Message from the President
by Eric Winklhofer
How to Host a Sizzling Summer Open House
There are so many reasons why summer may be the perfect time to put your home on the market - families are trying to settle into a new place before the school year starts and buyers have their tax refunds firmly in hand. But with so many others reaching the same conclusion, how do you make your home stand out?
A well planned open house allows potential buyers to picture how life in this home would be, and in the summer people tend to be more relaxed; it’s the time of vacations and lazy days. So making your home’s open house a haven from the heat is the best way to help them visualize that this is the house is where they’ll want to spend all of their summers.
Here are a few tips to help your home’s open house stand out this summer.
Pump the A/C. It’s easy for a house to become stuffy and warm during the summer, especially with exterior doors frequently opening and closing, so make sure that you have the air conditioning running whenever you’re hosting potential buyers. Just make sure to keep the temperature cool and inviting, not set to a deep freeze!
Curb Appeal. Your home’s curb appeal is its first impression, and the summer months can be harsh on your home’s front lawn. Unlike in winter, where fresh snow in the front yard can appear romantic and enticing to buyers, there is nothing attractive about the dry, dead lawns of summer. Water frequently or update your home’s landscaping to something grass-free.”
Outdoor Living. If your home has a pool, a large deck or an outdoor kitchen, the summer months are the perfect time to highlight them. Put some lemonade out for buyers to enjoy on the patio and keep the pool crystal clear. Remember, however, that summer means kids are out of school, and they may be joining their parents on open house tours, so make sure that pool gates are kept locked tight for safety.
Embrace the Season. Potential buyers may be hot and thirsty when they arrive, so prepare for it. Have a cooler with ice-cold bottled water ready and waiting for them the moment they walk in the house, and have refreshing snacks, like watermelon or popsicles, available in the kitchen or on the patio. This will help home buyers picture your home as their oasis in the heat.
Following a few easy open house tips can help you quickly find the right buyer this summer. If you are interested in selling or buying a home this summer contact a RealtorÒ.
As your president, I am available, 24/7/365 so please feel free to email me.
Meatball Challenge Event
BNAR members are invited to attend the Second Annual “Meatball Challenge” on Thursday, September 19 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Artisan Kitchens, 200 Amherst Street. Chefs this year are Michael Ciminelli, Diane DiMatteo-Carney, Maria Laurendi, Marialisa Giglia-Remington, Katherine Sorrentino and Charlene Zoratti. Judges are last year’s winners, Marie Stoklosa and Louis Vinci and Nick Pitillo, Owner of Osteria 166. Entrants will be judged in two categories Best Meatball and Best Sauce; there will also be a Fan Favorite for Best Meatball. Donation is $60 per person with all proceeds going to the REALTORS Political Action Committee and you will be credited for your contribution to RPAC. Past contributions cannot be applied to admission! Registration a must through Member Services/Events through your MLS Portal. Besides the sampling of meatballs, Italian wines and Hors d’oeuvres will be served.
The IRS launched a new IRS Tax Withholding Estimator
As part of a continuing effort to improve quality services for taxpayers, the IRS upgraded this tool, which replaces the Withholding Calculator, and gave it a facelift. Use this link to the Tax Withholding Estimator.
The IRS urges taxpayers to check their withholding each year and adjust it, if needed, to avoid tax filing surprises. The new Tax Withholding Estimator will help anyone doing tax planning for the last few months of 2019. It’s especially important to use the estimator now:
• If a taxpayer faced an unexpected tax bill or a penalty when they filed this year.
• If a taxpayer made withholding adjustments in 2018.
• If a taxpayer has or will experience a change in marital status, dependents, income or jobs this year.
• Because taxpayers can make estimated tax payments to the IRS instead of adjusting their withholding, and the next payment deadline is Sept. 16.
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator
You’re Invited to BNAR & WCR’s Summer Social Event
Join the BNAR and the Women’s Council of REALTORS for our Summer Social Event which is taking place on Tuesday, August 20 from 4-6 pm at Templeton Landing. Rain or Shine! Enjoy the view, cocktails & hors d’oeuvres, networking, and music. The event is free but you must register by August 13 – go to BNAR Member Service/Register for Events through your MLS Portal. See you all there! No Shows will be charged a $15 fee.
Is it time to Renew your License?
Not sure how or where to go? The Education Committee created this 3 minute tutorial to help you through the process. The DOS has asked us to remind our members about the proper way to answer the continuing education question on the online license renewal form. The question asks if the licensee has completed the required CE credit or if the licensee is exempt. If the licensee has properly completed their CE requirements OR is exempt from completing CE, the licensee should answer “YES.” Many of those who are exempt, mistakenly answer “NO” and therefore an audit is immediately triggered. Unfortunately, licensees are often found to have gaps in licensure or are unable to prove continuous licensure, and thus lose their exemption from required CE.
A New Message from your our Education Chairperson Rose DeGeorge
Here is a short message from your BNAR Education Chairperson, Rose DeGeorge! Come home for your Education!
