|
Greetings!
The gifts may still be out and the Christmas tree may still be up, but it's already time to think about what the new year will bring!
Despite the economic hardships and real estate market uncertainty, 2011 was a year of opportunity for those who knew where to look for it. 2012 promises to hold just as much potential.
Will this be the year you buy your first home, or perhaps an investment or vacation property? Read on to find out why most Americans still say that owning a home is the best possible investment.
As mentioned last month, my successful Home Buyers Workshop series will resume in the spring.
Please forward this e-newsletter to friends, colleagues, or family members, and don't forget to check out my other informational resources on my blog, Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website!
May 2012 be filled with peace, prosperity, and good cheer!
|
|
 The Goal of Homeownership
Homeownership is a goal for many, whether they are aspiring first-time homebuyers, in the market for a second home, or have their sights on an investment property. Whichever is your goal, here is some information to help you along the way.
First-Time Homeownership
81% of homeowners and 67% of renters polled feel that homeownership is the best investment they can make. In addition to having a place of your own, homeownership
allows you to build equity.*
Investment Property
Many people purchase investment properties with the intention of augmenting their incomes with the proceeds from rent. These properties may round out a growing investment portfolio or provide a second income to owners.
Vacation Home
If you've always dreamed of having a vacation home, you may be in luck. Home prices in many vacation hot spots have fallen. While
 buying property is a good long-term investment, the potential return isn't the primary reason for buying a second home. Nearly 80% of second-home buyers purchased their home to live in and enjoy, not in hopes of making a substantial profit from investment.**
* Source: Wall Street Journal, June 7, 2011
** Source: Wall Street Journal, July 23, 2011
©2011 Buffini & Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
LGK DECEMBER E-REPORTS
|
|
Mortgage IQ Quiz
How much do you think you know about mortgages? Take this quiz to find out!
|
|
Tapping Into Our Local Talent
I'm continuing on with sharing the next featured clip from my ongoing video series dubbed "Tapping Into Our Local Talent", in which I interview local experts.
This month, I'm pleased to introduce you to Priscilla Chura, president of Small Biz CFO. Click on the video below to watch her interview.
 | |
Tapping Into Our Local Talent:
Priscilla Chura of Small Biz CFO
|
Priscilla is a CFO/controller for hire. She works with small businesses to get their financial houses in order by providing CFO and controller services along with financial and managerial accounting. Her role changes depending on the size of her client: - Start-ups - often generates financial projections for their business plan, configures accounting systems, and trains the owners
- Larger companies - frequently called in to "clean up the books" because business owners tried to save money initially by doing it themselves
- Assists with budgeting, work flow management, and staff recruitment/training
Priscilla is passionate about training entrepreneurs to have basic financial literacy, even when many want nothing to do with their financial numbers. Contact Priscilla at 781-925-2949, email her at chura@smallbizcfo.com, or visit her on the web at www.smallbizcfo.com. ____________ My goal throughout this video project has been to let the public know about available options and to help business experts I trust to grow their businesses. Please forward the video links to anyone you know who could benefit from the services of one of the local experts interviewed. The videos are also posted on my blog, Facebook page, and YouTube Channel. Tune in regularly to see our latest episode.
|
 Connie White has worked as a full-time Realtor for over 20 years. During her career, she's earned the following certifications: ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) and CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert - meaning she's a certified expert in helping homeowners facing short sales).
Connie has been affiliated with RE/MAX (an international organization) since 1990. Her motto is: "Delivering Excellence" - Your South Shore Realtor for Single-Family, Condos, Multi-Family, Oceanfront, Luxury, and Distressed Properties.
_______________
320 Washington Drive
Norwell, Massachusetts 02061
RE/MAX Realty Advisors
(617) 697-5566 |
|
Book Review:
The Winter of our Disconnect
|
Phyllis Power, thank you for referring Susan Maushart's The Winter of our Disconnect. While highly readable and entertaining about "unplugging", this book points out the benefits lost through our constant attempt to stay digitally connected. Absent of all the technology, her family reconnects to music, conversation, reading, sleep, and better cooking and eating habits. Sound good? Raises the question: how to balance both! Click here to view the book on Amazon. |
Featured Property
|
 | 91 Whitcomb Avenue,
Hingham, MA |
Location and Price!
A Winning Combination!
SOLD:
91 Whitcomb Avenue,
Hingham, MA 02043
* Very desirable location
* Accepted Offer within 12 days of marketing time
* Ratio of Sale Price
to Asking Price:
approximately 97%
In spite of all the negative press about the housing market, the combination of "Location and Price" continues to attract qualified Buyers.
Sellers and Buyers: Let me help you move forward in this current market.
Thank you, Christian,
for this referral!
Virtual Tour
Click here to view additional photos and listing details.
__________
|
On the Blog... | |
__________
|
|
In the News...
Anonymous Donors Pay Off Kmart Layaway Accounts
|
This is the true meaning
of Christmas! 
At Kmart stores across the country, Santa got some help this year.
Anonymous donors paid off strangers' layaway accounts, buying Christmas gifts other families couldn't afford.
The benefactors generally asked to help families who were squirreling away toys and children's clothes.
Isn't it heartening to know that the true spirit of Christmas has infected so many people, despite our difficult economic times?!
Click here for the full story.
__________
|
Useful Resources | |
 | |
Visit my website
|
 | |
Home Buyer Workshop
|
__________
|
|
