Lindsey Hasford

Tomorrow, Saturday January 21st 2012, Hasford Homes (better known as Lindsey Hasford from Coldwell Banker Vision) will be hosting a sledding and cocoa party at Meadow Park in Elk River!

We hope that you will be able to join the fun!!! This is but a small park with one hill, but it loves to be tromped on and enjoyed.

For the first 50 that visit we will be sponsoring hot chocolate!!!!

Hope that you'll be there.

What: Sledding and Cocoa at Meadow Park
Where: The corner of Evans and 2nd Street in Elk River (well, one house down but you'll see it!)
When: Saturday, January 21st 2012 from 1-3pm
Who: Anyone that wants to bundle up and head out for some sledding fun! (First 50 get hot chocolate!!!!)

Don't forget to bring your own sled!!!!!!

Making resolutions is hard enough.... finding a way to make them happen can feel as possible as kissing a frog to find a prince. Ew, right? If your vision finds you wanting a home it IS possible. You just need the tools.

With the tools in hand then you can set a plan and let the bells ring at the starting line. The race to the finish might take awhile, but at least you'll know how to get there.

So.... Here I am again with my list of essentials. The essentials to buying a home in 2012. (I do realize that there might be complications in certain circumstances that make this near impossible right now... but these steps may still apply toward future purchases).

First off.... if you haven't visited my list of ways to "Save for a Down Payment" you might want to start there. It's oober important to have a nest egg set aside and no matter how close or far away from your purchase you are you will do well having a bit stuffed somewhere.

The next step is to call your local expert. (Me!) Let's have a conversation. It's a huge step in dreaming to call a Realtor and let them know that the dream is out there. Either now or after the fourth step we can set up an auto-search for types of property that you are interested in and location. But, if nothing else it gives me a head's up to watch for properties that may fit your needs and wants perfectly!

Third, you will want to check with your landlord (if you are a tenant) and find out what when your lease is up. If it isn't for awhile you will also want to find out if there are penalties to leave the contract early. Each situation is different. You may be in a situation where waiting is best, but even then it's only as long as your contract is for.

Your fourth step (and possibly most important) is to find a lender to work with. He/She is going to be your arms and legs toward a mortgage so you want to trust them. I can help you find one... or you can research. They will tell you what your buying power is (how much you can afford) and how soon you will be able to buy. If you aren't able to buy now... a good lender will give you 'homework' on what needs to be done to get you there. It might be job history, credit scores, savings.... If nothing else they can help guide you from a dream to a possibility.

From this point you are either ready to look at houses OR finish up a few things. If it's homework time we will watch the market. It's great to have listings in your inbox because it keeps the dream alive. It's good to know where you are at because you can work towards change.

If you are ready to look at homes we can tweak the search (or start it) for homes that truly fit your needs. Looking is ever so much fun!

Buying a home in 2012 may be possible... and it might be a great choice for your situation! Interest rates continue to stay low and housing options are still great! It's very possible that what you are looking for is out there waiting for you to find it.

Why not put feet to your dream and make it a reality? Give me a call today and we'll set you on track for owning a home in 2012!

KEYS TO SAVING A DOWN PAYMENT FOR A HOME

Buying a home, especially a first home, can be a really big deal. Often times it includes little money, big banks and lots of documentation. But, before you even start the process you have to have enough money in the piggy bank to take to the bank. So, how do you do it? How is it possible to save 5%, 10% or even 20% of a mortgage without going insane?

The first key is to determine how much money you feel that you will need to buy. It’s somewhat of a mystery until you meet with a lender, but there are costs involved in purchasing that you can be prepared for even before your process begins…. The key is to know what the costs might be.

1. Earnest Money. That’s the money that you write toward your purchase at the time of writing an offer.
2. Home Inspection Fees. Always recommended home inspections help to identify and take care of issues in a home before solidifying the sale.
3. Appraisal Fees. This is a requirement for any home that carries a mortgage and justifies that value that you are paying for a home.

4. Home Insurance. Many banks require a year’s premium paid in advance. It’s good to plan on it early and have it in the account. These amounts will vary greatly on company, needs, size of home and more.
5. Misc. Fees. Often in home purchasing there are fees that are unexpected. A little in the bank ahead of time will go a long ways in a smooth process.

All in all… if you are planning on a purchase of $100,000 with a 5% down payment you know that you will need $5000 in the bank before you even start. So how do you get there? You work HARD for your money and it already barely covers your expenses. Is it possible to buy or should you just give up?

DON’T GIVE UP! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just need to know how to get there. Here are a few tips…. And ideas… to make it possible.

1. Start a savings account just for your purchase. Putting money away in a savings account that won’t be touched until purchase is a great way to start. It doesn’t take a lot to start a savings account and really it’s just adding to it when you can that will help it grow.
2. Auto deposits in savings every month or paycheck. If you have a hard time just putting money aside… make it an auto deposit. Maybe even write yourself an invoice for the money if it helps to justify the expense. It could be as little as $5 or as big as you can afford.
3. A piggy bank or giant jar. It’s amazing how quickly you can save money with a place to put all your change. With the whole family working at it… those pennies can make a big difference. When the jar gets full add it to your savings account.

4. A dollar a day…. Do you spend money on little things that you’d be willing to sacrifice for awhile? Coffees, drinks, candy bars? They last but a moment on the tongue, but when put to good use can go a long ways in your savings account.

5. Give up something big for something bigger. Maybe you want to see a giant leap toward your savings. How far will you go? Giving up cable for a few months? Giving up date night for nights in? Are there non-essentials that you could give up for a short time that would add up in a big way? Is it worth the effort to have your own home?
6. Sell those toys. Simply cleaning ‘house’ and having a sale… or selling a big toy (snowmobiles, boats, etc) can create enough revenue that you could get into your own home quite quickly.

