Welcome to Our Exceptional Office

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Welcome to Our Exceptional Office

Welcome to our new, amazing, and truly exceptional office in Mission Valley. Look forward to working with you in our new awesome office! Cheers for now.

Coldwell Banker | Global Luxury

Pacific Center I Building

1455 Frazee Road, Suite 110A

San Diego, CA 92108

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim Brodowski @ 858-354-2354, Luxury Property Specialist.   

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.com

DRE# 01224576

Ventilation Maintenance Checklist

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Ventilation Maintenance Checklist

Proper ventilation throughout your home will help you and your family stay healthy and safe. Many allergens, especially asthma, are aggravated by inadequate ventilation and clogged ducts can present a fire hazard.

Home Ventilation Checklist:

·         Check operation of windows and doors.

·         Clean dryer vents and screens.

·         Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens.

·         Clean outdoor air intakes and screens.

·         Clean air conditioning coils, drain pans.

·         Clean dehumidifier coils, check operation.

·         Clean and tune furnaces, boilers, and hot water heaters.

Regular home care is one of the best ways you can maintain the value of your property.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim Brodowski @ 858-354-2354, Global Luxury Home Specialist.   

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.com

DRE# 01224576

5 Expenses Homeowners Overlook

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

5 Expenses Homeowners Overlook

For many people, a house is the biggest asset you’ll ever acquire. And whether you’re a first-time homeowner or you’re investing in another property, you’re bound to end up facing some unforeseen expenses. Here are five expenses homeowners tend to overlook:

1. Property Taxes

Be prepared to pay property taxes. Your home’s assessed value is multiplied by the tax rate to determine your property taxes. Tax rates are decided by the governing authority of the jurisdiction where the property is located.

2. Homeowners Association Fees

You become part of a community whenever you move into a new home or condominium. Often times, there are fees associated with the maintenance and general upkeep of shared common areas.

3. Insurance Premiums    

Homeowners insurance typically covers personal possessions, liability for injuries that take place on your property, and the construction of your house. Supplemental policies are available if you live in an area prone to natural disaster.

4. Repair and maintenance expenses

You’ll need money to keep your yard, gutters, carpet, and everything in between in tip-top shape. Repairing or replacing roof, furnace or air conditioner can be expensive and at some point, you might have to deal with plumbing issues or purchase new appliances.

5. Pest control costs

Over time, all sorts of critters – like termites, ants, spiders, and rodents – might enter your home. Your house may need to be fumigated depending on how serious the problem is.

Having a home that is taken care of lets you enjoy your house while living there. In addition, it prevents you from being encumbered with additional costs when you’re ready to sell it.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim Brodowski @ 858-354-2354, Global Luxury Home Specialist.   

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.com

DRE# 01224576

Leasing with the Option to Buy a Home

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Leasing with the Option to Buy a Home

In today’s market the lease with the option to buy a home does not come along readily. There are many advantages to this choice. You live in the home and experience what its surroundings offer. If you lack the funding to purchase, the lease with option to buy may act as a forced savings. Best of all if you fall in love with home you get to purchase it!

Leasing with an option to buy a home: a renting tenant signs an agreement with a landlord stating that the tenant can buy the property at the end of a prearranged time period. The owner is obligated to sell at the option price, but the tenant is not obligated to buy. However, the tenant can buy the property only if the landlord exercises the option to sell.

The option to buy is terminated if the tenant in any way violates the lease before closing the agreement to purchase. An option to buy only gives the tenant legal title upon exercise of the option which becomes an absolute and binding contract of sale.

The tenant often pays above-market rent for the property, but a (nonrefundable) portion, called the rent credit, is credited toward the purchase price.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Make Your Home Energy Efficient

1. Keep heat producers far from your thermostat in summer. Floor lamps and televisions can significantly raise the temperature in the area near a thermostat, turning on your air conditioner too often.

2. Operate large appliances during low-use periods in summer. Use your washer and dryer and other heat-producers early in the morning or late at night. Use the air-dry method on your dishwasher to save energy.

3. Lower the thermostat on your water heater. If your hot tap water is too hot to touch, lower the temperature a few degrees.

4. Close the air vents in rooms not in use. For example, close the vents and shut the door to an unused guest room.

5. Replace existing insulation. A proper barrier keeps heat and cold from penetrating your home’s exterior and provides for even temperatures between rooms. The EPA recently reported that proper ceiling insulation may reduce electric bills 20%.

6. Replace existing appliances. If money is no object, replace old appliances with Energy Star appliances, specifically created to optimize energy consumption.

