Monday, February 26, 2007

Is Your Career Still on Target?

After working for most of your adult life you may be asking yourself, “Now what do I do for fun?” Many of us have already stopped at this crossroad and are still looking for the answer. Well, I found the answer for some of us, that is, I found someone who can help find the answer. Her name is Jane Trevaskis and she has spent most of her adult life finding answers for other people, redirecting human interest, and lately wrote a book titled,” Is your career still on Target?” After hearing about the book (in progress) about a year ago, I was anxious to get my hands on a copy and see what all the buzz was about.

The book is written in a workbook style with exercises in research, personal interviews with yourself and friends, a polite way of getting you to write down your strengths and weaknesses, followed up with how to negotiate in today’s job market and finally what to do after your hired. As you go through the workbook you will find some outstanding resources for help with your particular interest.

So, if you’re about to change careers or have been out of the work force for awhile, this quick study work book could help you identify your wisdom areas and get you back in the game. You can order the book from her web site http://www.career-on-target.com and as a gift you’ll receive a free half hour session with Jane to help set up your next career path. Jane Trevaskis can be reached through her web site http://www.success-catalyst.com/ for additional coaching information and to consult with her about your next move.

Other readings about the job market for the 50+ crowd.

AARP 2005 Best Employers

Senior Job Bank

Business Week

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

REVERSE MORTGAGES – Introduction

REVERSE MORTGAGES – Introduction

Older homeowners can tap into more of the equity in their homes with a reverse mortgage. If you're 62 or older you can use a reverse mortgage to tap into some of the equity in your home in the form of a loan without having to sell or give up title. Why would the older homeowner want to do this?

1) Needs to: retrofit the home to stay in it, cash to pay bills, add on an addition for visiting family to use or house a caretaker and other needs.
2) Enhanced lifestyle – funds are used to purchase things like a Recreational Vehicle, houseboat, or even a motorcycle.

The best feature: The loan doesn't have to be repaid until you move, sell or upon your death. When the loan is repaid, any remaining equity is distributed to you or your estate if deceased. In addition, the repayment amount can never exceed the value of the home. And because the money received is in the form of a loan, it's not considered taxable income, which means it won't affect your Social Security or Medicare benefits.

Borrowers can take the loan in the form of:
1) A line of credit, a lump-sum payment,
2) Fixed monthly payments or,
3) A combination of the above.


The amount of money you can borrow depends on your age, the current interest rate and other loan fees. It also takes into account the appraised value of your house and the mortgage limits for your area set by the Federal Housing Administration.

To determine how much you could borrow or just to learn more, read about it on these websites:
http://www.reversemortgage.org/
http://www.aarp.org/revmort

Information provided by:
H. Duane Cunningham
First Horizon Home Loans
Direct Line: (703) 728-4219
20098 Ashbrook Place # 250
Ashburn, VA 20147
www.firsthorizonusa.com/duanecunningham

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Auction: Going once, Going Twice, SOLD

Until just recently, when I saw an “Auction” sign in front of a property I would think the owners were in distress. Ugly yellow auction signs were at the street corner for weeks, on auction day cars were parked all over the yard, and people hovered outside as if they were expecting a three ring circus event. It seems I was wrong about selling your home through the auction method.

Curiosity got the best of me so I attended an auction specialist course. Auctions have been around for years to sell virtually everything under the sun to the highest bidder. Within the past ten years eBay has emerged the strong contender to auction houses and the occasional upscale yard sale. But in today’s real estate market you need some options to create a market for your home when there are 7 homes for sale in your neighborhood.

The auction process has seen many improvements with technology and time tested marketing ideas. To begin the process, each seller needs a few moments of education. The home needs about 6 weeks of aggressive marketing with signs, open houses, classified ads, internet ads, and a 24 hour free hotline for detailed information. Statistics show that about 40%-60% of the homes receive an offer before auction day because of increased buyer traffic.

Instead of paying a commission, the seller pays a marketing fee of $1,800-$2,500 depending on the price range of the home. The buyer pays a 10% premium (on top of the highest bid price) which covers all other selling costs and commissions. Auctions are non-contingent “AS-IS” sales, except for the three day review period for home owners documents and generally settle within thirty days (negotiable).

Auctions are not for everyone. However, it did work for one of our clients by attracting the right buyer and the seller was able to move on with their life. If you have any questions about this article or the auction method of selling your home, give me a call or email.

