Category Gigi’s Blog

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology often takes precedence over face-to-face interactions, fostering a sense of community spirit has become more important than ever. Hosting a community event is a fantastic way to bring people together, strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. In this month’s eReport, we’re excited to share some fun ideas for hosting a community event that will not only bring neighbors and friends closer but also provide tips to ensure it goes off without a hitch.

Why Host a Community Event?

Hosting a community event can serve as a catalyst for building a strong sense of community spirit and camaraderie. In our increasingly digital age, the value of genuine, in-person connections cannot be overstated...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about duct cleaning.

There are countless things that your clients need to worry about as they get ready to list their homes on the market. From making small repairs to painting the walls a neutral color, things need to be done. In the hustle and bustle of taking care of things that are immediately obvious, it’s easy to forget some of the things that are lurking beneath the walls, including the ducts. What are some of the benefits of encouraging your clients to clean the ducts before placing their homes on the market?

Get Rid of Lingering Dust and Odors

The duct system of a house is responsible for distributing all heated and cooled air coming from your HVAC system...

Thanks to L. K. Benson for sharing this blog about the big numbers.

The Washington Redskins Commanders To Be Determined recently sold for over $6 billion. Every time a sports franchise sells, the numbers get bigger, and people can’t believe the huge payout for the owner. Reviled owner Dan Snyder purchased the team back in 1999 for $800 million, which was a record at the time. Yes, $6,000,000,000 is much more than $800,000,000, but how good of an investment was it? Many unknown factors would impact the return calculation on this type of investment, like the ongoing profits of the business, the loans taken out to buy the team, etc. However, if we take that out of the equation, to grow $800 million to $6 billion over 24 years, you’d need to achieve a return of about 9% annually. 

This ...

Tips for Downsizing

In this month’s eReport, I am sharing with you some strategies on how to start the process of downsizing a home, whether it is yours or loved one’s. I am also offering a reminder to use those “good” items you had set aside as well as parting with those you only kept out of guilt. You are worth it! 

You might downsize because you are moving into a smaller home, cleaning out the home of a family member who has passed or just trying to make your home less cluttered. The rules apply for any situation.

Ask an impartial friend to help out, especially if you don’t think you can be objective about what to part with and what to keep.

Thanks to the University of Maryland/Maryland Grows this informative article on what to know before applying pesticides in your garden. Featured image: Oregon Department of Agriculture, CC.

You have a pest problem in your garden – maybe it is hungry insects feeding on your vegetables, or stubborn weeds taking over your flower patch, or fungal diseases killing your lawn. You might consider using pesticides (which include insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides), especially if the problem seems widespread or severe. How do you choose the right pesticides and apply them correctly to support a healthy and thriving garden? How do you ensure your food plants remain safe for consumption and adverse impacts on beneficial species and soil health remain minimal?

Choosing the right pestic...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros asking the question, “Do I need a new fireplace?”

Your fireplace adds beautiful warmth and ambiance to your home, but only if it is properly maintained and not a hazard to you. Whether you moved into a new home and you are concerned about how old the fireplace is or you’ve been living in the same place for decades and finally want to upgrade your current fireplace, there are some signs that you might be due for a fireplace replacement.

Strange Smells

Do you notice a burning smell any time that your fireplace is in use? Is there a lingering smell of sulfur when you are operating the fireplace? This is common in gas fireplaces that are leaking or malfunctioning. Contacting us as soon as possible is critical...

In this month’s eReport, I am sharing with you some positive news about the real estate market.

The key headlines are:

• Inventory and sales are up in some markets.
• Mortgage rates are anticipated to stabilize.
• Homeowners are flush with equity.

I also encourage you to watch the online broadcast, “Brian Buffini’s Bold Predictions 2023: Mid-Year Update” for further expert insights as well as projections regarding mortgage rates.

In addition, if you need help buying or selling a home, or know someone who does, please contact me.
Oh, by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals.

Thanks to L. K. Benson for sharing this blog about the 2023 Q2 Market.

The second quarter of 2023 continued the strong stock market performance that began in the fourth quarter of 2022. After a 20% decline from January-September of 2022, the S&P 500 has now posted positive quarterly returns of 7.6%, 7.5%, and 8.7% over the past three quarters. The tech-heavy NASDAQ 100 index bounced back from a 32% decline in 2022 to post the strongest first half on record, with a 39% return in the first six months of 2023.

Small-cap US stocks and developed market international stocks lagged US large-caps but still posted returns of 5% and 3%, respectively. Real Estate and Emerging Market stocks were up about 1% in the quarter...