December 2017 Mortgage

December 2017

Top 10

Ways to give back Get SMART

about goal setting

Robin Wagstaff also featured:

Jennifer Bourque

contents

professionals 4

The perks of mentoring young professionals

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Top 10 Ways to give back

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Get SMART about goal setting

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t featured cover

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mortgage pro

Robin Wagstaff q featured mortgage pro

Jennifer Bourque

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buyers&sellers 7

A warm welcome — Prepare your home for holiday guests

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4 Must-ask questions when buying a home

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Weighing your options — The pros and cons of trying to time the market

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The perks of

mentoring young professionals

In the world of mortgage lending, many lessons are learned in a hands-on capacity, and practices and techniques are often developed over years of trial and error. When amateur loan officers kick off their careers, they’re far less equipped to handle the inevitable challenges of the business. That’s one reason why mentorship is an essential institution. But, did you ever consider that mentors have just as much to gain from taking new talent under their wing?

Oftentimes mentorship is viewed as a one-way street solely benefitting the mentee, but keep in mind a few 4

advantageous reasons below, why mentoring young professionals can reenergize your routines and perspective — while ultimately making you better at your job.

Mentoring young loan officers broadens your perspective — After years and years in the business, it’s not uncommon for veteran loan officers to slow down or burn out. However, time spent mentoring rising mortgage professionals can help you reconnect with your ambitious roots. You’ll remember the exhilaration, the hurdles, and impactful lessons Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Mentorship has plenty of perks, from injecting new life into your practice to strengthening your professional offerings. your structures and processes can help you identify areas for improvement. Mentorship can also help you reassess and polish your broader working philosophies, or inspire you to try something new.

Mentorship hones leadership ability — Mentoring the next generation puts you in the driver’s seat.

It will be your responsibility to lead the way as the senior loan officer or branch manager — determining which topics to address, curating an agenda, and crystallizing the lessons you’ll want to impart. All these tasks are par for the course when it comes to leadership. Likewise, inhabiting a leadership role refines your ability to communicate clearly, empathize, teach, and give constructive feedback. Sharpen those desirable skills and you’ll enhance your practice, as well as your long-term professional prospects.

learned along the way. Mentoring the newest generation of loan officers, while retreading the basics from the perspective of a beginner, will reinvigorate your approach to routines long set in stone.

Teaching up-and-coming loan officers can help fortify your own processes — By explaining to green, aspiring loan officers how to execute each step of an established process, you’ll be forced to consider the efficiency and productivity of these routines. Perhaps you’ve overlooked key ways to streamline systems, but verbalizing the rationale behind Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Working alongside young loan officers can modernize your approach — Another added benefit of mentoring up-and-coming loan officers?

This new crop of professionals is in touch with the needs of their generation — a large pool of clientele increasingly in need of guidance when it comes to making homeownership financially feasible. Budding mortgage professionals have an alternate set of skills and insights, and veterans of the business can glean value from a fresh set of eyes. For instance, if your social media repertoire could use an update, or you’d like to contemporize your services to attract the Millennial market, mentoring a developing loan officer can serve as a perfect two-way street.

If you’re still unsure whether it’s worth your time to take on a mentee or two, think about it this way: the benefits of mentorship are akin to taking a continuing education course, or investing in your professional development. It’s hard to argue that these endeavors are without merit. In the same vein, mentorship has plenty of perks, from injecting new life into your practice to strengthening your professional offerings. All the while, you’ll be lending a hand to a colleague who is a beginner eager to learn — just like you once were.

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featuredagent

Jennifer Bourque

Since the age of 18, Jennifer Bourque has been honing her skills in the finance industry. She began in banking, and at 22 she was ready to buy her first home.

