Find Top Deals for Your Next Vacation

Summer is right around the corner; have you begun planning your summer vacation? Whether you’re planning a trip for the whole family or a romantic getaway for two, there are many ways to save on every part of your trip.

Social Couponing Websites

Social couponing websites like Groupon and LivingSocial now offer more than discounts for services at local businesses. In partnership with the leading travel website Expedia, Groupon Getaways offers significant discounts on packages to top travel destinations all over the world. Subscribers are sent a weekly email that features several of the travel deals that are vbeing offered for the week. Interested parties then have two weeks to purchase the deal. Similarly, LivingSocial Escapes also sends subscribers weekly emails outlining its latest travel deals. When you purchase a deal through LivingSocial Escapes, you can refer it to your friends; if three of them purchase the deal, you get yours for free.

3 Ways to Get a Deal through Social Couponing

1.      Scoop up deals before your trip. A few weeks before you leave, sign up to receive deals specific to the city or region you’re visiting.

2.      Read the fine print to find out when the deal expires, if there are blackout dates and the amount of taxes involved.

3.      Do you research. Call or go online to find out the regular cost of the hotel, restaurant or other amenities offered to make sure you’re getting a deal.

Membership Pays Off

AAA offers last minute deals that can save members up to 70% on their vacations. Through AAA Vacations, members can choose from deals on cruises and vacations to locations around the world. AAA’s Best Price Guarantee ensures that members receive a good deal – if a member finds a cheaper rate for the same exact itinerary within 24 hours of booking the trip, AAA will match the lower rate. Other cruise benefits include champagne upon arrival, priority boarding and pre-paid gratuities. Members can choose from guided or independent land vacations that often include amenities such as free hotel stays, free meals and travel insurance.

Members of Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club have access to exclusive deals on cruises and vacation packages to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, popular island locales and domestic destinations including Las Vegas and Disney World. The popular warehouse chains also offer discount deals on rental cars through the major rental car companies.

LivingSocial Escapes serves more than 10 million subscribers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner

RE/MAX Country

360-400-3475

www.Cynthia-Online.com

10 DEADLY MISTAKES Buyers Make When Purchasing a Home

Protect yourself from these ten common pitfalls…

MISTAKE NO. 1

Choosing a real estate agent who is not committed to forming a strong business relationship with you.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Making a connections with the right real estate agent is crucial. Choose a professional who is dedicated to serving your needs – before, during and after the sale.

MISTAKE NO. 2

Making an offer on a home without being pre-qualified.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Pre-qualification will make your life easier – take the time to talk with bank or mortgage representatives. Their specific questions with regard to income, debt and other factors will help you determine the price range that you can afford. It is one of the most important steps on the path to home ownership.

MISTAKE NO. 3

Not knowing the total costs involved.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Early n the buying process, ask your real estate agent or mortgage representative for an estimate of closing costs. Title insurance and lawyer fees should be considered. Pre-pay responsibilities such as homeowner’s association fees and insurance mist also be taken into account. Remember to examine your settlement statement prior to closing.

MISTAKE NO. 4

Limiting your search to open houses, ads or the Internet.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Many homes listed in magazines or on the Internet have already been sold. Your best course of action is to contact a real estate agent. They have up-to-date information that is unavailable to the general public, and they are the best resource to help you find the home you want.

MISTAKE NO. 5

Thinking that there is only one perfect home out there.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Buying a home is a process of elimination, not selection. New prospects arrive on the market daily, so be open to all possibilities. Ask your real estate agent for a comparative market analysis. This compares similar homes that have recently sold or are still for sale.

MISTAKE NO. 6

Not considering long-term needs.

Here’s how to avoid it:

It is important to think ahead. Will your home suit your needs 3-5 years from now? How about 5-10 years?

MISTAKE NO. 7

Not following through in due diligence.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Make a list of any concerns you have relating to issues such as crime rates, schools, power lines, neighbors, environmental conditions, etc. Ask the important questions before you make an offer on a home. Be diligent so that you can have confidence in your purchase.

MISTAKE NO. 8

Not having a home inspection.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Trying to save money today can end up costing you tomorrow. A qualified home inspector will detect issues that many buyers can overlook.

MISTAKE NO. 9

Not examining insurance issues.

Here’s how to avoid it:

Purchase adequate insurance. Advice from an insurance agent can provide you with answers to any concerns you may have.

MISTAKE NO. 10

Not purchasing a home protection plan

Here’s how to avoid it:

This is essentially a mini insurance policy that usually lasts one year from the date of sale. It usually covers basic repairs you may encounter and can be purchased for a nominal fee. Talk to your agent to help you find the protection plan you need.

Tips for making the selection process easier:

Bring a camera to document each home that you visit. Start each tour with a shot of the address plaque so that you can easily identify each home later.

Take notes during each home visit. Record any notable features, architecture and design elements. List what changes you would make and what details really stand out. You will especially want to write down your first impressions of each home.

Pay attention to the home’s surroundings. Generally, avoid the most upgraded home on the block. Is it in a friendly neighborhood? Will parking be an issue? Is it a good area to walk your dog or have an outdoor pet altogether? Is it in a good school district?

Visit homes that you were interested in again a few days later at a different time of the day. You may notice some nuances you missed earlier.

Cynthia Schmier

RE/MAX Country

360-400-3475

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com