?Alexa, Make me a Smart House! The World has finally come around to embrace technology. COVID-19 shut the world down and Netflix WiFi have become household utilities. It took us a minute to come around to smart home devices. For starters, it all just sounds so expensive. Not to mention inaccessible (you can’t exactly install a smart thermostat if you don’t own your home. But then as the world steadily began working from home, everything changed. Have you seen one of those smart lightbulbs change ever so subtly from warm golden ligh ..read more

Play is important for kids. It’s especially important for kids to have active play as a part of their routines, since it builds imagination, physical coordination and other important developmental skills. Unfortunately, not everyone lives in places that are well suited for outdoor active play. Small yards, a lack of easy access to public playgrounds and excessively high summer temperatures can all lead to kids spending a lot more time inside than they would otherwise. If your kids need more play in their lives and need an option that doesn’t involve going outside, it might be time to consider ..read more

One of the best things that we can do right now to protect both ourselves and our friends and neighbors is to stay home. Unfortunately, there are only so many times that you can watch Tiger King or listen to your kids sing along with Elsa on Disney+. You need something new to do, and it needs to be something that the whole family can enjoy while you’re all staying safe at home. There are some unique opportunities available right now that may never be available again once this is all over. They provide experiences that the whole family can enjoy that aren’t just the same old TV shows. Though th ..read more

When that rent check leaves your hand every month (or, more likely, you click the button on the website), you feel a little lighter in the wallet and a bit more empty inside. Every month, that money goes into your landlord’s pocket, pays down their principal, helps them increase their net worth and you get what? A roof over your head that hasn’t been updated since the Clinton administration and neighbors that seem to not realize that, while their band is lovely, 2 AM is not the time to crank it up to 11. No, you’ve had it! It’s time to move. It’s time to buy your own house. You’re ready to hav ..read more

Social isolation can be difficult, especially if you’re not used to it. It sounds easy on the surface: Just stay home! If you’re cut off from the social contact and day-to-day routines that you’re used to, though, this can have a significant negative impact on your mental (and sometimes physical) health. If you’ve been struggling with isolation, here are a few things to keep in mind as you develop a routine for your “new normal.” Assessing Your Needs As with most things, the very first thing that you need to do is stop and look at what you actually need in your day. Make a list, check it twice ..read more

So in this market, Buyer’s have a particular challenge finding a home. It’s not entirely their fault. HGTV has simplified the home buying process to a half hour round robin elimination. The format of looking at three homes and choosing the best one is a dream for agents and buyers alike. In the real world we are at the mercy of rules and regulations. The production value and drama hold no place in the land of real estate. These shows often skip the most valuable information about the process. Luckily you all have me to give you the tools of success. Step 1: Get Financed 99% of you are not payi ..read more