YsGuy.com Blog

Stress Relief—Eight Simple Tips

deanodean — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:30:27 +0000

Thanks to Scott Levitt of Oakley Signs & Graphics for these wonderful tips. They also have a great newsletter for Real Estate Sales Professionals—which also might prove useful for anyone trying to influence others whether it be in sales or life!

These all seem obvious, don’t they? Common-sense stress-relievers most of us already know about, right? So why do we still have so much stress in our lives? Read on to remind yourself about these small but effective things we already know, yet so rarely practice.

1. Learn to live in the moment. Reduce your focus on problems looming in the future, or things you should’ve done in the past, because they’re either over and done with, or might not ever happen! Focus on what you can and should deal with in the present.

2. Spend at least a minute or so thinking about someone you’re grateful to, like your partner for taking on that work project this Saturday so you could take your son to his game, or the guy in traffic this morning who let you merge painlessly into his lane. Thinking of the positive things others have done for you and appreciating them takes you out of your head, and puts your “huge” problems into perspective.

3. Be grateful for all you have, not frustrated by all you think others have. The former is positive, the latter negative, and spending your time in the negative can be surprisingly stressful.

4. Choose your battles wisely; disagreements are stressful. Minimize them. Don’t use your energy trying to convince someone or “win” unless it’s really important. Always thinking of how to convince someone you’re right, even when you are, is exhausting.

5. Walk around the block. Seriously. Taking 15 minutes for yourself, to just think or breathe or listen to your iPod, can make you feel as if you’ve gotten some space, like you’ve done something almost luxurious for yourself.

6. Smile at a stranger and look him in the eye; just a small connection can turn your entire day around, which then can change the outcome of an interaction with a client. Opening up can be a great stress reducer, not to mention mood enhancer.

7. Breathe before you speak. Pause. Listen. Think of what you will say and then how it will sound. Avoid stress by making well-considered statements that show you’ve had a chance to really listen to what has been said.

8. Concentrate on doing one thing at a time. Multi-tasking is a mental myth; we’re not computers! Trying to take a phone call from your wife, write an email to a client, and watch a video on YouTube is only going to result in a longer task completion time and a poorer overall job. Do one thing at a time, and give it your full concentration.

Lastly, remember you can’t please all of the people all of the time! Selling is a service business, and not every prospect will connect with you, and not every person will like what you have to show them. Be committed to your goals and be gentle with yourself along the way.

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Dean Crandall is a licensed REALTOR with Keller Williams Westfield Real Estate based in beautiful Utah County. He has six successful years of helping clients and friends find and sell homes, land and investment properties.

If you are a buyer and you want to find out how to get the best house out of all the houses that are available to you, or maybe you are a seller and you want to get absolute Top Dollar, and I mean more money bottom line that you could get any other way, or if you’re an investor who wants to generate an annual rate of return of 40-60%, that’s 40-60% Annual Rate of Return, please contact Dean directly:

Dean Crandall
801-836-3112
Dean@YsGuy.com

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YsGuy.com & DeanoDean, Inc. make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, current-ness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog and will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information or for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use; including, but not limited to, methane gases, body odor, computer and keyboard rage, and sleepless nights. All blog posts are the constantly changing opinions of the author(s) and may occasionally contain bad opinions. They are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please make decisions based on advice of competent, licensed professionals.

Fastest and slowest short sale servicers

deanodean — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 19:36:17 +0000

Got this from UAR (Utah Association of REALTORS®). How slow are short sales? What a great question!

If you’re thinking about selling your home short (briefly defined as the lender(s) will take short of a full payoff) or purchasing a short sale, how long will it take? Here’s a list recently published by Deutsche Bank which ranked major mortgage servicers based on their timelines for completing short sales. It should give you an idea of how long the process is from start to finish.

Here are the results based on loan type:

Prime
Quickest: GMAC, about 6 months per transaction
2nd fastest: CitiMortgage, about 7.5 months per transaction
3rd place: Wells Fargo, roughly 8 months per transaction
Slowest: Countrywide (Bank of America), more than 13 months per transaction

Subprime
Quickest: Wells Fargo, more than 15 months
2nd fastest: HomEq Servicing, 16 months
3rd place: Morgan Stanley’s servicing arm Saxon Mortgage Services, a little more than 17 months
Slowest: Equicredit and Ocwen, more than 29 months

Option-ARM
Quickest: JPMorgan Chase’s EMC Mortgage, just over 8 months
2nd fastest: Aurora Loan Servicers, 10 months
3rd place: GMAC, more than 10 months
Slowest: Countrywide, almost 14 months

Alt-A
Quickest: First Horizon, just over nine months
2nd fastest: Wells Fargo and Aurora, roughly 11 months
Slowest: Countrywide, more than 13 months

Dean Crandall
801-836-3112
Dean@YsGuy.com

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Good News! Quick Utah Real Estate Market Stats

deanodean — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:54:11 +0000

What is going on in Real Estate?