7. Check for air leaking around doors. A lot of the air you pay to heat or cool escapes through unsealed doors. Install or replace worn weather stripping.

8. Clean your furnace and air conditioner filters. Replace existing dirty air conditioner or furnace filters. During heavy use periods, replacement is recommended every 30 days.

9. Buy new light bulbs. Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent or LEDs.

10. Request an energy audit. Contact your local utility company to request a free energy audit.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Home Equity: How to Use It

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Home Equity: How to Use It

A refinance pays off your current mortgage and gives you cash based on your equity. These are good for:

·         Lowering or locking in your mortgage interest rate

·         Getting large sums of money ($30,000 or more)

Home equity loans (second mortgage) are installment loans that are paid out in one lump sum. They’re good for:

·         repaying credit card debt

·         remodeling projects

·         buying a new vehicle

A home equity line of credit works like a credit card – you agree to a pre-set limit and then borrow as you need to, or in the event of an emergency, usually for up to 10 years, repay/reuse. Good for:

·         debt consolidation

·         major home improvements

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

More of What You Want in Retirement - Downsize the Right Way

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

More of What You Want in Retirement

Downsize the Right Way

   

Tired of yard work, cleaning the gutters, fixing the sprinklers, cutting the lawn, and don’t want to deal with these things in retirement? Want to spend more time playing with the grandkids, traveling, golfing, and cooking dinner with friends? Then downsizing and simplifying may be what you want to do.

Downsizing can be a bit burdensome, but with the right preparation and planning, we will make it fun!!! Downsizing to your new home can provide you with the fresh start that you’re looking for in retirement.

Choose to work with a realtor who specializes in meeting the needs of sellers and buyers age 50 plus. A realtor with vast experience and knowledge – Tim Brodowski.

To begin the process or simply get your initial questions answered regarding this downsizing transition, just call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Maximizing Senior Options: Getting More, Often for Less Part 2 of 2

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Maximizing Senior Options: Getting More, Often for Less Part 2 of 2

  

See More Places, Do More Things

Travel is one of the best ways to have new experiences.

Budget-friendly options – Take advantage of off-season prices at resorts, on cruise lines, and even at campgrounds with an RV.

Group travel – Start by contacting local travel agencies, local senior citizens centers and resources offered through the Road Scholar organization (originally Elderhostel), the leader in the lifelong learning movement. (RoadScholar.com)

Save on meals – Take advantage of any senior discounts.

Online travel discounts – There are also many online resources for individuals willing to research lower prices. Consider Expedia.com, Kayak.com, Orbitz.com, Priceline.com, CheapAir.com, CheapOair.com and similar sites. Smartphone apps like Google Trips, Hopper, and Airbnb are also good options for spotting travel discounts.

Stay flexible – Many online reservation systems help travelers find cheaper flights if they aren’t locked into particular dates. Also consider volunteering to be bumped for overbooked flights, which often results in free future tickets!

Plan in advance – Airline ticket prices usually climb as the date nears.

Closer to Home

Find out when local entertainment venues offer discounts or “free days” for seniors, including the zoo, art galleries and museums, theatre productions, and matinee showings.

Finally, don’t forget to schedule some “me time” to be alone and enjoy your own company, which can do as much for your outlook as travel and socializing. Consider meditation, journaling, reading, yoga, or even curling up with a blanket and a bowl of popcorn to watch a movie solo.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

What You Need to Know about Easements

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

What You Need to Know about Easements

Property easements enable a third party to access a portion of someone else’s property for a specific use – most commonly as a right of way or to enable service maintenance by public utilities such as electric, water or sewerage.

If, for example, the only way to access property B from the main road is through an alley or driveway on neighboring property A, then property A may be burdened with an easement that benefits property B.

Similarly, if electric lines are located above property A and property B, then both properties may be burdened with easements that benefit the electric company, which is allowed to access either property for purposes of repair or maintenance of the lines.

What does this mean to you?

Homeowners whose land is burdened by an easement are not permitted to build any structure on or over the easement land, or to use the easement in any way which interferes with the rights of the benefited party. If they do, the person or utility company who benefits from the easement could sue the homeowner who is obstructing their use – or even destroy the new structure in order to gain access to the easement, without being liable for damage.

The escrow company will order a title search of the public records for easements along with any liens or encroachments, and identify them in full in the preliminary title report before closing. Agents and clients are encouraged to read the preliminary report with care before that all important closing takes place.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

8 Home Improvements to Increase Value

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

8 Home Improvements to Increase Value

If you want to make a big impact by doing small things, here are 8 things you need to include:

1.    Change Out the Lighting

Lighting is something that can be updated easily and won’t cost a bunch of money.

