It’s almost impossible to predict when a crisis may occur. From major storms to a global pandemic, the world has experienced a handful of unexpected events in the past few years.
 
When weathering a storm — figuratively or literally — it’s important to be prepared. That’s why we're sharing information to help you in times when the unexpected happens. You’ll find tips on how to keep you and your family safe during an emergency weather event like a hurricane, tornado or fire. There are also a few pointers for protecting pets during these events.
 
Emergency preparedness may not be most fun thing to talk about, but it’s still important to make sure you and your family are ready for anything. It is my hope that these tips bring you comfort and peace-of-mind by helping you expect the unexpected!

Everybody knows it’s important to keep your credit in good shape. Not only is a healthy credit score a good financial practice, but it’s also a way to save money and increase your housing  options in some cases.

The information we're providing you this month explores all the hidden perks that accompany great credit, so you understand exactly what that good-to-excellent credit rating can get you. We're also sharing tips to help you build the strong credit you need to take advantage of these benefits, while clearing up a few misconceptions about how a credit score is actually calculated.

Building excellent credit now will prepare you as you apply for a new credit card, auto loan or mortgage in the future. If you’re in the market for a new home now, give us a call! We can walk you through the process and refer you to a great lender who can get you pre-qualified.

​With warmer spring weather right around the corner, you may be starting to dream up ways to make the most out of your backyard in the months ahead. With outdoor gatherings still considered one of the safest ways to spend time with friends and family, your yard could become the new socially distanced hang out place! Why not make it as cozy as can be? Below are eight tips for transforming your outdoor space to enjoy now and throughout the summer. If you want to start on a bigger project, call us for a great contractor referral! 

Stock market booms come and go, but real estate typically remains a solid investment. In today’s market, owning a home — or two — is one of the best moves you can make for your portfolio. Even just owning your principal residence is an exceptional way to build your personal wealth!
 
To bring you more context on why real estate is still the hottest commodity, we wanted to share a few impressive statistics on equity, net worth and asset appreciation that come as great news for homeowners. If you’re thinking about selling as we approach the spring buying season, the information we're sending you this month provides a few reasons why now is the perfect time to make your move.
 
As your trusted real estate professionals, we are committed to serving your housing needs at the highest possible level. If you want to buy or sell, but you’re concerned about the current inventory, give us a call — there may be more homes out there than you think. We’ll share how we will go above and beyond to make your search a breeze!

We all have dreams worth saving for! Whether you’re putting away money for retirement, a down payment on a home or your kids’ college tuition, it’s easier to save when you have a road map telling you how to get there.

As you track your budget for 2021, remember to track your savings goals too! This Item of Value offers some strategies to help you save for short-term, mid-term and long-term goals. Find out how to determine exactly what you need to save each month to hit your target amount and ways to make it easy. You’ll also learn about a few savings vehicles to help your money grow along the way, so you can pick the one that’s right for you.  
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Got bigger goals? To make sure you’re saving in the smartest way possible, consider working with a finance professional.  Call us for a trusted referral who can help you organize all of your financial plans! 

It’s never too early to begin preparing for tax season! Take some time this month to take stock of your finances and tax situation, so you won’t have to stress come April.
    
Each year, there are a few changes to the tax policy that you’ll want to be aware of when filing your tax returns. In this month’s Item of Value, you’ll find a brief outline of the most significant updates and important deadlines, as well as information about COVID-19 relief and your taxes. We’ll also share a few factors that will help you decide when to go with a pro when it comes to filing your taxes.
  
If you decide you need help with your taxes, give us a call. We can connect you to a trusted and thorough tax professional in our network who can get the job done right. Prepare now to get ahead of the game and make your life easier this spring!  

Need more space? You’re not alone! This year, many people are searching for a place with room for an office, workout space, learning area and other activities we’ve started to do from home. If you’re not ready to make a move just yet, there are a few strategies you can use to optimize the space you do have. Check out the information below for small tips and tricks to make the most out of every nook and cranny in your home, making it feel like new! ​

This past year was filled with twists and turns that no one could have predicted. It wasn’t always easy, but now that we have entered into 2021, it’s time to shift our focus toward a brighter future.
 
If the economic uncertainty of 2020 had you concerned, we're here to bring some peace-of-mind for 2021 when it comes to the housing market. The information we're sending this month provides a well-rounded snapshot of the real estate market today, while noting a few trends to watch as the year unfolds. We're also including a short quiz to help you figure out if now is the right time for your family to make a move, especially if your needs have changed since last year.
 
We hope this piece provides you with clarity on the market, so you can better prepare for 2021. Don’t hesitate to call us with any questions about the latest trends! Remember, real estate is still local — we're happy to shed some light on how our area’s market is looking this year.