Mike Dean
Certified Auction Specialist
1-866-238-1342
Mike@Dean-Morris.com

Friday, October 27, 2006

Potomac Green (Del Webb) Celebrates

The story about Potomac Green reads like a novel. For several years the developer [Del Webb] worked with Loudoun County government to fine tune the plans and put this 55+ community together. Using their experience from other developments Del Webb pulled together their best practices, mixed in some new processing for this project and here we have what is shaping up to be a beautiful place to live, play and sometimes work.

Recently, we received notice that a big celebration was planned. The 100th occupant was in their new home. I had to see this for myself so I paid a visit to the community and WOW, was I surprised. A row of single family homes stretched for several hundred yards out to the well defined main entrance. Along the main entrance drive there are single family homes with high pitched roofs, beginnings of landscaping and hard surface access roads. The clubhouse, designed to be the centerpiece of the community, is taking shape amidst all the construction debris. Sorry, I didn't take any pictures as it was too late and not enough light. I’ll be in the area several times in the next few weeks and take pictures for viewing by the most curious.

Thanks for reading this blog.

Thursday, September 21, 2006

LifeStyle Transition Symposium

Occasionally, we get a chance to write about subjects we feel pationate about. Here is a subject we have worked on for years, its about making a transition from one lifestyle to another. I'm talking to boomers and above right now. We are involved in so many things on a daily basis that we reach this stage in our lives and wonder what happened. The traffic, careers, scheduled meetings and scheduled vacation. When you stop for a moment to take a breath its time to retire or move on the next phase in your life.

On September 30, 2006 we are joining forces with several other professionals to host a LifeStyle Transition Symposium, a meeting of the minds, a gathering of information and a panel of local experts. We are providing this information free to people who need some help to declutter, plan and move forward to the next big adventure, the next career or the next horizon. Our group of experts will provide you with information on taxes, legal issues, finances, what to do, where to live, and even some fun places to travel.

Event time and location:
September 30, 2006, 9:00AM-2:00PM
The Center for Innovative Technology, 2214 Rock Hill Rd., Herndon, VA 20170
This is a free event with lunch, drinks, a workbook and all materials.

Pre-registration is requested (we need to know how much food to order). For more information and driving directions, please contact Jim Williams at 703-748-5836 or email him at info@LifeStyleTransitions.org

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Shenadoah Active Adult Community Opening Soon

SHENANDOAH - 2,130 Home Sites

This new and beautiful Active Adult Community is located about 6 miles south of Stephens City and only 15 minutes from Winchester, VA. Surrounding Lake Frederick, a fresh water lake, this community offers a variety of single family and villa style homes. Shenandoah is also within 15 minutes drive of over 7 golf courses and about 90 minutes from Washington, DC. Recreational activities available to you including a state-of-the-art clubhouse, fitness center and indoor and outdoor pools. Your lifestyle awaits you at Shenandoah.

Just released, estimated pricing has been published for this new community. A mix of home styles will be available in early 2006. At this time, no investment purchases are being accepted. Only purchases for primary residents will be processed for now.

Villas style home prices are expected to begin in the mid to upper $300s and single family homes are projected to start in the upper $300s to mid $400s. In addition, a 5% deposit will be required at time of purchase.

Did you know Virginia Law entitles you to representation when conducting a purchase of real estate property? And did you also know the compensation for a REALTOR® who can represent you in this purchase of a new home is already built into the price of the home? You should always visit a new home construction site the first time with a REALTOR®. If go without us we cannot help you with all the paperwork, negotiations, inspections, project lists, etc.

As always, pricing and deposit requirements are subject to change at any time without prior notification. Information is deemed to be correct but not guaranteed.

Visit our Web site Now! www.Dean-Morris.com

Ask for a Relocation package. ActiveAdults@Dean-Morris.com

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Regency Active Adult Community at Dominion Valley

Showcased as the Premier Active Adult Community in Northern Virginia, this master planned 55 or better community is host to over 800 luxury style homes and is located in the beautiful scenic vistas or Bull Run Mountain. Surrounded by an 18-hole golf course designed by Arnold Palmer's Company, Regency offers the best in resort-style amenities. The center piece for this community is a plush 30,000 sq.ft. new (2005) clubhouse with state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, business center, tennis courts and miles of hiking/biking trails.
Looking for convenience? Washington DC is about an hours drive, thirty minutes to Dulles International Airport for quick access to International travel routes, and nearby Performing Arts Centers offer a wide array of entertainment possibilities.
Featured models are award winning designs recognized by the National Association of Home Builders. Construction continues on Regency in the Fall of 2005 with many resells available. August 2005 base pries for new homes range from $321,975 for 2 bedroom/2 bath Luxury Condos with Carriage-style and single family homes in the $379,975-$498,975 range and the larger single family home prices ranging from $495,975-$511,975. Some homes were built in these price ranges. Resells are higher priced.

