Author Archives: Frank Atrash

Rid Your Home of Common Household Pests

Are you among the 53% of homeowners who are concerned about pest damage to their homes and property?*

Pest infestations not only cause damage to your home, but treating them can leave a dent in your wallet. That’s why it’s important to prevent the pests from getting comfortable in the first place.

This information linked below is to help you prevent pests from invading your home. The piece provides an overview of the five most common pests found in the home, and offers suggestions to keep them at bay using plants and items found around the house. Of course, if you have an infestation, it’s best to call the exterminator to prevent you from having to make costly repairs.

Access Link here: Pests!!   and here: Plants that Help Fight Pests

Pass this information on to your family and friends to help them rid their homes of insects and other vermin.

*Source: National Pest Management Association

Keep Your Car in Top Condition with These Helpful Gadgets

Car repairs are often unexpected and can leave your wallet feeling a lot lighter. Luckily, technology is available that helps you read your car’s computer codes as well as stay on top of its maintenance.

This month I’m including information about a few of these gadgets, which plug into the port located near your car’s steering wheel. They not only tell you why your “check engine” light went on; they’ll also track your gas mileage and remind you that it’s time to service your car engine. Additionally, page two features five tips to help you keep your vehicle in top shape, even as it racks up more miles.

Gadgets for your Car   and  Apps for your car

Pass this information on to your family and friends to help them get more miles out of their vehicles.

“Happiness is a form of courage.” -Holbrook Jackson

Happiness is more than a state of mind. It has an impact on your health, relationships, career, and perspective, and may even affect the way you handle the big and small challenges that pop up. The happiest people have developed the habits and relationships to live a full life.

 This month I’m talking about information that will help you live a happier life. The information is based on research conducted by Dan Buettner, who studied the secrets of the happiest cultures around the world.* Page one outlines five ways to boost your happiness level, from surrounding yourself with happy people to taking charge of your finances. Page two provides five benefits of happiness and a few tips to incorporate into your daily life. Decide to be happy and begin to live a better life today. Access here: HAPPINESS NOW!

For bonus material on “8 Ways To Reduce Stress” access here: STRESS-WHAT’S THAT!

Help your family and friends cultivate happy, healthy lives and share this information with them.

Give your yard a total makeover

Even if you don’t have plans to sell your house any time soon, a well-maintained yard can improve the value of your property by as much as 15%.*

Take advantage of the sunshine and the longer days to give your landscape a fresh look. The information I’m sending along this month will help you get started. Page one offers useful tips that are sure to make your yard the star of your neighborhood, while page two delves into a few new trends that you may want to incorporate into your current landscape.

Access here: Landscape Renovation!  and Go Organic!

Pass along this information to family and friends to help them renovate their landscapes and boost the curb appeal of their homes.

*Source: Realestate.com

Thinking of renovating?

Although many homeowners take on small renovation projects themselves, they often hire contractors to work on larger projects, including kitchen or bathroom overhauls and home additions. Regardless of the project, finding the right person for the job can be a challenge.

This month’s information includes tips to help you hire the right contractor for your next home renovation project. In addition to offering tips intended to help you narrow down your list of contractors, the piece also provides several questions to ask the contractors you’re considering as well as the crucial details that should be included on the agreement with your selected contractor. Although the piece focuses on hiring a contractor, the tips provide a basic outline of things to consider if you’re hiring any type of building professional or tradesperson for a home project.  Read here: The Right Contractor!  and more here: Use a Pro!

If you’re considering a home renovation, give me a call. I can refer you to reputable contractors and tradespeople in our local area or advise you on renovations that may increase your home’s value.

Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Maintaining your home’s curb appeal has never been more important than now because many homebuyers begin their home search online. After all, once potential buyers see a home they like online, they’re more likely to schedule a showing or drive by the property to see the home in person.

