Decking the Halls Safely

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With the passing of Thanksgiving, it’s now time for us to focus on Christmastime.  In my home we’re putting up the Christmas tree and decorating, getting into the Christmas spirit.

I always love how our home looks and feels after all the decorations are put up.  However, it’s quite a hassle to bring everything down from the attic, check, untangle and test the lights, sort the bulbs, and plan where to put the tree and other decor.  But to protect my investments (family and home), it’s worth it.

Also, with all the twinkling lights, ladder-climbing, cords, and extensions everywhere, we must always keep safety in mind.   During the holidays thousands of people are treated at hospitals and other emergency facilities for cuts, shock, and falls from hanging lights, and insurance companies report millions of dollars in property loss due to fires involving Christmas trees.

How Can We Reduce the Risk?

Here are a few tips that will reduce and minimize emergencies in our homes.  When purchasing an artificial tree, make sure that it is flame resistant (won’t burn easily) and keep extinguishers nearby just in case.  If you are purchasing a live tree, look for a fresh, green tree that won’t lose many of its needles.  Also, location of the tree is very important.  Keep them away from radiators, fireplaces, and avoid blocking exits.

Lighting, such as Christmas lights and candles, can pose problems as well.  Strung lights that have loose or frayed cords or broken bulbs should be thrown away.  If you’re not at home or going to bed for the night, all lights need to be turned off and candles blown out.  It’s very important to note that all lighters or matches should not be within in reach (or sight) of children.  Not only should we secure our lighting, but our ladders as well.  Use a hefty, sturdy ladder and have a spotter nearby for added safety.

While doing all these things, have a good time with family and make memories to laugh and smile over.  Avoid making memories that leave us with regret.

Related articles

• Safety of Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Trees (christmastreeforme.com)
• Concord couple decks the halls with thousands of Christmas lights (charlotte.news14.com)
• Deck the Halls – Holiday Decorating Safety Tips – Rent.com | The Shared Wall (rent.com)

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Small Business Saturday ’12

(Photo Source: Wake Forest Downtown)

In support of our small businesses everywhere, Small Business Saturday, was created to show appreciation for all that small business owners do for our communities. Supporting such businesses also boosts our local economies.

Personally, I will be shopping downtown Wake Forest today – home to so many great small businesses with a unique collection of goods. It offers coffee shops, art studios, cafes, and many other appealing boutiques.

The downtown area of Wake Forest is beautiful and contains that friendly feel of being among family. It is my hope that you would go out within your communities as well to support Small Business Saturday. Let’s create long lines and pour into our communities with patronism. Small businesses are the backbones of our communities and we need to give back to them. Happy shopping!

Related articles

• Consumers encouraged to shop local on Small Business Saturday (examiner.com)

Real Estate’s Black Friday

(Photo Source: Google Image)

We all know the biggest shopping day of  the year is the day after Thanksgiving.  I’m no stranger to Black Friday deals and lines.  I do believe that when great opportunities come along, I must pursue them.  The same is true for most of us.  We like to invest wisely.

Well, the same can be said about the housing market this time of year.  Now is a great time to buy or sell.  Generally around the holidays and winter months, real estate sales are down; however, I’m finding that in my neck of the woods, our real estate market in and around Raleigh, NC is remaining steady.

FOR SELLERS

If you’re considering to put your house on the market, now is a great time.  Buyers are still out there ready to invest.  Also, inventory is down (less competition) so that elevates your chances of selling and getting more attention.  Interest rates are low so buyers are looking to take advantage of great rates.  Just like Black Friday deals, the holiday season is a prime time to market  incentives on your listing, such as a home warranty, allowances, or closing cost assistance.

FOR BUYERS

Just like there are incentives for sellers to sell, there are terrific opportunities for buyers still.  Interest rates – I cannot stress how low they are!!  Interest rates for me are incentive enough!  But there’s more that I would like to mention.  When considering buying versus renting, buying is the better way to go in most instances because the price of rentals are rising.  Also, I’m seeing great incentives for buyers from  sellers – allowances, closing cost assistance, home warranty, upgrades, just to name a few.  Moreover, new home construction sites are offering cash and prizes as incentives to agents and their buyers for investments before the end of the year.

BOTTOM LINE

As with retail sales, real estate has incentives as well during this time of year!  Fortunately enough, the housing market offers excellent opportunities not limited to just a day, but trends that have been consistent and will hold steady for the days and months ahead.

Thankful for My Clients

(Source of Photo: Google Image)

It’s Thanksgiving Eve, and I’m reflecting on all that I’m thankful for – wonderful, loving family and friends, great health, and so much more. With this blog, however, I would like to focus on my great clients.

I have been so blessed over the years as a real estate agent to work with and to get to know lots of great, deserving families. I can attest to the fact that with each transaction, relationships have been built that will last a lifetime. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with great people, helping them achieve their real estate goals and dreams.

I’ve watched your children grow and graduate and treated them as if they were my own. Likewise, you’ve watched my children grow because not only were we in a business transaction, but a relationship – with each family like my family. Thank you for choosing me to share in the purchase of your biggest investments. I’m also grateful for the many referrals that you’ve sent my way. I cannot thank you all enough as they account for the biggest portion of my business. Your referrals are the lifeline of my business and I couldn’t have been successful this year without your partnership and support. With that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! May God continue to bless each of you richly.

Thessalonians 5:18

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Home Prices on the Rise

National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that home prices are slowly on the rise as of October 2012.

Related articles

• Home sales climb 2% in October (money.cnn.com)
• NAR Economist: Home Prices to Rise 15% in 3 Years (blogs.wsj.com)

 

Simply Thankful

Real Estate (Photo credit: wvhomes)

It feels wonderful to be back blogging again. I’ve been on hiatus from a very busy year, in which I’m simply thankful for, and I haven’t had the time to post.

It has been a very prosperous year for  my clients.  My sellers have been able to have their home values preserved, buyers have been enjoying low rates and lots of inventory, and I’ve been active in quite a few bidding wars and multiple offers.

It’s great to report that business has been good, homes have been selling, and buyers have been buying.  For this and so many other things, I am truly grateful.

Even with the approach of the holiday season, the real estate market in Raleigh, NC and surrounding areas  remain promising and steady.  Home values are increasing, rates are still at an all-time low, inventory is shrinking, and the cost to rent is climbing.

Yep!  I’ve decided that my hiatus is over.  Even though things have picked up for me tremendously,  I need to get back to sharing my experiences as a  professional real estate agent, licensed in the state of NC who works deep in trenches, with all who will listen.  Please feel free to visit my website!

Related articles

• Top Reasons to be Thankful for Today’s Real Estate Market (connecttimes.com)
• Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers | Part 1 (armlsblog.com)

The Investments Cycle

This image was taken from the KCM Blog. I believe it speaks for itself.