In these uncertain economic times, it’s always nice to hear some positive news. Here are some quick facts about the market that you can actually feel good about. Hat tip to the Utah Association of REALTORS®.

Area housing affordability remains high: Nearly three-quarters of all homes sold in the Salt Lake metro area in the second quarter were affordable to families making the median income, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index. For the three months ended in June, 73.2 percent of homes sold were considered affordable, compared to 70.6 percent last year at the same time. Salt Lake homes were slightly more affordable than U.S. homes, with 72.3 percent considered affordable nationwide.

Utah’s foreclosure rate still less than U.S. rate: Utah is ranked 24th in the nation in foreclosures, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. For the three months ending in June, 3.4 percent of Utah homeowners with a mortgage were in foreclosure, compared to 4.6 percent nationally.

Utah is starting to add jobs: Utah added 17,200 jobs for the 12 months ended in July, according to the Utah Department of Workforce Services. The numbers represented a 1.5 percent gain, compared to flat growth for the U.S. Utah’s unemployment rate remained unchanged in July at 7.2 percent, compared to the U.S. unemployment rate of 9.5 percent, also unchanged. According to UDWS, “The worst of the recession appears to be behind Utah.”

Utah inventory is coming down: In July, the number of active listings available for sale fell 4 percent compared to a year ago, according to the Utah Association of REALTORS®. Compared to two years ago, inventory was down 15 percent. The months’ supply of inventory in Utah also fell nearly 13 percent. In July, it would have taken 10.7 months at the current sales pace to sell the entire inventory of homes, down from 12.2 months a year ago and down from 12.9 months two years ago.

Mortgage rates still at decades-low levels: The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose for the first time since June, but at 4.35 percent still remains near the previous week’s record low of 4.32 percent, according to Freddie Mac. The low rates are particularly significant because a 1 percent drop in mortgage rates is roughly equivalent to a 10 percent price reduction.

Utah buyers believe now is a good time to purchase a home: According to a recent survey commissioned by the Utah Association of REALTORS®, 80 percent of Utahns believe conditions are ideal for home buyers. Seventy-one percent of those surveyed also believe home prices will stay the same or rise within the coming year.

Dean Crandall
801-836-3112
Dean@YsGuy.com

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What a Facebook “survey” will do! Making beds?

deanodean — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:00:18 +0000

Last night I was visiting with one of my neighbors who also happens to be my facebook friend. She commented on an entry she made–an informal survey–asking how often do you make your bed? In fact, here’s her exact question(s): Ok, I’ve gotta know…how many of you make your bed in the morning? Here are the categories – ALWAYS (you maybe miss once or twice per year), USUALLY (you miss once or twice per month), SOMETIMES (you miss once or twice per week) or NEVER (you may make your bed once or twice per year).

As of this morning, (I checked) she had 39 responses! Why is that the things we say or insert in our updates in our social networking sites (MySpace, Twitter, facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) usually get no response, and then we get all kinds of responses on one we’d never think would matter? It’s incredible.

I’d be interested in knowing why making beds became such a hot topic. Some of my initial thoughts were: Why make the bed because we’re just going to climb in tonight? or I would never leave the house with my bed unmade! or I make it when I have time… The answer of the day depends on my mood or how rushed I am in the morning (because I do NOT wake up in the AFTERNOONS!).

I truly believe our attitudes on bed making depends on how we were raised. My mother wouldn’t let me out of the house without brushing my teeth (my dad was a dentist) or making my bed (fastidious mom).

Anyway, as I was running out of the house this morning, I did stop and make the bed… How did your morning go?

Dean Crandall
801-836-3112
Dean@YsGuy.com

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The Health Care Debate — Is it REALLY about Health?

deanodean — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:21:17 +0000

Sunday was an historic day–IMHO NOT necessarily for the betterment of our Republic. Long before the affirmative votes taken by one political party late into the evening, I tweeted a couple of posts from Twitter, to facebook (and to LinkedIn) expressing some thoughts and opinions. What followed in responses and replies to them became rather interesting and spirited. The names of the participants have not been changed; I chose not to include surnames (but you can look them up if you really have to know who they are and wish to contact them. The principals are yours truly, Jordan and George. Others who chimed in will be mentioned by their given names as well.

Here’s how it all started, and how it blossomed into some interesting political (turning personal) fire and ire.