After a less than stellar experience with an agent who left her wanting more, she paired up with a professional who showed her just how positive home buying could be. Resolute to show others that the lending process could make for a happy memory, Jennifer set out for the real estate world. She started off by working with big-time builders in the area, spearheading new home sales. Along the way, she took special care to observe the lending process and its intricacies, soaking up lessons in organization, preparedness, and efficiency. Eventually, she transitioned to lending, putting her knack for numbers and problem-solving ability to good use as she guided clients toward financial health and homeownership. Today, Jennifer serves as a capable loan officer and experienced financial steward, and has cultivated a reputation of integrity, enthusiasm, and consistent follow-through.

operates with forthrightness and clarity. “Most of my clients’ testimonials are based around the educational component I provide, but communication also plays a big role. My clients know that I truly care.”

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Primarily serving the Northern California region, Jennifer works as a one-woman team at Guild Mortgage, based in Livermore. There, she fields buyers of all kinds, from experienced homeowners to first-time homebuyers. Regardless of a transaction’s size, Jennifer’s primary focus is on empowering her clients through education and establishing a strong lending foundation for years to come. “I really focus on education,” she recounts. “Whether I’m working with a repeat buyer or a first-time buyer, I walk them through the steps of the process and help them understand each component and how rates are calculated. I go through all the intricacies so that when the loan is moving full-speed, my clients understand exactly where we are, what’s going to happen, and what to expect.”

In a similar vein, Jennifer is forthright in her communication.

This ensures that the borrowing process goes smoothly and that clients are kept in the loop from day one. “I’m very transparent with my REALTOR® referral partners and with borrowers,” she says. “Everybody knows at all times where we are in the transaction. Both the listing agent and buyer’s agent get updates from me at each step in the process, that way there’s no guessing involved.” With 80% of her business built on referrals, Jennifer has a proven track record of closing successfully and in a timely fashion. Her professionalism and dependability are matched only by her passionate spirit.

Each client’s financial situation and overarching goals are taken carefully into account, and clients trust that Jennifer

In fact, Jennifer thinks long-term when it comes to representing her clients’ financial interests. One of her top priorities is to precisely match the right loan with a client, so that refinancing can be avoided in the future. “I respect my clients’ money as if it was my own and I try to be the best possible steward,” she says. “I look out for their best interests and never put them in a bad situation. I aim for a one-and-done loan, that way I don’t put them in a position for a loan that would have to be refinanced down the line, unless there are specific reasons why a temporary loan would benefit them.”

Likewise, Jennifer particularly enjoys helping borrowers who never thought owning a home would be possible. By offering fiscal coaching, consulting, and help with credit repair, she arms borrowers with practical knowledge to improve their long-term financial health in preparation for purchase.

“One of the reasons I love this company is that we focus on first-time buyers. We have access to all kinds of products in that realm — from down payment assistance to Jumbo loans with 5% down. I get a lot of referrals for clients that have challenging situations. That’s my favorite thing to do: help clients realize it’s not the end of the road and there’s always something we can work toward. It’s just a matter of determining the right path and plan to get them there.”

Extending her spirit of service to her local and professional communities, Jennifer contributes her time as the fundraising chair for the Bay East Association of REALTORS® Foundation. As a leader, she helps drive funds to support a variety of noble causes, from emergency grants that benefit colleagues facing catastrophe, to a $20,000 a year scholarship fund for area students — a cause that’s particularly close to Jennifer’s heart. In her free hours, she enjoys pushing her limits. She’s completed and is training for the Half Iron Man Triathlon, which consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run. She also has a soft spot for her Great Dane, named Winston.

As for the future of her thriving enterprise, Jennifer plans to continue serving her clients while curating a positive experience in route to homeownership. “My favorite thing about what I do is helping clients who think they can’t buy. It’s so rewarding to make homeownership possible so their dream can come true. I go to the vast majority of my signings and I’m usually just as excited as the families closing on their homes.” Guided today by the same spirit that launched her career, Jennifer is sure to build a lasting legacy for making the American Dream possible for all.

Jennifer Bourque

Guild Mortgage | Livermore, CA 925.321.4198 | jbourque@guildmortgage.com | www.guildmortgage.com 6

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A warm welcome —

Prepare your home for holiday guests ‘Tis the season to open your home to out-of-town guests. Whether they are just passing through for the night or plan to stay several days, you’ll want to treat your guests like the VIPs they are. Here’s how to make every room in your home feel warm and welcoming: Guest Room — The guest room should be a cozy retreat that allows your guests to recharge.

