Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about a hazards to avoid and fireplace safety.

When many people think about their fireplace during the holiday season, they visualize stockings hung from the mantle. This is a charming and classic holiday scene, but it’s also incredibly dangerous if you’re planning on lighting a fire. What hazards should you think twice about before decorating your fireplace and mantle during the holidays and beyond?

Take Décor Down When a Fire Is Lit

If you really want your stockings or other décor hung on the fireplace, you should remove them before lighting a fire. Anything that dangles in front of the fire, like ribbons or greenery, could ignite and cause a dangerous fire...

In today’s world we like to “reuse, renew and recycle.” I am sharing with you some creative ideas on how to wrap or present your holiday gifts. It is not necessary to use traditional wrapping paper. Get imaginative! You may already have some of the ideal materials on hand or they can be purchased inexpensively at discount stores. Using something you have in your home will make your gift more innovative and resourceful.

Many people reuse festive gift bags they received in the past, Surely, you can find more creative ways to wrap a gift and make unwrapping more memorable. These ideas use more interesting household items. Another alternative is inexpensive items that can be purchased and will come in handy for the gift recipient later.

If you can relate the wrapper, like a kitchen towe...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about a chimney inspection.

As a real estate agent, your clients trust you and your guidance throughout the buying and selling processes. When things are competitive and devolve into a bidding war, it can be easy to let some things go by the wayside. What’s one thing that should never be skipped? The chimney inspection. Here are five reasons your buyers should insist on a chimney inspection.

Protect Their Investment

Chimney and fireplace problems are not just a small nuisance—they can be deadly. A chimney inspection is one way to make sure that the home your buyers are purchasing is safe for them to occupy and use. Many seemingly small chimney issues can be indicative of bigger structural or moisture issues...

Thanks to the University of Maryland/Maryland Grows this informative article on composting and climate change.

Composting is probably seen by most people as good for gardens and the environment. After all, compost helps make our soils and plants healthier and keeps green waste from our yards and kitchens out of landfills.

But is composting good in the context of our climate crisis? Doesn’t the composting process generate lots of carbon dioxide (CO₂), the principal greenhouse gas (GHG) that traps heat in Earth’s atmosphere? Can composting also mitigate climate change and make our yards and landscapes more climate-resilient? The answer to both questions is YES...

Thanks to L. K. Benson for sharing with us.

Life Lessons from Jimmy Buffett

Our family was deeply saddened by the news of Jimmy Buffett’s passing on September 1st.  Jimmy’s life and music had a tremendous impact on many. This is evidenced by the outpouring of messages and support from celebrities and fans worldwide. Lyle and his family have been self-professed “parrotheads” for over 40 years.  In this article, Lyle shares a few of his favorite song lyrics and some of the many life lessons that Jimmy shared through his music.

Memento Mori

Jimmy’s death was another reminder that nobody is immortal and one day we will all die. It is summarized in the ancient Latin phrase “Memento Mori...

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology often takes precedence over face-to-face interactions, fostering a sense of community spirit has become more important than ever. Hosting a community event is a fantastic way to bring people together, strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. In this month’s eReport, we’re excited to share some fun ideas for hosting a community event that will not only bring neighbors and friends closer but also provide tips to ensure it goes off without a hitch.

Why Host a Community Event?

Hosting a community event can serve as a catalyst for building a strong sense of community spirit and camaraderie. In our increasingly digital age, the value of genuine, in-person connections cannot be overstated...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about duct cleaning.

There are countless things that your clients need to worry about as they get ready to list their homes on the market. From making small repairs to painting the walls a neutral color, things need to be done. In the hustle and bustle of taking care of things that are immediately obvious, it’s easy to forget some of the things that are lurking beneath the walls, including the ducts. What are some of the benefits of encouraging your clients to clean the ducts before placing their homes on the market?

Get Rid of Lingering Dust and Odors

The duct system of a house is responsible for distributing all heated and cooled air coming from your HVAC system...