(All times MDT Sunday, March 21, 2010) 12:02 PM DeanoDean: OVERHEARD: Speaker Pelosi tells Hoyer: ‘Steny, we have to get to 217. None of these members wants to be the deciding vote’. DrudgeReport.com

12:04 PM DeanoDean: IF the issue were truly Health Care, why would NO ONE want to be the deciding vote? Is it possibly about Socialism and Federal Power? Hmm…

4:20 PM Jordan: I thought it was about the politics of blame. Isn’t that the established (and effective) way for the incumbants to be accused? Worked in 2008, I mean who easier to blame that Bush Jr.? Taking $5,000,000,000,000 of national debt and almost doubling it earns well deserved blame. But maybe that’s just Socialist talk… LOL

5:07 PM DeanoDean: My point has been the same for months. This is NOT about health care. It’s about socialism and gov’thanks power. Look at the start of entitlement policies and how they’re working.

All of them are by many times outspending their original projections. How’s Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid working to “save” money?

The projections to cover 32M people are at $960B over 10 years. I’ll be shocked if the Federal gov’t could do it for only 50% over budget. … See More

This makes us less free, period. There’s no opt out clause. We’re forced to buy insurance or pay penalties.

Historic day that changes the US for the worse.

5:30 PM Jordan: Chuckle. Overspending comes in many forms including military expeditions into guerilla quagmires and the unquenchable thirst for the latest and greatest (that would be most costly) war toys.

If the free market economy was truly able to provide a humane level of medical care to all of our citizens, it would have. But there’s no money in that, and… See More [sic] corporations are all about the profit. Yes, it is a burden for the free working folk of the U.S. to have to provide a minimum level of support for the poor. But they’re already paying through higher insurance premiums when uninsured process through E.R.s (at a much higher price), so why not handle it smart?

That would be CHOOSING to be accountable rather than having the choice made in a less efficient manner. It’s not socialism, it’s a social responsibility [sic].

5:51 PM DeanoDean: Couldn’t disagree with you more, Jordan.

First of all, we haven’t had “free markets” in the health insurance world for 30+ years (I was too young to really understand it. My father was a health care provider (dentist) and we experienced what happened when the government got involved in “paying” for services.)…

Look at “optional” health care and how well elective procedures have done. Quality has increased many fold while prices have come down dramatically. (e.g. cosmetic surgery, Lasik eye surgery–I love mine!)

I asked a guy who really likes the proposed public options a question: Where has the government done a really good job in holding down costs and being somewhat efficient in what it does? You’d love his answer: the IRS!

We agree that there is way too much waste in our military efforts. In this area, I much rather err because they keep us free. I still want the leadership in the armed services to be frugal. We have to be in our homes…

The economy in its current state DOES provide a HUMANE level of care—even if it were limited to ER services. The higher insurance premiums you talk about will be dream rates when we compare what it will cost us for this “fundamental change in America” our president wants. Socialism—because that’s what government health care is (whether it’s VA, Medicare, Medicaid, welfare, etc.).

We shouldn’t destroy the world’s BEST health care system–the place the rest of the world comes to, to get taken care of, where pharmaceuticals are developed, where the gold standard of care has been created–and dump it for socialized medicine! We simply won’t agree on this one.

We’re free to believe what we want. I just don’t like losing my freedoms and being forced into a plan where everyone will get the same poor care. It’s about power and control. I don’t like losing my agency to choose how I will take care of myself and my family.

6:36 PM Steve: I agree with you 100%, Dean.

8:00 PM Jordan: Unregulated corporations will generally favor profit over principle. Example: variable rates are charged to different patients based upon their insurance status. Walk in and pay cash and you’ll be charged the HIGHEST fees. Beautiful.

Or consider the unregulated activied of investment banks seeking windfall profits in sub-prime mortgages. Catestrophic bank failures leading to worldwide depression or government bailout leading to a softer landing are the choices after the fact. I’d rather choose fair minded regulation PREVENTING such nonsense.

Socialism? Nope. GOVERNANCE and OVERSIGHT…. See More

The W.H.O disagrees with your “BEST” ranking. They say that 36 other states come before us.

http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html

But maybe they’re just kidding.

Hey, notice that Costa Rica is above us. You know… that’s where Rush is going to visit for treating his ticker. That’s cause medical care is affordable. Not here anymore.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/costa-rica/090321/another-reason-visit-costa-rica

Yup, the rest of the world is thronging at the doors of our hospitals. – you’ve gotta stop kiddin around, your jokes are killin me!

The GOP will never change healthcare, so someone else has to do it. I actually don’t think that this plan is the best solution, but given that the current system is impossible, some change trumps lame.

Sorry we can’t consensus. I wonder how much red vs blue conflict will happen in the next few years. We’ll meet up in a few years and have a beer together and see if the sky has fallen.

8:29 PM David: time for a house cleaning

8:31 PM DeanoDean: Sorry, again we disagree. I think ALL normal corporations want profit. Profit is GOOD!

