My big question has been, “Where do my efforts end and His grace begin?” I seem to ponder questions that don’t have neat and clean answers. When I tried to answer the question with ‘me’ being at the center the answer was always shallow and incomplete. However, when I shifted my perspective and saw ‘me’ in light of God things became more clear. I’ve found that how God gives graces or gifts is solely up to Him. It may not have the appearance of fair, however what is ‘fair’ is what we decide to do with what we’ve been given. If we have been given 1, 2, or 5 ‘talents’ we are responsible for how we deliver them. His grace kicks in as He helps us discover our talents and how to use them. It’s a partnership. Challenges arise along the way as His enemies are being made subject to him and us (we are in him). In the midst of the huge success and/or crushing failure the gifts He’s given us and His gracious presence prevail. I think this attitude and reality is crucial to understand. We need to remember and engage with Him. He does with us. We trust Him for His leadership, care and concern. His kindness towards us. He trusts us to take risk, work and build His Kingdom through our efforts and faith. We trust Him that there is nothing we can do to fix our sin issue and He delivers through his work on the cross and resurrection fulfilling the deepest longing in our souls.

I’ve been striving to become comfortable with the idea of everything we do is in and for His Kingdom. His Kingdom building isn’t merely an event on a weekend or weeknight but rather all encompassing. Is it possible that the Kingdom, the eternal Kingdom is much more practical than ‘professional’ clergy make it? If the Kingdom is complex we need experts. If it’s simple we need laborers. Lastly, Jesus’ view was much longer than most leaders. He consistently drilled down to a handful of people. His model wasn’t to build larger and larger crowds but closer and closer relationships. At the launch of the ‘Church’ Jesus entrusted the mission to His friends not the ‘conference organizer’ or ‘event coordinator’. True growth is like the supermarket: you can get shiny fruit with artificial agents and it costs less and is mass produced (large profit); or you can buy organic…it’s a little smaller, fewer in quantity and it costs more.

Which is healthier?

Please click here for more details and to schedule a showing.

Timeless Mission Style 2-Story in wonderful neighborhood. Located just steps from Pierce Park in one of the great character home enclaves of Appleton. Many updates in and out per seller. Private yard and large deck for entertaining. Breathtaking woodwork. This home offers a lifestyle of convenience being within walking distance to schools, parks, restaurants and the Appleton Farmer’s Market. The neighborhood is wonderful too. Come and discover one of Appleton’s gems.

Click here for more info.

Courtesty of svilen001

Americans have held the belief for many years that homeownership is bedrock to the American Dream. It seems each generation has had the Dream tested. Whether you believe in the ideal of the American Dream or in the investment of real estate these tips will prove to be very valuable to you as a buyer. Buying and selling of real property will always be a major foundation to any economy and as the population continues to grow provide its owners with a tangible asset.

1. Get Pre-Approved From A Lender

Many times buyers make the mistake of ‘window’ shopping first. Purchasing real property is so much more involved than house selection. Buyers need to consider what the cost will be to them. The cost vs. purchase price aren’t the same. Lending guidelines have been strict in the US and buyers need to know what they qualify for prior to looking. Being pre-approved is also more involved than being pre-qualified. Pre-approval strengthens your position with a seller too. It says that you’re a ready, willing and able buyer.

2. Know Your Non-Negotiable’s

As a homeowner, you will become all too familiar with boundaries. (Whose responsibility is it to mow that patch of grass?) You need to have boundaries with yourself. Emotional ones. It’s important to determine after you’ve spoken with your lender what things must you have in your real estate purchase vs. What things you’d like to have. If you are not anchored to something you will be blown around by everything. Ask and answer the following questions regarding: Bedrooms, bathrooms, home style, neighborhood, school district, lifestyle, amenities, budget, lot size and length of stay.

3. Work With A REALTOR®

Is this a plug for REALTORS®? You better believe it. I am one and have worked with them for years. Why is this important? Purchasing real property is an exciting time but is also filled with many details that a professional will be able to manage for you. Details such as inspection deadlines, earnest money deadlines, delivery of contracts, working with the title company, working knowledge of market conditions and appropriate pricing, coordination with the lender, providing comparables to assist the Appraiser, negotiate the deal and help safeguard your interests. Conveying property is serious business. You wouldn’t want to perform surgery on yourself, so you see a doctor. You don’t want to buy and sell property on your own either, so see a REALTOR®.

4. Be Longsighted With Your Transaction

Sellers are notorious for wanting the premium price for their homes and buyers are notorious for wanting the best deal of all time. The chasm needs to be bridged. Every seller was once a buyer and every buyer will be a seller. Be mindful of this. Buying a home is not like buying a car. If the REALTOR® does their job and the seller cooperates the home will be priced at market levels. This means that paying ‘sticker’ price for the house is ok. When a buyer drives the price of real property down it is exhilarating in the moment. However, once you’ve become the property owner you now own a home that the market has to consider when doing analysis and now you’ve lowered the market value of your entire neighborhood. Also, you don’t want to offend the seller and then need them to pay for defects found in the inspection. Don’t be blinded by the purchase price and fail to see the whole transaction.

5. Give Yourself Time In The Offer to Purchase

As a buyer you need to be realistic with how long things take. In todays lending environment 30 days to close isn’t usually enough time. Underwriting a loan has become a very laborious task. During the summer months when buying and selling is more active you may need more time to schedule for inspections, check insurability of the home, get the funding, and coordinate the move. Moving is stressful enough, give yourself, the seller and lender the time necessary to make for a smooth transaction. I’ve found that 45 days is a good rule of thumb. However, a cash buyer can go for as little as 14-25 days.

(If you are a buyer or seller in need of services please feel free to contact me via the contact page by clicking here.)

What are some other tips you think buyers should be aware of?

Here are six projects under $1,000 (amounts are estimated) that made the list.

1. Cleaning and decluttering. Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.

$290 Cost/$1,990 Return.

2. Brightening. Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.

$375 Cost/ $1,550 Return

3. Smart staging. Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, incorporate artwork, and play soft music in the background.

$550 Cost/$2,194 Return

4. Landscaping enhancements. Punch up the home’s curb appeal in the front and back yards by adding bark mulch, bushes, and flowers and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured.

$540 Cost/$1,932 return

5. Repairing electrical or plumbing. Fix leaks under the sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition. Update the home’s electrical with new wiring for modern appliances, fix any lights or outlets that don’t

work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.

$535 Cost/$1,505 Return

6. Replacing or shampooing dirty carpets. Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.

$647 Cost/$1,739 Return

Excerpted from HomeGain’s 2011 Home Sale Maximizer Survey: www.homesalemaximizer.com.

Please click here for more details and to request a showing.

Please click here for more details and to request a showing.