Monthly Archives: February 2020

Real Estate

How to Get Your Security Deposit Back

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One of the biggest disputes among renters and landlords is the security deposit. Almost all apartment management companies or landlords require one. If a problem does arise, it usually involves the renter receiving less than the amount they thought they were entitled to.  Let’s dive into scenarios and common questions about security deposits. Specifically we will attempt to answer the question of how renters can get their entire deposit back quickly. 

What is a Security Deposit

First of all, the security deposit is your money. Its purpose is solely to be used against any damage that you cause during the rental. 

For example, if you damaged anything inside the unit that needs to be repaired, this will be deducted out of the security deposit amount.  It is not to be used for anything else. 

Some states actually require the landlord to deposit the money into a separate account. They must also report the name of the bank, and the account number to the lessee. 

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Press Release, Real Estate Agents

Realty Executives White Mountains Executive Beth Williams Helps Find Equine Sanctuary

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Finding the perfect home is already a challenge, but finding a home that can host several horses, donkeys and minis, may be one the hardest finds. That was the challenge Beth Williams of Realty Executives White Mountains faced when she was hired by Christine Griffin, founder of animal sanctuary, Equine WellBeing Rescue.

In 2012, Williams was hired by Griffin to find a property that had a family cabin along with shelter and land for the equines that were going to be cared for throughout the seasons, all at the right price. Understanding Griffin’s passion for animal rescue and the importance of their mission was key to Williams having the determination and expertise to search northern Arizona for the right home.

Equine WellBeing Rescue was founded in 2006 by Griffin in San Diego, CA before moving the non-profit to Snowflake, AZ for more affordable housing and resource costs. The equine rescue is a 501c3 public charity that provides loving rehabilitation, nursing, and hospice care for equines at risk, waiting for adoption, or with medical needs. Additionally, the charity provides community support by offering an emergency equine food fund for those in need of short-term assistance caring for their animals. They continue to work with regional, state, and national rescues to assist during disasters or emergencies while working with law enforcement agencies to help find homes for neglected or abused equines. Equine WellBeing Rescue is 100 percent volunteer based.

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Home Design

Wabi-Sabi Home Design

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If you’ve heard the term wabi-sabi, you probably aren’t sure what it is unless you’re interested in home design. 

For those who don’t know, wabi-sabi is not a type of Japanese food even though it sounds remarkably similar to wasabi. It’s actually a Japanese term and a type of Japanese home design, which has become trendy in recent years – but what defines it from other design trends?

What is Wabi-Sabi?

Basically, “wabi-sabi” is a Japanese term that means finding beauty in imperfection, which has become inspiration for a type of interior design. 

In English, “wabi” roughly translates to “rustic simplicity” or “understand elegance,” which is understood as being one with nature. “Sabi” translates to “taking pleasure in the imperfect,” which can be understood as accepting life as it is – imperfections and all. 

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Travel

Is a Tiny Home Right for You?

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Tiny homes are taking over the nation but are they right for you? If you think the answer is yes, there’s a lot to consider before making the big decision, because tiny homes, though they seem simple…may not be for everyone.

It’s important to go over all the pros and cons of living in a tiny home, because there are likely things that you haven’t even considered. Sure, a tiny house means spending less money. It also means less space and storage, and those may be two things that you find hard to live without. But first, before looking at pros and cons, what exactly is a tiny home? 

What are tiny houses?

A tiny house is exactly what it sounds like – a house that is tiny. Specifically, it’s a house that is generally 400 square feet or less that offers a non-conventional way of living. They’re small, simple, may or may not be mobile and for anyone that wants to live a simple life. Not only are they small, but they save a lot of money and are usually much more eco-friendly, which is why they have been getting so much interest. 

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Family Home, Homeowners

Introducing Yourself to Neighbors After Moving

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Dear introverts, we know it’s difficult to read this, but getting to know your neighbors and allowing them to get to know you can truly be a lifesaver. Especially if you live alone in a new neighborhood like many students and young professionals. It’s overwhelming, true, establishing that initial contact with strangers who happen to live next door. However, the benefits far outweigh the anxiety you must be feeling. Indeed, extroverted people have it easier breaking the ice in a blink of an eye. The good thing is you can learn a thing or two from them.