There will be those who will do bad things. Regulation is appropriate. It’s in our real estate industry, it’s in the medical industry. I know that every medical practitioner I’ve ever gone to will charge me LESS if I pay cash… See More because they won’t have to deal with insurance companies or government officials if it’s Medicare, Medicaid…

The activities of the banking industry were the result of greed and selfishness, certainly. It was government officials who insisted that banks lend to people who had no business taking out mortgages. It was the bailing out of Freddie and Fannie that was very responsible for the effects we’re feeling now in the world of real estate, and the economy at large.

Government which is BY the people and FOR the people is also good. Unregulated power in the government corrupts even good people. I can’t think of anyone who has come back a better man or woman because they became acquainted with the ways of Washington, DC.

The nation’s leaders preach class hatred and warfare. We are only strong as a nation as long as there’s morality and moral leadership. Mark my words, if we continue down this path, we will experience limited freedom in what and how we receive health care services–even worse than what the left says we are in bondage to now. We will have created entitlements which will bankrupt us more than we already are. How will the panacea be financed? Take all of the GDP, we won’t have enough!

8:31 PM George: OK Jordan, name a government oversight program that is run effectively and cheaper than the private sector.TSA? Post Office? Medicare? Social Security? No on all counts.

9:13 PM DeanoDean: I recall the President’s own words numerous times that his HC program would not cost the Americans “one red cent, not another dime of tax increases”.

Obviously another lie, err misstatement of fact.

This won’t go well for his party (frankly unimportant–red or blue) come November…

What words can we trust which come out of the Presidential oral cavity? How about the “3,000% decrease” in insurance premiums business owners will realize, as boasted last week in Ohio? Probably a teleprompter malfunction–ya think?

9:13 PM Jordan: I ship USPS consistently [sic] because of it’s [sic] reasonable rates and effective service. Since my business has doubled in the past year, that would include daily shipments many of which are overseas. Do you think there’s something better, George? I mean if there’s something that I don’t understand about shipping, please bring me up to speed.

Hey, Dean… See More. Looks like it’s a done deal as of a few minutes ago. I bet the sky doesn’t fall. If I’m wrong, I buy the first round.

Let’s all see if the hysteria will fade away now that the GOP didn’t deal it’s crippling blow to the Demon-crats. Seriously foolish politics involved, both sides.

9:20 PM DeanoDean: Jordan, I appreciate your opinions even though we disagree. I’ve never said the sky will fall. The effect of today’s action will create another entitlement class which will bankrupt America, and really hurt the economy.

Time will prove me right because every welfare program has ballooned beyond expectations when originally drafted. No exceptions!

9:45 PM George: Jordan,

Holding the post office up as a model program really makes me wonder if you are serious. The U.S. Postal Service posted a net loss of $2.4 billion for its third quarter and said it expects to lose more than $7 billion by the end of the fiscal year. Our tax dollars bail it out. FedEx and UPS run profits, and do not take taxpayer money. Yeah, Jordan, there is obviously something better. This is why the Democrats are in trouble; they think like the post office.

9:54 PM Steve: Yep: What the Government claimed Medicare would cost us in 1990 – $12 Billion. What it actually cost us in 1990 – $107 Billion.

March 22, 2010 12:44 AM Gary: So what you’re really trying to say George is that my tax dollars are subsidizing Jordan’s business by his use of the USPS, whose “reasonalble [sic] rates” don’t adequately cover its “effective” costs. Sounds like socialism!

3:36 AM Jordan: I can’t speak to programs that I don’t have first hand experience with, but from what I’m hearing it sounds like you fellows aren’t shippers. Our shop makes real goods that we sell worldwide. Yes, I know manufacturers aren’t supposed to be able to survive in the US and we probably should join the crowd of money seekers by shipping our job overseas like all the others, but we prefer to live and work in the U.S. That’s choosing to make less but live right by our community providing local jobs. So old fashioned it’s almost Amish.

We ship using the most effective method, which for the last few years has been USPS. But before that it was FedEx, who by the way George, posted a nearly 1 billion dollar loss in the third quarter of last year. Why only 1 billion, because their operation is dwarfed by the USPS. Please stop pretending.

Now to your point, Gary. In the competitive market, a reasonable consumer goes with the best product that he can get for the best price. That’s why we use any particular shipping service. Basic economics, right? Well let’s try this on for size: Why is it that UPS and FedEx aren’t put out of business by the USPS? There’s a reasonable competition in package handling even if the USPS is mandated to handle the unprofitable (but necessary) business of letter delivery. So the concept that private ALWAYS beats public is claptrap…. See More

Let’s take that whole private vs. public things a step further. Why is it that the insurance industry was crying bloody murder when the “public option” was proposed. They claimed that they’d be put out of business by unfair competition. I’m sorry, I fail to see it in the context of the shipper example.

