Do You need an agent?

Hiring an agent will speed up the process whether you are buying or selling a home.  Professional full time agents have a lot to offer.  They are familiar with the market, home inspectors, lending rules and much more! 

A good agent will look out for your interest, explain market value, point out property upgrades, review and assist with property disclosures, and help you prepare and negotiate your offer.  While not all transactions are easy, an experienced agent is familiar with all aspects of buying and selling and he or she knows how to handle each situation.  Agents know how to handle buyer and seller concerns and can help bring a transaction to completion.  

What’s the agent’s most important role?  It is to educate you, counsel you and provide important market information such as info about schools, flood plains, evironmental concerns, neighborhood analysis, tax and utility bills, and obvious repairs.  An agent who does his or her job properly will help you avoid costly mistakes.  We hope you will call us when you are ready to make your next purchase or decide to sell your property.  We will be glad to give you our wise counsel and save you time and money.  Our focus on helping you!

Buyer Beware!

Buying a property?  Here are a few questions you should ask yourself:  Will the property be a good investment?  How much are the taxes, insurance and maintenance?  Will the property require much updating?  Are there any mold, water or drainage issues?  Fracking nearby?

Few properties are good investments these days!  Taxes, water bills and maintenance have skyrocketed.  So for some people renting may be a better alternative.  What should you invest in?  Noone seems to know these days.  The economy is unstable and here we go with another election year.  What will be the outcome?

My advice:  Devise your own plan that motivates you!  Think it through!  Make wise choices!  Where will you be two or three years from now?  Where should you put your money?  Should you get a roommate?  Many ideas, but the one who prays will see the picture more clearly.  Need help?  Call on me and I will provide some answers.  We love to help you!  Best wishes in 2012!

The Holy Spirit in us!

The Bible proclaims that he who has faith in God will receive citizenship in Heaven.  This profound truth is found in the book of Philippians 3:20.  Those who have no spiritual connection with God will perish.  God makes promises (found in the Bible) and keeps them.  His Gospel is hid in the human heart.  God cannot lie, His word is immutable and we can take refuge in Him.  The Bible says this hope is the anchor of the soul.  (Read Hebrews 6:18-19)
 
God exists and His Spirit provides living proof to us who believe.  Christmas is not about the presents (materialism), but about God’s humble Son who was sent forth for the propitiation of our sin. Many people may not have experiences the power of the Holy Spirit.  Are you acquainted with the Holy Spirit?  How do you know?
 
Christ came for everyone but not all received Him.  See Romans chapter 10 for more about those who reject God.  Many folks have not experienced the fullness of what God offers us -  a new life, an everlasting spirit-filled life.  This takes place the moment we truly believe and place out trust in God.  At that moment, we get filled with His Spirit (the Bible says sealed - Ephesians 1:13).   We don’t experience the (Holy) Spirit until we repent and surrender to God.  

Jesus said (as is recorded in the book of John):  I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except by me!  I can confidently say there is no other way to God except through Jesus Christ or God’s word would not be true!  Christ is the Messiah and He will be returning again.
 
Letting go, and fully surrendering to God and receiving the Holy Spirit is what connects us to have a relationship with God.  Are we carnal, livng in the flesh?  Or do we have the Holy Spirit in us?   We find truth by seeking truth.   And we can begin to understand truth as we become a new person in Christ.
 
Romans 12:1-2  says not to be conformed to this world….that is not to live a worldly life.  The world cannot offer you what God has to offer you.  God offers us eternal life.  Satan offers you a different plan and your soul is invited.  But we must protect ourself by putting on the full armor of God.  Ephesians 6:10-17
 
So why would God allow anyone to suffer, to go through trials and tribulations?  (see the book of James for the answer)  The Bible says we can expect to suffer, and as we do, we come to appreciate what our Lord went through.  It is often through suffering that we better understand life’s meaning and find our own purpose in life. 