This month, this information is intended to help you improve your home’s curb appeal, including eight tips designed to make the home’s exterior and landscape appear more attractive to potential buyers. Access here: CURB APPEAL

Not thinking of selling right now? These tips will also help you maintain your biggest investment—your home—and make it the pride of your neighborhood, until the day you decide to list.

If you’re thinking of listing your home this spring, give me a call! Even if you’re not thinking of listing now, I can offer tips to help you improve your home’s value and connect you with reputable service professionals in my network who can help.

Boost Your Credit This Year

Good credit pays off. Even if you’re not planning to borrow money to make a large purchase, good credit may qualify you for better insurance rates, help you avoid paying security deposits when you sign up for new cell phone service or even help you negotiate a better rate on a vacation rental.

The information in this month’s post not only outlines some of the benefits of great credit, it also provides ways to improve it. Page one delves into eight benefits of having good credit, from qualifying for lower interest rates on loans and credit cards to improving your chances of getting a great job. Page two provides five tips to help you improve your credit score. Read them here:  Better Credit!   If your credit is already great, the tips will help you ensure it remains high.

If your credit is already stellar, feel free to pass this information along to someone else who may benefit. This information is intended to help make financial goals more achievable.

Take the stress out of tax time this year

Albert Einstein once said, “The hardest thing in the world to understand is income tax.” Luckily, tax preparers and DIY tax software take much of the mystery out of the process. Whether you prepare your taxes yourself or send them to a professional, it’s still important to collect and sort your information, including any changes in status or economics that occurred during the year.

The information I’m sending this month is intended to prepare you for tax time. Page one provides a list of financial details you may need to gather ahead of time to make the process easier,  as well as some tips to help you get your refund faster. Page two outlines steps to take to help you protect your identity from thieves who wish to gain access to your information.

Access here: TAX HELP

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of preparation, the process becomes a breeze.

For some extra information on how the new Tax Laws will affect you, click on the following links:

First Time Owners and FIrst Time Buyer Example

Home Sellers and Home Owners

Check out my newest exciting Listing under the Listings Tab!

 

 

How Do You Secure Your Information Following Theft?

As more people rely on the internet to shop, bank, file taxes and more, thieves are finding more ways to steal personal information. While many people take the necessary precautions to keep their details safe, thieves may still be able to attain personal information by hacking into the systems of larger businesses. How can you make sure you’re secure and what steps can you take if your information is stolen?

This month, I’m digging deeper into the topic of identity theft, specifically discussing the rise of data breaches. Sometimes, despite your best efforts to protect your identity, you may still be compromised—as the 143 million people impacted by the Equifax data breach learned. Page one outlines what to do if you learn you’re the victim of a data breach, from monitoring your credit reports and accounts to placing fraud alerts and freezes on your credit file to prevent thieves from using what was stolen. Page two outlines the specific steps to take if your banking and credit card information or driver’s license information has been stolen.

Read here: Identity Theft!

Although the thought of a thief having access to your online identity is frightening, this piece is intended to empower you to take control should you ever find yourself in the position where your information has been compromised.

Check out my two new Listings and call me if you or someone you know would like more information on these great properties.

Bay Park:      http://1345violastreet.epropertysites.com/

Take the Stress Out of Holiday Travel

Happy Holidays!

The holidays are a special time of year to spend with friends and loved ones. Holidays are also the busiest travel times, which can make getting to your destination stressful. However, there are things you can do to make it easier.

This month’s information is intended to take the stress out of traveling during this season. Whether your trip is already planned or you’re searching for last-minute deals, this piece offers tips to help you reduce the stress of flying or driving. Additionally, I share important advice on how to stay healthy and how to ease traveling with small children or pets.

Access here: Stress Reduces

Don’t let the stress of traveling dim your holiday spirit; follow these tips and you’ll arrive at your destination happy, healthy and ready to celebrate with your loved ones.

My sincere wishes to you and your family over the holiday season. Click here for: My Family’s Holiday Wishes!