Jim Acord

Q. What Things Should I Consider Before Making An Offer On A Home?

A. First, determine how much home you can afford. As a rule of thumb (and only a rule of thumb), you can afford to buy a home equal in price to about three times your gross annual income. More precisely, however, the price you can afford to pay for a home will depend on six factors: 1) Your income; 2) The amount of cash you have available for down payment, closing costs, and cash reserves required by the lender; 3) Your outstanding debts; 4) Your credit history; 5) The type of mortgage you select; and 6) Current interest rates.

The process of buying a home is much easier if you start out by getting pre-qualified or even pre-approved with your lender for a home loan. This amount will let you know how much home you can buy, and makes you a more credible buyer.

To get a free money-saving report, "8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Finding, Buying And Financing Your Home," please see my special "Insiders Free Money-Saving Resources" page in this newsletter. It's free as part of my consumer service program. Please Call Me With ANY Real Estate Question At: 704-361-3923 or visit , www.WeKnowCharlotteRealEstate.com

5 Tips For Saving A Bundle On

Your Auto Insurance...

Do you remember the last time you shopped for auto insurance? If you can't remember, chances are you're paying too much. Insurance rates vary from category-to-category and from year-to-year. Unless you shop frequently, you could easily be paying double for the very same coverage. Here are five helpful tips you can use to cut insurance costs:

•1. Shop Around. Most consumers seek insurance quotes from just one or two companies. To get the best rates, check at least four companies or agents. You can make comparisons at www.insweb.com.

•2. Consider A Higher Deductible. Ask your agent to give you several deductible scenarios and compare the costs of each. Consumer Reports magazine reports that most people have a $250 deductible on collision and comprehensive. And that's too low, given today's repair costs. With a $1,000 deductible, for example, you can save as much as 40 percent on collision and comprehensive.

•3. Consider Your Car's "Profile." Choose a safe car by checking safety records from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety at www.iihs.org. A sports car will cost considerably more to insure than a family sedan. Drive a car that costs less to begin with, costs less to repair, and is less popular with thieves.

•4. Ask For Discounts. Most consumers are unaware of the many discounts available to them. The Insurance Information Institute, at www.iii.org, lists many discounts you may not know about.

•5. Drive Safely. Obviously, insurers give better rates if you've had no moving violations in the past three years. Completing a certified defensive-driving course can reduce your premium in some states.

Visit , www.WeKnowCharlotteRealEstate.com

Could Optimism be the Secret to Living a Longer, Happier Life?

Recent scientific research now confirms the secret ingredient to a longer life-an optimistic attitude. And there's even better news...anyone can learn to be more optimistic.

A Dutch study found that optimistic people live longer; in fact, almost 30% longer than pessimists. Scientists found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, and weakening of the immune system associated with pessimism.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic, reporting on a 30-year study, found that optimistic people live about 19 percent longer than pessimists do.

These findings come from studying 839 people living in Minnesota. The researchers found people classified as "optimists" had significantly better survival rates. Optimists were less likely to develop depression, sought medical help when needed, and took better care of themselves.

So how can you become more optimistic? Here are 4 tips for becoming a more optimistic person:

1. Use Positive Language. Use upbeat words: opportunity, challenge, recharging, success, can do, solution.

2. Practice Good Posture. Optimists have good posture, stand tall, walk briskly, and take big steps.

3. Focus on Solutions. When a difficult situation comes up, focus on the solution, and put it into action.

4. Be A Role Model. When you act as a role model for your co-workers, employees, family, and friends, you'll become more optimistic.

Just by applying these six steps to your life, you can change your thinking, and reduce your risk of physical illness and live a longer, and more fulfilling life. , www.WeKnowCharlotteRealEstate.com

Q. What is your "Maximum Home Value Audit," and how does it differ from what other agents will offer me?

A. If you're thinking of selling your home in the next year, you need to know about my "Maximum Home Value Audit^TM." My audit is much more than a simple home valuation you'll get from another agent. It's a complete top-to-bottom analysis not just of the value of your home, but every aspect of your home.

It's designed to specifically maximize the money you'll get selling your home and in a time frame that meets YOUR agenda. And there's absolutely no obligation for you to list your home with me or any other agent. My audit will show you how to:

•ü Learn not just area values, but total market value so you know how to price your home for top dollar!

•ü Avoid the "7 Costly Mistakes" when selling your home. I'll give you a free report revealing all of them.

•ü How to dress your home so it shows the best and commands a higher price and faster sale!

My analysis will take only about 45 minutes of your time...time I promise will be well worth it. It's a special Free service I provide to my clients and close friends. To schedule your Home Audit at a time convenient to you, please call my direct line at 704-361-3923 or visit , www.WeKnowCharlotteRealEstate.com .

Five Simple Fire Safety Tips

That Can Save Your Life!

A house fire at any time can put you and your family's lives in great danger. Yet, fire experts say you can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death by just following these five simple safety tips:

•1. Make sure your house number is visible from the street so emergency vehicles can find you. Consider using oversized reflective or illuminated numbers at the curb, preferably next to your mailbox.

•2. Install smoke detectors in places where they will activate in time for you to save yourself and family. This is usually within a foot of the ceiling. Make sure you test them monthly by pressing the "test" button, and replace batteries at least once a year. Don't rely on the alarm to make an intermittent "beep" to change batteries.

•3. Create a fire escape plan with an emergency route for each family member's bedroom. If bedrooms are on the second floor, purchase a simple chain ladder for escape from windows. Arrange for a safe family meeting place outside the home in the event fire strikes. This way you can account for each family member instantly.

•4. Place an adequately sized fire extinguisher near the kitchen area of your home. Also, place one at the opposite end of the home. Most homes use undersized extinguishers. Even if a small fire breaks out, you will want all the suppression you can get.

•5. Remove all weeds, tree branches, leaves, and litter away from the perimeter of your home. Put a screen on your fireplace and keep it closed at all times. It's best to sleep with your bedroom door closed to give yourself more time to escape in case of a fire. And teach your children what to do if their clothes

catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll.

Check out , www.WeKnowCharlotteRealEstate.com