2.    Paint Walls

You will be amazed at what some paint can do to your home. Give your home a color makeover.

3.    New Fixtures

Start with the kitchen faucet and then move on to the bathroom.

4.    Paint Cabinets/Add New Hardware

Painting old cabinets and installing new hardware will give the kitchen a facelift.

5.    Remove Old Carpeting

Hardwoods, tile and laminate are all good options.

6.    Add Curb Appeal

Plant flowers and shrubs that bloom at different times of year. Shutters, fresh coat of paint to the porch, decorative numbers to display the address and a new mailbox are wonderful.

7.    Repaint Ceilings

A fresh coat of paint on the ceiling can really brighten up the whole room.

8.    Upgrade the Exterior Façade

If you have it in the budget, you can add stone accents, retexture, or do some tasteful enhancements.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

6 Ways to Cut Costs in Retirement Part 2 of 2

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

6 Ways to Cut Costs in Retirement Part 2 of 2

4.    PRESCRIPTION SAVINGS

Often, prescription drugs are both necessary and expensive. Despite this, most people simply select a pharmacy and stick with it, even though drug prices can vary dramatically—a missed opportunity to save hundreds of dollars a year (or more).

Compare and shop. Check local prices using online tools like WebMD.com/rx or GoodRx.com.

Online pharmacies — Another option is to comparison shop for mail-order drugs. This has the added bonus of automatically delivering monthly meds without the hassle of picking them up! Start by visiting PharmacyChecker.com.

5.    SAVVY SHOPPING

Major sales aren’t limited to Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Cars – Inventory goes on sale right before or after the newest models arrive in the fall.

Computers – late March/early April (new models rolling out) and August/September (back to School).

Large appliances – September/October (new models rolling out). Be sure to ask for free delivery, hookup and old appliance disposal. Refrigerators are cheapest in May.

Televisions – Thanksgiving weekend and January (or early February) when old models are cleared out and new ones arrive in time for the Super Bowl.

Outdoor – lawnmowers in April and after Labor Day (clearance), along with grills; patio furniture in October/November.

Mattresses – Memorial Day weekend sales (negotiate for even-lower-than-advertised prices).

6.     OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO SAVE

Amazon has become many online shoppers’ go-to source, but do you know about several sites that track Amazon’s prices? Use CamelCamelCamel.com or Keepa.com to view price history charts and set up drop alerts to save purchases.

Even with great deals, however, remember to keep the focus on “living large” – in other words, using your time and energy to buy only what you need at the best possible prices!

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Here's What Tim's Clients Say...

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Here’s What Tim’s Clients Say…

“It is a great pleasure to recommend my real estate agent, Tim Brodowski. Since 2009, Tim has been a mentor, advisor, and now my wife and I consider him family. He led us through the process of buying our first home in Hillcrest, later selling that home, and recently buying our "forever" home in Kensington. Tim's unwavering dedication to those he serves, his many decades of experience in San Diego, and his advance credentials make him the real estate agent you want on your team. From the very beginning, Tim took the time to sit down with us, explain the process, and before we even began talking about neighborhoods, bathrooms, and sqft, he walked us through our budget to make sure we would end up buying not only a home we would love, but also a home we could afford. He spoke with us about short, medium and long-term goals. He spoke to us about lifestyle. And then he gave us homework, helping to familiarize us with various San Diego neighborhoods. Seven years later, when we knew what our dream neighborhood was, Tim would not let us settle for anything less, and worked tirelessly to get us the house we wanted. His relish for a challenge, fighting spirit, and loyalty are qualities that will make sure you get the best deal possible on the home of your dreams. Thank you Tim Bro!”

                        -Mike and Anita

To get started with your next home purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Home Owners Success Stories...

As a real estate professional and long time property owner and property investor, I have seen a vast array of real estate situations. People buying their first property, maybe a nice cozy condo. Then moving up to a single family home to raise a family and share with family and friends on those special occasions. Those who begin contemplating retirement and wanting to downsize or maybe to a different community or area to enjoy a slower pace of living.

Whatever direction you are going, I can help! In my 20 years of successful real estate endeavors and helping hundreds of others like you, I can offer great advice and effective selling of your home.

The process begins by you and I sitting down together and talking. Actually, you talk, I listen. You share your goals, your wants, your needs. Once I have a complete understanding, we will begin to strategize on how to achieve your wishes in the time frame that you desire.

Now, the EASY part . . . just call me at 619-686-5512 to schedule your FREE consultation.

Your Personal Real Estate Consultant,

Tim Brodowski

www.timbrohomes.us