Millennial Games Show Where The Money Goes

Millennials are probably the most flexible generation ever!

In my opinion, Millennial’s have an extreme desire for the Highest Quality Lifestyle!

In many ways, the way a millennial today thinks and acts in a way that is far superior to other generations. They have mastered life’s pleasures of travel, dining, and entertainment. A lifestyle like this was mostly just a dream for generations past. Leaving couples bogged down with car payments and nine to five jobs. Employment today has many advantages made possible through technology allowing for the capability of working remotely. Working from home for past generations was all but impossible requiring the expense of two cars.

Millennials are saving money by not purchasing expensive cars. Cars require maintenance, insurance, gas and the need of a place to park them.

Instead of two pricey cars, they may share one or not even have one. With strong public transportation and many ride share companies available this can be huge savings. This leaves more of the earnings available for their dining and travel experiences.

Where do Millennial’s like to live?

Many still live with their parents or family member in line with a lower cost of living. Then there are those who choose to be away from family who either rent a room or share an apartment. Sharing living space with one or more friends seems to be the most popular. Millennial’s have mastered the art of affordable living and flexible employment allowing for Maximum Fun Time!

Is the Lifestyle of Our Millennial Generation Missing Something!

For the most part no they are not missing anything. This generation above all others is choosing experiences over monetary things like a car. However, do not touch their phone that to them is a survival tool. They should be careful with that, technology is wonderful but is no substitute for personal interaction. A Facebook post or video will never replace a face to face family gathering with friends and relatives. They may look up from their phones one day realizing their parents and grandparents have passed away while they were out touring other countries. Oops too late they are gone.

A few small changes can make a huge difference in the future success of the Millennial way of thinking.

First

Instead of renting a room or sharing an apartment invest in a home and have your friends rent from you! Remember any time you pay rent you are investing in someone else’s future. You will need a place to live in the future when your parents are gone. Capitalize on your generation by being the one that collects the rent on rooms for rent, so you have a paid off place to live when you are no longer working. That time will sneak up on you faster than you possibly could imagine.

Second

Stay physically connected with your family and friends, put away the phone and socialize once in a while. Especially if you have kids, remember grandparents are not cool hugging a tablet. They want to interact with the real thing.

This generation even has their version of games, like Millennial Monopoly that has eliminated Real Estate as the focus. As a Realtor, many of my clients and friends own rental property.

A word of caution to for this fast-paced generation is not to let years go by without securing a home for your future. And consider owning more than one. If you buy two new cars, the value goes down as soon as you drive off the lot. You will have to make the same payment every month as the vehicles become worthless. A home works the opposite the monthly payment stays the same, unlike rent which goes up. Yes, you have to make payments every month however unlike cars the value goes up.

The New Car

It is worth less and less every month, and your friends go places with you for free!

The New Home

As time goes on the home is worth more and payment stays the same. Now you have two friends that want to stay in your two spare bedrooms. This is much different from a free car ride, and they pay rent which you can use to pay your mortgage. Big difference if your mortgage is $1200.00 a month and two people pay you $600.00 a month they are investing in your retirement.

Millennial Travel

Millennial Games Show Where The Money GoesDon Maclary2019-03-01T18:07:39+00:00

Who Likes Moving?

Most People Hate The Thought Of Moving!

Most people avoid it.

Even though most people hate moving they choose to do it all the time. Especially our younger generations who tend to fall in two groups, Group one putting their careers first and foremost. Then of course you have group two starting a family sometimes as young as 16 years old. You might ask what this has to do with moving.

Everyone needs a roof to reside under, food and a job to pay for this.

Group one tends to focus on how much money they can make as quickly as possible neglecting to set some long-term goals. For generations Successful people have created some of their wealth simply by choosing to own a home rather than renting an apartment. We all know It does cost money to move. At the end of a lease many tenants move only to contribute to another land-lords financial gain. The Somewhat Forgotten or Misunderstood American Dream Still Exists! A few years back many heard their elders complain about real estate. They got caught up in bad timing and found themselves upside down with a house purchase or more often a refinance they made.