• Make up the bed with high-thread-count linens and provide extra pillows and blankets so they can customize to their liking.

• Set up a tray with a few bottles of water, a fresh box of tissues, lip balm, hand sanitizer and lotion so they can immediately freshen up after a long trip without digging into their bags for the essentials.

• Clear out at least one drawer and make space in the closet; provide empty hangers, a hand-held garment steamer and a lint roller.

• Surprise them with a small gift, such as a bottle of wine from a local winery or fresh cookies from a favorite bakery. A vase of fresh flowers is always an elegant touch.

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Bathroom — Create a spa-like space to leave guests feeling rejuvenated.

• Provide stacks of thick, fluffy towels, the more the better.

• Offer all basic toiletries including body wash, lotion, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant and dental care items.

• Fill a small basket with over-the-counter medications and first-aid items such as pain reliever, antacids, cough drops, Benadryl, Neosporin and Band-Aids.

• Add luxurious hand soap and a scented candle, fragrance diffuser or room spray.

Kitchen — Make sure guests feel welcome in the heart of the home.

• Find out if your guests have any food allergies or dietary restrictions and plan meals accordingly.

• Make sure to provide everything they need for their favorite morning beverage, whether that’s coffee, tea, or smoothies.

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• Fill a basket or bowl with snacks like small bags of nuts, protein bars, crackers and fresh fruit so they can grab something without having to ask you each time.

• Keep the fridge stocked with pitchers of filtered water and be sure there’s plenty of fresh ice.

Living Areas — Whether watching a movie or chatting about old times, it’s all about making guests feel comfortable.

• Add some extra pillows and throw blankets to chairs and couches so guests can snuggle up.

• Provide written instructions for how to use remote controls and access streaming services.

• Have a stack of magazines, books and board games ready to beat boredom.

Outdoor Areas — Extend hospitality outside the home, too.

• In cold climates, keep walkways clear of snow and ice to avoid slips and falls.

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Welcoming guests into your home is one of the most special aspects of the holiday season.

• In warmer climates, make sure outdoor seating areas are clean and inviting.

Little Details — Your guests will appreciate these thoughtful extras.

• Make sure the wi-fi signal is strong in all areas of the house; install extenders to boost weak spots.

• If it’s a rainy season in your area, have extra umbrellas ready by the front door.

• Put fresh batteries in all remote controls – don’t forget the garage door opener.

• If you have a lot of activities planned, provide a written itinerary so guests know what to expect.

Welcoming guests into your home is one of the most special aspects of the holiday season. With a little thought and careful planning, you can turn your home into an oasis that your guests will never want to leave.

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4 Must-ask questions

when buying a home

Buying a home is the investment of a lifetime. To safeguard this investment, you’ll need to do your homework and go beyond the standard, surface-level questions that only get you so far. To understand a home’s true viability, you’ll need to arm yourself with all the facts, history, and records available. That way, you’ll be able to uncover any hidden costs or possible pitfalls that await. So, where do you begin? For starters, consider the four questions below, inspiring you to think slightly outside-the-box when it comes to researching and assessing your future home’s potential.

What’s the cost of the average monthly utility bill? As you make your list of must-have home features, you’re probably crunching numbers for your budget planning. This is a wise move, but don’t overlook the smaller details. A properly insulated home with weather-proofed windows and doors can make all the difference in your bottom line during a harsh winter. The same is true for steamy summers that will test the durability and efficiency of your cooling unit.

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Pay particular attention to these features and inquire with the current owners about what they pay in monthly utility bills. While you may have a budget in mind for your mortgage, a drafty home with old insulation can rack up your monthly pay-out. Get a clear idea of what the power rates are in the area and compare them to your potential home’s energy tallies.

Also, consider how much any standard maintenance would cost you — another forgettable annual fee that can add up over time. Before you buy, get the real lowdown on utility costs, from electric or gas heat to monthly HOA fees and trash collection.