To perish means we choose not to put our faith in God.  Putting your faith in Christ is a wise decision.  Jesus’ going to the Cross was for everyone.  As we are transformed, our friends, interests and passions will change.  Are ye in Christ?
 
I wish you the Happiest of Holidays.  Take a step of faith and believe in Jesus and see what God has in store for you!  Peace be with you.

Merry Christmas!

As we fast approach Christmas this year, think back about 2011.  What a year!  The flood of September affected many people in NY.  Yes, we still face many of the same problems:  Broken relationships, healthcare issues, finance issues and many other issues affect all of us, but God is still there performing miracles. Aren’t you glad?

Christmas is a time whereby we can gather around and give thanks to our Lord.  His birth is significant and His ministy is everlasting!  As we think about Christmas, let us focus on Christ and what He came to do for everyone !  He came to take away our sin and offer us eternal life with Him.  His ministry on earth was loving, humble and unselfish.  He made the world, transformed the world and He oversees the world today.  O What a God!  Aren’t you glad you have rest in Him?  

As you reflect on the birth of the Lord Jesus, remember His kindness and spread peace and goodwill towards others.  Christ is our Saviour and His love is neverending.  Let us praise and worship Him and let our hearts be transformed as we focus on His Lordship this Christmas! 

May all of our hearts be made merry as we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas.  Do something nice for others, give someone a hug, encourage them, help them and love them as Christ first loved you.  Love can heal more hearts, so share God’s love with others!

Why Put God First?

Why do we need to put God first in our life?  Because God has given us everything under the sun including our next breath.  God is preeminent, above all.  We should do all we can to glorify God, not self.  The Bible says do not store up your treasure on earth for your rewards will be Heaven!  Proverbs 16:3 says:  Commit your works to the LORD and your thoughts will be established.  Have you tried this?

Proverbs 16:9 says:  A man’s heart plans his way but the LORD directs his steps.  If you haven’t put your trust in the Lord yet, then I urge you to do so.  God is overall, His creation of the universe and all matter demonstrates His might, power and glory!  He wants us to worship and give praise to Him.  He wants us to seek Him with our heart, mind and all our strength. 

If you are reading this and don’t believe in God, or you haven’t put your faith and trust in Him, then you are missing out on the blessings that God wishes to give you.  You are His workmanship, created for Him.  See the book of Ephesians for more about your true identity and why you are here.  Find your ultimate purpose in life by reading Romans 12:1-2. 

God breathes life into all of us and He offers us eternal life.  He has given us certain spiritual gifts and wants us to use those gifts according to His will.  He showers us with His love and He commands us to love one another and to seek Him first, above everything else.  Reading the Bible daily helps us get a better understanding of God’s true nature and helps us live a God centered life.  He is our shield and strength!  Live your life for God in ways that will please Him.

Your eternal destiny is dependent on the relationship you establish with God.  Your life’s purpose is learned during time of suffering, is specific, involve others, is gradually unveiled, and is the legacy you will leave behind to help others.  Understanding the purpose of your life can be found in the book of Colossians.  Colossians 1:16  All things were created through Him and for Him.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I wish to share the greatest message with you.  Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for you and me!  He died to take away the sin for all, not just one person, but all!  When we understand this sacrifice, we renew our relationship with God, our heavenly Father, and we come to appreciate God in a born again way!  Receive Christ in your heart and move forward with your life.  Do not be discouraged by the father of all lies, the devil, for Satan could not overcome the love that God has for all His children.  God loves you, no matter what you have done, no matter how terrible your past may be! 
Come to God and ask Him to forgive your sin.

His Grace is sufficient for all of us!  Let your heart be transformed by the love of God. 

If you need prayer, please do not hesitate to call me.  I will pray for you and your situation.  God loves all of us no matter what we have done and He is always willing to forgive our sin.  Come to God and experience His love and tender mercy towards you!  Begin living a life in obedience to God.

May your Holidays be blessed and your family’s too.  Find joy in life, life eternal with God!