All Things Real Estate: Protecting yourself and your home

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All Things Real Estate: Protecting yourself and your home

There are so many financial and health challenges to concern ourselves with today, it’s no wonder that more buyers are stressed and getting shut out of the market due to the doubling of rates and still very low inventory and lack of choices this year.

So many of our younger generation are depressed due to the lack of socialization caused by the pandemic and the historic once-in-a-lifetime shutdown of the world’s economy in 2020. But the pandemic appears to be somewhat in the rearview mirror, or is it? We shall see what happens during our fall and winter months when we spend greater amounts of time indoors and as additional hybrids raise their ugly heads.

One way we can create a safer environment and minimize the effect the virus has on us is if we all would consider wearing a mask indoors among large groups of people. Also, consider taking the next booster vaccine, especially if you have health conditions and are immunocompromised; and don’t forget your flu shot if you are over 50. There will always be a tiny percentage of people who will be susceptible to the potential side effects of the booster and even still get the virus afterward, too. But generally speaking, the benefit will be that you hopefully will not need hospitalization and even worse won’t die.

Also, our insidious and rampant inflation is still greatly affecting our economy here and around the globe. The Fed is doing what it has always done in the past, to solve the inflation dilemma by raising interest rates to slow everyone’s borrowing and buying, thereby attempting to check rising prices. So far that has not really worked effectively as we are still experiencing a higher 8.3% inflation.

Another important item that you should be aware of and don’t always address is the safety and security of your home. There is a multitude of systems that can control your interior and exterior lighting, video cameras, thermostats for heating and AC, notify you of any plumbing leaks that might occur while you are away and detect fire, heat, smoke, and carbon monoxide. You can also opt to have a radio dispatch directly to your local police and fire department in the event of a burglary or fire.

While you are away, the simplicity and convenience of everything can be monitored via your cell phone, too. This could save you from catastrophic and major damage to your home by immediately being aware of problems before they escalate. You may be able to cut back on other non-essential expenditures and seek out estimates to install an affordable system that will keep you and your home safer and more comfortable.

There are some companies, like ADT, that will install an upgraded modern system for free and reimburse you the $100 setup fee as long as you sign up for their monthly home monitoring service. Contact me for this special and the number to call. Others like Google Nest and SimpliSafe are other options on a Do-it-yourself platform. Once installed, notify your insurance company and there is a great opportunity for them to provide an additional discount of up to 20% on your homeowner’s insurance policy. It will not necessarily add a huge amount to the overall value of your home, but your safety, minimizing potential problems, comfort, and peace of mind will be maximized.

Tip of the week: As cooler air has descended upon us, have you turned on or serviced your boiler or forced air system? Make sure you change your oil filter or your air filter on your hot air gas system.

Continue to Donate to the Ukrainian Crisis and save a life or two:
https://usaforiom.org/ioms-ukraine-response/ OR The International Organization for Migration a 501(c) 3 Corporation:
OR:
http://donate.iom.int

Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 40 years of experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S) as well as the new “Green Industry” Certification for eco-friendly construction and upgrades. For a “FREE” 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns he can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: [email protected] or via https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com

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