REFLECTING LIGHT IN EVERYDAY LIFE

If you feel yourself overwhelmed from time to time by the darkness in the world, be it from current events in the news, or personal struggles, I wanted to offer some encouragement today that might lighten the burden.

The American writer Edith Wharton once wrote, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” Even when we find ourselves with so little light to share, the one thing sure to enhance our defense against the darkness is reflecting the light we encounter. When we act as a mirror, amplifying the light, we light the way for others.

In that spirit, here are seven simple ways to cast or reflect light:

1. Send a simple, honest compliment out of the blue.

2. Give people hope through direct assistance.

3. Introduce someone to a helpful resource.

4. Provide pathways to free education and hands-on learning.

5. Introduce two of your friends who do not know one another yet.

6. Include people in efforts for common (or community) good.

7. Find opportunities to be a good listener.

The next time you despair, rouse your waning energy to attempt one of these seven small acts. Though they may not solve all of your problems, or reverse the course of the world, they will give you a lift and light your way forward.

All the best,

Valerie McConville

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR REPUTATION ON LINE

Why do so many online conversations turn toxic? What’s the best way to stay engaged with the good while steeling ourselves against the trolls? 

Here are some tips I use to protect myself and my reputation online. Maybe they’ll help you gain a little perspective, too.

In our age of nearly instantaneous communication, we find ourselves paradoxically with exponentially more opportunities to make fools of ourselves. With every Tweet, Facebook update, Instagram comment, bulk email, accidental “reply to: all,” blog post (and blog comment), we have countless opportunities to stick our feet squarely in our mouths.

What’s even more daunting is how the lack of face-to-face communication makes it easier to be outright negative. How many times have you come across blog and Facebook comments that no one in their right mind would say to someone in person?

Character and integrity matter as much as they always have, especially in the professional world of real estate. I try to keep this in mind as I interact online, and perhaps some tips I use as guidelines for civil, friendly discourse online can help you, too.

For example:

1. Ignore spam; delete and move on. Most of the time, it’s not even a human that has spammed your mailbox or blog… it’s a program, or “robot” and your effort in responding is a waste. (Like shouting into a dial tone!)

2. Do not feel compelled to respond to all negative comments. Let them hang in the air or delete them if you can’t stomach it. But don’t feel every negative comment is an occasion to speak. Remember: Engaging trolls also legitimizes them. Do you want that?

3. Do not engage in point-by-point arguments. They sap your energy and produce nothing. People aren’t interested in seeing you “dismantle” someone’s opinion online. These debates quickly turn into personal attacks that can get ugly.

4. Acknowledge differences without creating enemies. Ask yourself: How would I respond in an office meeting? An open house? Find a way to acknowledge your difference in opinion without making a fight about it.  Do you have to be “offended” by a difference of opinion? Of course not.

Staying above the storm is a mark of integrity.  It shows you know how to keep a cool head and it also gives you more authority when you do weigh in on an issue.  

I read somewhere that the Eagle is the only bird that, in order to avoid the rain, starts flying above the cloud. It’s too easy to get caught in the storm online. Choose instead to fly high! 

Feel free to email me at: valeriemcconville@gmail.com

AN ADVISOR'S DISCERNMENT

Discernment, (according to Wikipedia) is defined as “the ability to obtain sharp perceptions or to judge well (or the activity of so doing).” Furthermore “considered as a virtue, a discerning individual is considered to possess wisdom, and be of good judgement; especially so with regard to subject matter often overlooked by others.”

A byproduct of our technologically-accelerated times is the pressure to form and share opinions rapidly. Facebook posts must be reacted to, comments are written on the fly, and tweets get launched in response to issues even as they are just breaking into the news cycle. It is as if there is some unspoken fear that silence is the same as acquiescence. Silence is inaction.

Of course this is an absurd way to live one’s life. Silence is the space in which we practice discernment. More often than not, a pressured response will lead to misrepresentation or simplification of our views. Why be handcuffed by knee-jerk reactions? We must learn to admit we may not know how we feel about a subject, or what we believe is the best course of action.

