Quiz |
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Each month I’ll give you a new question.
Just reply to this email for the answer.
Which country started building the Panama Canal prior to the US taking it over and finishing it?
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| Ask the Agent |
| How Much Do Real Estate Agents Charge?
Real estate agents make their income from commissions when they represent buyers or sellers on the sales of homes. By law, the amount of commission charged must be negotiable. The industry average is 5% to 6% of the home sale price.
Although the percentages of the split may vary, traditionally, a 6% commission would be divided four ways. Three percent would go to the listing broker’s office, which would be split between the broker of record and the listing agent, per their office agreement. Likewise, the other 3% would be split between the selling agent’s broker of record and the selling agent.
If a seller agrees to pay a 6% commission on a $300,000 sale price for their home, the total commission paid at closing would be $18,000. Nine thousand dollars would be disbursed to the selling office, where the agent would be paid $4,500 or more, depending on the agent’s commission agreement with the broker. The other half would be shared between the listing broker and the listing agent. |
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| Moving Home? Here’s How to Deal with the Emotions |
| Moving can be a challenging experience filled with mixed emotions. It involves leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and routines, which can create a sense of loss and instability. However, it also presents opportunities for personal growth and new experiences. If you’re moving soon, check out these three tips for dealing with the emotions it may bring.
Talk openly about how you feel with your household. Bottling up emotions can create barriers to contend with inside the household alongside the already charged feelings of saying goodbye to your old home. This can be especially true if you have children. Being open to discussing the impact of the move on you all can help to create a sense of togetherness, give each other emotional support, and alleviate any feelings of grief or anxiety.
Seek out community events in your new neighborhood. Activities such as volunteering or joining classes or local groups can help speed you on the road to meeting new people with similar interests in your new neighborhood, quickly finding you a new community to become a part of and bringing a sense of belonging.
Stay connected to old friends. In the age of social media, it is easier than ever to stay connected with your old friendship group, no matter how far away they are. Don’t just rely on liking and commenting, though. Have video calls with your pals when you can, and perhaps carve out time to go visit them when you’re able to, ensuring those relationships are not broken by distance.
I’ll be here for you every step of the way to help you navigate the ups and downs of moving. |
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| Are You a First-Time Buyer? Get My Free Guide |
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Buying your first home is a big step, and one that is likely to impact your financial future for years to come. Make it easier by requesting my free guide, “How First-Timers Can Make a Wise Buy.”
Just reply to this email and I’ll send it right out to you.
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| The Store that Is Turning Kindness into Currency |
| In Carlisle, UK, one store is pioneering a new type of retail based on kindness. The Kinder Shop operates a one-of-a-kind system in which, instead of money, goods are exchanged for time. Promoted by the local building society’s “Kinder Cumbria” campaign, which seeks to promote kindness and understanding within the community, all of the store’s items are donated by local businesses and priced in terms of hours volunteering at nearby charities.
The response has been overwhelming, with one single day seeing 1,143 hours pledged towards local initiatives, including hospices, anti-racism charities, homeless action groups, and associations for local deaf people. The Kinder Shop is playing a huge part in creating a tightly knit community; people in need are beginning to get the assistance they require, while people who would not normally have thought to volunteer now have their route into it for the first time, whether it’s a simple task such as gardening or delivering meals or helping with administration.
The initiative has also served to inspire others, with other towns, businesses, and communities beginning to adopt similar models. For example, a hair salon in nearby Keswick offered a free haircut to any customer who would devote time to cleaning up garbage around the town. Through these innovative approaches, these stores are showing that kindness and volunteering are just as important as currency for local communities, inspiring people to give their time generously and providing a platform to connect locals with opportunities to make a difference. |
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| Wondering What’s Happening in Your Neighborhood? |
| How has the price of your home changed in today’s market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for?
These are all critical questions that shouldn’t be overlooked when thinking about buying or selling your home. Whether you’re curious about prices in your area, whether it’s an excellent time to sell, or just need an expert to answer your questions, I can give you the tools and offer guidance through the entire buying or selling process.
Let me know how I can help by simply giving my office a call at 210-232-2310 to set up a time to connect. |
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| Chilled Lettuce Wraps |
| Serves 6 |
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| Ingredients
2 tablespoons fish sauce
5 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 small shallots, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons minced ginger
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1.5 pounds ground chicken breast
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced
12 lettuce cups (Bibb lettuce) |
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| In small bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar, then set aside. Heat skillet over medium heat and add oil. Sauté shallots, ginger, and red pepper flakes and cook until softened. Then add ground chicken and continue cooking while breaking up any lumps until meat is no longer pink. Remove from heat and add sauce mixture. Allow mixture to cool and then refrigerate for at least one hour. (Can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to two days.)
Stir in cilantro and onion before serving. Serve in lettuce cups with extra wedges of lime. |
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| Why the Color of your Appliances Really Matters |
| Thinking of buying a few new appliances for your home? While you’re most likely considering your utility needs, it’s actually quite important not to forget that the color of the appliances you choose can have a huge effect on your home’s feel, level of coziness and, as a result, even its value. Here are a few things to think about when choosing new appliances.
Does it fit the rest of your decor?
Stainless steel appliances are pretty versatile, as they can complement all kinds of color schemes, while black appliances have a certain level of timelessness that makes them less likely to appear outdated or clash with the rest of your room. Even in an all-white room, black can give the decor a pleasant monochromatic feel.
Is it consistent with your other appliances?
You don’t want a room full of mismatched color chaos. For a calming feel in your home, it’s pertinent to make sure it stylistically complements the rest of the appliances, at least if you’re not planning to change the rest of them anytime soon.
Will it make your home appealing to buyers?
If you’re considering selling in the near future, think about what is most appealing. A platinum finish can impart a luxurious appearance to your kitchen, while neutral colors can help to create a soft intrigue in the room. Alternatively, you really can’t go wrong with white or stainless steel appliances. Practical, popular, and a safe bet.
How long will it aesthetically last?
While bright colors may add a touch of vibrancy to the room, remember that they will usually fade much quicker than more muted colors. As a result, they may look old and out of date quickly and take away from your home’s fresh, fancy feel. Always bear this in mind!
For some ideas on how color schemes might help with your home’s value, call me today and I’ll gladly assist! |
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| Sweltering? 7 Tips to Beat the Summer Heat |
| Keep cool this summer without burning cash. Here are some time-tested tips and fresh ideas to save on your summertime electricity bills.
Ceiling fans. One of the most commonly overlooked solutions, flipping the switch on your ceiling fan so that it rotates counterclockwise is the key to paradise. This changes the direction of airflow, scooping the cool air upward to lower the overall temperature of the room.
Sun cubes. Give your skin some after-sun care with ice cubes infused with aloe vera gel and other skin-healing ingredients.
Get spicy. Surprisingly enough, eating spicy food and drinking hot beverages are common methods to cool down by further activating your body’s sweat glands so that you can cool down.
Cooling powder. Popular in regions of the world by the equator, cooling powder is a popular item. Most powders consist of baby powder infused with menthol to give you an instant arctic blast.
Invest in better bedding. The fibers make the difference. Investing in heat-distributing pillows and heat sheets is a big difference maker in being able to get a good night’s rest.
Stay indoors. The risk of heat exhaustion and hyperthermia (heat stroke) is often ignored. Left untreated, both conditions can lead to hospitalization or even death. Listen to your location’s weather warnings, listen to your body, and if you are still too hot, turn on the AC. Stay safe this summer, and prioritize your health!
Turn off electronics. Computers and electronics can warm up a room really fast. Shutting down devices will help to keep your energy bills lower while lowering the overall temperature in your home. |
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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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