Gentleman, it’s clear that you we all have strong views on the subject. I’m sure you’re right and that I’m just deluded by thinking that some change is preferable to the absurd status quo. Health care reform is at this point, a given. The country will see change, the GOP will claim it’s horrible, the Demoncrats will claim it’s wonderful. Time will tell.

While it’s pretty fun for everyone to poke at each other with sticks, it’s running in circles. I’m going to sign off. If you’d like to rebut my points and claim victory with the last word, have at.

10:23 AM George: Really? Turn it around – why isn’t the USPS put out of business by FED Ex and UPS? Because the government will always step in and bail out the USPS with my tax money, and the govt prohibits private enterprise from delivering US mail. Sorry Jordan, your dog won’t hunt as they say.

10:55 AM Jordan: George, you old dog you lured me back in! Why don’t you enjoy this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UJGS_1oFXU and think on if you are willing to be part of the social contract that provides essential services. Personally I’d like granny up in the hills of Idaho to be able to get X-mas cards from the kids and have the postman stop in and say hi just to be sure she’s doing ok.

Out of the 4 choices you gave me, the only one I could pick was the post office, since all the otheres were entitlement programs and have no private company to compare to. And when I tell you that the postal service delivers good service at a good price you accuse them of stealing your tax dollars.

“The USPS has been independent of the government since 1971. The USPS is still though subject to some government controls and must break even over time with its budget. It does not draw any money from the federal budget for its regular operating budget but a few employees are still eligible to draw money from the old civil service system (CSRS) for their retirement.”… See More

Now I CAN’T believe you didn’t know this. You MUST be baiting me on purpsoe, right? Dean put you up to this. Ok, very funny. But the jokes over, I’m not playing anymore.

Oh wait, Tea Party… They protest but don’t know facts. Ok, if you are Tea Party accept my apology and continue on with your self-righteous indignation.

7:36 PM George: Sorry Jordan, you fail once again. The old dodge that the USPS recieves [sic] no tax dollars is a farce, it comes through government subsidies and monopolizing status. Here’s a link for the USPS government appropriations request, asking for federal money you claim they do not receive: http://www.usps.com/financials/_pdf/Appropriations2009_Final.pdf

Now … See More that I have thoroughly disproved your point, your heart warming granny raleted [sic] platitude has nothing to do with the fact that all government agencies are bloated, bureaucratic fiscally unsound behemoths. What business would still be functioning after operating at a deficit for so long? Only government agencies. The postal service is in debt over 7 BILLION dollars. That’s your model of success? I’ll remember that when you claim health care is a “success” too.

8:11 PM Jordan: hahaha. George is up to the jokes again! He confuses changes in technology, the economy, and demand with bloat. There is a statutory limit of how much the USPS may draw upon. When times are tough they use it, when times are good they pay it down. Do you know how much profit the USPS made in ’06? Nearly a billion. But that must be the bloat talking.

And that was with delivering postcards to granny and other worthy endeavors like brail mail to the blind. But no, those are something George would rather cancel. Why not take away grannys meds too? Make her go begging in the street.

Good for you buddy! Feel the love. … See More

I’m so done with you.

10:16 PM George: So now you admit they DO get taxpayer money, contrary top your earlier statement. Profit? Did you not read they are 7 billion in debt? Sorry Jordan, you are out of your league. You might fool the uninformed, but your arguments areas empty as is your president. You’re done because your logic came up short.

10:20 PM Jordan: It’s called a loan. Your knowledge is dim. Your waste my time with your teatime ignorance. I laugh at you.

11:00 PM George: And your lack of knowledge is substituted by demeaning insults. Typical lib.

NOW: It’s clear that we won’t see eye to eye on this between those who lean politically to the left, and those lean to the right. What is also clear is that this isn’t over by a long shot. (Because I lean to the right) I believe that freedoms have been taken away from everyone. Rights do NOT come from the government, and yet, the government leaders have granted rights in this legislation and have and will confiscate rights and money from the middle class.

I believe that the path to Socialism will dumb down the level of “health care” and progress we have today and give us more lines, fewer options, bureaucratic determination of what services we will be able to receive (death panels) because the system will be run by the Federal government. I’m a believer that NO government agency is run as well as that which could be run by the private sector because they have no motivation to be efficient or very effective. We have the rest of the world’s socialist systems which are standing proof that centralized control of citizens’ lives doesn’t work.

I sincerely pray that we’ll be able to turn this boat around before we get swept away into a system where “some animals are more equal than other animals”.

God bless America—we need it!

