Month: August 2023
Email for Week of August 28, 2028
subject line: Design Trends For The Home
Ready to give your home an update? Here are some new design trends to keep in mind when making those upgrades.
Wood floors are still here to stay when it comes to home trends, but the shift is in the shade of wood. A darker wood was once more popular, but it seems that a lighter wood is the new trend and in a wider plank around 5 to 7 inches in width.
People are also looking for a simpler trim style and moving away from the crown molding.
While white kitchen cabinets have been very popular the new trend is going toward a more colorful kitchen with darker colors on the cabinets. Darker colors for lower cabinets and lighter upper cabinets are being seen a lot in new kitchen designs as well.
According to some home designers, a few other trends that we will be seeing more of will be bare brick walls and more color throughout the entire home, not just in the kitchen.
Lighting will always be an important feature in the home. Many are leaning toward more unique types of lighting to add more personality and style to the home. Vintage fixtures continue to be a popular option. When it comes to lighting don’t be afraid to mix metals. All the fixtures in your home do not have to match.
Another trend is the use of more natural elements in the home with an emphasis on wood being used throughout. In addition, accessories to make the home feel more cozy such as faux fur throws.
Minimalism is not just for the millennials, many are leaning toward less clutter and decorating with items that have a purpose.
Of course, you don’t want to make decisions simply based on a trend. Your home is your oasis. It should make you feel comfortable and relaxed so choose items and materials that you like and that you will enjoy for years to come.
Keep function in mind as well. While some trends may look nice, they may not be practical for everyone.
Warmly,
XXXXX
Email for Week of August 21, 2023
subject line: How To Make A Smart Donation
Making a charitable donation has many benefits, it helps make a positive impact in the lives of others, you feel good about giving and it can be tax deductible. Here are few steps to help you with your philanthropic endeavors.
1. Determine a cause you care about: What impact do you want to make? Helping animals, veterans, children, international missions, etc.
2. Do your research: Before deciding to give to an organization do some research on where your money goes.
What percentage of their budget is spent on administrative costs?
Charitynavigator.org is a great website full of information on charities and their transparency with their funds. Guidestar.org is another website that provides you with information on charities and has a rating system to help you understand which charities are the most transparent with their funds.
How effective is the organization?
The organization may be supporting a cause you care about but are they actually making a difference? Look at their statistics- depending on the cause it’s not all about the numbers it may be more about their success rate.
Are they tax deductible?
To determine if the organization you would like to give to is tax deductible visit the IRS website. There is a tool on their site called Exempt Organizations Select Check. This is a search tool that enables you to search for an organization and review information about their federal tax status and filings. Here is the direct link to this tool: www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organizations-select-check.
Warmly,
XXXXX
(This article is not intended to provide you with tax advice. Consult with your CPA for any questions regarding your tax deductions and charitable giving).
Email for Week of August 14, 2023
subject line: A New Twist On Camping
For a new twist on the average camping trip why not try renting an old Forest Service cabin or lookout tower? The Forest Service has many cabins and towers available for rent across the United States. These were once used by the Forest Service to spot fires and are now available for the public to rent. For the adventurous spirit these towers and cabins are the perfect fit. Each tower and cabin is unique. So make sure you do your research before booking one. These book quickly, plan in advance and book your stay as soon as you can.
These lookout towers typically have rustic sleeping arrangements such as cots and some form of primitive cooking set up. There is usually no power, water or bedding. Again, this does vary based on the location you choose to rent. These details are listed on the recreation.gov website.
So how do you rent a lookout tower, cabin or other camping spot?
Go to www.recreation.gov. Click on the Find Places and Activities, tab, select Campgrounds and in the search box you can enter the state, city, general area you are looking to go camping in- for example you could search: Look out Towers Montana and a list will populate with options that fit your search criteria.
From there you can review the amenities and fees for each of the options. Most look out towers rent for about $25 to $100 a night. Each area will offer its own unique opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Warmly,
XXXXX
Disclaimer: Travel is personal and each individual’s goals and experiences may differ. This article is merely a recommendation and the author cannot be held responsible for the outcome of your vacation.
Email for Week of August 7, 2023
subject line: What Might Cause your home Not to Sell
How to ensure your home sells for the highest realistic price and what might cause it not to sell
Selling a home can be confusing. Why? Because you’re bombarded with misleading information, confusing claims, and bad advice from family and friends that aren’t accountable or responsible to you for the advice they give. This is why it is important to seek the advice of a wise real estate advisor. If you are thinking of selling your home, included in this issue are questions to ask the real estate agent you choose to consult with.
What Stops Homes from Selling?
- The marketing materials are not appropriate or properly customized.
- The agent does not have a well-organized strategy to showcase the home to its best advantage.
- The initial price is not accurate.
- The home isn’t shown properly.
- The photography and staging are not done properly.
- The agent doesn’t effectively communicate market changes and feedback from other showings.
- The agent is passive vs. active in marketing the home to find buyers.
If you are thinking of selling your home, reply to this email to schedule a complimentary pre-marketing consultation.
Warmly,
XXXXX
For Real Estate Advice that pertains to financial, legal, or tax related information contact the professionals in those fields. The practice of Real Estate representation can vary by state. Ask your Real Estate Representative for agency information pertaining to your state and company.