Live The Easy Life Home News: August 2017

Ostriches and Egos: How We Create Our Own Realities Information avoidance is a common human tendency. It doesn’t seem to matter that we’re living in a hyper information age. We listen to news that supports our point of view, avoid information we don’t want to hear, and convince ourselves we have the facts we need in order to make informed decisions—even when we don’t. In an article detailing recent research conducted by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Shilo Rea explains that people “are remarkably adept at selectively directing their attention to information that affirms what they believe or that reflects favorably upon them, and at forgetting information they wish were not true.” In other words, we tend to create our own reality—because we like it that way. We choose what we want to believe and ignore what we don’t. Apparently, ignorance is bliss after all. Writer Chris Fleisher notes, in an article for the American Economic Association, “This behavior drives economists nuts. Ideally, we should absorb all the information we can get so that we can make rational decisions. But it doesn’t work that way.” In Psychology Today, Alain Samson calls it “the ostrich effect.” Referring to the work of the CMU researchers, he writes: “Information avoidance has immediate benefits for people if it prevents the negative (usually psychological) consequences of knowing the information.” And while we all like to think of ourselves as savvy information consumers, we may be more like ostriches than we’d like to admit. Even more embarrassing, we’re probably egoists too. Says Samson: “Information avoidance is particularly pertinent when ego threat is involved.”

Home Alone: More Women Are Buying Homes on Their Own   “Skip the spouse, buy the house” was a line from a recent Bloomberg news story about single women buying homes on their own. It’s catchy, but also true: as the article reported, single women currently account for approximately 17% of new homebuyers in the U.S., versus 7% of single men. Why? Despite the wage gaps that remain between men and women in the workforce, many millennial women appear to value homeownership more than their male counterparts do, and are adjusting their lifestyles accordingly to make it happen. In the Bloomberg article, Daren Blomquist, senior vice president of ATTOM Data Solutions, noted that single women typically buy at a lower price point ($173,000 compared with $190,600) and have a slightly higher foreclosure rate than men (73 per 10,000 vs. 70 per 10,000). This may be a result of the aforementioned gaps in wages, or possibly because more women raise children on their own than men do—a scenario with major financial implications. Single women homeowners say there’s a sense of independence and a comfort level that comes with owning your space, and that despite the need for often-expensive home maintenance and other costs, homeownership can be personally fulfilling. For both single men and women, buying one’s own home requires more financial independence than does buying with the support of a partner. It’s essential not only that prospective buyers have a down payment and months of mortgage payments saved, but also that they’re emotionally prepared for the stresses that come with homeownership—and are ready to take them on alone. Wondering How Much Your Home Is Worth? How has the price of your home changed in today’s market? How much are other homes in your neighborhood selling for? If you're wondering what's happening to prices in your area, or you're thinking about selling your house, we'll be able to help. Just give our office a call for a no-fuss, professional evaluation. We won't try to push you into listing with us or waste your time. We'll just give you the honest facts about your home and its value. And maybe we'll also give you the "inside scoop" on what's happening in the housing market near where you live! Just give us a call at 703-929-3540 to arrange an appointment. Alternatively, stop by and see us at the office! The address is on the back page of this newsletter. Quick Quiz What is the study of insects called? Each month, I’ll give you a new question. Email me at tammy@livetheeasylife.com, or call 703-929-3540 for the answer. Thanks for All Your Referrals! We succeed when people like you refer us to your friends, neighbors and loved ones. It’s the best kind of feedback we can receive. So thanks for continuing to pass this newsletter on to people you care about! Are You Selling Your Home? Get Our Free Guide! First impressions count. So if your home isn’t looking its best, you could fail to get the best price for it. Put that problem right by requesting the free report, “Great Ideas for Quick, Easy Fixes That Will Help Your Home Sell.” Just call us at 703-929-3540 and we’ll send it right out to you. Great News For HomeBuyers! With today’s rules and regulations requiring a lender to show that a home buyer has to have the ability to repay the loan there are a lot of pitfalls that a borrower could fall into.  Here is a list of helpful tips to ensure an effortless loan process.  These DO’s and DON’T’s will help avoid any delays with your loan approval. DO continue making your mortgage or rent payments DO stay current on all existing accounts DO keep working at your existing employer DO keep your same insurance company DO continue living at your current residence DO continue to use your credit as normal DO call us if you have any questions DON’T make a major purchase (car, boat, jewelry, etc) DON’T apply for new credit (even if you seem pre-approved) DON’T open a new credit card DON’T Transfer any balances from one account to another DON’T pay off collections or charge offs without a discussion with us first DON’T buy any furniture DON’T close any credit cards DON’T max out or over charge on your credit cards DON’T start any home improvement projects DON’T open a new cell phone account DON’T join a new fitness club DON’T pay off any loans or credit cards without discussing it with us first If you encounter a special situation it is best to mention it to us right away so we can help you determine the best way to achieve your goals. Ken Byrne Sr. Loan Officer/VP NMLS ID # 187129 (703) 927-4456 – cell kbyrne@fhmtg.com Liz McElroy-Filan Sr. Loan Officer / VP NMLS ID # 659461 (703) 856-7247 – cell liz@mcelroymortgage.com Rob McElroy Sr. Loan Officer / VP NMLS ID # 20408 (703) 201-9393 – cell rob@mcelroymortgage.com

