Resources for Renting Out Property

With the current pandemic and every changing real estate landscape maybe 2021 will be your opportune time to invest in real property.  My guest blogger Patrick Young wrote this very informative blog post with many great links explaining and detailing the steps to consider before making this large investment.  

If you are a serious investor I recommend speaking to a real estate agent as well as financial professionals including a tax advisor and financial planner before jumping in to the market.  I am always available to work with you to start this journey.  

I thank Patrick for this post.  Enjoy!!

 

Owning rental property can be very lucrative, but it can also be a big job. If you’re thinking of buying a property to rent out or have just gotten started, you’ll need a few resources to make the process a smooth one. Preparing a property for tenants or maintaining a vacation rental can entail various tasks, but you can make it a bit easier by getting organized with these tips. 

Finances 

Should You Create an LLC For Your Rental Property? 

Create an LLC Using a Formation Service 

Tax Deductions for Rental Property Owners 

5 IRS Rules for Renting Out Your Vacation Home 

How to Stage and Prep a Rental 

Getting the Property Ready for Viewings

Clean the Floors/Carpets 

Store Items You Don’t Need 

Upgrades 

Add a Garage or Carport 

Update the Driveway 

Landscaping 

Repairs You May Need to Make 

Getting your rental property ready to roll will take some time and effort. However, when you officially have everything squared away, you’ll attract renters to your home in no time! 

Connect with experienced and talented realtor Wendy Bornstein of Coldwell Banker is available to find your next home! Click here or call 781-444-7400. 

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It is important to have the right professionals in place for each step of the home buying process.  I am always happy to introduce my clients to both reputable lenders, tax and financial advisors and legal counsel.  If you would like more information please feel free to contact me.

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham. She is available to help sellers prepare for the prospect of selling a home either virtually or in person.  For more information please email her at wendy.bornstein@nemoves.com or check her website at www.wendybcb.com.

Title Insurance- what is it and why is it needed?

 Property Deeds

When one sells or buys real property it must have a clean and clear title.  After reading an article in today's Boston Globe I thought I would blog about what this means.  The heading on the article in the business section was "Can you help me get my $20,000 back".  The subject of discussion was about a couple who learned the hard way that there was a cloud on the title of a condo they were in process of selling.  The mortgage on the condo had transferred to a few different financial institutions since issuance and although paid off the record of discharge had not been properly assigned.  Due to numerous changing of hands between the final lending institutions the paper trail got lost and was not realized.  This made the sale process extremely difficult until resolution several stressful months later. For more details click here.  

For those new to the housing market you may be asking what is Title?:

Title is the legal document that identifies the owner of given property.  It establishes legal ownership of real or personal property. Title Insurance protects the owner from anyone who may try to take the property.  When there is a transfer of ownership from one owner to another or when an owner finances a property the lender will have a lien on the title until the mortgage is paid in full.  The Massachusetts Government website provides very useful information on title insurance recommendations and requirements here.  In the situation mentioned the mortgage was paid in full but the documentation did not reflect this discharge.

Now lets explain what a Deed is: A Property deed is the written document used to transfer real estate from a seller (grantor) to a buyer (grantee).  This document is prepared as part of the closing process when a home is sold and will be initiated by the lender.  The deed for the above transfer could not be completed without the bank discharge.  Realtor.com explains the process of this in more detail. There are five primary types of deeds.

Lastly Title Insurance is important to protect the owner against any financial challenge to the rights to a Title.  A home owner can buy a title insurance policy for a few hundred dollars to guarentee they are buying a title that is free and clear from another parties claims. In the situation above I am not sure if title insurance would have made a difference for a clerical error. In other instances where this is a true defect or falsification on the title the insurance would mitigate financial risk.  A defect on the title is called a cloud. Claims may include a tax or mechanics lien against a property. In rare instances someone may forge a deed to falsely transfer the property to another owner without the owners awareness. Attached is a link to learn more about the necessary steps to protect ones property assets  click here. 

It is important to have the right professionals in place for each step of the home buying process.  I am always happy to introduce my clients to both reputable lenders and legal counsel.    If you would like more information please feel free to contact me.

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham. She is available to help sellers prepare for the prospect of selling a home either virtually or in person.  For more information please email her at wendy.bornstein@nemoves.com or check her website at www.wendybcb.com.

Wendy’s Weekend Adventure Falmouth Center

Thinking of moving? Now is a great time to repurpose Covid Fatigue to Prepare Your Home.

