SRES® - Retirement Thoughts

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

SRES^® – Retirement Thoughts

1.    Plan for a happy and healthy retirement. It’s never too late to plan and save. Budget for your housing, living expenses, medical, and fun adventures.

2.    Make new friends and keep the old. The happiest retirees Tim knows are those that are active with their family and friends.

3.    Identify the most trusted people in your life. Make sure your legal affairs are in order, ie trusts, wills, power of attorney, and medical decisions.

4.    Right size your housing. Do you want to stay in your home? If so, perform regular maintenance. If you wish to downsize or find alternate housing start with a call to Tim for a consultation.

5.    ENJOY! Have fun and enjoy all that life offers. Do it now, you don’t have to wait for retirement for this one.

To get started with your home sale or purchase, call Tim Brodowski at 858-354-2354, your “Seniors Real Estate Specialist^®”, where the future takes shape.  

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Get Your Home Ready to Sell

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Get Your Home Ready to Sell

                                              

One of the questions that Tim, your SRES® (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) is asked after a client decides to put their property on the market is, “What should I do to get ready?” The first thing to remember is that we all have different tastes. So don’t make a lot of major changes that may suit you and not the new buyers. A buyer will make changes according to their own decorating preferences.

The key is to keep it simple. The less clutter the better. If things seem crowded, think about storing items or use this opportunity to make a donation to your favorite charitable foundation.

Do make minor repairs such as leaky faucets.

The overall first impression is most important to a prospective buyer. Outside, landscaping can make a dramatic difference. Often something as simple as flowers lining a front walkway can make a more inviting entrance.

One of the aspects of my assistance is that I can provide you with a list of qualified people to assist you in readying your property for sale. The excellent team of painters, handymen, gardeners and cleaning services can assist you and often at senior prices.

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

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

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Seniors Home Sale Notes

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Seniors Home Sale Notes

When you are ready to retire, your home is one of your most valuable assets. Whether you’re downsizing, buying in a new community or moving in with family, it takes careful planning to get the most out of your most valuable asset.

Seek an Agent with Specialized Knowledge

It is critical to find a real estate agent knowledgeable about the specialized needs of seniors, such as Tim Brodowski, your Seniors Real Estate Specialist. Through experience, specialized training and credentialing programs, Tim is familiar with the seniors’ unique issues of selling their home. He is a specialist that will guide you in making appropriate decisions and refer you to other experts as needed.

Know Your Home’s Value

Having lived in your home for many years, it is natural to be unsure of its current value. Lack of knowledge about current prices could cause you to accept much less for your home than it is worth. To find out the current price for your home, contact Tim to review a market analysis.

                                               

Needed Guidance

Tim will guide you thru the maze of disclosures, issues, and potential pitfalls, with selling your home and make it a smooth process for you.

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

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Lock in Your Loan

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Lock in Your Loan

A lock-in holds an interest rate and points for a specified period of time, usually 30-60 days. Depending on the lender, you can lock-in at the time of application, during loan processing, at the time of loan approval, or later.

A lock-in at application is useful when interest rates are on the rise, protecting against rate increases. If interest rates are falling, it may be best to wait until after application approval to lock in.

Lock-ins aren’t always free. Some lenders charge up-front fees, which may or may not be refunded upon application withdrawal or denial. Other lenders charge the fee at settlement. The fee may be a flat fee, a percentage of the mortgage amount, or a fraction of a point added to the lock-in rate.

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

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www.TimBroHomes.US

Your New Neighborhood

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Your New Neighborhood

Congratulations! You are moving into your new neighborhood. Of course you want to know all that it offers. Here are eight ways to get to know your new neighborhood and it will feel like home in no time.

1. Walk the neighborhood and make a map, marking down street names, bike paths, parks, tennis courts, etc.

2. Drive around the area and find the post office, the closest grocery store, a favorite restaurant, mall, bank, hospital, etc.

3. Go to the library, community center, or parks.

4. Go to the local recreation center and see what’s available … clubs, classes, events … for every member of the household.

5. Subscribe to the community newspaper for lists of local events, discount coupons to local businesses, etc.

6. Participate in your new community. Join your homeowners association and attend the meetings. Join the PTA. Volunteer at the local food bank.

7. Research the community online. Read about what others have to say.

8. Don’t wait for the neighbors to come introduce themselves. On the weekend, whip up a batch of cookies and go door to door, introducing yourself and distributing goodies. Enjoy your new neighborhood!

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

Protect Your Investment - Homeowners Insurance

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Protect Your Investment – Homeowners Insurance

For most people, your home is your greatest investment which needs a lot of protection. Homeowners insurance does just that, it protects your home and belongings. If something happens to your home or belongings, homeowners insurance pays you for the loss covered under your plan. Things to remember when choosing the best coverage for you include:

1. Set higher deductibles to lower your premiums; just make sure you have enough cash to cover the larger deductible.

2. Most companies offer discounts for smoke detectors, burglar alarms, third-party alarm monitoring systems, dead bolts, fire extinguishers, and Neighborhood Watch programs.

