Real Estate Information

Working from home offers some serious perks. There’s no morning commute, you get your pets as coworkers and you can even hang around in pajamas all day — as long as you don’t have to be on a video call, of course.

But remote work isn’t perfect. It could actually pose a security risk if you’re not careful.

Do you want to make sure your information is safe while you’re working online? 

Take these seven steps to protect yourself from online security threats.

1. Set strong passwords or passphrases. It’s nothing new, but it’s worth repeating: Use a random combination of letters, numerals and symbols for each of your electronic devices and any sites that require you to log in. And be sure to make them all unique.
   
   
2. Store your passwords safely. It’s not easy to remember all those passwords, so use a password manager to store and encrypt them. You’ll just need to remember a single master password to access them.
   
   
3. Use two-factor authentication. This important step adds another layer of security, making your accounts and devices harder to hack.
   
   
4. Be wary of suspicious links and emails. Always check who the message came from, and avoid clicking links from anyone you don’t know.
   
   
5. Keep your software up to date. This ensures your programs and devices have the latest security applications in place.
   
   
6. Follow your employer’s security practices. Talk to your company’s IT director if you need more guidance.
   
   
7. Store your files securely. Don’t save sensitive documents to your desktop or in a default folder. Sign up for a secure cloud storage solution to protect your data.

If you’re working remotely, it’s essential to take online security seriously. It could protect you from identity theft, data loss and other major issues.

And if you’re looking for a change of scenery or a new home office, get in touch today.

As a homeowner, you shouldn't ignore curb appeal.

Keep it in great condition, and you’ll likely see high property values and serious marketability when it comes time to sell. Let it slide, and the opposite could happen. 

Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, refreshing your home’s exterior can add value or give you a head start if you choose to sell later.

It just takes a little effort and a touch of creativity.

Here are four ways to up your curb appeal:

Plant a garden.

A pop of color goes a long way, so plant a few flowers or a flowering bush in front of your home. Opt for perennials, which can last more than two years.

Upgrade your mailbox.

Forget the standard old mailbox that came with the house. Try a brick model — or revamp your existing one with a fresh coat of paint or a new post.

Make your front porch more inviting.

If you’re looking for an easy project with a big impact, add some charm to your porch. Get some potted or hanging plants, a brand-new welcome mat and a couple of cozy chairs.

Freshen up your door.

Give it a new coat of paint, add some new fixtures and a kickplate, and maybe update your address numbers, too. They might seem like small fixes, but they can make a big difference in your home’s overall appearance.

Curb appeal matters — especially if you’re considering selling your home soon.

Looking for more tips on boosting the value of your home? Get in touch today.

It’s easy to focus on what you can’t do while you’re stuck at home these days. But here’s something you can do: Show thanks to the essential workers in your life. 

Health care professionals, grocery store employees, first responders, mail carriers and many others are still going to work every day. They’re risking their health to help our community.

We might not be able to spend time together in person, but we can still be there for our friends and neighbors.

So how can you show your appreciation? Consider sending one of these gifts.

• Gift Cards: Essential workers might not have as much time to cook for themselves, so give them gift cards to local restaurants or food delivery services.
  
  
• Entertainment: They could probably use an escape now more than ever. Help them take a mental break with a streaming subscription, a book or a preloaded e-reader.
  
  
• Home Essentials: Your favorite frontline workers are also braving the grocery store for the basics. Gift them a healthy stash of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and other must-haves to save them a trip.
  
  
• Self-Care Items: Everyone deserves a few minutes to relax each day, no matter how busy work might be. Help local essential workers take a load off with soothing soaps, lotions and bath bombs.
  
  
• Thank-You Note: Sometimes the best gifts are the simple ones. You can leave a handwritten thank-you card, send a friendly text message or write a thoughtful email.

Remember: We’re all in this together, and supporting each other is important during these uncertain times. For more ideas on celebrating the amazing people in our community, get in touch today.

Working from home is one of the many challenges Americans are facing during the coronavirus outbreak. And while the arrangement may have its perks — like no commuting or office attire — it also has some serious setbacks.

The biggest one? That's finding the motivation to stay productive. With kids, pets and that comfortable bed calling your name, it can be hard for even the most diligent of workers to stay on task.

Are you struggling in your efforts to work from home? If so, these workspace tips can help: 

Pick your area. Separate personal time and work time by designating a spot for your work. It could be a desk, a corner of the dining room table or even a surface in a cleared-out closet. Just make sure it's yours — and that your loved ones know it too.

Keep it tidy. Nothing can slow you down like disorganization. Set yourself up for success with the right folders, shelves and other tools you'll need to stay productive. You should also make an effort to clean up your space after signing off each day. 

Make yourself comfortable. You might not have a cushy office chair, but do your best to add some comforts. Put a fluffy pillow or warm blanket on the dining room chair you're using, or grab a footstool from the living room so you can lean back during conference calls. 

Add personal touches. You'll be spending a lot of time in that spot, so make sure you're happy there. Use photos or fresh flowers to personalize your space.

Are you looking for more ideas on turning your space into a work-from-home haven? Get in touch today.

I get it. Spring chores can be daunting. But it’s something every homeowner has to do to make sure that their home is in top shape for the new season. I wanted to share a quick to-do list that’s not so intimidating. Check out the list below to see a few tasks that you can knock out in a weekend or even an hour.

It’s no secret that springtime can breathe new life into a home. And in many markets, spring is the most popular time to buy or sell. Freshly manicured lawns and immaculate interiors add a certain appeal that may not be there during other seasons. 

A property that’s in excellent condition is sure to catch the eye of a buyer. Even if your home isn’t currently on the market, it’s a good idea to make a habit of regular upkeep. 

Ready to tackle your home maintenance tasks? Here’s your spring to-do list.

Do you want more space when you retire?

When you think of the home you’ll retire in, a new house may come to mind. Or maybe you’re contemplating moving to your favorite vacation spot or somewhere closer to friends and family. 

With so many choices, how will you know what’s best for your lifestyle? 

Here are three questions to consider before making a move for retirement:

1. Will you relocate? Maybe you have a favorite beach town in mind for your retirement, where you can relax year-round. If so, be sure to account for the price of moving and the costs of your new community. If the cost of living is higher, make sure you have enough money saved to live comfortably.

2. Should you downsize or upgrade? The kids have likely moved out, so you could opt for a smaller house or condo. But a more substantial property may offer additional space for visitors and hobbies. Think about what’s best for your family, then consider sitting down with a financial planner to evaluate your assets to be sure you can afford your options.

3. Is the timing right? If you’re not quite ready to retire but thinking about moving, it may be better to buy property while you still have a steady income. On the other hand, you can take your time looking if you start after you’ve left your job. Either way, explore your options to ensure you’re making the most of your investment and your retirement.

Is retirement in your near future? Are you ready to start looking for a new home? Reach out today to discuss your next steps.