The real estate market is HOT in suburban and non-urban areas particularly since the onset of the covid-19 pandemic. This is a great time to sell or at least prepare your property if you are thinking of a near future move.  Since most of us are homebound over the next few months I thought I would share some steps you can take to get started.  Instead of succumbing to Covid fatigue perhaps this project will re-energize you.  

Take this opportunity to declutter, organize and fix up your space if needed. The goal will be to present the property as being well maintained. While it may be tempting to do a renovation or remodel, a renovation should only be done if the seller plans to stay in the home longer term to enjoy it. In general this cost will not be recuperated from the buyer. 

I always recommend minimal spending on home renovations unless there is a repair that will become a potential issue during an inspection.   Spend money wisely on cosmetic items that will give the home a fresh feel. 

If you have structural repairs that are of concern these should always be addressed as they will need to be disclosed by a seller.  While most of us are at home this is a great time to get estimates on needed repairs. You may be able to schedule these while working from home.  (Of note, Coldwell Banker offers a unique program called RealVitalize that allows sellers the opportunity to make needed repairs without upfronting the payment.  The settlement of the cost will be taken out of the proceeds of the sale.)  

More often than not there are many simple things a seller can do to prepare the property for sale on his or her own. Keep in mind that there is only one opportunity for a first impression, so you want to make it a good one. Why not take advantage of the time you have now to get started?

Curb appeal is key.  A seller should spruce up landscaping as well as exterior home features.  Touch up paint on home trim, door, outside lighting and the mail box will signal that the outside is well maintained.  Also it may be a good idea to buy a new welcome mat and check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling, and reseal if possible as well. .

Depending on the season or where you live you may want to trim hedges, clean the yard and plant bright flowers during spring time, keep lawn well watered in the summer, rake leaves in fall and keep outside walks clear during winter months.   

Inside the most important first step will be to declutter.  I recommend going through each room and determine which items you no longer need. The key is to show the property in the best possible light without distractions. Once decluttered go through each room and look for cosmetic items you can easier fix up to make the home feel fresh and clean.  

Some easy ideas may include cleaning all appliances, replacing any old worn or broken cabinet knobs and door fixtures. Also you may want to buy new guest towels and a a shower curtain to spruce up the bath.  Remember first impressions count and you want to do what you can to make a best first look.  Need more suggestions?  Feel free to reach out.

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham. She is available to help sellers prepare for the prospect of selling a home either virtually or in person.  For more information please email her at wendy.bornstein@nemoves.com or check her website at www.wendybcb.com.

We need to have some Crucial Conversations

Two years ago I read a book called Crucial Conversations. The book was published almost 10 years ago and has had a few updates and supplemental editions. Since reading it I have referenced it as a Bible to help with my interpersonal communication skills. The thesis of this book is that we all need to communicate better in our approach to business and personal confrontations particularly when the stakes may be high for both sides. Most of us build a wall of defense around us because we are insecure and afraid. We become reactive to comments or actions that we think may hurt us. We build a protective shield around us and often turn to anger or disengagement when we presume the other party challenges our beliefs. (Of note, I just bought the updated summary edition above today.)

Trump has figured out how to market to these fears. About 50% of Americans are increasingly becoming afraid of their shadows and buy into xenophobia of anyone perceived as not being like them. Instead of embracing different perspectives Trump fires or removes any opposition. There is no respect for differing perspectives and instead dehumanizing tweets make many afraid to speak up to his behavior. Trump pampers these fears and persuades his followers to believe he alone is the savior. To those who are insecure it is easier to follow along and remain complicit. The MAGA group identity they share provides a false sense of security.

The book Crucial Conversations teaches us how to break this wall. By learning how to understand the trigger points that cause fear we can learn how to engage the other party in meaningful conversations that will lead to conflict resolution or the issue at hand. Instead of continuing the pattern of stoking fear it is better to identify these trigger points and allow the other party to openly share their concerns. This is easy to do simply by asking a few opening questions that express an empathetic tone. Then one can address these concerns by listening and then reframing them to find a way to resolve and move forward.

I recently took a real estate course called "Owning Objections" to improve my own negotiation skills. Many of the concepts I learned in this class were similar. We need to develop the ability to listen to the other party, reframe and repeat what they are saying to understand their concerns and then figure out a method to work together to develop a solution. This requires mutual respect by each party. I would never be able to close a deal with a buyer or seller client if they weren't able to share their concerns about a property. We then develop a deal to allow both sides to feel happy with the outcome. This requires a level of maturity for the parties involved to be able to work together.

