Realty Executives Premier Recognized as “Brokerage of the Month” for February 2018

When Realty Executives Premier in Valparaiso, Indiana first opened its doors in 2008, Broker/Owners Mike and Pam Tezak led the firm of just four agents with a big vision: set out to redefine the business of real estate in northwest Indiana. They knew they would have to go toe-to-toe with several older and larger brands, and they believed they could do it better.

Today, with over 50 real estate professionals across two office locations serving buyers and sellers throughout northwest Indiana, the Tezaks are seeing their goals realized one by one, year after year.  The leading firm is on the cutting edge, making use of tech like virtual floor time and video marketing, and bringing local expertise to clients spanning Lake and Porter Counties all the way to LaPorte County. Realty Executives Premier is Realty Executives International’s Brokerage of the Month for February 2018 — yet another measure of the team’s success and leadership across a global real estate brand. Continue reading

Health Hazards in Your Bathroom and How to Avoid Them

Your home’s bathroom should be a place of relaxation and peace. Yet, there are many potential hazards that could affect this environment and pose hazardous health risks. These are some of the most common and how you can avoid them.

Slippery Surfaces

Those shiny floors might achieve the modern bathroom style you’re going for, but they can also be very dangerous. Slip and falls are a serious health hazard and may be prevented by installing non-slip flooring material. If you purchased your home with slippery flooring materials and you are not yet ready to renovate, consider investing in quality rubber-backed bathroom mats. Place them in especially slippery places, such as in front of the shower and bathtub. Continue reading

Considerations for Buying a Multi-Generational Home

According to Forbes, multi-generational living is on the rise and an estimated 60.6 million Americans are currently living in a multi-generational household. In Canada, recent census studies show households of three or more generations all living under one roof represent the fastest-growing household type. There are many economical and familial advantages to multi-generational living. It is important, however, to find a home that is well-suited for every member of the household. Keep these important considerations in mind when buying a multi-generational home. Continue reading

Pet Safety Tips for Homebuyers and Sellers

Although buying or selling a home can bring about exciting changes for you and your family, it can introduce stress for your four legged loved ones. As a seller, having strangers coming in and out of your house can be alarming and upsetting to your pets. As a homebuyer, you want your new home to be safe and comfortable for every member of your family – even the furry ones. Whether you’re buying your first home or getting ready to put your house on the market, these pet safety tips for homebuyers and sellers will help make the process easier on you and your pets. Continue reading

Realty Executives Cooper Spransy Recognized as “Brokerage of the Month” for January 2018

Many real estate professionals are known for supporting incredible causes in their communities. It takes a special broker to not just support a cause, but identify the overlooked needs of the most vulnerable and found an organization designed to bring lasting relief. Broker/Owner Dan Spransy of Realty Executives Cooper Spransy created Before 16 to help meet the most dire needs of children located a world away — while simultaneously paving the way for them to become part of the local community. The life changing impact Before16 has made for international orphans and the families who have welcomed them in would not be possible without the team at Realty Executives Cooper Spransy championing the cause.

This is just one of the reasons Realty Executives Cooper Spransy is Realty Executives International’s Brokerage of the Month for January 2018. The leading Madison-area firm with more than 70 real estate professionals serving Dane County, the city of Madison, and surrounding neighborhoods is celebrated for agent productivity, office culture, agent retention and recruiting — and yet continues to raise the bar and take “making a difference” to a remarkable new level.

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Creating the Perfect Indoor Garden for the Home Chef

A good chef knows that herbs and spices can make or break a dish. Growing your own plants in a garden will supply you with fresh ingredients that can take your home cooked meals to the next level.

If it’s chilly outside where you are, or if you don’t have enough space for an outdoor garden, don’t fret. You can create an indoor garden for all your cooking needs.

Popular Plant Options

The sheer number of plant options you have can be overwhelming. But for the home chef, it’s best to stick to plants and herbs that can be used for a variety of dishes.

Basil

You can buy potted basil at the grocery store, or you can choose to start from seed.

This herb is used in everything from pasta sauce to fancy cocktails, and it can be easily grown indoors. Basil loves a lot of sun, so be sure to position the pot or the container close to a sunny window. Continue reading

Spring Cleaning: High Tech vs. The Old-Fashioned Way

A good old-fashioned spring cleaning does the home, and the homeowner, good.

Some spring cleaning tasks tackled “the old-fashioned way” bring tried and true results. While other chores have a modern day, high-tech upgrade that can make your life easier. Keep reading for more options to help you accomplish some of the most popular spring cleaning tasks.

Vacuuming and Cleaning

There’s no escaping the need for vacuuming and general cleaning year-round. But spring cleaning is the time to get to hard-to-reach places and give your floors a refreshing, deeper clean. Continue reading

3 Proactive Strategies to Reach Your Homebuying Goal

Buying a new home can be a smart and satisfying financial goal. Is becoming a homeowner for the first time or finding your next dream home one of your heart’s desires? Aiming for a big picture strategy and breaking your plan into steps over time can help make your homeownership goals a reality. If you don’t see yourself making a move for quite some time but know you’d like to buy a home down the line, following are proactive steps you can take sooner rather than later, along with some ideas to keep in mind.

1. Get Your Financials In Order

Buying a home is a huge financial investment that requires planning and commitment.

Credit Score

Checking your credit score early in the process is an important step. When you apply for a loan or are looking into a mortgage for your new home, one of the first things lenders will check is your credit score. You don’t want to be surprised, stalled, or have a loan rejected because of factors impacting your credit score that you could start tackling now. Continue reading

Household Chores for Children

Parenting experts say that involving children in the execution of household chores teaches them responsibility and gives them a sense of accomplishment. It also helps cement their role in the family by helping them feel they are contributing to the household. But how young is too young to start children out with their own designated chores?  Parents ultimately know best, but experts agree that children as young as two can start learning simple tasks that help out mom or dad.  As long as each task attempted is accompanied by specific instructions, realistic expectations, and copious praise, you can teach your children these age-appropriate household chores. Continue reading

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