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.   

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DRE# 01224576

Fabulous Home - 5497 Camino Playa Malaga

  Extraordinary New Listing in Tierrasanta Norte

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

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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

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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

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Home Inspections

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Home Inspections

A home inspection is meant to detail problems with a house and if they’re serious enough to prevent a sale. The three main points of an inspection are physical condition, items in need of repair or replacement, and remaining useful life of major systems.

It’s a good idea to attend the inspection: you can ask questions and the inspector can point out areas of potential trouble and offer maintenance tips. Expect an inspection to take 2-5 hours.

To hire an inspector, be sure to ask about references, memberships in professional associations, training, and experience.

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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Important Appraisal Guidelines to Remember

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Important Appraisal Guidelines to Remember

Appraisals can be very intimidating. The worth of your home is being determined by a third party. Here are some important guidelines that will help you get the appraisal you deserve.

Exterior

·         No Chipping Paint or Dry Rot (Eaves and Trim)

Interior

·         Smoke Alarms in ALL Bedrooms

·         Smoke Alarm in Hallway

·         CO Detector – 1 per floor

Utilities

·         Water, Gas & Electricity to be On

Mechanical

·         Heater/AC – Able to be turned On at Thermostat

·         Water Heater – Double Strapped

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

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Here's What Tim's Client's are Saying ...

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Here’s what Tim’s Clients are saying …

Tim's exceptional marketing skills brought in multiple offers on our home and it sold for thousands more than any other home in the area. He is the best example of a real estate professional you will find, yet he treats you as family. He was always available to us. We placed our total trust in him and he never let us down. Tim handled everything throughout the process, allowing us total peace of mind. We will not hesitate to use Tim again and highly recommend him to represent you.

       

                      -     Ron & Joan

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

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Budget Accommodations for Senior Travelers

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Budget Accommodations for Senior Travelers

                                     

Perhaps your desire to travel is great, but your budget to tackle your bucket list is minimal. That’s ok. If you are willing to be a little less conventional in your approach to travel, you can still save money while getting a more authentic experience.

Some of the best options for seniors include:

Hostels – No, they aren’t just for backpacking 20-somethings who have left home to “find” themselves. Many overseas hostels are immaculate, loaded with amenities, offer private rooms with bathrooms. Learn more about www.Hostelworld.com and www.Hostels.com.

House sitting gigs – Homeowners often look for older, more mature individuals to do house sitting. This can be one way for seniors to travel on the cheap. Resources to learn more include www.TrustedHousesitters.com, www.Housecarers.com and www.HouseSitMatch.com.

House swapping – For people who own their own home and are willing to “swap” with someone in order to travel without incurring hotel and lodging fees, this may be a great option. Check our opportunities at www.HomeExchange.com and HomeBaseHolidays (www.Homebase-hols.com).

Adventures – Enjoy a full immersion experience in another culture through a variety of travel styles by booking through one of these sites geared to adventurous explorers: www.IntrepidTravel.com, www.Gadventures.com, www.Wildland.com and www.MythsandMountains.com.

Volunteer – One way to travel for free (or at very low cost) is to volunteer in your area(s) of expertise. Visit www.Idealist.org for thousands of opportunities in exotic locations. Imagine helping out in a wildlife sanctuary in Brazil, at an orphanage in Tanzania, for a community development program in Uganda or conservation programs in Costa Rica. All these and many more are listed on the site.

So, regardless of your budget, there is a way to go forth and see the world!

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

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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

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Beautiful Home in Tierrasanta - 11232 Zorita Ct

Enjoy the Resort Style Living in this 

Summerton Hills 4br, 3ba home.

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

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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

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Find a House That Meets Your Budget

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Find a House that Meets Your Budget

Finding your dream home can be difficult for many reasons, one of which is that your budget often restricts your choices. Keeping a healthy budget coupled with strategic house-hunting practices can yield the best possible property that not only fits your personal budget, but also meets your lifestyle needs.

You can’t make a budget if you don’t know how much you make and spend every month. Sit down and write the hard numbers. Are you mortgaging a house as a single buyer or as a couple? The implications of each option are noteworthy and can greatly impact your finances in the long run. You’ll want to have a wide positive margin between your income and expenses if you are to pay off your monthly mortgage premiums successfully.

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

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Tips for Finding Your New Home

Real Estate Matters with Tim Bro

Tips for Finding Your New Home

Understand Your Personality and Desires

Your personal characteristics, for the most part, remain the same regardless of where you reside. It is important that you have an honest conversation with yourself before contacting Tim, your real estate professional. He can assist in your home search better after first having a scope of your wants and needs.

