So, that got me to thinking, and I want to ask you a
question.

What are you thankful for?

In our very busy and hectic life, we often times forget to
take time and reflect back on all the things we have in our
lives that we should be thankful for.

As for me, here is a partial list of the things that I am
thankful for:

1)  My health…it you are healhy, just look around at how
many people that you know that are facing healthy
challenges.  Just seeing that should make you very grateful.

2)  My family…my family is relatively healthy and as I
write this message, I am headed to my Mom’s house to
celebrate Thanksgiving.  Based upon the fact that my Mom
has lived through open heart surgery, a stroke, suffers
with hypertension, and smokes…each moment that I spend
with her is a gift and something that I am truly thankful
for.

3)  My friends…it has been said that true friends are
very rare.  A true friend is someone that is with you
through all your trials and tribulations.  It is very easy
to find someone to be with you during the good times.
However, someone that will stick with you through the bad
times are truly “friends.”

4)  Lastly, but certainly not least…is you.  Over the
past few months, I have gotten to know some of you and
consider you part of my extended family.  Because of the
emails and other feedback that I have gotten from many of
you really has touched my heart.  Because of the feedback
that I have received telling me how the training I have
provided has changed your life is the reason that I don’t
mind the countless hours of working with you and providing
you the direction you need to be successful.  If you have
not taken attained the level of success that you deserve
in your real estate business, then I encourage you to
join us at AskMichaelAdulAli.com and let’s start
you on the road to financial prosperity.

So, regardless of your situation, each of us have
something to be thankful for.

Take a few minutes and leave a comment below and let me
know what you are thankful for this holiday season.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Brendon Burchard is a 32 year old man who should be dead.
At 19 years old he was in car wreck that should have
killed both him and his friend. They both survived.

Instead of his life flashing before his eyes, three
questions flashed through his mind, and they are as follows:

1. Did I Live?

2. Did I Love?

3. Did I Matter?

These three questions have driven his life since then.

I wonder how our lives would change if we asked the same 3
questions on a regular basis?

So, I encourage you today to sit down and answer those
three questions:

1. Are You Living?

2. Are You Loving?

3. Do You Matter?

I know the answers will make a difference in your life
as has mine.

Leave me a comment below and let me know what difference
the answers to the 3 questions above will have on your life.

This is a pity because scents can make the difference between thousands of dollars on a sale.

Good smells enhance the value of the home and project a welcoming feeling but bad aromas will drive potential buyers away!

Attractive Scents

Real estate agents disagree about the smells most likely to attract buyers. Research from the UK has shown, however, that the most appealing scents to buyers are those of fresh flowers. Vases of fresh and pretty flowers enhance the look of the house as well. They give the impression that the owner takes care of the home. It’s best to have flowers from the garden, if possible.

Be careful not to choose flowers with overwhelming fragrances, or those which could remind people of death, such as lilies or chrysanthemums. In Europe these flowers are often associated with death so they may deter European buyers.

Nostalgic and ‘homely’ aromas include smells of baking and cooking. Baking bread, cookies, or cake in the oven might be a good idea on open days. Another lovely and very American smell is that of apple pie. The aroma of a Sunday roast cooking also pervades the house and exudes warmth.

The smells of coffee brewing or apples being baked with cinnamon are some other ideas when the house is open to buyers.

Some real estate agents think that smells of baking and cooking are not a good idea when selling the house, surprisingly. These nostalgic scents bring back memories – for some buyers these may be unpleasant.

Aromatherapy smells may be useful, but scented candles are a big no-no, apparently. According to an article in the Irish Times, a mixture of bergamot, geranium and sandalwood will lift buyer’s spirits. Burning vanilla essence is also a lovely scent to use.

If you want to be very careful not to deter any buyers, it’s best to stick to new and natural smells in the home. Aromas which give the impression that the house is new, for example, polyurethine on hardwood floors, are attractive to buyers according to one study.

Bad Smells

An article in the Washington Post stated that an anonymous real estate agent said that: “Bad smells can take $100,000 off your price.” These include pet smells, cigarette smells and the scent of alcohol. Industrial smells also present a big problem and usually lessen the value of a home.