Know thy neighbor and the best moment to approach

First things first. Before you rent an apartment, you should explore your neighborhood online. Find a platform with building or neighborhood reviews and go through them. They will give you valuable insight into what kind of community you can expect after you move in. 

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Home Design

Five Nursery Themes for Your Growing Family

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So, you have little one on the way? This is always such an exciting time filled with a lot to do from baby showers to getting the house and family ready for a new member.

Sometimes among all of the busy schedules and preparations for a new baby, designing a nursery suddenly seems overwhelming. Not only do you have to buy furniture, such as a changing station, dresser and maybe a new crib, but you have to buy diapers, clothes, bed sheets and decor. 

However, if you plan on giving the nursery a theme, it’s important to decide on your theme before buying anything for the nursery. If you know the theme you want in advance, it’s easier to design the nursery, because you’ll already know exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to furniture, color schemes, bed sheets, blankets and more. 

To get you started on your nursery, here are five ideas to consider when deciding on a theme for your new baby’s beautiful room.

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DIY, Holidays

Valentine’s Day Decor You Can Keep Up Through the Spring

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Love is in the air and with that comes Valentine’s Day! 

Unlike Christmas or Halloween, Valentine’s Day isn’t a holiday many people spend weeks leading up to with shopping and decorations. It’s a short lived holiday. Some people may not want to spend money on decor that they’ll keep up for one or two weeks in February. 

Although Valentine’s Day may not be the biggest holiday on the calendar, that doesn’t mean it’s a holiday you can’t decorate for at all. There are plenty of Valentine’s Day decor items that can be kept up well into the spring, especially if you choose your decor items wisely.  

Wreaths and Door Decorations

It’s not uncommon for people to keep wreaths or another type of decoration on their door up year round. There are wreaths and other door decorations for every occasion and season – Christmas, winter, spring, Easter, summer and more. This includes Valentine’s Day. 

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Uncategorized

Realty Executives Edge Executives Honored by Southeast Missouri REALTORS®

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Four Executives of Realty Executives Edge (formerly Realty Executives of Cape County), of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, were recently honored by Southeast Missouri REALTORS® at the annual installation and award luncheon.  Executives Lois Long, Raelenna Ferguson, Becky Buehler and Bill Cole were among the award recipients.

Southeast Missouri REALTORS® is a local trade association that provides its members with opportunities for collaboration and cooperation in order to educate, promote growth, protect the rights of property owners, and support economic expansion in Southeast Missouri.  With over 300 REALTORS® and more than 70 affiliated businesses, the association serves Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Scott, and Perry counties.

Lois Long was awarded REALTOR® of the Year.  This award is given to a member of the association who best lives up the REALTOR® mission statement and is active in community service or volunteer work.  Long joined Realty Executives in 2012.

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Real Estate

Five Threats Facing real Estate Brokers

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As a real estate broker/owner, you have a lot on your plate… from recruiting and retaining agents, to fielding countless vendor calls a day, to attending board and MLS meetings and more. It’s overwhelming. On top of all of that, technology advancements are creating new threats you may not even know exist.

1. Innovation is Outpacing Compliance Regulations

Your documents, data, and even private agent/client conversations live online now in a way they didn’t five years ago. With this new reality comes a variety of new compliance issues to keep on your radar.

Ada Compliant Website

Make your website easier to use for visually or hearing impaired visitors by implementing small tweaks, like adding alternative text for listing photos and transcripts for audiovisual content. 

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Homeowners

5 Easy Ways to Save Big on Monthly Home Expenses

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Having a home comes with a lot of advantages, especially for the modern family. You don’t have to deal with unhappy first floor tenants when your 3-year-old is running around upstairs, there’s no aggravating landlord popping up unannounced and your family has more than enough freedom to truly make it feel like home. 

However, there’s also a lot of upkeep and all-around oversight that you have to take into account. From utility bills, monthly mortgage payments or even grocery costs, home expenses pile up quickly. If you’re looking for some easy ways to gain quick relief, test out some of these tricks to get your family’s finances in the green. 

1. Consolidate Other Debt

Oftentimes, debt can cripple our abilities to budget effectively. Other debt may be taking away from extra money to put toward your monthly home expenses. Instead of struggling to make ends meet, consider accessing the value that your home has accrued over time and start living comfortably.

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