The truth of the matter is over any ten-year time period, if a home was not refinanced to pull out equity the vast majority showed considerable profits. I myself own some rental property. More than once I Have had a potential renter buy a home instead of renting my property.

I remember one gentleman in particular.

He was looking at my home for rent because the place he rented for over 15 years was put on the market for sale. He found himself between a rock and a hard place and dreaded the idea of moving. Long story short is he was not aware of a no money down program for home buyers. He now owns the property he paid rent on for many years. The price of the home he lived in for years was twice as much as it was when he moved in. When we do the math what he paid in rent for all those years would have paid for the place.

Group One: Stop wasting your money and invest in a home.

OK Now we have group two which is a little more of a challenging situation. Being young and raising a child can be very overwhelming in itself. You have to keep a roof overhead, food, child care etc. The bottom line comes down to. If you are holding down a job to provide the money for rent that keeps going up. you may find that you qualify for a low or no money down home loan program. Better than that the mortgage does not go up eating away at your raises like rent does. You don’t have to move because a landlord raises the rent or does not renew a lease. You can paint the walls whatever color you choose. You can say yes to that child of yours begging you for a pet.

We suggest you Choose one of our Howard Hanna Team Agents and discuss your home buyer options.

Who Likes Moving?Don Maclary2019-02-20T18:57:20+00:00

Home For The Holidays!

A Christmas Gift Idea To Grow Your Family Tree

Are you starting to have thoughts of gift giving? Have ribbon festooned gift boxes begun invading the space in your head? Are you starting to panic? Once again as the countdown to the holidays begin you hear the buzz everywhere Merry Christmas. Families everywhere deciding what to get the most important people in our lives. It may be less daunting if the focus group is kids, teens and young adults, toys and money and they’re covered. Couples on the other hand may choose to purchase a house.

But, there’s the other group. Addressing this annual dilemma for the grownup adults close to us is quite another matter. If you are anything like me when I am presented with the question of “What do you want for Christmas or Hanukkah (insert appropriate holiday) my answer has been much the same for a few years now. “I really don’t need anything” or “I have everything I need”, “Please do not get me anything” all true but not helpful. Pitiful. Boring. I know it. A pretty frustrating answer to the individuals asking. Said individuals would just like a hint, a tip, or any little useful idea to be imparted by us!

I’ve thrown my own hands up when my friends or family have answered in kind. Part of the reason I believe most of us commonly give this abysmal response is because we live in a “cannot wait, instant gratification” world. A world where we constantly wrestle with this widespread affliction. It goes like this. When We Want Something We Don’t Wait, we immediately Go Right Out and Get It. This is applicable to the general everyday stuff. You may be nodding and smiling.

Am I describing you?

So, just WHAT IS IT THAT WE WANT? Honestly, most working adults I know don’t have much to add to a wish list. They have likely picked up these items for themselves or ordered them online. The TRUTH IS the things we may still really want are the big-ticket items. Like a ‘brand new car’ or ‘a home for the family to make memories in’. The latter is something that I can certainly help you with. We are very busy this time of year helping clients with their holiday wish of “A New Home for the Holidays”. If you have been musing wishful thoughts of owning A New Home For The Holidays – you are in luck. As a Realtor on the Choose A Home Team, I would be thrilled to help make your wish come true!

By ~ Susan Kent (aka Agent Kent)

Merry Christmas! Find your way Home For The New Year!

Purchase a house for your family.

Home For The Holidays!Don Maclary2019-02-10T23:52:29+00:00

Award Winning Real Estate Team

Dr. Shep Praises The Choose A Home Team With 25+ Smooth Transactions.

Several years ago, I traveled to Virginia Beach to visit the area for a second time. The purpose of my visit was to see what might be available in my quest for the perfect retirement house to purchase.

Gerry Goodman, a friend of mine who is a realtor in Orange County, California, recommended a realtor named Don Maclary and The Choose A Home Team to assist with my house purchase. Then with William E Wood and Associates that has since merged with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.