I fear for our country as many Americans have lost or have never had these skills. Many do not care to and instead thrive on angering the other side. I personally have sadly seen this on Facebook with persons I know saying they love to troll and anger the "liberals." The idea behind a Democracy is to be able to work together to resolve our issues. The ideology of trumpism is to divide by red and blue and focus on winning by a loyal base only. We can't continue with this diviseness if we truly are "The United States of America".  

I am still hopeful for a Biden win in the final count however he needs to have a team that is willing to work with him. This requires us to work together as a country. Last night Biden said we need to keep the faith. Let's all "Keep the faith" and try harder to have the needed crucial conversations in our lives.

addedumhttp://www.executiverecom/infographics/Crucial_Conversations_2334C.pdf

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.

She enjoys coffee, walking her dog, theater/arts, reading, writing, travel and meeting new people.  She is happiest when she can bring her clients together with a deal that makes both sides happy and always welcomes referrals.  Check out her website at www.wendybcb.com or her fb page @wendybcb as she posts up to date content to meet the ever changing marketplace.  

One Day More-Please vote BLUE

I raised my family in a pretty conservative leaning town.  When my kids were in middle and high school (2002-2013 years) we would record comedy shows like SNL and allow them to watch these circumstancially after a full vetting .   My son, who is now over 30 had a few friends and in particular one mom who told us she would not allow her son to visit our home if they watched SNL.   I guess we were considered the "Liberals" in town although we were much stricter about partying and inappropriate risky behaviors.  

Since this time my kids have grown up and moved out.  I still live in a conservative leaning town.  I have not changed and suspect these same neighbors would react the same today.  One thing that has changed is the age of Trumpism.  These folks watch shows like Fox News and welcome what is said as being Patriotic.  They welcome vile language in defense of their president.   In a reverse world I would not allow my kids to watch Fox News or the right wing shows they watch on their TVs. 

These same so called conservatives suddenly are blind to trumps rhetoric and illicit behavior.  They witness his constant lies, misinformation and obscenities.  They are complicit to his bullying and the encouragement of violence or terroristic tactics of his opponents.  Some say they are happy about the economy but they don't like what he says.  It is sad that they value their personal wealth over ethics.  

This past Saturday night I watched SNL with my son who now lives in NY.  He has been staying with us since the start of the pandemic.  The last skit was a New York Musical taking place in a Times Square souvenir shop.  

This was a very clever sketch and made me pray for the last song in the skit which is the title of this blog post.  

Please vote BLUE tomorrow and lets all say ONE DAY MORE.  Lets end this now.  If you run into any problems with voting please call the hotline.  

Black and White, Blue and Red

When I grew up the color red was my favorite color.  My next favorite color was BLUE.  On the absolute spectrum I wore BLACK pants at night and during the darker months of the year and WHITE to show off my tan in the summer.  When I got married I chose a Grey/Silver and Rose as my wedding colors.  This was my solution to tying my colors to be wedding appropriate as I thought Black, White and Red were a bit stark.  The silver/grey was my neutral and the Rose, a muted RED.

Since the first time I voted I was an Independent.  I always voted for the person and not necessarily aligned my self with the party.  In most National elections I would support the Democratic candidates, however in a few rare circumstances I voted Republicans on the local State level.  

This all changed after 2016.  There is no middle ground between the Biden and Trump election.  One party stands to bring back the moral compass of this country as represented by  Tikkun Olam, the Jewish concept of healing the world.  This party is represented by BLUE.  

The other stands for power and economic gain only.  This party is represented by RED.  There is not one single item on their platform resembling a moral compass.  They are doing all they can to suppress the vote of non-trump supporters.  From total irresponsible handling of the corona virus, to gerrymandering, to environment deregulation this party just wants power.  There is not one statement I have heard that shows concern for the public well being.  At over crowded super spreader events  and trump rallies the main focus has been lies about the opposition party and minimizing the largest pandemic we have ever experienced.  Trump and his party are a health risk and menace to our well being nationwide.  He is still focused on crooked hillary.  

If you have not yet voted please do safely.  Wear a mask and social distance.  If you have questions about where to cast your ballot click here.  If you experience voter suppression please call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.  Your vote matters and your vote should be counted. 