Pet smells affect the whole house or property. They’re absorbed into carpets and curtains and are usually extremely difficult to remove. Remove pet-stained carpets or get them professionally cleaned before selling.

The strong smells of tobacco and alcohol also deter many health-conscious buyers today, so it’s important to remove them, if possible.

Avoid anything that’s known to smell bad being in the house, such as fish, onions or stale food, on open days.

Bathroom odors will deter many buyers. The worst smells are mildew or mould. Bathrooms or kitchens which have problems with mildew or mould also horrify many buyers because of the associated health problems.

The “easy” money available in the lending markets in prior years has dried up and lending criteria have tightened significantly.

Homebuyers and speculators who took advantage of adjustable-rate mortgages found that when the rates reset, the monthly mortgage payments were unaffordable.

Smaller and riskier mortgage lenders have teetered on the brink of insolvency and, as a result, banks and other mortgage lenders have made borrowing to buy a home a more arduous experience than ever. The credit crisis that resulted has spilled over into the broader economy and the Federal Reserve has been closely monitoring both the slowing economic growth and the rising inflation with concern.

To provide triage to the credit crisis in the lending industry, the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates to make it easier for banks and, through the trickle-down effect, homebuyers and other consumers to survive the economic fallout. The Fed is contemplating further rate cuts to spur consumer confidence. The cut is intended to provide cheaper rates for the banks to borrow at and, in turn, the banks should lower the borrowing rates offered to their customers. Surprisingly, mortgage rates are currently rising rather than falling. Banks are the only ones profiting from the Fed cuts. Banks can borrow at a reduced interest rate but they are still charging the same or higher mortgage rates from consumers due to the risk they have subjected themselves to in the past by the loosey-goosey lending practices that were common two years ago. The banks are using the Fed cuts to heal their own balance sheets as the banks have also suffered from the collapse of the credit market.

What does this mean for homebuyers in today’s market? If you’re searching for your first home or for a larger home, the good (for you, not necessarily the sellers) news is that there is a virtual buffet of available houses to choose from. The inventory of house listings is increasing and prices are continuing to drop. Mortgage rates, however, are back up to the levels seen last fall. The number of homeowners who used the dip in rates at the beginning of the year to refinance their adjustable rate mortgages has dwindled and new buyers are skittish without having a crystal ball to determine what will happen to the economy and mortgage rates later in the year.

The best thing that you can do is to make sure that your situation is absolutely in order before you go out buying a home. You need to make sure that, above all else, you have your credit in order and you are selecting a home that is within your price range. People have gotten in trouble with their mortgage loans because they have been stupid in how they’ve purchased homes. Only get as much home as you can afford and make sure that you take all of the necessary steps to protect yourself. This will help you stay afloat in this difficult market.

But a home is much more than a financial investment – it is an investment in a new lifestyle and a new way of looking at property.

Those who are unprepared to make the leap from renting to home ownership can make some costly mistakes, and learning to avoid those blunders is vital.

Think With Your Head – Not Your Heart
One of the most common mistakes made by first time home buyers is allowing emotion to rule the day. Buying a home is an emotional process – there is no way around that, but there are some things home buyers can do to prevent emotional ties from getting in the way of sound financial discipline.

While it is all too easy to picture yourself and your family relaxing in the backyard, take a step back and look at the home with the eyes of an investor. Pretend for a moment that you are considering buying the home not to live in but as a pure investment. Is it still just as attractive, or has it lost some of its appeal. Emotional attachment is fine, but it should not overrule your common sense or your good judgment.

Consider All the Costs of Home Ownership – Not Just the Mortgage
Buying more house than they can afford is a classic blunder for many first time homeowners. One of the chief culprits behind this error is factoring in only the cost of the mortgage versus the cost of continuing to rent. While it is certainly appealing to go from collecting rent receipts to building up home equity, keep in mind that the costs of owning a home do not end with the monthly mortgage check.