Before traveling to Virginia Beach from Sacramento, California, I contacted Don, told him my goal, and arranged to meet with him. Every morning at 8 a.m., Don showed up at the timeshare at the beach where I was staying and took me out for the day. Sometimes even in the evening, to get an idea of the community and the neighborhoods, as well as the homes.

I wanted to have a place with a water view.

We looked at homes on the Atlantic Ocean, on Chesapeake Bay, on the Wolfsnare River, on local lakes, on creeks, on flood run-off streams, and on water holes on golf courses. This amazing realtor “gets inside your head” and figures out what you want, then finds it for you.

Although my original intent had been to just look around for the four days I was in Virginia Beach.

Three days went by and Don had found two of exactly what I wanted! The homes were in different neighborhoods, so I picked the more traditional area, with lots of trees. Now I have a ranch house on a lake, with a dock, as well as a Jacuzzi outdoors. It’s almost like being in a bird sanctuary! It is in a cul de sac, so I feel that my grandchildren will be safe from traffic when they visit.

A few times a year, I travel from my work in Sacramento to my retirement home in Virginia Beach. Where I am happy to be joined by my family for holidays and family celebrations. Most of the year, the lake house is rented out, so this investment literally pays for itself. When I am ready to retire and make it my permanent home, it will be waiting for me.

Don Maclary is the most thorough, competent, knowledgeable realtor I have ever encountered. This is true whether you are looking for a vacation home or a weekly rental, as well as your forever house to purchase in Coastal Virginia. He answers his phone! If not immediately available, he lets you know he will be right with you. He takes the time to talk with people, and you feel as if you are the only client he has. Meanwhile, he and his team are winning awards for their achievements and their many satisfied customers. If a realtor does not provide quality service he or she is not on Don’s team.

Don is seldom out of town.

However, when he does leave town he always has a back-up team member who will effectively service the needs of a client in his absence. After all, he does leave the area to go on the reward trips provided for high achievers in his company, the largest in the area, Howard Hanna! When you complete a deal with Don Maclary that is not the end of the relationship. If you ever need assistance with which repair person or handy man to use, or which restaurant to enjoy, or what sights to see, the best beaches, etc., you can always call on Don. He is a man of many talents. With his creative, divergent thinking, he can imagine different ways people can adapt various homes to their needs, ultimately providing them with their perfect place to own. On a rating scale of 1 to 5, Don Maclary scores a 10!

Award Winning Real Estate TeamDon Maclary2019-05-22T12:05:51+00:00

Mortgages Made Easy! Use Local Lenders.

Why use a local lender for your house purchase?

You would not use a real estate agent who lived in another state would you? So why would you work with an out of lender to do a loan on your house purchase.
Getting a mortgage with non local lenders and large banks can be a task that is frustrating and time consuming. Not to mention wrought with communicating papers back and forth, to make sure your lender has the correct, up to date, and accurate facts. No doubt you have bee tempted to use those companies that promise, no closing costs, no fees, answers in one hour. Just like everything else, buyer beware. Most of these companies can promise you anything, but can they deliver when you need quick service, answers fast or even to meet deadlines that are the same day, the solution to these problems is simple, use a trusted local lender.

Local lenders know the real estate market, they are familiar with local prices, what homes sell for, and they are available quickly. Most lenders live where they are trying to lend, they have children who go to the local school, and they can discuss various other market differences. Why would you call a lender across the country who has no idea where you are, what the local market is doing. Some lenders are in a different time zone and shut down at five. Most local lenders are more competitive in the interest rate, closing costs and other fees associated with getting a mortgage. Our Choose A Home Team Members are happy to recommend the following trusted lenders to use when you purchase a house.

Local Lenders

Nick Russo Nick consistently goes over and above helping our clients fix problems with credit, working with underwriters, and making use closings go smoothly. He takes pride in a personal touch and works with all types of mortgage loans. VA, Conventional, FHA and Virginia Housing Loans. Ask Nick about a $100 gift card just for getting a second opinion from him.

Bobby Ashburner Bobby partners with us and teaches the lending portion of our free first time homeowners class. The class is approved by Virginia Housing. His area of expertise includes fixing lower credit scores and working with first time buyers to navigate the paperwork. Many times, after hours he has answered his phone and helped the client with the questions they may have had. Bobby takes pride in all of his transactions. He works with first time buyers to a million dollar beach homes and investors buying multiple properties.