I long for the days when we have a leader we can trust. I long for the days when we have a leader that cares about all Americans.  Until next week,  BLUE will continue to be my color of choice.  I will do all I can to vote and support the Biden/Harris campaign the next 4 days.  I will be on the absolute side of this campaign and cannot be Independent for now.  An Independent or 3rd party vote will only dilute the Biden victory.  

After the election, I hope all conversations can go back to the grey/silver zone in a future where we can all talk to each other and engage in civil conversations.  I do not like how every encounter is black or white, liberal or right wing.  But this is how it is in a trump world that feeds it self on divisiveness.  If Biden is elected he will work hard to bring this country together and end this trend.  I look forward to when I can see RED as just a color that I like and not a party that I abhor.  I will proudly polish my nails BLUE this weekend.  If you would like to help with the Biden victory please click here.    

Voting for Change is needed to "Build Back Better"

Today I listened to President Obama speaking at a community event on Systemic Racism in Philadelphia. His objective was to engage young Black voters to vote in the upcoming election. He metaphorically compared disenfranchisement of non-voters to those of us who exercise and don't see immediate results.  The gut trend may be to give up and stop exercising.  The better response would be to acknowledge that although you don't see immediate results you are developing a pattern for good health if you continue to exercise.

Voting is a right that we all need to exercise.  Although we may not see immediate results we must voice our opinions and speak up to further the conversation.  Change doesn't happen immediately.   Like exercise we often won't see immediate results but if you don't get involved or give up you won't see any results.  Change takes a long time and can only happen when it is pursued.  It requires cultivating a pattern of long term habits.  

We need the mindset of becoming involved and agreeing to make change.  If we model and get our peers to do the same we will gain further engagement.  We need to look forward to the long term and continue to exercise our rights to make change. As an advocate for change I have been drawn to the Biden/Harris campaign as I do believe they share a platform of humanity and decency that is needed desperately for our country.   

Coincidentally early this afternoon,  I had a long conversation with a new Facebook friend T. Michael Thomas.  He is the founder of a program called "The Peoples Academy".  This is the first program of its kind in the Boston area with the goal of engaging young and at risk youth to learn trade skills.   Students are taught to hold "hammers" and BUILD instead of holding "guns".  T. Michael had started this program in his home and has been working on it for over 15 years.  TPA recently broke ground to build a permanent school in Boston. This is a prime example of "Building Back Better".  He was recently featured on WCVB below and is working hard to make a difference in his community.  

Building programs such as TPA create opportunities that enhance all of our communities.  This is evidenced with the mission of the Mass Cultural Council, where I have been involved for over 10 years.  Communities grow and become safer havens when culture and innovation are brought to the local area.  This creates better economic opportunity for all of us at the grass roots level.  

Voting makes a difference.  Passion and perseverance make a difference.  We all benefit if we can work hard to vote for change and build back a better America.  We have the opportunity right now to make some changes.  Joe Biden's latest campaign ad illustrates this and the goal of becoming one America again.  We have to all exercise our voices and get everyone we know to vote.  Please join me in using your privilege to vote in the upcoming election.  We need each and every vote to count.  We all need to Build, Back, Better.  

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker.  She has also been serving as  the Chairperson for the Dover Cultural Council for her third term.  She greatest passion is working with and providing resources for her family, friends and clients to help make the world a better place.  

Wendy's Weekend Adventure: The Forbidden Path (Along New Seabury Golf C...

Due Diligence When It Matters for Real Estate Clients and Voters

As a Realtor, my role is to advocate for the best interests of my clients.   I take this fiduciary duty very seriously and am always pursuing opportunities to improve my skill set while exploring new tools to improve the client experience.  Buying real estate is a major decision for a Buyer.  As a Buyer client advocate my most important role is to guide clients in doing their "Due Diligence".  This involves having an independent home inspection of the property and if required additional inquiries for potential concerns such as Radon, Lead, Septic or other issues that may arise as well as involves researching questions that I may be unable to answer.  For a quick overview of the inspection process shared in a prior blog post click here  I think it is important to know as much as one can before making a decision that impacts one's financial and living situation.

We are now in the midst of a very important Presidential election.  The stakes of this election could not be any higher between Trump and his opponent Joe Biden.  There is a (about 40%) core base of voters who support the current president no matter what.  They are following whatever he says no matter how dishonest and harmful at the expense of the rest of us. 