Dean Crandall
801-836-3112
Dean@YsGuy.com

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13 Secrets to Stop Wasting Cash Now

deanodean — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:32:21 +0000

I read a review of Stacy W. Johnson’s book, Life or Debt 2010 in Reader’s Digest. He said we can reduce our debt and spending by finding extra money within our current budget, not by depriving ourselves. The first step is to stop wasting money! Here are 13 ways “typical Americans” can save on the things they buy. My comments are incorporated among his great tips.

1—Not buying generics: We know some generics don’t measure up in quality to their higher-priced brand name items, but it’s also true that other generics are literally identical. “Generic buffered aspirin isn’t almost like Bayer. It’s identical except for packaging and price.” You can find “store or generic” items which are much less expensive than a national brand—even AFTER coupons.

2—Overpaying for Insurance: Consider raising your car, home—even health insurance—deductibles to reduce premiums and save 10–20%. That savings can add up to hundreds of dollars a year, which you can put into a savings account to meet those deductibles should you have the need. I wish I qualified for a Medical Savings Account! Same health insurance principle with tax-free savings.

3—Buying water by the bottle: The dumbest thing Johnson’s seen in his 20 years as a consumer reporter is paying a buck for a bottle of water when you can get it home for virtually nothing. If you’re concerned about taste or quality, buy a filter. I think bottled water is great for traveling, storing for emergencies, etc. I also have been very accustomed to filling my used bottles with tap or water cooler water for years. My favorite is my CamelBak water sports bottle. It must be the finger holder…

4—Buying Books: Borrow the books you already bought with your tax dollars. They’re sitting at the nearest public library, along with magazines, DVDs and tons of other free entertainment. Buying books you’ll likely only read once is a money-waster. (If you do want to own a copy, make sure to buy it used.) I have friends with over 1000 DVDs in their libraries. We lovingly call them the neighborhood Blockbuster or Hollywood Video and we know we’ll always find something we like because they have great taste, and we have Clearplay.

5—Not using Internet coupons: Saving money used to mean scouring the newspapers and clipping and organizing paper coupons. Now it’s all about typing what you’re looking for into a deals search engine. Shopping without taking a few seconds to do that is silly. Newspaper and mailbox coupons are still a great way to cut down on our expenses. Take them to ANY store and most will honor other store’s coupons.

6—Paying 20% while you’re earning .2%: I understand the need for an emergency fund. But if you’re paying 20% on a credit card while earning .2% on your savings, you’re more likely to create an emergency than solve one. Mr. Johnson is saying that it might make more sense to pay off those credit cards rather than have cash in the bank which is earning you next to nothing. (Johnson’s Exception: If you’re unsure about your job security, you want to marshal the maximum amount of cash possible.)

7—Splitting the cost of rarely used items: You’re off to Home Depot to buy a new, $250 lawn mower. While there, you run into your next-door neighbor who’s buying a hedge trimmer. Is a light-bulb going off? Form a neighborhood co-op and split the cost of things like lawn mowers, ladders, etc. I’d like to buy into the riding mower co-op in my neighborhood! (Maybe I’ll just hire someone to mow my lawns!)

8—Buying everything new: Johnson said he drives a gorgeous $80,000 Mercedes that he bought six years old for $20,000. He also talked about buying used clothing, tools and shoes. Consignment shops here in the Beehive State are great places to look too for everything from clothes (for all ages) to furniture. You’d be surprised what you can find at garage and estate sales! Purchasing used items also is THE best way to “save” the environment—ultimate recycling.

9—Paying too much for food: Highly processed prepared foods are not just more expensive, they’re less healthy and less tasty. Don’t have time to cook from scratch? Do what I do: Cook when you can, but when you do, make huge portions and fill your freezer. Making a tray of enchiladas? Make two and freeze one! There are local businesses that specialize in this arena too.

10—Not Bargaining: Johnson recently did a TV news story in which, on camera, he called his cable company and simply threatened to take my business elsewhere (to satellite) if they wouldn’t lower his bill. Result? In 10 minutes, he saved $30 a month for six months for a total of $180. Routinely ask for a better price on virtually everything expensive that you buy, from appliances to hotel rooms. It takes seconds and saves tons. The worst thing that could happen is you’ll hear a, “No.” Richard Paul Evans shared the: Is that the best you can do? question with us; to be followed with: Is that REALLY the best you can do? It works almost every time it’s tried.

11—Being a trendsetter. From fashion to electronics, being on the leading edge is both expensive and unnecessary. Yesterday’s computer technology is half the price. Classic fashion (especially for men) can literally last decades. I guess I won’t be purchasing that i-Pad any time soon!

12—Paying for things you don’t use: Do you pay for premium cable channels you never watch? Health clubs you rarely visit? Magazines you don’t have time to read? Do you still really need your telephone land line? Really stare at where your money is going and see if there’s something you can live without. We got rid of our land line early last year and I’ve never longed for the evening marketing calls, or even missed them!

