Tru2U News: October 2007

Here is your copy of the October 2007 Tru2U News.


In this edition:

• Holiday Planning

• Things to Do: First Aid Kit

• Pop! Home Values for the Curious and the Serious

• Daniel as the Super Hero Optimus Prime of the Autobots
  

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PLEASE forward this along to anyone you know should see this - OR just to support us.

Thanks
Dennis & Trudy Beerman

Tru2U News SEPTEMBER 2007

CLICK on the picture to read Tru2U News.




In this issue of Tru2U News:

• Divorce impacts Real Estate.
• FREE online CPR Training
• Get people who don't know you- to LEND YOU $!
• Trudy's EBook - Jesus Had a Step Dad Too. Get it NOW! $3

Passive Income. AGGRESSIVE Returns.

Forex? What is it, anyway?

The market

The currency trading (FOREX) market is the biggest and fastest growing market on earth. Its daily turnover is more than 2.5 trillion dollars. The participants in this market are banks, organizations, investors and private individuals, just like you. (click here to read full market background by Easy-Forex™).



The goods (merchandise)

Markets are places to trade goods, and the same goes with FOREX. The Forex goods are the currencies of various countries. You buy Euro, paying with US dollars, or you sell Japanese Yens for Canadian dollars. That's all.



How does one profit in Forex?

Obviously, buy cheap and sell for more! The profit potential comes from the fluctuations (changes) in the currency exchange market.

The nice thing about the FOREX market, is that regular daily fluctuations, say - around 1%, are multiplied by 100! (in general, Easy-Forex™ offers trading ratios from 1:50 to 1:200).



How risky is Forex trading?

You cannot lose more than your "margin" (your initial investment)! You may profit unlimited amounts, but you never lose more than what you initially risked. However, risk only what you can afford and is not vital for your well-being.



How do I start trading?

Register (Easy-Forex™ offers the simplest and quickest registration process, no obligation); deposit your first trading "margin" amount (credit cards are welcome, only by Easy-Forex™); start trading.



How do I monitor my Forex trading?

Online, from anywhere, anytime. You have full control to monitor status, check scenarios, change some terms in the deal, or close it.



Want to know more? Want to get on-line training? Register here (quick, no obligation), we'll be glad to guide you, every step of the way.



Good luck!



Forex trading involves substantial risk of loss, and may not be suitable for everyone.

Tru2U News: August 2007

Outreach and updates from Dennis & Trudy Beerman to our clients, associates and friends.
Click on the picture below to read the latest Tru2U News!

In this edition:
* New Product: CPR Reminder Steps Keychain
* Passive Income. Aggressive Rates! Little known investment pays BIG!
* Ft. Lauderdale Condo for sale. $80,000 or best offer.
* Back to school

Read it! PASS IT ALONG!

Thanks!
Trudy Beerman

Tru2U News: July 2007

Outreach by Dennis & Trudy Beerman to our clients, associates and friends.


Click on the picture to read this edition of Tru2 News.


In this edition:
* Has your CPR or First Aid card Expired?
* Earn extra $ as a CPR Instructor
* Doin it D-I-Y style!
* Avon Park, FL lot for sale $20,000 or best offer
* Only 14 and off to DC!

Read it. Pass it along!
Thanks.
Trudy Beerman
Tampa, FL

The Sky High Price is Falling, by Dennis Beerman

Value is a perception, not a reality, and in this market, sellers, buyers and bankers are no longer valuing homes through the rose colored glasses of the last three years. In fact, the dark lenses worn to fend off the recent financial glare are more reminiscent of mourners than sun worshippers.

In the current market, the driving forces have caused a downward trend in the price buyers are willing to spend to acquire a home, and banks are willing to lend to purchase that home. Availability of inventory, mortgage interest rates, loan qualifying requirements, and of course the ‘Sky is Falling’ headlines of the media, have driven the average transaction price down in comparison to this time last year.

With challenges to get the sale, and challenges to get purchase loans, homeowners have an even greater incentive to hold on to their property and ride the current economic wave. Ironically, the local housing needs of the now historic ‘bubble’ still exist.

Births and relocations continue regardless of economic trends, and with expanding families, come the need for additional local housing. According to the Chamber of Commerce , Hillsborough County has an expected population surge of more than 126,000 between 2004 through 2009.

In contrast, the current holding pattern on home sales means: to comfortably accommodate the needs of a growing family, rather than replace your current home with a newer, nicer, larger one – remain in your current home and update, upgrade, and upspace. The end result is; more comfortable living experiences, more space, and a higher equity value.

The appeal of a newer home can be achieved in an existing older home with a few strategically spent dollars to add more enjoyment, elbow room, and equity. Home owners should clearly define their priority for space, comfort, or ambience when speaking to a contractor.

Scott’s Custom Renovation and Construction (SCRC) – a local Building Contractor, provides renovation and remodeling services and financing, as well as consultancy, training and assistance for the die-hard do-it-yourselfer. By offering a breakdown of cost estimates by project, the do-it-yourselfer can save money by deciding which projects to have Uncle Harry’s help on, and which are better left to the experts.

More space and comfort without increasing square footage is now possible with newer storage options, area definition, and room layout. Space optimization, improved functionality, and moving walls are just some of the options that add space and comfort to a formerly tight existence.

So with the sky high prices of homes falling, home owners no longer have to take a financial hit by accepting a lower price for their home. Rather than sell for less, consider waiting out the market by giving your existing home a fresh coat of paint, and an even refreshing newer look. Since it is emotional triggers that make a buyer see your place as their future home, who knows – with your home now looking nicer than your neighbors, interested buyers might just get closer to the price you were looking for – and if not, the urgency to sell will abate as your newly remodeled home looks and feels more like the home you always dreamed of.