What will you pay in property taxes? This helpful information is usually outlined on a listed home’s info sheet, but be sure to account for this detail.

An offhand estimate shouldn’t suffice either. While your purchase price impacts the home’s ongoing tax rate, it’s wise to get a picture of the property tax history.

Buying a home is enough of an undertaking without the added stress of unexpected or miscalculated annual 9

If you put in the legwork now, you’ll land a home that satisfies your budget, matches your vision, and will be the place you make memories to last a lifetime. costs that can break your budget. As an added bonus, understanding a home’s tax history and projected value is a smart figure to account for when making a savvy purchase offer.

Have there been any prior pipe or sewer problems? The Insurance Information Institute reports that broken pipes make up nearly 22% of all home insurance losses. This means that pipe and sewer issues are not only common, but they’re expensive. Be sure to ask sellers for a history of any pipe or sewer back-up problems, but you shouldn’t stop there. Hire a trusted home inspector who can verify a seller’s report and you can save yourself the headache if the pipes in question aren’t in the best shape. Likewise, you’ll be made aware of pipes that may need replacing shortly down the line. This research can help you adjust your offer accordingly to offset any future replacement costs.

Has the home undergone any major renovations? Sometimes, sellers and their agents 10

are forthcoming with this essential information — but it doesn’t hurt to double-check. Request detailed records and documentation regarding any renovated bathrooms, additional wings or floors added, a basement that’s been finished — and the like. Firstly, this will help you assess the true cost of a renovation and help you craft a conscientious offer. Secondly, gathering information on prior home projects allows you to keep tabs on contractors used. It can also help you plan and budget for when the next round of renovations will likely be needed in the future. If you do this research, you could save yourself a hefty sum and earn an excellent bargaining chip along the way.

While some of these considerations may seem straightforward, you’d be surprised at the impact these finer points can make in terms of affordability, safety, and long-term planning. Buying a property of your own requires due diligence, but if you put in the legwork now, you’ll land a home that satisfies your budget, matches your vision, and will be the place you make memories to last a lifetime.

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Robin Wagstaff

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Location: Kukuiula on Kauai

Robin Wagstaff

Robin Wagstaff, Vice President of Mortgage Lending in Kahului is a rare breed of mortgage originator.

With more than a decade of expertise in finance and lending, Robin’s goal as a top originator at Guaranteed Rate is to bring together buyers, developers, and REALTORS® for one reason. “My job is to create value,” he says sincerely.

Robin was born and raised on Maui, and after graduating from college, focused his early career on his local market. He successfully funded loans for buyers in properties including the 700-unit Honua Kai Resort & Spa on Kaanapali Beach. He also provided financing for buyers at Ho’olei Townhomes in Wailea Resort.

However, today his thriving business extends far beyond Maui. “I have always enjoyed working in new development financing, but after the crash, 12

larger new developments dried up on Maui. On the outer Islands — Kauai, Big Island, and Oahu — I found that this business has been on fire. The challenge to me was that these properties were hundreds of miles away from me,” he says.

All the same, Robin was determined to find a way to expand his reach. “In reviewing my potential assets and benefits to overcome this challenge, I realized that my client base was created from new construction purchases.” So, he decided to try something new. “I began referring clients to new developments in other areas, even though they were not in my market,” he says. “I saw that these referrals would be mutually beneficial for the developer as well as for my past clients.”

Today, Robin can say that beyond any shadow of doubt, “My business has been built through connecting Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

“My business has been built through connecting people…

I am unapologetically determined to bring value.” people.” For example, he’s earned premier lender status for renowned communities such as The Ritz Carlton Residences in Kapalua and Waikiki, and Brookfield Homes’ Pilli Mai Town Homes on Kauai, Holua Kai and Kamilo on the Big Island.

“I am unapologetically determined to bring value to my past clients. I don’t call on REALTORS® or new developments and ask for their business. There are 10 other people doing that,” says Robin. “I have many friends and past clients. When I’m introduced to a new development or property that I know some of my contacts will be interested in, I reach out to them and suggest they look at the property. In this way, I’m bringing value to both my clients, and agents or developments.”