13—Getting a Tax Refund: According to the IRS, the average American will get a $2,400 tax refund this year. This means that the average American has $200 too much withheld from their paycheck every month. Want to make a serious dent in your debt? Take your $2,400 refund this year and use it to pay down your debt. Then fill out a new W-4 and adjust your withholdings (carefully: there’s a calculator at irs.gov that will help) to increase your take-home pay by $200 a month. Use that extra money to pay down more debt monthly. Result? $4,800 of debt destroyed over the next 12 months with money you won’t really miss.

Great advice for all of us! Let me know of additional ways you save money. I’d love to hear from you!

Stacy Johnson is the host of Money Talks News, a nationally-syndicated personal finance television news series. His third book, Life or Debt 2010, is now available at bookstores everywhere.

Dean Crandall
801-836-3112
Dean@YsGuy.com

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Time Management—Timely All Year Round

deanodean — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:42:50 +0000

Here is the first installment of TM tips I picked up in a business coaching call from Rob Vivian with some of my notes and thoughts included.

I’m blessed with lots of information. Now I just need to follow through on these tips. (Don’t we all?)

1–Don’t confuse lack of discipline with a time management problem. If you’re not following your schedule, you’re probably not exercising the right amount of discipline…

2–Take advantage of the morning schedule. (Get the hard things, big rocks, most important things done first.) Don’t carry things into the afternoon.

3–Don’t give in to distractions! They’re everywhere, especially the busy, fun or easy ones… It’s not about not having them, it’s about getting off track.

4–The more systems, the better. Following a systematic approach will help you reach your goals and objectives. Do what you can to separate your business systems from the vicissitudes of life. They’ll come anyway…

5–Accountability is critical! You need to be accountable for the work that you do, what you’re up to, what your plans are so the people you love or to whom you are accountable can ask if you’ve done what you’re supposed to do. When you’re on track there are

6–Review your business as if it were a “real job”. Entrepreneurs struggle with keeping structure in their lives. Pretend the scheduled things as if you were dependent on making your numbers or else you may be fired!

7–Limit your multi-tasking. We’re not very good at doing more than one thing at a time. Focus! Work linearly and do one thing at a time. Start a job and finish a job.

8–Treat important categories like a listing (or sales) presentation. Never veer from the important things.

9–Work on the 80% theory. Don’t beat yourself up. Be on task 80% of the time.

10–Strong personal goals always help with time management. Goals keep you on track. Make sure your goal is important to YOU. Accept the reward for meeting the goal; don’t go celebrate unless you reach it!

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Dean Crandall is a licensed REALTOR with Keller Williams Westfield Real Estate based in beautiful Utah County. He has six successful years of helping clients and friends find and sell homes, land and investment properties.

Dean Crandall
801-836-3112
Dean@YsGuy.com

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Why today’s marker isn’t Always a Screaming-Deal Buyer’s Market

deanodean — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:27:56 +0000

So many buyers are under the impression that they can steal a home for easily 30-50% under market because there are so many homes out there including short sale (pre-foreclosure) and bank-owned (foreclosure) homes out there.

What they probably don’t know is the total inventory of homes has dropped by nearly 30% between August of 2008 and January of 2010 (in Utah County). The trend is nearly the same in surrounding markets.

Another fact Buyers need to consider is that “distressed” properties (pre-foreclosure and foreclosure) are less than 25% of the total market. For those of us without a calculator, that means 75% of all homes for sale are NOT distressed or desperate-seller offerings.

The best thing a buyer can do in this market is work with a REALTOR professional who knows the market and where potential great buys are. Yes, there ARE those opportunities out there with 30% equity. The last thing an end user or owner occupant buyer wants to do is overpay for a home in this market.

Any REALTOR worth his or her commission will help the buyer find the best home for the dollar in today’s market. Also, it’s important to get rich SLOWLY in Real Estate and quit looking for the “get-rich-quick schemes” you see at hotel ballroom seminars!

Investors buy a home with an expert in investment properties if you’re looking to buy and hold. You’ll find all too many agents are looking for the sale today, and not for the long-term benefit if investors. (A topic for another day.)

In summary, buyers can find great values in today’s market with the help of a competent REALTOR who knows the market and who knows it’s all about the BUYER! If you’re looking for such an agent, but don’t live in the area, please contact me for an introduction to an outstanding agent in YOUR area!

Dean Crandall
801-836-3112
Dean@YsGuy.com
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YsGuy.com & DeanoDean, Inc. make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, current-ness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog and will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information or for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use; including, but not limited to, methane gases, body odor, computer and keyboard rage, and sleepless nights. All blog posts are the constantly changing opinions of the author(s) and may occasionally contain bad opinions. They are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please make decisions based on advice of competent, licensed professionals.