Dennis Beerman is a Florida Certified Building Contractor
CBC1253501
www.SCRC-FL.com
Tampa, FL
(813) 433-8556

Selling FSBO or with Realtor Assistance

In this emerging real estate market following the now famous 'busted bubble', sellers are now realizing that their homes are taking more than two weeks to land a contract. In addition, as the months creep by, sellers consider cutting their prices in order to cut their increasing losses.

One of the ways some try to cut costs is by attempting to go FSBO - For Sale By Owner.

The Realtor's commission has been one of those expenses that many sellers consider optional - kinda like deciding to buy a new BMW or a used Kia. Both get you to your destination, but one does it with more style. However, using a Realtor is not about style at all. As the FSBO goes it alone, many will find that this market - abundant with housing options - needs a sales approach that is nothing short of Expert!

The selling strategies and resources available to Realtors are often unknown by Mr. & Mrs. FSBO, and the outreach of the FSBO to the illusive Buyer is usually very limited.

The FSBO approach may be worth attempting if:
* you are able to show your property on short notice at any time of the day
* you are familiar with the legally required steps to transfer ownership with a clean title
* you have a way to identify qualified buyers from curious tourists
* you are willing to identify and create ads for various marketing opportunities
* you are prepared to protect yourself when you allow unqualified strangers into your home
* you are able to disconnect your emotional connection to the house as strangers tour it
* you have a objective system for coming up with a fair market price to sell at
* you have no problem negotiating with those who see your home as less in value than your asking price.

Other ways to make the FSBO more effective in the current market are:
* be prepared to work with and compensate the Buyer's Realtor - their client is likely to be prequalified to afford your home
* find a Real Estate Broker that will agree to handle the paper work of the transaction for maybe 1% or a flat fee, after you have identified a Buyer
* use a service that offers marketing assistance, contracts and forms to the FSBO

Using a Realtor is the smart way to go if you have tried going the FSBO route unsucessfully, and or, you need a greater probability of getting your home sold. Remember, Realtors are constantly outreaching to Buyers and when your home is listed on the MLS - Multilple Listing Service, all those hundreds of thousands of Realtors are able to see your home and its attributes. Realtors work hard to find Buyers for your home and to follow through on the steps to bring the Buyer to closing the transaction and putting $ in your pocket.

Just as you work hard for your income, so does the Realtor. Because their income is linked to closing the transaction, getting your house sold is their focused agenda. Much of what the Realtor does to get your home sold takes place outside of your view, but they are working for that specific goal - relentlessly. They don't get paid if they don't close the deal.

Realtors, unlike Licensed Real Estate Agents, are also bound by a code of ethics in the course of meeting with clients, buyers, and vendors.

FSBO or Realtor Services? Well, each situation is unique, and the seller must decide. The smart seller will not wait till the situation is desperate to call in the experts, so if you decide to go FSBO, set a time line that if you have not contracted your property for sale by that date, that you will contact a Realtor to maximize the statistical possiblity of landing that qualified Buyer.

Trudy Beerman, CPMS, Realtor
Broker/Owner
Residential Investor Services, LLC
www.residentialinvestorservices.com
(813)760-5624

Trudy's Top 7 Tips: Increasing Seller's Property Value

Understand first of all that there IS a difference between price and value. Price is the amount you are asking for the property. Value is Buyer perceived, and this perception of value is influenced by many factors such as location, features, condition, comparison to other purchase option, etc. By attending to details that can have a positive impact on the value, Sellers can significantly increase their chance of attracting qualified Buyers willing to pay the asking price.

Some tips to achieve a positive impact on value are:
1. Percieved size impacts value, even more so than actual square footage. Open floor plans make a room feel bigger than larger spaces with smaller rooms. Showing property that is furniture free, or at reduced clutter, helps to make the space feel bigger.

2. Vacancy increases sale-ability property is easier to show and easier to sell, and quicker to take possession of. Evidence of problems to take possession of the property - such as encroachments, or tenants who wont allow Buyer tours, negatively impact value. Vacancy also helps the Buyer walk through the property imagining ownership. Sellers should remove personal trinkets and family pictures as well as conveniently absent during a Buyer tour.

3. Cosmetics are important.

• Fresh paint will always add more value than it costs.
• Clean or new carpet/flooring adds more value than it costs.
• Landscaping adds more value than it costs. At the very minimum, make the entrance area neat.
• If you can, add some colorful flowers and new sod.

4. Take care of the obvious! The spot on the ceiling from the roof leak takes thousands of $ from the perceived value and the offer price.

5. Condition affects value. Do a seller’s home inspection to identify and fix the problem BEFORE closing. No point holding up your check a few extra days, plus a failed buyer’s inspection could cost you the sale. Buyers will often bargain down your asking price to accomodate for property condition and repairs.

6. If you can, remodel/update the kitchen and master bathroom. These two areas have a big impact home buying decisions.

7. Strategic renovations impact value and your bottom line. Don’t spend more money to renovate the place than you can recapture in value on the sales price.

Trudy Beerman, CPMS, Realtor
Owner/Broker
Residential Investor Services, LLC
www.residentialinvestorservices.com
(813) 760-5624

Dennis Beerman, President/Owner
Certified Building Contractor - Florida
Scott's Custom Renovations & Construction, inc.
www.SCRC-FL.com
(813) 433-8556