Category Gigi’s Blog

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...

Thanks to the University of Maryland/Maryland Grows this informative article on how to select ground covers.

Ground cover

Plants that are used as ground cover can provide great services throughout the landscape as they can fill in areas that might otherwise be left bare or covered in mulch. Ground covers can be used to help reduce maintenance chores by preserving moisture and preventing weeds. 

If you are looking for a ground cover plant, consider adding a native ground cover. Non-native ground covers and vines can be the plants of nightmares, as the characteristics that we like about them (aggressive, can take over weeds, need little care once established, etc.) are often the characteristics that make them terrible offenders when they escape into natural areas...

This month get some strategies on how to stay healthy when traveling, whether it is by car or plane. Check out my tips on sleeping well, food and water safety and easy ways to stay active.   

Before Covid, most people didn’t even think about their health when traveling. Most restrictions are gone, but the world is a different place now. Times have changed and it is more important than ever to keep yourself and your family healthy when you travel out of town.

The infographic below covers tips for healthy traveling in the Unites States or abroad. Also included are some safety reminders to make your trip the best one ever. Have a fun, healthy and restful trip this summer. (For full size version of infographic click here.)

In addition, if you need help buying or selling a ho...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about whether or not fireplaces add value to a home.

Selling the Benefits of a Fireplace

Every buyer is attracted to different amenities. This is why some of your clients look specifically for houses with pools and others immediately rule out any property with a pool. However, some features are almost universally beloved, like the fireplace. Do fireplaces add value to a property? Here’s what every real estate agent should know!

Fireplaces Add Value

Compared to other features, fireplaces offer one of the best returns on investment. Data shows that homes with fireplaces are typically listed for 13% more than the national median sales price. They also are particularly important in cold parts of the country...

Thanks to the University of Maryland/Maryland Grows this informative article on how to prevent vegetable diseases.

Vegetable Diseases

When it comes to vegetable diseases, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Many diseases can be stopped before they start with smart garden practices.

Spring rains cause spots, dots, and fuzzy blots to pop up in everyone’s vegetable patch. That’s fungi having fun. But whether our weather is wet or dry, fungi, bacteria and viruses stand ready to harm plants. 

So, how do you keep them at bay? Be informed and watchful. Look at your plants often to spot small problems before they get big and use the following tips to prevent disease problems.

If you have repeat offenders – diseases that show up year after year – look for di...

This month I am sharing some ideas on eco-friendly ways you can enhance and enjoy your outdoor living spaces this summer. Getting closer to nature can have a calming effect on everyone in the family. You can do something good for the environment while you are spending time with your family.

Whether you are working on your garden to have it look its best or buying products for your outdoor space, it’s important to be eco-friendly. Why? We want to keep this world healthy for the next generation and for many generations to come.

Reuse. Renew. Recycle.

Try to use something you already have instead of buying a new item. Freshen up or repair things you have to make it like new again. Recycle what you can so it doesn’t end up in the landfill.

Pollinators

Pollinators are so import...