While those who rent can simply pick up the phone and call the landlord when the heat stops working or the toilet backs up, homeowners are responsible for the repairs, and the costs, of everything that goes wrong under their roof. They are also potentially liable for injuries or accidents that take place on their property, so a comprehensive homeowner’s insurance policy is a must. It is vital for homeowners to factor all of these expenses into their buy versus rent calculations.

Don’t Try to Time the Market
Market timing doesn’t work in the stock market, and it doesn’t work in the home market either. While it can be tempting to try to wait for the market to hit rock bottom, you may be left out in the cold when the market starts to turn around. Many professionals, including home builders, lenders and real estate investors, have a great deal of difficulty timing the market, even with all their specialized knowledge and experience.

While some home buyers will be lucky enough to sell their existing homes at the top of the market and buy their next one when the market craters, most of us will not be so lucky. There are bargains to be found in every real estate market; the key is to arm yourself with as much information as possible and shop smart.

Although this might not be a simple decision, it isn’t a difficult one either.

It simply takes an understanding of which of today’s home construction items are worth repairing and which ones are better off being repaired.

Let’s start by explaining the difference between renovation and repair. A renovation involves the removal of an existing or old feature and its replacement with a completely new one. For example, new windows for old or a new water heater for an old water heater are both examples of renovations. A repair is the modification of an existing or old home feature to bring it back to its original performance level.

In many cases, home renovations are often simpler. However, these simpler strategies aren’t always as cost effective as the home repairs would be. For instance, if you replace a home feature that has lasted for thirty years with a newer model that only has a life expectancy of five or ten years, it certainly isn’t very cost effective. After all, you are only going to have to replace the same home feature in less than half the time that the original one existed. Depending upon your specific situation, you could be looking at some different options if the need arises in your home. The decision will ultimately come down to money, time, and your personal preference.

Although this might not always be the case, many renovations involve replacing quality items with substandard ones. Let’s face it, few things are made with the same high standards of quality that were applied in the past. The strive to achieve better profits has changed all of that for many of today’s products, including home construction products.

This is not to say that some items have not improved. In fact, advances in technology have led to many useful and efficient improvements in many facets of home construction products including heating systems. Unfortunately, today’s “throw away” society has also led to an increase in disposable products that are only built to last five or so years.

Determining when to repair or when to renovate involves the assessment of the project. Which strategy will actually lead to an upgrade in efficiency and which one will only lead to an upgrade in appearance? Is fashion more important than energy efficiency? Does the existing feature perform well enough to merit its repair?

Should the homeowner base his decision on the merit of what the company’s representative says or should he do some research on his own instead? Let’s look at the simple fact that companies are in the market to sell their products and services. What do you expect them to tell you? Do your own research into the merits of repair vs. renovation first. Then, once you have come to a decision as to repairing or renovating the feature, that is the time to listen to what the company’s representative has to say.

The home will likely be available immediately; it may be priced well because the owners have already moved; and move-in will be simple since there will be no scheduling conflicts.

A vacant house often signals opportunity to a buyer.

But an empty home can be difficult to sell at market value. Buyers will make assumptions about the property based on a variety of factors: its curb appeal and condition; how long it has been on the market; whether the owners are still local or have moved cross-country. Investors will look up the property’s history to discover what the seller paid for the house and whether there are any liens on the property.

These facts combine to give the buyer a sense of the property’s value; not necessarily market value, but value to him. This is why it is vital to stage your vacant home. If done effectively, you can counter any negative impressions a buyer may have.

First, set the property up for “eye” appeal. Also known as curb appeal, eye appeal is the instant visual assumption the buyer makes about your property. The most apparent aspects of your home‘s exterior: the siding, the front door, the roof and the landscaping, are the most important visuals. If any of these features need attention, they will lower the home’s value in the eye of the buyer.

Assuming your roof, front door and siding are in nice condition; your yard needs to be scrupulously maintained in your absence. Nothing spells “bargain” like an unkempt yard. If you have relocated beyond driving distance to your vacant property, enlist the service of either your realtor or a landscape company to maintain your property.