3. Earn “multiple coverage” discounts by using one carrier for all insurance needs.

4. Premiums will be higher if the fire stations and fire hydrants are too far away.

5. Going without a claim for three to five years may warrant a discount. Most companies also reward longevity of service.

6. Some companies offer discounts to people who have paid off their mortgage.

7. Discounts may also apply if your home was built or rebuilt within the past 10-15 years.

8. Check out non-smoker, early retirement, and live-in-housekeeper discounts.

How to Collect: You are partly responsible for loss recovery. To prevent forfeiture of coverage and increase your ability to get a settlement: Notify carrier immediately after a loss. Make repairs to prevent further damage. List personal items damaged. Show an insurance rep the damage. Complete a statement explaining circumstances for the insurance company.

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

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

The decisions made for hiring a contractor are important. Everyone wants to enjoy their home and have good things in working condition. Here are eight tips to make your home repair choices smart ones.

1. Ensure proper permits are obtained and paid for.

2. Check with friends, neighbors, trade associations, and home improvement stores for referrals.

3. Get three bids, then bargain. Question extremely low bids.

4. Don’t hire someone who “just completed work in your area” and offers you a good deal.

5. Avoid contractors with no street address. Verify phone numbers.

6. Get written estimates and references.

7. Resist high-pressure tactics.

8. Never pay in full up front and make sure you are satisfied before paying the final fees.

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

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

Two Kinds of Lender Points (fees)

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Two Kinds of Lender Points (fees)

1.    Discount points are prepaid interest on your mortgage loan—you’re basically paying finance charges in advance. Discount Points are used to "buy" your interest rate lower. This is known as a rate "buydown." A general rule of thumb is that one full Discount Point will lower your fixed interest rate .250 percent or your adjustable rate .375 percent.

Lenders regard this type of points as covering their cost for offering a lower interest rate over the length of the loan. The more points you pay, the lower the interest rate on the loan, and the fewer you pay, the higher the interest rate. Paying discount points is a good idea if you plan to live in the house for a long time.

2.    Origination points are charged by the lender to offset the costs of making the loan or to boost profits. Most loan officers’ compensation is based on origination points, but they still may be negotiable in whole or in part. Some lenders add origination points into their quoted points while other lenders add an origination point in addition to their quoted points. Origination points are gross profit for the lender. They are not tax-deductible.

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

Healthy Aging

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Healthy Aging

Healthy aging has several key components: Good physical health; possession of basic resources (housing, food); good social network; sense of purpose; and engaging in activities such as volunteering, working, and hobbies or interests.

Make a list called 100 Things I Want To Do. The list helps to uncover past dreams, wishes and activities or interests you haven't pursued.

Some questions to ask yourself: What if age weren’t a factor or you were 20 years old? What if you weren’t afraid of seeming foolish? What if you had the resources and energy to make your dreams come true? The point is to open up possibilities, even ones that seem “too young.” Movies need older extras. Skydiving can be done at any age with good health. Why not get a college degree now? Go play golf! Forget about what is “expected” just follow your heart’s desire.

Retirement need not be viewed as the end. It should be anticipated as the beginning…of the time of your life.

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

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

Distinctions between a Condo, PUD, and Co-op

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Distinctions between a Condo, PUD, and Co-op

Condos: Walls, floors, and ceilings owned by all residents; HOA dues; covenants, conditions, and restrictions; value depends on the desirability of entire development.

Planned Unit Development (PUD): Individuals own structure and some land.

Co-op: Corporation made up of all tenants; larger units have more power in how building is run; fees for taxes, mortgage, repair, improvement; heavy scrutiny of financial, personal history.

Townhome: Not a form of ownership, but a term for an attached row house.

Advantages of each: Prices often lower than for single-family home; maintenance minimal or nonexistent; safety in “cluster” environment.

Condsiderations: HOA dues; CCRs may be complex.

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

Maximizing Senior Options: Getting More, Often for Less Part 1 of 2

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Maximizing Senior Options: Getting More, Often for Less Part 1 of 2

Reigning in unnecessary expenses is only the first step in learning how to live large on a fixed income. The real fun is shifting the focus to discovering a world of budget-friendly opportunities to learn new things, enjoy new experiences, and establish new friendships.

Healthier Eating Choices

Expand your nutritional horizons by supporting local farmers and improving your own eating and cooking options.

Avoid fast food – Eliminating fast food can lead to huge improvements in weight, health, mood, and budgets!

Investigating what’s new – Energy-efficient induction burners speed up the cooking process, while combination pressure-cooker/slow cooker devices make it easy to add ingredients, program a meal, and serve it up with less effort and mess than traditional meals.