Robin admits that it isn’t a failsafe method of building relationships, but says that it’s been worthwhile. “I’ll admit, it is an unusual philosophy, and the key has been finding equally unique counterparts, for reciprocity to flourish.”

His efforts to serve as a connector, through creating genuine friendships and treating people the way he would like to be treated, have certainly paid off, but his success has not come overnight. “These are big investments, and introducing the right buyer to the right property takes time. I’ve worked on some transactions for 18 months,” he explains. “I don’t mind.

I enjoy building the relationships, and ultimately seeing people buy homes.”

The lengths that Robin goes to in pursuit of providing value are impressive to say the least. “Not too long ago, I put together a summit in Kauai, where I invited two of Maui’s top REALTORS® to network with Brookfield Homes executives. We were hosted

by Kukuiula — a private club in Poipu,” he says.

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“This two-day summit was an incredible event that helped further both REALTORS®’ business. It was also beneficial for the developments, to be able to share their products and information to off-island REALTORS.® I look beyond rate sheets or simple sponsorships to add value; I really try to distance myself from the herd.”

Similarly, he brings buyers together with emerging properties and communities in other lively, and meaningful ways that resonate with his clients. According to John R. Dunham, III, “I met Robin while financing an oceanfront home on Maui, which was done during the challenging market of the recession.

Since then we have become friends, and recently we visited the private club, Kohanaiki on the Big Island, based on Robin’s recommendation, to review the real estate there. This visit to Kohanaiki was a highlight experience as Robin’s connections took care of us and we were treated like kings, and [without Robin] I would have never known about this beautiful property.”

Creating valuable opportunities like this, is simply a way of life for Robin, but the benefits they provide to his contacts have huge impacts. After all, when

Location: Kukuiula on Kauai 13

he connects a client to an agent, or development, they are fully ready and able to buy, which often results in a purchase, and brings significant savings on marketing. To date, Robin estimates his efforts have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars for his partners.

“I think I inadvertently caused a paradigm shift. Instead of going to agents or development executives and asking them to send business, I focus on providing value by bringing business to them, and helping build relationships,” he says. “I did not know when I shifted my business strategy in this way, that my effort would have this outcome.”

His hard work has been worth it, to say the least, and Robin has no plans to change strategy anytime

soon. “I enjoy what I do because I get to be a big part of seeing people buy, plan for their families, and design their legacies. I also get to spend time at some of these resorts, boating, or surfing with new friends,” he says. “It’s rewarding in way too many ways to count.”

Though Robin’s work does take him off-island frequently, when he is home on Maui, his time away from work is spent with his son. “He’s an incredible skateboarder, and will likely go pro. We spend a lot of time at skate parks, and we volunteer our time cleaning, and repainting skate parks together.”

Overall, Robin says that things really couldn’t get much better. “Personally, and professionally, I feel very fortunate.”

Robin Wagstaff VP of Mortgage Lending | Guaranteed Rate | 173 Hoohana Street, Suite A202, Kahului, HI 96732 office 808.339.3919 | cell 808.280.4971 | robin.wagstaff@rate.com NMLS ID: 774552 HI - HI-774552 - HI-2611 | NMLS ID #2611 (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) HI - Lic#HI-2611 | ID - Guaranteed Rate, Inc. Lic #MBL-5827 14

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Top 10

Ways to give back

Giving back to the communities you serve is important throughout the year, and even more so during the holidays. Clients and potential clients take note of your charitable and service activities and like to contribute and get involved if they can. Hosting a special holiday activity will help spread good cheer and positive feelings in the community. Here are the Top 10 ways to give back this holiday season.

Adopt a Family — Work with a local school or nonprofit to identify area families in need, then choose one or more and donate all the trappings of a great holiday, including decorations, gifts, and all the ingredients to cook a special meal.

