Posted on

Defying Gravity

If we break it down into meaning, it looks like this:

defy |diˈfī|verb ( -fies, -fied) [ trans. ]

openly resist or refuse to obey : • (of a thing) make (an action or quality) almost impossible : his actions defy belief.

gravity |ˈgravitē|noun

extreme or alarming importance; seriousness :

Defying gravity is almost like two opposing forces:  Taking what seems impossible and making it probable,  taking a leap of faith and feeling secure, knowing the unfamiliar feels right when not knowing why at all.

I have been thinking of this in terms of real estate because the market has been somewhat peculiar.   Just 2 years ago, I sold an investment property for top dollar.  Today, although it may not be the best time to sell investment properties, it is a day to recognize the opportune time to buy.

Dwarfed interest rates, economic turbulence, real estate pricing adjustments and an inventory surplus are just a few reasons that one should consider buying now, rather than waiting for the rush.  Although it may take years for the general public to get back in and take ownership, those who find the solace in buying now, will thank themselves later.

Defying gravity is more than what it seems.  Individual perceptions are what we make our own reality.

When my inner awareness makes it impossible for me to second guess my intuition, I know I am where I should be.

michele@michelemarano.com

Posted on

REAL ESTATE LOVE MATCH

REAL LOVE, REAL ESTATE: THINKING IN TERMS OF LOVE WHEN BUYING A HOME.

MICHELE COMPARES LOVE AND MATCHMAKING TO BUYING A HOME.  WHY WOULD YOU BUY A HOME YOU ARE NOT IN LOVE WITH?

Love Lesson 1:  Be Prepared to Make the Commitment.
Shopping for a home is like looking for a mate.  Until your ready to make the commitment, you’re probably not ready to settle down with a home.  Ask yourself first if you’re willing to take on the responsibility of owning up to being a good homeowner.

Love Lesson 2: Know What You’re Looking For.
Do you require the 5 star treatment? Have a good idea what attracts you to a property.  Look for characteristics that please you.  Draft a list of requirements that you desire so that when you’re ready to settle down, you are shopping the right criteria.

Love Lesson 3: Keep “Geographically Desirable” in Mind.
This element is extremely important because location determines how conveniently located your home is to your lifestyle.  Also, consider the value of the location vs. the price.  Look at the surroundings and ask yourself if there are possibilities of growth, improvements and changes that will either hurt or harm your value.

Love Lesson 4: High Maintenance May or May Not Work for You
First impressions are everything, however, look at the overall property and its good and bad points.  Consider the repairs and improvements that may be necessary and its associated costs before you move on.  Keep your list in mind.  You will need to know how to identify the qualities that please you, without being distracted by little things that don’t really matter.

Love Lesson 5: Your Property is a Reflection of You.
Your home should please you and make you happy.    In other words, it should say a lot about the person you are.  Everything you like in life is somewhere reflected in your home, whether it is style, color, or personal belongings.   Loving where you live is part of the romance of owning.

Love Lesson 6: Nurture it Extensively.
If you treat your home with care, chances are, you’ll have fewer problems in the future.  If something breaks, take care of it timely, rather than letting a maintenance issue become a bigger, costly repair.  Taking proper care and paying attention to maintenance will most likely bring you a favorable return in the long run.

Love Lesson 7: Investigate the Red Flags but Don’t Judge by a Bad First Impression.
Determine how much you are willing to put into it.  If it’s going to require a lot work, maybe it’s not for you.  Determine how extensive the repairs or improvements are before purchasing.  If it requires high dollar repairs or a complete overhaul, consider your checkbook and schedule.  It may work for you in the long term, but in the interim, your life may be a disaster.

Love Lesson 8: Considering Multiple Homes
If you’re buying a second (or third), decide if you really have the time, money and responsibility to put into it.   There is always the risk of owning more than one home and not being able to enjoy the purpose of having it.  A second home needs to be treated as good, if not better than the primary.

Love Lesson 9: Determine whether it is Long or Short Term
When considering a purchase, be realistic about how long you plan to hold the property. If you are planning to stay short term, you may not want to buy the highest priced home on the block.  Pay close attention to the location in which you are buying and be aware of the surroundings that could affect its value.  If you plan to hold the property for many years, consider the same factors; however, be sure it is a home you absolutely love, while making sure you can grow into it and not out of it.
Whether you are buying long or short term, identify the condition of the economy and the current real estate market.  This will have a lot to do with your negotiating power.

Love Lesson 10: Head Over Heals
The most rewarding part of owning is falling in love, day after day, when you walk  in to your home.  If you haven’t experienced that…..you’re probably not in love and may want to consider making some changes.

Posted on

Aspen SnowMass Majestic for Lease

With the summer practically here and the heat already set in, it may be that time to put Aspen Snowmass, CO on the calendar.

Imagine dwelling in a lavish, 5750 sq. foot newly constructed home nestled peacefully amongst mountains and a riverfront setting.  Outside the front yard, the Rio Grande trail is steps away, while world-class fishing awaits you 20 ft outside your back door.   This modern 4-bedroom, 4 ½ bath architecture features bamboo ceilings, slate and bamboo flooring, 4 wood burning fireplaces, a wine room, a media den and a cozy hearth room.  Purposely designed facing south, each room provides magnificent lighting and breathtaking views.

For $35,000/mo. you may lease this gorgeous retreat.  To purchase please contact Michele@bethwolff.com or phone 713-899-8420.

Posted on

Real Estate gone Social

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8&feature=player_embedded]

What drives the Real Estate industry to the social media network?  Listen here and find out….

Posted on

Does Color Make a Difference When Selling?

Some say no.  I say yes.

Color is one of those things that either affects you or it doesn’t, triggers a mood or it doesn’t, cultivates a feeling or it doesn’t.  It does all of the above with me.  Color in a home is like drama to a good play.  Without well-thought-out color, it’s just another boring, run-o-the mill home.

I hate to say it home owners, but great color selections require a trained, keen eye or a natural one that knows how to identify the right shades, hues and tones.   There is nothing worse than walking into a home where the owners think their smashing cherry red dining room walls are the next best thing to grandma’s pie.  Hold the servings please, I can’t get past that red!

Certain shades are irritating, nauseating and too robust for the mind and body when shopping for a home.  To say the least, it is not comforting to be in a room that drives you out because the color doesn’t please.  Too bright, too dull, too brass, too yellow, too much of something in the mixture, gets you nothing on the wall.

A color should be subtle, gentle, serene and calming.  It should look so good you want to taste it.   It needs to be inviting, welcoming, and friendly.  Feeling good when you walk into a room is an instant notification of color.  If the color doesn’t move you, it’s not the right one.

Think of colors this way:   TO BE CONTINUED