You will want to discontinue mail and newspaper delivery, but make sure any junk mail is collected regularly. It pays to leave the electric service in place and set timers to turn on a few lights at night: particularly at the front door. The result will be a home that appears well cared for - even lived in.

Once the outside of the property is ship-shape, focus on the interior details that make a vacant home appealing. First, don’t worry about the lack of furniture; pay more attention to the home’s cleanliness. After you have moved out, unseen sore spots may appear that need attention. Fix any holes in the walls, shampoo carpets (or replace them), shine fixtures and windows; vacuum the basement and, if possible, the attic. Yes, a clean attic shows extra care and is seen as useful space to a buyer. Also, try to remove any oil stains from the garage floor.

It is worthwhile to bring in some temporary staging items such as fresh flowers for the kitchen and baths. If you have a few pieces of furniture left in the house, go ahead; use them, but only if they enhance the interior. You might purchase a couple of inexpensive portable round tables, cover them with cloths, and decorate them with plants. Also, leave any custom window treatments in place if they are stylish and in good condition. Fresh towels in the bathrooms are a nice touch, too.

Your overall objective in presenting a vacant home for sale is to create a sense of value to your buyer. A vacant property that continues to be well cared for conveys to the buyer that you are still invested in the home; that it is anything but a bargain; and that it is well worth your asking price.

The key to real estate success? It’s all about planning.

If you want to make money in real estate and see your properties increase in value, then you have to have a plan for success. Your plan will be specific to your situation, but the basic aspects of a good plan are easy to see.

Decide Long Term Goals

Goal oriented people have a tendency to go much farther in life than those folks who aren’t goal oriented. This is just a fact of life. In real estate, you can have a number of different long term outlooks which could ultimately help you get to where you are going. The key is to figure out where it is you are going. Are you trying to make a small profit on a home, while giving your child a place to stay in college? Are you looking to make a living by flipping houses? Do you just want a great home to live in that will increase in value over time? It is easy to get to these things if you know where you are going. Sit down with your financial planner and your family and chart your real estate goals for the long term.

Short Term Prospectus

The long term is nice, but the short term has to be a focus point, as well. The most goal oriented person in the world cannot achieve those goals if he or she is not willing to put in the work in the short term. You have to not only have great goals, but you have to figure out the steps that it will take to achieve those goals. For those people who want to make a living flipping houses, you will have to take measures to ensure that your credit is in great standing. For the people who want a home that will slowly increase in value over time, you have to be willing to put in the time to find that sort of property. A mixture of short-term and long-term perspective will help you get to where you are going.

Doing it on your Own?

Don’t think that you have to make your plan and chart your course all on your own. There are experienced, talented professionals out there who can help you with each part of your journey. From the planning to actually carrying out your plans – you can find a person who will be more than willing to help you get success. Seek out these people for their advice. They will not only be able to direct you to the right properties, but they can also set you up with folks to help with mortgage problems and with any other issues that might arise when you are purchasing a home. Simply put, professionals get paid to do their job for a reason.

In reality, preparing your home for an open house is a monumental task, one that seems impossible to achieve amid the stresses of everyday life.

While preparing your home for a successful open house may never be easy, it can be less stressful. If you start early, and if you take the right steps, your home will impress buyers on the day of your open house.

The first step in preparing your home for an open house costs nothing and is relatively easy. So why is it that most homeowners fail to de-clutter their homes before an open house? When you live in a space, you become blind to the accumulating stacks of trinkets and memorabilia. Unfortunately, potential home buyers are not so blind; they see the clutter, and it makes them think your home is smaller than it actually is. Clutter can also prevent home buyers from picturing themselves living in your home because all they see are memories of someone else’s life.