The lighter side of life…

deanodean — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:44:19 +0000

Got these from my professional coach Rob Vivian. Good counsel and funny too. I, of course commented on some of his points…

The lighter side of life…

1) Life isn’t fair, but it’s still great!
We live in the freest society to become what we want to be and do what we’d like. We live the dream because we have choices.

2) When in doubt, just take the next step.
Don’t let fear stop you from taking the steps to being successful in your spiritual, professional, and personal life!

3) Life is too short to waste time being angry!
Get over whatever IT is quickly!

4) You don’t need to be right all the time. (Being right rarely matters!)
Honey, are you listening? (Dean, are YOU listening?)

5) When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile!
Addicts, it’s okay!

6) Make peace with our past, so it doesn’t screw up your present.
Forgive your parents, forgive those who (you believe) wronged you, and forgive yourself and move on…

7) Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
It’s true. We may not like it, but we will be better because of those things we experience.

When it comes to ambition, never take “no” for answer.
Don’t be a jerk! Be persistent. Don’t stalk!

9) Don’t wait for special occasions. Today is special!
You can think of the story you’ve heard where those somedays never came. Today IS special.

10) Be eccentric now!
Why wait until you’re retired to wear loud colors? Life is meant to be filled with happy experiences. Don’t look for or ask for permission.

11) No one is in charge of your happiness but YOU! (If you’re not happy, it’s your fault.)
Enough said.

12) If you’re going to laugh later, laugh now!
No matter the difficulty, you’ll be able to laugh about it at a future time. Laugh about it sooner than later.

13) Don’t take yourself seriously because nobody else is…
Really?

14) Believe in miracles.
They really do happen every day!

15) If we all threw our problems in a big pile and saw everybody else’s we’d grab ours back.
That’s true 95% of the time. Certainly true for me!

16) Always do your best.
The quality is in the quantity. I think Zig Ziglar said to the effect that anything worth doing is worth doing wrong…until we learn to do it correctly. Always do and be your best.

These tips helped motivate me to start the year off right. I hope you’ll benefit from the sage advice.

If you are looking for free advice or have questions, please contact Dean directly:

Dean Crandall
801-836-3112

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The New Tax Stimulus Bill as it Relates to Real Estate Explained in English

deanodean — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 03:27:57 +0000

Thanks to Don McClure from Bank of America who shared this great information with me regarding some exciting news for those considering buying their first home; or for those buying up if they’ve been a home for some time.

Tax Credit for Homebuyers

First-Time Homebuyers (FTHBs): First-time homebuyers (that is, people who have not owned a home within the last three years) may be eligible for the tax credit. The credit for FTHBs is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $8,000.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

Current Owners: The tax credit program now gives those who already own a residence some additional reasons to move to a new home. This incentive comes in the form of a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified purchasers who have owned and occupied a primary residence for a period of five consecutive years during the last eight years.

Single taxpayers and married couples filing a joint return may qualify for the full tax credit amount.

What are the New Deadlines?

In order to qualify for the credit, all contracts need to be in effect no later than April 30, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction

It’s important to remember that the tax credit is just that… a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it’s a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a first-time homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for a tax credit of $8,000, she would owe nothing.

Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a first-time homebuyer is eligible for a tax credit of $8,000 but is liable for $4,000 in income tax, she can still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!

Higher Income Caps

The amount of income someone can earn and qualify for the full amount of the credit has been increased.

Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible

Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

Maximum Purchase Price

Qualifying buyers may purchase a property with a maximum sale price of $800,000.

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Remember, the new tax credit program includes a number of details and qualifications. For more information or answers to specific questions, please call or email me today.

In addition, you may be able to benefit from additional housing related provisions, including the following:

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Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs

This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.

Landmark Energy Savings

This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.

Repairing Public Housing and Making Key Energy Efficiency Retrofits To HUD-Assisted Housing

This provision provides a total of $6.3 Billion for increasing energy efficiency in federally supported housing programs. Specifically, it establishes a new program to upgrade HUD-sponsored low-income housing (for elderly, disabled, and Section to increase energy efficiency, including new insulation, windows, and frames.

Expanding Housing Assistance

This provision increases support for several critical housing programs. It includes $2 Billion for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to help communities purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant properties.

As always, if you have any questions about your specific situation or would like to discuss how you may benefit from this program, please call or email me. I’ll be happy to sit down with you.

Don McClure
Mortgage Loan Officer
Bank of America Home Loans
Don.McClure@BankofAmerica.com
801-492-7120 Direct
801-830-2550 Mobile

If you are looking for free advice or have questions, please contact Dean directly:

Dean Crandall
801-836-3112

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