There are still several undecided voters, which is a bit surprising this late in the game and I am writing this blog post to appeal to you primarily.  Do your home work.  If you want to learn about plans please go to www.JoeBiden.com.  Joe has detailed plans for COVID response, infastructure, building back the economy and much more.  Ask trump supporters what his success record and clear plans are.  For contrast can you find much on www.donaldtrump.com?    

There is much information in the news media and it is important to know your sources.  A startup company headed by Vanessa Otero has launched a project through Ad Fontes Media to identify and evaluate news sources.  She offers webinars and tools to allow readers to do their homework and decipher the media out there and offers online classes for students.  I first learned about this resource from my brother and author of the Blog, BlindspotBlog.US, Maxwell Stearns who is on her Advisory Board.  I have taken a few webinars and found them very worthwhile.  Many news outlets have been compromised and have sources that are tied to the Kremlin.  See yesterday's WSJ article which discusses some recent findings.  In addition much on Facebook is tied to fake accounts.  It is critical to find your way through the weeds.  

 I hope all voters will make their vote decision based on accurate and relevant information and not fall abyss to political pressure.  There is a lot of misleading information out there and much of it can be dangerous.  The propaganda is out there and it can be damaging.  

As a responsible American Citizen and Voter it would be irresponsible for me to encourage anyone to vote without knowing the details of the candidate (ie: covid testing, tax returns).  I BEG you to do your homework.  I BEG you to take this election seriously.  Truth Matters, Transparency matters.  If you see information regarding each candidate being surpressed ask why?  Lastly, if you need information on the voting process itself please check Plan Your Vote.

As a Realtor,  I always encourage my clients to do their homework before making a decision.  You must be your own advocate and if hiring a fiduciary representative they will work to protect your interests.  

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.  She enjoys coffee, walking her dog, theater/arts, reading, writing, travel and meeting new people.  She always welcomes the opportunity to have a virtual coffee now that we are amidst the “new normal”.  Check out her website at www.wendybcb.com or her fb page @wendybcb as she posts up to date content to meet the ever changing marketplace.

Whining, wining and Poor Richards

When I was in college in the 1980's, Thursday night was the traditional start of the weekend.  After long study halls we often headed to Poor Richard's Pub in Amherst for a little disco and drinking.  Perhaps those were the good old days.

A lot has changed since then and the challenges to our simple everyday pleasures may keep many of us on edge.  To retain some level of sanity I have sought out fun new ways to socially distance while remaining safe at home during the Covid pandemic.   

Those who know me, know I love good food and entertainment.  I also really enjoy good wine.  A glass of wine is a great way to destress and reduce "whining" while relaxing in my now daily prism. Since the start of the pandemic I have been exploring new ventures using virtual and socially distanced tools. I will share one such venture in this post.

Online wine tastings has become a big "thing" and I recently learned that I am joined by many others in this pursuit.  Since there is opportunity to buy much online these days, I recently joined the NakedWine Club , thinking I would test it out for a few months. I have since made two full orders and have enjoyed the opportunity of sampling wines from the comfort of my own living room.  

I thought I would share an article about this emerging trend. There are several online ways to join wine clubs and mine is just one.   Now is a great time to expand your horizons and have a little fun while exploring.  If you would like an invitation to join my wine club I am happy to share their promotional link (click here. ).  

As it is Thursday evening I am ready to start my weekend and hope you enjoy this post.  Comments welcome.   

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.  She enjoys coffee, walking her dog, theater/arts, reading, writing, travel and meeting new people.  She always welcomes the opportunity to have a virtual coffee now that we are amidst the “new normal”.  Check out her website at www.wendybcb.com or her fb page @wendybcb as she posts up to date content to meet the ever changing marketplace.

At Home With Diversity: How to Create An Accessible Bedroom Without Breaking The Bank

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham.  Her greatest passion is to connecting people with the right resources.  As part of this goal she is excited to share this guest blog post by Patrick Young.

How To Create An Accessible Bedroom Without Breaking The Bank

As far as rooms are concerned, the bedroom is one area of the home that’s non-negotiable. Beyond just being an area for rest, the bedroom is also a space for healing. There’s simply no place for stress in the bedroom, which is why it’s crucial to adapt it for accessibility, like the rest of your home. At the very least, it must fully support your mobility needs, while at most, your bedroom can be your personal sanctuary. Here’s how you can achieve this, and more.

Don’t scrimp on space.