Put Up a Giving Tree — Partner with a local nonprofit or social services agency to find out what they need, then set up a tree in the office and decorate it with ornaments that list those items. Ask anyone who comes in to choose an ornament and donate the amount of money needed to purchase that item.

Host a Food Drive — Demand at local food banks rises during the holiday season and many rely on the increased giving at the holidays to make up for shortfalls other times of the year. You can help by hosting a month-long non-perishable food drive focused on collecting high-protein foods such as nut butters, canned tuna & chicken, and canned beans.

Decorate Senior Citizens’ Homes — Get the whole team together and spend a Saturday putting up holiday decorations at the homes of senior citizens who wouldn’t otherwise get to enjoy the sights of the holidays.

Have a Toy & Gift Drive — Foster kids often get placed in homes with little more than the clothes on their backs. Collect new, unwrapped toys, as well as gifts for teens such as cosmetic or toiletry kits, and donate them to a social service agency responsible for foster care placements.

Visit a Children’s Hospital — Spend an afternoon visiting with kids and their families at a local children’s hospital or Ronald McDonald House. Pass out small gifts such as seasonal story books and tabletop Christmas trees.

Collect Backpacks and School Supplies — Underserved students need supplies year ‘round to do their best in school. Plus, plenty of new students will be starting after the winter break, making this a perfect time to collect backpacks and supplies.

Collect Coats and Warm Clothing — Collect new or gently used coats, sweaters, scarves, hats and gloves in kids’ and adults’ sizes to donate to local schools or homeless shelters.

Host a Santa Open House — Have the jolliest person in the office play Santa for an afternoon and invite kids from the neighborhood as well as clients’ families. Serve hot chocolate, cider and cookies and have someone in charge of taking digital or instant photos.

Give Out Care Packages for the Homeless — Ask coworkers and clients to donate travel size toiletries, boxes of protein bars, and cases of bottled water. Make up care packages in resealable bags and give everyone in the office several to keep in their cars to hand out to any homeless people they see while they’re out and about in the community.

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Weighing your options —

The pros and cons of trying to time the market

In many circles, when conversations about buying and selling homes arise, the concept of “timing the market” invariably emerges. Some people will swear by the practice, citing example after example of instances where buying low and selling high has worked for them, or for people they know. Others will say that timing the market is not only impossible, but that the best time to buy or sell is when you’re ready to buy or sell. Period.

So, what is fact and what is fiction? Can the market be accurately timed, so as to mitigate spending and maximize profit? Or are those who seem to have an uncanny knack for buying when homes are at their lowest price, and selling them at the highest points, just incredibly lucky? Unfortunately, despite entire books being devoted to the practice of learning how to time the market, it’s most certainly not an exact science. But like most things in life, there are definite 16

pros and cons to trying to time the market. Here’s a look at some of them.

The pros of trying to time the market

Ensures Education — If you’re attempting to time the market, you’re going to have to do your homework. You’ll need to monitor home values, interest rates, FED rates, neighborhood appreciation/ depreciation, inventory levels, and more. Overall, this works to your benefit, as you’ll be learning something new nearly every day, which can only help you to become an even savvier buyer or seller in the future.

Knowledge is indeed, power.

Protects Your Pocketbook — Being mindful of what the real estate market is doing certainly increases your likelihood that you’ll get a better deal than if you completely omit market conditions from your Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Can the market be accurately timed, so as to mitigate spending and maximize profit? Or are those who seem to have an uncanny knack for buying when homes are at their lowest price, and selling them at the highest points, just incredibly lucky? mortgage interest rates drop to their lowest, can lead to missed opportunities to invest, or to become a homeowner. Holding out for just one more price reduction or decrease in interest rates may cause you to lose out on an incredible deal.

Missed Opportunities to Make Memories Waiting too long to buy or sell, in effort to time the market can ultimately cost you valuable time. Instead of taking the profits from a home sale and purchasing a new home when conditions are favorable, you ultimately may miss out on awesome opportunities to make new memories in your home. Consider that buyers who attempt to time the market perfectly may miss the chance to celebrate special occasions and milestones in a new home.

investment strategy. Generally speaking, making an effort to time the market, although not failsafe, will make you a more informed buyer or seller, thereby increasing your likelihood of securing better pricing, terms, concessions, or conditions.