In conclusion, avoid using out of state or big box and online lenders, it makes sense to use local lenders. You will be surprised at the high level of service and savings both in time and money you will have.

Remember Interest rates and home prices are slowly starting to climb so consider getting started!

Mortgages Made Easy! Use Local Lenders.Don Maclary2020-06-10T20:36:00+00:00

Do You Pay $800 or More in Rent?

Anyone Who is Paying Rent Should Take A Minute And Read This!
Are you tired of living with the landlords rules?

More often than not people who rent rather than purchasing a house believe they have no other choice. Thinking they do not qualify due to income, credit or money for a down payment. In Many cases they are wrong.

In reality when you own a place of your own can be as simple as picking up your phone and asking how to get started.

People in general hate to be told no, and they never ask for help from a professional. A well known fact of life is that if you don’t ask you don’t get. Our team of Realtors offer a once a month FREE 6 hour class about the home buying process. There are several options available with low to no money down. The bottom line is it will cost you nothing but choosing one of our Team Members to spend a little time on the phone with and find out what options you may have that you are unaware of.

Some of our clients have gone from renting a room in someones home to purchasing a house and renting the empty rooms to others. Creating a lower cost of living as an owner instead of a renter. One of the most popular reasons people are thrilled to find themselves living where they can paint the walls whatever color they like. Pets by far in our experience is the biggest driving force to own instead of renting. When you pay rent look at it like you are contributing to the retirement fund of your landlord instead of yourself. Consider sitting in on one of our free home buyer classes.

Start investing in your future make home ownership your foundation.

The Moral of this story is Stop Paying Rent and Purchase a House of your own!

Calculate how much of a mortgage your rent payment equates to.

If credit an issue with a score under 600 as of now it is possible. This option could change in the near future send a request for a call to find out if you qualify.

When you qualify we will set you up with a lender referral.

Do You Pay $800 or More in Rent?Don Maclary2019-02-16T20:52:40+00:00

757 Real Estate Agent Sales

Looking For A House For Sale Coastal Virginia?
Our Team is here to help you, we cover the 757 area from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to Suffolk

Get in touch with one of our Team Agents Today.

Our Team is ready to find you a house for sale.

We are very strong with online marketing and you are reading this so that is pretty clear. However contrary to belief the sale or purchase of a home still today is more hands on or as they say a press the flesh business. Online sales have taken over brick and mortar stores and more and more people shop from home. Use a Real Estate Agent especially if it is your First Time Home!

All to often do we encounter people who have wasted hours upon hours looking online at homes that appear to be for sale. Only to find out they have already been sold or may never be for sale. For example one popular site (however not popular with professionals) shows a long list of pre-foreclosure properties. What does that really mean to the average consumer, well it looks like many homes they might be interested in purchasing. In reality what it means is they are showing pictures of homes that are not and my never be for sale. This gets people’s hope up and has them spending many wasted hours on the computer. Let me simplify this a little. If you were pre-dead like me you are very much alive. If you were pre-pregnant well that means your not pregnant. Defining a pre-foreclosure properly would be a property Not For Sale.

Through a lifetime many large purchases are made, Cars, Furniture etc. These are important but a house is one you should consider getting professional help with.

We invite you to arrange a short meeting with one of our Team Agents and let us explain what really is available when it comes to houses for sale and how the process works. Years past parents would guide their children through the process as they have done it before. Over the last several years the real estate market has changed significantly to where if you have not been actively working through these changes you are at a huge disadvantage. Our team offers a once a month Free Home Buyer Class Ready to buy or your a parent that would like to be brought up to speed on the current way real estate is handled, all are welcome up to room capacity.

Please share this information with your friends and family.

Thank You,

Our team is here to assist you.

757 Real Estate Agent SalesDon Maclary2019-05-22T12:07:04+00:00

How important is walkability to you

The urbanization of today’s Real Estate market is made easier by a new tool that can show your “walk score.”