Research before Looking

Do a search of areas and identify three to five neighborhoods that intrigue you most. Take into account nearby schools, recreational facilities, commute times, and cost of living in your communities of choice. Keep in mind your price range and start searching for properties that fall within those bounds. There is no need to set your sights on the house on the hill if you cannot afford that.

Think Long-Term

Yes, it is true that you need shelter now, but you want to consider more than your present needs. You may want to look to your future wants, needs and goals. Consider where you may find yourself in the next 10 years career-wise and family-wise, and plan accordingly.

Hire a Knowledgeable, Experienced Realtor

Even the most detail-oriented books about real estate cannot provide the knowledge that you need to navigate the ever-changing world of homeownership. You need a real estate professional who knows the complex parts of the industry to help you find the ideal home at a reasonable price.

To get started with your next home purchase, call Tim @ 858-354-2354, “The Right Choice in Real Estate”. The first action item will be to meet and discuss what’s important to your budget, your timing.

When Real Estate Matters, contact Tim.  BRE #01224576

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Coldwell Banker Concierge

Dedicated to Finding Skilled Professionals

Transitioning into your residence, fixing up your new home or getting a property ready to sell can be a daunting task. Since 1996, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Concierge® has provided a complimentary one-stop solution for finding a variety of quality home service professionals in Southern California and Arizona. As the most established in-house program, Coldwell Banker Concierge provides you instant access to an exclusive group of vetted service professionals.

• No registration or fees required

• Easy search feature

• Mobile friendly

• 'Click to Dial' vendors

• Over 150 types of service categories

• Competitive pricing from vendors

• Exclusive vendor discounts & promotions

• Helpful home tips and articles

Connecting You with the Most Qualified Professionals

Service providers are pre-screened to ensure they are insured, experienced, and licensed appropriately for the type of work they are offering. All vendors have also signed performance agreements and have been given quality assurance guidelines to ensure they maintain the highest standard of ethics and professionalism.

Rest assured that you are in good hands as Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage relies heavily on customer references and online reviews. Many of the companies in the program have worked with Coldwell Banker® for years and come highly recommended by independent agents and past clients.

For help getting started, call Tim Bro at 858-354-2354.  BRE #01224576

TimBroHomes.us

Just Sold Another Beautiful Home!

Dolores had decided it was time to downsize and move closer to her children. Once she had made the decision, she then called Tim to find out the best way to make this happen. After several meaningful conversations, Tim drafted a plan that met with all of Dolores’ wants and needs. The stage was set. The marketing strategy was set into motion. Tim assisted Dolores with interpreting and completing all the tedious disclosures. Within a very short timeframe, the offers began to come in. After some fun negotiations an offer was accepted and escrow was opened. 45 days later Dolores had her check and was on her way. He made it easy and profitable for Dolores, and he will do the same for you.  If you or a family member is thinking of selling, start with a call to Tim at    

858-354-2354.  BRE #01224576

www.TimBroHomes.us

Ranch Style Home in El Cajon

Discover the possibilities of this incredible 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath ranch style home. The home is nestled on a 1 acre lot. The front yard offers landscaped space as well as abundant parking for cars, boats, rv's. The back yard offers an ideal setting with the pool, trees, and hardscaped areas. Perfect floorplan inside with spacious living room, formal dining, open kitchen and family room that features charming surroundings. To realize the vast potential of what this home has to offer, you must see it. Call Tim at 858-354-2354. BRE #01224576

www.timbrohomes.us

JUST SOLD! ANOTHER SOLD BY TIM IN TIERRASANTA

Selling your home can be a long, stressful, frustrating process … but that’s not the case when working with San Diego Realtor, Tim Brodowski.

Doug and Karen needed to sell their home quickly and for the highest possible price. Tim came out to their house, made staging suggestions, reviewed pricing, and developed a marketing plan specifically for their property. After carefully considering their options, they decided that Tim would be the right choice for their needs. Upon signing the listing paperwork, Doug and Karen proceeded to move to northern California. That left Tim with the responsibility of managing, marketing, and successfully selling the property. Tim exceeded their wants and needs and was able to sell the property in a timely fashion at a price that Doug and Karen appreciated.

So, when you begin thinking of selling, think of Tim Brodowski, the Right Choice in real estate. Call/text Tim at 858-354-2354 or email timbo97@aol.com

www.TimBroHomes.US