You should start to de-clutter the second you put your home on the market. Take inventory of everything you own, and toss, recycle or donate anything you no longer need. You will be left with far more than what you should keep on display during an open house. From your closets, remove everything that you don’t wear on a daily basis. From the family room, take down personal family pictures and store movies and CD’s in closed storage. Remove all sports equipment from the front hall and clear off kitchen counters. If your home lacks storage space, don’t draw the buyers attention to the problem by packing storage closets to capacity. Rent a storage space or borrow a friend’s basement, and keep all of your belongings there until your house sells. Lastly, remove anything valuable from your home or lock it away. Jewelry, credit cards and cameras can all easily be stolen during an open house, when strangers are allowed to wander through your home. Take all of your medication and identification with you before an open house begins. It is also a good idea to ensure your insurance policy is up to date. Once you are done with the de-cluttering process, your home will not look like your home anymore. Every personal trace of your life will have been removed. This is what you want. Without your belongings filling a space, buyers can visualize your home as theirs.

There are two main types of home buyers, the renovator and the turnkey. The renovators will not be frightened away from a home by any repairs; a leaking roof or electrical problems will not stop the renovator from making an offer on a home. So why should you spend time repairing all of the problems with your home? Renovators are bargain-hunters. They will overlook a house’s faults if the price is right. If you want an offer on your home for the full asking price, you need to appeal to the turnkey buyer. This type of buyer wants a move-in ready home with no renovations required.

The turnkey buyer, however, scares easily. If they see a crack in a wall, they will assume your home has foundation problems. If they see mildew around the bathtub, they will think that mold has infested the whole house. Do not give the turnkey buyer a reason to dismiss your home. An amateur can complete minor home repairs in a minimal amount of time. Plaster over the crack in the wall, and replace any old caulking surrounding the bathtub. To impress the turnkey buyer, paint every room in warm, neutral shades. If your budget allows, replace old and worn carpeting with hardwood or laminate. With the abundance of home improvement shows and design magazines, buyers are comparing your home with show homes designed by professionals. Do your best to impress. Look through magazines for inspiration on how to stage a home. A bowl of fruit on a kitchen counter or flowers on a bedside table can impress a buyer just as much as pricy upgrades. Most home buyers fall in love with a home before they even enter the front door. Curb appeal is important, so don’t forget to make all necessary repairs to the outside of your home. Seal a cracked driveway, and fix broken front steps. Also, invest in some landscaping; planting some medium-size shrubs in your front yard will make your home more inviting.

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People with new homes will not understand the challenges that you face because they don’t have to talk to people about some of the problems with older homes.

Here are some tips for an older home’s big open house period.

If you are selling an older home, it may be a good idea to have a pre-listing home inspection done. You will pay for this out of your own pocket, but it can be a valuable tool in appealing to buyers. The inspection will help ease the turnkey buyer’s fears; before making an offer, they will know of all the potential problems with the structure of the home. If you cannot repair a crack in a wall, you can show potential buyers the inspection report as proof that the foundation is structurally sound. Buyers will have no reason to fear the worst when they see something that needs fixing.

A week before your open house, give everything in your home a deep cleaning. Steam clean the carpets to remove any stains, vacuum all of your furnishings, and clean your curtains and bedding. These soft surfaces can hold in odors, so it is important to give them a thorough cleaning. Home buyers have a way of finding dust and cobwebs, even in the tightest of corners. Clean under beds and behind tables, and wipe down the tops of fridges and cabinets. If you can afford the additional cost, it may be worth it to hire a cleaning service for a one-time thorough cleaning. They will catch that one speck of dirt you may have missed.

An hour before your open house starts, give your home a quick clean. Sinks and bathtubs should be sparkling; give them a good polish with a fresh-smelling cleaner. Clean every window and light fixture in your home. A well-lit home will sell faster than a dark and gloomy one, so pull back the curtains and let the sun stream into your home. On gloomy days, turn on the lights in the darkest rooms. And put everything back in its place; toys have a way of spilling onto the floor, and dirty dishes seem to stack up in the sink. When the open house begins, your home should be picture-perfect.

Before the open house begins, walk through your home as if you were a potential buyer. Start at the front door, and work your way through. Remember what drew you to the house the first time you saw it. Maybe it was the living room window with the view of the park, or the dream kitchen with the large island. Odds are, this feature will attract buyers, too. Tell your real estate agent to point this feature out to the buyers who view your home during the open house. This may entice them into making an offer.