Puts You in a Position of Power — Whether you’re a potential buyer in a down market, or a seller in an up market, you have a lot more bargaining power during decidedly lopsided markets. Subsequently, as a buyer or seller, you will have far more leverage in an unbalanced market than during periods of relative equilibrium/neutrality in the real estate market.

The cons of trying to time the market Potential for Letting Great Properties or Profits Pass You By — Trying too hard to wait to buy until home prices hit rock bottom, or when Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Market Stability Is Never Guaranteed — It’s long been said that the only constant in life, is change. That’s undeniably true when it comes to the real estate market. There is no guarantee that interest rates, or home prices won’t change on a dime. The inherent unpredictably of the real estate market means that even the most well-laid plans for buying or selling are not immune from potential and/or substantial market swings.

Although there are benefits and potential pitfalls to consider when deciding whether to try your hand at timing the market, one irrefutable fact remains. An investment in a home is a significant undertaking. For the overwhelming majority of people, it will be one of the biggest financial decisions of our lives. As such, deciding to buy or sell is not something most people will want to go into alone, or haphazardly.

With the help of an educated REALTOR,® a skilled mortgage professional, and guidance from other trusted advisors such as your CPA or financial advisor, conducting due diligence before making any decision just makes sense.

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Get SMART

about goal setting

As the year quickly comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about what you’d like to accomplish in 2018. Setting goals to reach both professional and personal milestones will help you formulate your strategy, stay motivated and achieve success. Take a look at these effective goal-setting tips:

Get SMART — How many times have you set a goal (New Year’s resolutions come to mind) only to give up on it, or forget about it altogether, within a few weeks. Setting goals is more than just committing to doing something, you have to make a plan to get there. That’s why SMART goals make so much sense. SMART goals are:

• Specific • Measurable 18

• Attainable • Relevant • Time-bound

Using these metrics as a guide will help you set and track your goals so you can make meaningful, lasting changes.

Keep it Professional — Conducting your business without setting goals is like taking a road trip without a map. You will end up somewhere, but it probably won’t be where you planned. Professional goals can include the obvious, such as sales goals and prospecting targets, along with things like hiring an assistant, improving your website’s SEO or establishing a team. Because it’s impossible to do everything at once, try breaking up your goals by quarter. Focus Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

SMART Goals Ask yourself these questions to determine if your goal is SMART. • Specific — Is the goal precise, clear and concise?

• Measurable — Can you track the progress and measure the results?

• Attainable — Can the goal be accomplished using current resources?

• Relevant — Is the goal meaningful, worthwhile and consistent with your values and other goals?

• Time-Bound — Can you give your goal a clear “accomplish by” date?

on one large goal and several smaller goals. Anything you don’t accomplish will roll over into the next quarter. If you’re not sure where to start or what to focus on, talk with other professionals in your office to find out how they approach goal-setting.

Make it Personal — As you’re pursuing your professional goals during the coming year, it’s also important to focus on personal development. Personal goals can include working toward health and fitness milestones, seeking continuing education, networking to expand your sphere of influence and doing volunteer work or donating to a cause that’s important to you. In some instances, your personal and professional goals will overlap, and that’s great. Your goals should be complementary and positively affect the different facets of your life.

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Focus on the Family — While working toward your professional and personal goals, it’s important not to let family take a backseat. Your family goals will differ whether you’re married or single, with kids or child-free, but the important thing is that they help you strengthen the bond with those closest to you. They can be things like eating dinner together a set number of nights per week, attending school events, or getting away for the weekend once a month. If you’re single, make it your goal to reach out to your parents or a sibling on the same day every week, plan a family reunion or preserve old family photos or home movies.

Setting goals for different areas of your life, rather than just your professional career, will help you maintain balance and not lose sight of what’s truly important to you. Remember that goal setting isn’t a one-time activity; it’s an active process that should change and grow as your career and priorities continue to evolve.

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