Space is a huge factor in any accessible home, and this is no less true for your bedroom. Fundamentally, there must be ample room to maneuver a wheelchair or walker with ease (usually a floor space of about 5’ x 5’), as well as enough clearance (ideally 3’ to 5’) between furniture and fixtures. Per Accessible University, 10’ x 12’ is a good-sized bedroom for accessibility modifications, but this varies with personal circumstances, too.

The doorway is one feature that’s also worth considering. Again, it needs to be able to accommodate mobility aids, and while a 36-inch frame is usually enough for such a purpose, you can go as wide as 42 inches for a more seamless entry. Additionally, your door should be fitted with swing clear hinges to completely clear the entryway, as well as a lever-style handle for easier opening.

Devote more attention to your bed setup.

As the focal point of the bedroom, your bed deserves a great deal of thought. You want to be able to get in and out of bed as easily as possible, which means you’ll need to make a few key adjustments. Ideally, the top of your mattress should be roughly the same level as your wheelchair seat, which is approximately 20 to 23 inches from the floor. This is the optimum height that makes it relatively easy to go from bed to wheelchair (and vice versa), with or without assistance.

One thing that’s also worth investing in is adjustable beds. This is especially good for those who spend most of their time supine. Essentially, an adjustable bed can be adjusted in a number of ways so you can comfortably—and with little effort or assistance—adopt different positions. This is a fantastic way to reduce body pain and address circulatory issues.

The Sleep Judge notes there are more bedding and sleep solutions that you can consider, as well, such as overbed lifting poles, grab handles, and wedge supports. Some may be more appropriate for your specific disability than others, so take the time to consider your mobility needs to determine which tools work best for you.

Don’t break the bank.

Lastly, cost can be a real concern when remodeling your bedroom or home for accessibility. However, you should know that there are several financing options you can explore as your eligibility can help you easily cover the expense.

Home refinancing is one such solution, and with today’s lower interest rates, this might be your most viable option. You can also consider a VA streamline refinance if you’re a veteran with an existing VA loan. As a bonus, these loans are easy to apply for and have shorter closing periods. You could even lower your mortgage payment in the process.

In conclusion, your bedroom must be a space you can truly call your own, so take measures into making it as accessible as you need it to be. Start by acknowledging your need for sufficient space. To help with this, you should hire real estate professional Wendy Bornstein with Coldwell Banker, who recently earned her AHWD (At Home with Diversity) certification and has expertise in helping clients find the appropriate space to fit their needs. From there, it’s just a matter of fitting it with the right features and solutions. Ultimately, it’s an investment for your quality of life that simply can’t be beaten.

Thank you to Patrick for sharing his expertise and knowledge.  Since I have earned my AHWD Certification it is an honor to be able to share the blog of experts providing resources in areas beyond my knowledge base,

WendysWeekendAdventure: Woods Hole

La Shana Tova and Staying Strong Together

Tonight marks the start of the Jewish New Year of 5781. During this holiday we focus on how to make ourselves better for the year to come.  It is a time to reflect on past mistakes and the lessons we learned to build a better future.  The theme of my Temple this year is Staying Strong Together (Chazak V' Amatz).  

It is a good time to reflect on our past years experience and how we can make the year 5781 a better year for our personal and professional life.  

Coincidentally, I was watching a segment on Good Morning America this morning with entrepreneur GaryVEE on Re-Invent U. He suggested we should all practice the term "GAP" which stands for Grateful, Accountability and Perspective.  This ties in directly with the reset ideology to start a new year cycle.  I did not know much about him but found this to be very inspiring and just subscribed to listen to his podcast.  

In Gary's framework I thought I would share my reflections.

Grateful:

I found the resilience and adaptability of my company, Coldwell Banker to have been a huge benefit to my life. The Company redesigned our platforms early on in the first months of stay at home to provide the highest level of virtual service to clients.  The training is unmatchable and there are new courses offered weekly to be in the forefront of the industry.

Accountability:

I have taken advantage of numerous webinars and technologies that I am also able to bring into my daily routine such as using platforms of Zoom, Google Meet, Facebook and InstagramLive, LinkedIn, Microsoft Teams and even FaceTime to interact and share a personal interface social distancing.  In addition, I was able to improve my knowledge base and recently to earn a Certification for AHWD - At Home With Diversity. 

Perspective:  I am now able to reach more clients and have much more flexibility to serve a wider and diverse range of buyers and sellers.  My virtual tool kit is continuously being updated and I am excited to face the opportunities to share these with clients this coming year. 