We understand that while the destination may be the goal, it's the journey you'll remember. Because of our military backgrounds, we have moved more than 50 times combined. As Senior Housing Specialists, we know the emotional and financial impacts a move can have on you and your family. That's why we work hard and focus our efforts on making every aspect of your move as smooth as possible.
Always hire a Real Estate Professional to help you purchase or sell a home. Call our toll free number for information on this gorgeous golfing community.

Mike's Toll Free: 800-819-9959 ext. 8827
Peg's Toll Free: 800-819-9959 ext. 8837

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Grand Opening of Shenandoah in January 2006

This new Active Adult community is scheduled for a Grand Opening in January 2006. The master plan includes the 942 wooded acres as well as 2,130 lakeside and lake view homes. Located just south of Stephens City, Virginia the center piece for this community is Lake Frederick and a 35,000 sq. ft. clubhouse offering fine and casual dining, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, media center, fitness equipment, tennis programs and planned social gatherings. Seven golf courses within 15 minutes drive as well as boating and kayaking provide additional outdoor activities.

Only 90 minutes from Washington, D.C. and 1-hour from Dulles International Airport, this well-designed community is close to city activities, quick access to International travel routes or the Appalachian hiking trail. Leading builders with award winning designs are on site today making this community your next destination. Planned homes feature an elegant mix of condos, duplexes, town homes, and detached homes.

Price ranges for Phase I will be released soon with 175 homes scheduled for completion in August 2006. Phase II is planned to add options of town homes, and condominiums.

Always hire a Real Estate Professional to help you purchase or sell a home. Call our toll free number for information on this wonderful community or please send us an email so we may follow up with you about your specific dream home.

Mike: 800-819-9959 ext. 8827
Peg: 800-819-9959 ext. 8837
Email: ActiveAdults@Dean-Morris.com

Or visit our web site for information about the area:
http://www.Dean-Morris.com

Grand Opening of Potomac Green by Del Webb in Northern Virginia

Open for sales in November 2005. This brand new age restricted community is now open for sale in Ashburn Virginia. The master plan calls for 300 acres of which 136 acres will remain as dedicated open space. Located in Loudoun County, Potomac Green will include a 29,000 sq. ft. Recreation Center with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the art Fitness and Health Center with an indoor track and a 4,500 sq. ft. event area which can host several group activities simultaneously. It also includes game rooms, and a learning and business center among its features. Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound with biking, hiking, and walking trails, tennis courts, bocce ball courts, and a bonus of 11 golf courses in Loudoun County, within a 15 to 20 minute drive for golfers.

Only 60 minutes from Washington, D.C. and 15 minutes from Dulles International Airport, this well-designed community is close to city activities, convenient access to International travel routes and a wealth of employment opportunities.

Del Webb, a Pulte owned company, is a renowned developer of age restricted communities. Potomac Green will feature Condos, Villas, and Detached homes surrounding a town center layout with retail and merchant stores. Base pricing is currently from $342,900 to $401,900 for villas and $435,900 to $525,900 for detached homes.

Always hire a Real Estate Professional to help you purchase or sell a home. Call our toll free number for information on this wonderful community or send us an email so we may follow up with you about your specific dream home.

Mike: 800-819-9959 ext. 8827
Peg: 800-819-9959 ext. 8837
Email: ActiveAdults@Dean-Morris.com

Or please visit our web site for more information about the area.
Web: http://www.Dean-Morris.com

Saturday, November 19, 2005

Discovery Trip to Shenandoah Active Adult Community

Recently, my business partner and I scheduled a trip to visit a new Active Adult Community nestled in the foothills of the Blueridge Mountains just south of Stephens City, VA. We were met by some very nice and knowledgable sales staff who explained the basics of the area and full amenity package (probably for the 1o,oooth time). The sales office was open for a sneak preview for only a week in late October 2005 and at last glance a Grand Opening is scheduled for January 2006. No price schedules are published yet but we expect the prices to start in the mid-high $300s for the base model.

The style of homes are designed as lodge-style with a good mix of Condos, Townhomes, and Single Family Homes. Phase I of this project is under construction with the first homes scheduled for completion in August 2006. Check back later or send a comment if you want more information.

Our Web site: www.Dean-Morris.com