As a real estate professional, my judgment is central to my effectiveness, reputation, and ability to best serve my clients. Among buyers and sellers, no small portion of my value lies in my ability to be steady, see clearly, and instill confidence while I help you navigate complex property issues. 

The next time you feel the pressure to react to an issue or commit to a stance, remember that a rash declaration or decision may ultimately work against you. More than ever we need people who place emphasis on discernment.

  

Respectfully,

Valerie McConville

DEALING WITH INEVITABLE CHANGE

Do you find yourself unsettled by uncertainty in your job, neighborhood, or housing market? Are you looking for ways to anticipate change and flow with the times? Here are some strategies to help you cope with the inevitable and prepare for “what’s next.”

These days it can feel like everything is subject to dramatic and sudden change. If you’ve found yourself unsure how to live well in the face of “technological disruption” or other macro forces in the media and the markets, perhaps some perspective will help.

Most anger and anxiety around upheaval and uncertainty comes from fear. “Where do I fit in?” “How will I adapt?” Sometimes this fear blossoms into full-blown denial. Denial includes a refusal to accept the changes happening before our eyes, an unwillingness to learn about future possibilities, and self-soothing stories which assure us that all will remain basically the same.

Instead, you might do well to enhance your mindset perspective. Here are five tactics to help you prepare:

1. Look at patterns in other areas. Though there is no “one size fits all” for radical change, there are lessons to be learned from recent history. Understanding big shifts in other industries, markets, or countries may help you get a feel for how your world may change.

2. Recognize when you’re in the echo chamber. Many established players will tell you what you want to hear: “Don’t panic, everything’s fine.” It can be alluring to listen to those voices who say “change is overblown” or “we’re in a unique industry, immune to many of the changes.”

3. Seek contrary opinions. Find out who holds different values. Listen to the arguments they have for revolutionizing the world or urging for reforms, even if it threatens your “normal.” You may disagree, but you can’t rationally evaluate your options if you keep your head in the sand.

4. Avoid catastrophizing. Catastrophizing “is an irrational thought a lot of us have in believing that something is far worse than it actually is.” (Learn more here: https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-catastrophizing/) Even sea changes take time. Many predictions are too dire and unrealistic. Don’t let your fears drive your actions. Be smarter about your feelings.

5. Don’t fall victim to excessive nostalgia. We have a tendency to romanticize and simplify the past, giving ourselves the luxury of rose-colored glasses. Take time to appreciate the upside of change. Wishing for a time machine is a sure-fire way to remain paralyzed.

Yes, adapting to these changes can be a challenge. But take heart. You are more resilient than you might realize.

WHY A HOME MAY LOOK TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Home investors are always looking to make a nice profit on the homes they flip. Sometimes this leads unscrupulous renovators to make cosmetic upgrades which hide ugly problems. Here’s how to protect yourself.

When inventory is tight and newly renovated homes are wooing prospective buyers, you need to take a step back and remember that the home you’re hunting for is a long-term investment. 

While futuristic appliances and gleaming hardwood floors may seduce you into making a quick offer, understand that there’s much more to a home than what lies on the surface.

Investors who renovate homes want to maximize their profit as quickly as possible. While many are upstanding folks, there are those out there who will cut corners in order to boost their return. Sometimes when a home is renovated, an investor will do a “lipstick flip.” Basically this means fixing up what’s cosmetic and leaving the rest as-is. Paint, flooring, appliances, fixtures… all may get a tune-up. But this doesn’t necessarily take into account foundation issues, leaks, plumbing problems, and work performed without permits.

Once buyers close on a home, they’re responsible for the home. This includes issues which may be costly to repair or remain simply unsafe for habitation. This is why it’s vitally important you take the necessary steps to protect yourself before signing off. Here are some tips to prevent the headache and heartache of a bad “lipstick flip” home:

• Do not waive the inspection. In addition to the usual areas, have inspections for exposed wiring in the attic and mold. Include a termite inspection.