Basically, walkability is an algorithm that awards points based on the distance to the closest amenity in each of several categories, Scores range from 0-100.

For example, if you wanted to know your intended home’s walk score or proximity to different locations. Some examples would be the grocery store, the gas station, school, or doctor, all these locations are plotted on a map. These places are then calculated from your location to determine the score. The higher the number, the more “walkable” the area is. This can also be done for public transportation, biking, or driving. The usefulness of these numbers is another service your Real Estate Agent has access to give you. If you want to live near shopping or the beach this number will give you an idea of its walkability. On the other hand if you like country living you might pick a home with a low walk score.

If you need an example of how this works, go to the Choose My Home Website, under the home resources tab and put in the address you are interested in looking up. This gives you a score that breaks down the location to various amenities. Use this information to guide you in determining if the home you are interested in is right for you. Any home in the areas of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk or Suffolk is listed in this data base. Call any of our Realtors for more information.

How important is walkability to youSue Maclary2019-04-13T18:30:02+00:00

Military Relocation Professionals on Team.

Military Relocation Professionals

We are proud to announce that we are increasing the number of Realtors on the Choose A Home Team with Military Relocation Professional (MRP) status.
What does this mean to you? It means if you are in the military our well trained professional real estate agents have you covered!

Folks who haven’t yet met the Choose A Home Team of Realtors may not be aware of our reputation like our clients are.

Who Are We?

We are a group of top notch Realtors. We continually set the bar higher for ourselves by staying abreast of regulations affecting the real estate industry. Collectively increasing our knowledge and skills to best advise our valued clients.

Many of us have personal as well as professional ties to the military community. They are our friends, neighbors, and family members who live in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk and Portsmouth. The sacrifice asked of our amazing military service members and their families is huge. This it made sense for us to do more ourselves to help as many of these special folks as possible.

What we do

In keeping with our SOP three members on The Choose A Home Team have pursued and become credentialed as Military Relocation Professionals (MRP) to better serve you! It’s simply another example of how we voluntarily work in our profession to stand apart by going above and beyond the status quo. Knowledge, competencies and relational abilities are prized tools we apply every day to better advise those we work for.

The awesome families of the armed forces have very different and time sensitive needs that require professional Realtors with the ability to meet all their unique needs. We share many of the same cultural beliefs for example, “Respect, Integrity, Objective-Oriented, Structure Standardization, Discipline, Loyalty, and Service Before Self”.

Service members’ sacrifices are tremendous and as their Realtors we realize the heavy demands routinely faced by this community.

As Military Relocation Professionals, we are even more qualified now to understand, anticipate and provide sound advice, support and guidance. We do this with the goal of easing the burdens related to some of these challenges. Mainly rapid deployments, absent spouses, BRAC, DITY and PPM moves, PCS, VA Home Loan navigation, etc. By the way if you have questions about an upcoming move, check out www.move.mil which is the Department of Defense’s portal for PCS move planning.

We are glad to count so many veterans of our armed forces. Both active duty and retired, and their dependents among our great circle of friends (aka Client-Families). Thank you for the privilege of serving you!

By ~ Susan Kent (aka Agent Kent)

Military Relocation Professionals on Team.Don Maclary2018-11-29T04:24:56+00:00

How to remove mineral stains from well water

Problem Stain Removal

As Realtors, we get a lot of questions from our sellers regarding the best product for removing problem rust and mineral stains caused by well water.

This is important, as a seller wants to present their home for sale in the best possible light. Home Buyers also when they move to a new home may find unexpected stains caused by rust. Our research and experience has shown that a product called “Rust Stain Remover” by a company called Wink, has shown to be a very effective product for those types of stains. Clients have used this for rust stains in toilet bowls, sinks, bathtubs, and even clothing stained by rust. We strive to recommend to both our homer sellers and buyers products that have a proven track record. You can read testimonials from satisfied customers at www.wink.com. Happy House Hunting.

We would be honored if you chose a member of The Choose A Home Team to help with your first or next house purchase.

How to remove mineral stains from well waterSue Maclary2019-02-18T04:14:18+00:00