7. Find a second job or secondary income for a temporary reasoning. If things are really too tight to put anything away…. Would you consider secondary income for a short time with a goal in mind? I’m not talking forever kind of work… just enough to help you realize a dream.
8. Utilize those tax refunds. Are you fortunate enough to receive a tax refund in April? What a great way to add to the possibilities!

When you add them all together it’ll be amazing how quickly a dream can become a reality. The biggest key to ask yourself is how much you want it. What are you willing to do to get it? Hard work, determination and a plan are the biggest keys. Finding the ways that are possible for you to save realistically… and then doing it are the best ways to save!

For more information on the home buying process and the keys to making it possible…. Just contact me... I’d be happy to help you through the process.

If you are thinking that touching a life is too hard... you just don't have 'enough' to make a difference for someone else let me help you out. It doesn't take much - mostly a creative touch. And, often, not even that. The biggest key is purpose. Purposing to go out of your way to help out a friend (or foe) and letting them know that they are special.

If you live in the Elk River area and you are looking for a GREAT way to make a difference here are a few awesome options for touching a life...

10. Pack a bag of groceries and drop them off at the Caer Food Shelf. There need is incredibly high right now. With our economy in the tanks they are in desperate need to keep up with the demand. If you don't have a whole bag of goods? Just drop a thing or two.

9. Drop a gift at one of the local drop sights for the local Christmas Gift's Anonymous. Though the deadline was December 15th I'm sure that the needs are great enough that they would welcome another donation. If that doesn't work for you... perhaps adopt a family in need and be Santa for them. There are many families shy on Christmas money this year and could really use a helping hand.

8. If December is too busy for you but you still want to do something perhaps consider giving time to Harvest Outreach. This organization gives out food to hundreds of people monthly and can always use a helping hand. While you are looking at their website take a second or two and check out the other opportunities that they have available!

7. Perhaps you have a love for babies and would like to help support the local Pregnancy Center. Abba Pregnancy Resource Center is in constant need of donations and labor to keep their doors open and ministering to Mom's in need. Constantly taking clothes and baby supply donations (or money) they are a great resource for making a difference. And, if you would rather spend a few hours.... they are always looking for laborers to lend a helping hand.

6. If all that takes too much and you want something that would help you out too? Maybe take a box or two (empty) and fill 'em up with items that you no longer need and drop them at one of the thrift shops. They are dependent on our donations and all are aimed at helping others. Whether it's the Thrift Shop, Salvation Army or Good Will... your donation to them would not only clean your home but would help many others.

5. Okay, so I'm not being creative enough yet? Here's this for easy.... You get up in the morning, head out the door and through your favorite local coffee shop drive-thru. Simply pay for the person's coffee behind you. It'll leave 'em scratching their head and smiling all day! Easy, simple and so much fun!

4. How 'bout baking a whole load of cookies (or a dozen or two) and heading across the street to your neighbors. A sweet treat in the cold is hardly ever denied. Your neighbor will smile and it might be nice to say hi instead of waving while dashing into your houses.

3. Gargle up and train your throat for a day.... and then head out with the fam or a few friends and go caroling!!! If you don't have a penchant for Merry Christmas tunes like I do then you could pick some classy 'holiday' tunes instead. The nursing home loves visitors. They get a few more than normal this time of year, but tuck a few goodies in your pocket and head out to the high rises or nursing homes and no matter how you sing it will be well appreciated!

2. One that most don't think about that can make a huge difference... is really quite simple. It's as easy as dropping a coin in the Salvation Army Buckets, but not as costly. Simply watch when you head out shopping. Do you see any little ol' ladies and gents packing bags into their cars? Why not stop and lend a hand. They'll be shocked, amazed, relieved and pleasantly pleased. It's not often that you see young 'whippersnappers' stopping in the chill to help out someone. Or, better yet, stop and help a mom of toddlers load her entire cart into her car. You'll save her precious minutes of patience and leave her wondering where you came from and whether or not you are an angel.

1. Unless you are really in for some fun and want to adopt a homeless person..... why not invite a "loner" to Christmas dinner. There are many many out there that will be alone for the entire holiday season and would love a bit of company. Perhaps a neighbor, perhaps a friend, perhaps a neighbor. Maybe think of adopting them for a meal or a day and really make the feel like family. It can make such a difference!

Whatever you choose to do? Whether on this list or not... I'd love to hear about it. But, even moreso, I'd love to know that you completed the task from the bottom of your heart. Giving your all and blessing with the bestest of best that you have. It's just an awesome way to be! Because, in reality, giving someone a blessing doesn't even take walking out the front door.

I don't have any pretty pictures (yet), but aim to get a few today.... when I stop by the Pompeii with my bag of food all in effort to try a piece of their awesome pizza that I keep hearing about.

From 11am - 8pm tonight (Wednesday, December 7th, 2011) Pompeii Pizzeria in Elk River is giving away free Margarita Pizza to anyone that brings in a contribution for the CAER Food Shelf. Their Facebook Page lists the details of items that are badly needed right now and they are doing what they can to help the situation!

Since I have a Realtor class today (with free lunch) I won't be able to be there early, but selfishly plan to attend in the afternoon. I have yet to take the opportunity to taste what I've heard is awesome pizza.

Hopefully you'll be able to head out there too and support the community!!!!! CAER is in desparate need of food right now with lines long and food at a shortage. Together we can help!

See you at the Pompeii!

(Please note: I have no affiliation with the Pompeii Pizzeria other than as a patron of their great restaurant.)