The Dangers Hiding in  Your Juice Glass Adults often tell children sugar is a treat to be consumed in moderation. We applaud when schools ban pop machines, and we encourage our kids to drink juice. But here’s the harsh reality: an apple a day will keep the doctor away, but drinking apple or other juices regularly may lead to serious health consequences. As U.S. researchers pointed out recently in a Washington Post article, juice is really sugary water—even if it’s freshly squeezed. We assume that because it’s made with fruit, and sometimes vegetables, it’s nutritious. Sadly, not so much. A lot of fruit’s nutrients come from the skin, pulp, and seeds—elements that are not often included in commercial juices. What we’re left with is sugar and water. And, according to the researchers, too much sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes, currently considered epidemics across North America. There’s more. Generally, people are more likely to overdrink than overeat. Chewing your food helps your brain understand you’ve eaten enough; but it doesn’t get the same message when you’re gulping juice. The solution: consider juice a sweet treat, with the emphasis on treat.   Ask The Agent: This Month's Question Should I get a reverse mortgage? If you want to increase your income in retirement, a reverse mortgage may sound appealing. But there are pros and cons: With a reverse mortgage, you’re essentially borrowing against the equity you have in your home. You don’t make monthly mortgage payments; instead you receive the money from the lender either as a lump sum or in some other form. The amount depends on several factors, including the equity you’ve built up. The bonus: you still own your home; a reverse mortgage isn’t paid back until you move, sell, or die. The cons? Fees are typically higher than for a conventional mortgage, and they along with the interest that builds up reduce the equity in your home. And there may be other financial considerations. While your retirement may be worry-free, your heirs may be faced with a big mortgage when you die. Is it for you? Be wise: discuss it with an advisor.   Northern VA Real Estate Market Statistics Celebrating Pedestrians with Street Graphics Cities around the world are taking steps to put smiles on the faces of walkers. In a celebration of pedestrians, they’re turning crosswalks into art exhibits. In the Netherlands, Rotterdam artists have splashed bold, seemingly random letters in coordinating colors on two crosswalks. Taken together, they spell (in English) “STAND STRAIGHT/WALK PROUD.” Sometimes, the streets reflect the city’s climate. In Portland, pictures of rain decorate some crosswalks. Giant fish cover those in Santiago, Chile. And San Francisco celebrates pride by painting rainbows on its streets. The artsy projects are having the desired effect. According to Lior Steinberg, one of the artists in charge of the Rotterdam project, people are so delighted with the street graphics they’re taking selfies with the wordy crosswalks.  Thai-Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges Serves 4 2 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and quartered 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 teaspoons salt 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter ½ lime, juiced 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon brown sugar ½ teaspoon chili garlic sauce 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 4 lime wedges Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rub all surfaces of the sweet potatoes with olive oil. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and season with salt. Bake for 20 minutes or until tender. While potatoes are in the oven, cook the sesame oil, soy sauce, peanut butter, lime, ginger, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin with a bit of warm water. Remove sweet potatoes from oven and drizzle with sauce. Serve with cilantro and lime wedges. Sudoku instructions: Complete the 9 × 9 grid so that each row, each column and each of the nine 3 × 3 boxes contains the digits 1 through 9. Contact me for the solution! This newsletter and any information contained herein are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial or medical advice. The publisher takes great efforts to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this newsletter. However, we will not be responsible at any time for any errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, that result from its use. Seek competent professional advice and/or legal counsel with respect to any matter discussed or published in this newsletter. This newsletter is not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.   News You Can Use is brought to you free by: The Tammy Irby Team Samson Properties 14526 Lee Road, Suite 100 Chantilly, VA, 20151 703-929-3540 Tammy@LiveTheEasyLife.com www.LiveTheEasyLife.com For information on buying or selling a home with The Tammy Irby Team at Samson Properties, give our team a call or shoot us an email: 703-929-3540, Tammy@LiveTheEasyLife.com.