• Ask for a complete list of all work done with receipts for the work. 

• For all work done, make sure the seller used a licensed contractor.

• Ensure the work on the home passed inspection and is up to code. Request a copy of the certificate of occupancy.

• Ask the seller for a current disclosure statement, as required by law.

If the seller balks at these requests, it may be necessary to pass on the home. If issues come up during inspection, you may change your mind about the home, or you may negotiate for repairs or closing credits, depending on your agent’s advice.

Don’t worry, not all flipped homes are money pits. But a trusted real estate advisor can help you be certain that you don’t get burned! Looking for a home? Connect with a real estate professional today!

GET YOUR HOME READY FOR FALL

As the warm months of summer come to an end, consider these quick — but important — home maintenance tasks to finish before fall:

1. Check window seals. Examine the edges of your windows to ensure the caulk shows no gaps. You can tell if a window needs new glaze by lightly tapping the window pane. If it rattles in its frame, new glaze needs to be applied, which will save on your heating bill come fall.
2. Swap out summer plants. Transition your yard from the high maintenance flowers of summer to more hardy plants that will survive the first frost. Good plants for cool weather include pansies and garden mums. Also, now is a good time to prepare for spring blossoms, so plant your tulip and daffodil bulbs.
3. Safety check your chimney. If you have a chimney, regular maintenance is a must to ensure safety. Have it professionally cleaned and inspected this year, and don’t forget to gather enough firewood to get the season started!
4. Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Dangerous carbon monoxide leaks can lead to serious harm when a home is sealed up as it is during cold weather. House fires are most likely to occur during the cold months when people use candles, Christmas trees and fireplaces. Make sure your safety detectors are in proper working order before the cold weather arrives, and rest easy.
5. Store outdoor items. Do a clean sweep of your yard, tidying away garden hoses and patio furniture for next year. This gives your curb appeal a boost and also helps you avoid frozen hoses and moldy furniture later in the season.

Are you thinking of selling this fall? Give your local REALTOR® a call! He or she will discuss with you what else you can do to get your home ready to sell.

PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM OLD MAN WINTER

As temperatures begin to dip this fall, "winterizing" your home can stop your heating bills from going through the roof. With some basic maintenance, you'll also save yourself from expensive emergencies that can accompany the cold weather. 

Keep your house warmer, more energy efficient, and save some extra cash for holiday shopping!

1. Inspect the furnace

You don't want your furnace to be on the fritz in the dead of winter. Make sure it's in good working order before the cold weather hits. A strong smell is natural when you first turn the furnace on. But lingering odors can signal a problem. A heating professional can also check your furnace and make sure it's running safely, replace filters, clean the motor, and fix anything that's broken.

2. Reverse the fan

During winter, the warm air generated by your heating system rises to the ceiling while cooler air sinks. Reversing the fan direction draws the cooler air upwards, forcing the warmer air near the ceiling back down into the living space. Keeping the warm air where it's needed means you can turn the temperature down a few notches, stay comfortable, and save money.

3. Wrap the pipes

A burst pipe caused by a winter freeze can be a nightmare. Make sure all piping that runs through unheated portions of the house....crawlspaces, basements or garages....is properly kept insulated with fiberglass insulation or foam rubber sleeves, available at the hardware store. Drain you garden hoses and make sure you know exactly where the turnoff valve is for your water mains in case you need to shut it off during an emergency.

4. Deal with drafts

Inspect for drafts underneath doors and windows....it's easiest on chillier fall days. For doors, put a draft snake or rolled up towel across the bottom. If you have leaks near your windows, use weatherresistant caulk on the outside. Use masonry sealer for brick areas. You should also check for leaks where pipes and wires exit your foundation. Next, inspect ventilation ducts for cracks and separations, as vast amounts of heating can escape through gaps in the duct work.

5. Clean those gutters

Clogged gutters can cause ice dams on your roof, blocking the melting snow and causing water to seep in and damage your house. Clear the gutters of dead leaves and debris to help rain and snow drain easily.