Cooking meals as a social event – This may also be a great time to take a cooking class and meet new people while learning some new recipes.

Discover local resources – Enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables? Want higher quality eggs and meat? Try LocalHarvest.org to find suppliers in your area.

Dig in the dirt – Even if your current home doesn’t offer a large yard, you can investigate container gardening, terraced gardening, or even a plot in a nearby community garden. Check out CommunityGarden.org.

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 1 of 2

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

6 Ways to Cut Costs in Retirement Part 1 of 2

Many bills are the result of long-term habits. A comprehensive bill review is the first step for revealing expenses that are no longer necessary—as well as discovering more attractive and affordable options.

1.    TWO CARS?

When both spouses were working full time and getting children to different events, two cars may have been a requirement. Once scheduling demands change, however, the need for two (or more) vehicles may no longer exists.

Compare the costs – Determine what you paid over the past year for maintenance and repairs – particularly if you own older cars. Which car should be kept, are they 2012 or newer?

Consider other options – Public transit, Uber, Lyft or rideshare.

2.    CUT THE CABLE

With the improvement of online streaming options, many people have decided they prefer selecting what they want to view.

Several low-cost paid streaming services offer extensive on-demand programming options, while many familiar television channels (including the major networks, popular cable stations and news channels) stream their content free of charge.

While it’s increasingly popular to view this content on a desktop, laptop or mobile device, it’s just as easy to attach a small, inexpensive device (like Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire, Apple TV and Nexus Player) to stream online content, via Wi-Fi, directly to your television.

Add another small investment in an over-the-air antenna and you’ll be able to tune in local hi-definition channels for no monthly fee.

3.    OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND?

Paying storage fees? Why? Now is the time to eliminate this expensive cost. Sort through and toss what’s not needed, re-home what’s going to the kids, and donate (and take the tax credit for) things that are no longer useful.

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

Move Mom with Compassion with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Move Mom with Compassion with a

Seniors Real Estate Specialist®…

As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, Tim has the knowledge, experience and specialized education to help those age 50+ through lifestyle transitions. If your loved ones are considering downsizing, relocating and selling the family home, Tim can help guide you thru the process.

When Real Estate Matters, call Tim at 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”.   BRE #01224576

www.youtube.com/c/TimBroHomesUS

www.TimBroHomes.US

What to Expect from your SRES®

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

What to Expect from your SRES® 

(Seniors Real Estate Specialist)

                           

A REALTOR® who chooses to become an SRES® does so because he or she enjoys interacting with seniors.

Tim’s decision to become an SRES® is rooted in a desire to help others. Tim has respect for older individuals; has the ability to listen deeply and ask the right questions; knows how to communicate the old-fashioned way, with a visit and consultation. Be prepared to sit and chat awhile. He will want to take time to get to know you and your family’s situation, as you’ll want to learn more about him.

Tim understands that this can be a stressful time for a family.

It’s hard to deal with leaving a home after spending many years in it. Tim understands the challenges you all face in this major decision. By doing so, he presents all available options, so that the outcome is one that will suit the family’s needs.

If you want Tim to make a “house call”, simply call him at 858-354-2354, Tim Brodowski, "The Right Choice in Real Estate.”   BRE #01224576

 

www.TimBroHomes.US

Find Your Ideal Home With My Help

Every transition is an opportunity, regardless of your stage in life.

With the right preparation, a new home can provide the fresh start and continual enjoyment you’ve been working toward.

By partnering with a SRES^® like me during your new home search, you’ll gain the help and expertise of a REALTOR^®  specialized in meeting the needs of home buyers and sellers 50 plus.

I have both the education and real estate experience to serve as your trusted advisor through the unique financial and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating and selling your family home.

I’m pleased to be your SRES®.

For help with finding your ideal home, call Tim Brodowski at 858-354-2354. BRE #01224576

www.TimBroHomes.US

A Seniors Real Estate Specialist Can Help!

Tim Brodowski, REALTOR

Earns Seniors Real Estate Specialist Designation

San Diego — Tim Brodowski with Coldwell Banker Real Estate has earned the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Specialist^® designation from the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the National Association of Realtors^®.

Working with seniors to meet their changing housing needs requires an expert understanding of their lifestyle and financial needs.  Tim’s 20 years of real estate experience combined with his SRES training provides his clients with an agent who understands their particular wants, needs, and goals.  His clients understand that he will look out for them every step of the real estate process.

SRES^® Council, founded in 2007, is the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions.

“You can count on Tim to guide you and your loved ones through the process of selling a home, making the transaction less stressful for everyone involved.”  - Mary J.

To set up a free consultation with Tim regarding your specific goals, call Tim today 

858-354-2354. BRE #01224576

www.TimBroHomes.US