These themes also can be reflected in my personal life.  I am grateful to have a nice home in the suburbs with the most needed comforts. I am also thankful to have had time to work on a few projects around the house since I have had more at home time such as my family tree.  

Adaptability has allowed me to be able to social distance adjust most of my daily needs by planning ahead when going out to keep safely social distanced and masked while avoiding crowds. At times this can be challenging.  I have also redefined my errand and shopping experience to buy more online. I have adapted my fitness routine to online yoga and pilates classes and take long walks.  I have also taken advantage of working harder to connect with people I have been out of touch with.  

Perspective: Being home has given me more opportunity to reach out and reconnect with many family and friends I had lost contact with over the years. In many ways I have learned new skills and am living a stronger healthier lifestyle.    I believe I have actually become a better cook and make almost everything from scratch with much healthier ingredients including local farm fresh vegetables, a more vegan diet and baked from scratch sourdough breads.  

The year has been challenging and many of these adapted behaviors will be the new normal until this virus is fully mitigated.  There was an informative article in Medium yesterday about the continued obstacles we will be facing as we head towards colder weather.  Basically we still need to remain vigilant and continue to 1) wear masks 2) social distance and 3) make sure we have good air infiltration.  

As we head in to the New Year it is also important to think ahead.  As I watch the upcoming Presidential campaign I believe Joe Biden's plan to BUILD BACK BETTER aligns well with the Staying Strong Together.  His plan to unify and lead our country needs to start with each of us working toward a common goal.  This can happen if we  work together as a country to defeat the virus and share goals for the common good.  I hope I can optimistically look forward to celebrating his success in the next election and will work hard to help this campaign.  

I wish all of my readers a wonderful new beginning.  I truly look forward to Staying Strong Together as we head toward the New Year.  La Shana Tova.

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham. In her free time she enjoys connecting with friends and clients,  travel, cooking and walking her dog Delilah.  She loves coffee and is happy to have a socially distanced Zoom coffee anytime.  

Wendy's Weekend Adventure: Highfield Hall and Gardens

A New Awakening to the Sad Realities of Today's America

The same story is repeated again and again.   I encourage everyone to watch the video by Doc Rivers above in reaction to the shooting of Jacob Blake.  It is quite powerful.  A white police officer suspects a black man of being a threat based on his image.  The man is held captive and shot. The white officer goes home and the black victim (Jacob Blake this week) is either seriously injured and rushed to the hospital or killed on the spot.  There are no immediate consequences for the shooter.  

Why does this keep happening?   I never truly understood the underlying roots of systematic racism until recent years and became much more aware of this since the rally in Charlottesville.  Living in a safety bubble it appeared that these incidents were isolated.  I now regretfully realize how naive I had been and that these are not isolated.  

The more I read and learn the more awakened I have become.  It becomes more apparent  that much of our history has been based on a biased foundation.  I just finished reading the book Caste by Isabel Wilkinson.  Her hypothesis discusses this in depth claiming that our country was built on a system of inequities.  At the bottom of the system are the exploited laborers who lay the foundation and served at the mercy of their superiors.  The upper castes controlled the land and the structural basis of this country.  

Although the titles of the lowest castes may change through the years,  there are laws and methods to keep exploited and economically disadvantaged groups in control of those above them.   Systems continue to manage those with lower economic power through gerrymandering, voter suppression, and unequal treatment in the eyes of many in authority positions.  

It extends to efforts to eliminate the Affordable Care Act and hurts minorities  most vulnerable to health disparities.  It extends to fair housing protections by the current administrations announcement of rolling back policies of the Fair Housing Act.  It extends to the postal service cutbacks that affect the poor, elderly and rural areas where residents depend on regular mail to get medications, important bills and payments via day to day delivery.  It extends to education where public schools in disadvantaged areas will not get funding to safely reopen during the pandemic or in general to better educate all Americans.

As the late Congressman John Lewis said:

If everyone was treated on an even playing field perhaps we could eliminate many of the problems facing our country today.  We can all do better. No one's life should never be considered a higher value than anothers.  

I am sad to be American these days.  America is in a crisis.  The current leadership is to blame for much of this.  Although inequities and divineness are cumulative the current administration is fully exploiting this to gain and retain power of their perceived dominant caste. You can witness this yourself by listening to the RNC speeches this week in contrast to the DNC speeches last week.  Clearly the current administration can not say they represent change given they have created the extreme discourse we have today. The Biden/Harris platform clearly states Enough and is much more representative of all Americans.  

