Did You Know It’s Impossible To

Sneeze With Your Eyes Open?

July 2004

Dear Friends,

             Yes it’s true – try it yourself.  There’s no way you can sneeze and keep your eyes open.  That little piece of trivia is just one of the many interesting and enlightening tidbits waiting for you in my latest Service For Life! ^™ Free consumer newsletter.  But before you dig into this issue, I thought you’d like to know…

            Here’s what’s new in the world of real estate: Rising prices and climbing interest rates equal weakening housing affordability.  While home sales activity is expected to remain vibrant for the near-term future, the pace of appreciation will soon be corrected by the recent decline in housing affordability.  This will be a significant adjustment for home sellers, who have come to rely on the 8-12 percent appreciation rate over the past five-plus years.

            I have been busy this past month preparing to enhance the benefits that our clients receive when working with the Hirsch Home Team.  More specifically, I am writing an informational booklet for both Buyers and Sellers that will safe-guard them from the IRS.  Topics covered will be the Section 121 Exclusion of Gain from Sale of Principal Residence, how to prepare and document your home’s cost basis, how to report your gain/exclusion on your tax report, what records to keep and for how long, and more.  I hope to have this available next month.  On a personal note, my son Michael, is attending a week long encampment for the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) at the Wisconsin National Guard camp this month and I am looking forward to my parents 50^th Wedding Anniversary the first part of August. 

            Finally, I want you to know, that you may call me for any reason.  And please let me know if a friend, family member or neighbor needs a caring, competent real estate professional to help in buying or selling.

            I truly appreciate your friendship and referrals.  Enjoy your issue!

Warmest regards,

Steve

Steve Hirsch

RE/MAX A-1 Excellence

952-401-8534

P.S.   I also included 7 easy and inexpensive ways to protect your family from potentially deadly household injuries.  Friends tell me the tips really gave them peace of mind around the home.  I hope they help you too!