I hope there will be a change in November.  We all need to stand up for what is right and vote.  We need to engage everyone we know to vote for this change.  I invite comments below.  

Wendy is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Needham. This blogpost represents her personal views only and is not affiliated with her business.  

Wendy's Weekend Adventure: GreatRiverBoatRamp

Fair Housing and Diversity

When I wrote this post I was watching the funeral of Congressman John Lewis.  Before watching it I briefly saw a recording on tweet by the current occupant of the White House highlighting an earlier speech saying he was restoring "the suburbs". This is clearly a racist message to a base of voters and something that I have zero respect for.  

In the words of the Late Congressman “If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.” 
--John Lewis

As a Realtor I have pledged to provide Fair Housing to all clients and just this past week I completed a 6 hour course on Diversity Training.  I will be earning a Certificate in the next few weeks from the National Association of Realtors specializing in "At Home with Diversity".  I care greatly for all of my clients and work hard to make anyone I engage feel respected and on equal par.  

Fair Housing extends beyond Race and Gender.  It also extends to those with Disabilities and Patrick Young is someone who is familiar with this subject.  He had recently asked me if he could write a guest post about finding accessible homes.  I am honored to be able to share this now.   I hope you find it informative and look forward to any comments after reading this.  

Tips for Finding the Right Accessible Home for You

 

Accessible homes are one of the most difficult types of homes to find. Not only are there relatively few of them on the market, but the needs of each person who needs an accessible home are different. Whether you’re a senior who is losing mobility or a younger person with a disability, you likely face unique challenges in your everyday life, which means that hunting for the perfect home can be overwhelming if not fruitless. 

However, if you take certain steps, such as broadening your search to homes that can be modified for accessibility, then you are likely to reduce your stress and get much better results. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you look for a home that meets your needs.

Come Up with a Plan 

First of all, you’ll want to research and develop a plan. This is especially important if it’s your first time through the process. The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you’ll be buying a home or building a new one. If you’re going to construct a new home, costs can vary widely based on your location, size and shape of the home, number of stories, and if any excavation is necessary. 

If you’re purchasing a home, you will want to get three  free credit reports — one each from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You will also want to research the paperwork you should prepare for lenders and keep it organized, as well as determine how much house you can afford. Moreover, be sure to look into assistance programs,  that can help you with a home purchase and/or modifications. 

Estimate the Home’s Value

If you’re trying to sell your current home, you can get a ballpark idea of what it’s worth on such sights as Zillow but when serious it is best to consult a professional realtor to create a CMA.  It’s important to remember that online estimations will not be as accurate as an appraisal or one created by someone who has been inside your property and understands the local market.  Nonetheless, it can help you determine how to market your home. 

Hire a Good Real Estate Agent 

Next, you will want to find and hire a reliable real estate agent like Wendy Bornstein to help you through the process of buying a home. It’s imperative that they know the ins and outs of the local housing market. Along with consulting your agent about any houses they might know of, you can use online listings sites to put together a lineup of houses to tour. Further, look for an agent who, like Wendy, has their  SRES designation. This ensures they have an intimate knowledge of senior housing needs, including how to choose a home for mobility and convenience. 

Draw Up a Budget for Renovations 

In most cases with accessible homes, you will need to make modifications to accommodate your lifestyle. Be sure to factor in these costs when choosing your home; the key is to find a home within your budget that needs as few changes as possible. Generally speaking, you want a home that is  structurally sound, and one-story homes with ample open space inside are ideal. 

Here are some common modifications to consider when drawing up your budget:

● Lowering cabinets and vanities

● Widening doorways and hallways

● Adding grab bars and railings throughout the home

● Adding ramps at the entrance and over thresholds ((installing an entrance ramp will typically cost $1,000 - $2,800)

● Installing a step-in tub tub

● Replacing high-pile carpet with hardwood, laminate, or linoleum floors

Consider Current and Future Needs

During your house hunt, be sure to think about the needs you have now as well as the needs you might have later on. For instance, if you suspect that your limited mobility could evolve over the years, make sure to take that into account when choosing between a one-story and two-story home or between hardwood floors and high-pile carpet. 

Knowing what to look for and implementing a few strategies can help you find the right home for your needs. Remember to start with a plan, and estimate the value of your current home so that you know how to market it.  Also, find an experienced real estate agent, include any necessary modifications in your budget, and make sure you think about any potential needs you may have in the future. Before you know it, you’ll be in the perfect accessible home!

Image via Unsplash