Real Estatin' the Facts

Here's the weekly round-up of news. Check it out, save it for later, and/or share it with your friends.   Phishing scams are 'tip of the spear' for cyber threats  Scammers often use fake emails and other phishing exploits to launch larger attacks like ransomware. Familiarize yourself with the warning signs. Full Story:  REALTOR® Magazine  (4/6)  Health, housing inextricably linked  Homelessness has been established as a driver of emergency room visits and other bad health outcomes, with advocates pointing out that providing stable housing can lower costs to the health care system. "Housing is vital to health outcomes, particularly among patients who are vulnerable with complex health conditions," says Leora Jontef of NYC Health + Hospitals. Full Story:  Becker's Hospital Review  (4/5)  Shift to home-based work for real estate, other industries analyzed  The pandemic served to increase the number of young people working from home, including those in the real es

In today's digital age, we deal with an overwhelming amount of documents and files on a daily basis. Whether it's for work, school, or personal use, keeping your documents organized is essential for productivity and efficiency. Having a cluttered and disorganized digital filing system can lead to wasted time searching for documents, missed deadlines, and unnecessary stress. Fortunately, with some simple document organization tips, you can streamline your digital filing system and keep your documents easily accessible. In this blog post, we will share the top 5 document organization tips to help you simplify your digital filing system. 1. Create a Folder Hierarchy:   One of the fundamental principles of document organization is to create a folder hierarchy that makes sense for your needs. Think of it as a virtual filing cabinet. Create main folders for broad categories such as work, school, personal, and finance. Within each main folder, create subfolders that are more specific.

   Organizing and managing your documents can be a daunting task, especially with the ever-increasing amount of paperwork we accumulate in our daily lives. From important financial records to personal documents, it's crucial to know how long to keep documents to ensure you are compliant with legal requirements, protect yourself from identity theft, and maintain an organized and clutter-free living or working space. While the answer to "how long to keep documents" may vary depending on the type of document and your specific circumstances, here are some general guidelines to help you navigate the document retention process. 1. Tax Records:  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recommends keeping your tax records for at least three years from the date you filed your original tax return or the due date of your tax return, whichever is later. However, if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or a bad debt deduction, you should keep your records for seven years. 2

  As we head into the beautiful spring season here in Silicon Valley, it's important to take some time to perform some essential home maintenance tasks. Proper maintenance not only keeps your home looking good, but it also ensures that it stays safe and functional for years to come. In this blog post, we'll outline some key home maintenance tasks that you should consider for the month of April. 1. Check Your Roof and Gutters:   The winter months can be tough on your roof and gutters. With the heavy rains we get here in Silicon Valley, it's essential to inspect them to make sure that they're in good condition. Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks, leaks, or missing shingles, and repair them as needed. Also, make sure your gutters are free of debris and functioning properly. Clean them out thoroughly, and make any necessary repairs. 2. Inspect Your HVAC System:  Your HVAC system works hard to keep your home comfortable year-round, so it's important to take ca

Here's the weekly round-up of news. Check it out, save it for later, and/or share it with your friends.  Transparency, accuracy doubly important for hybrid appraisals    In theory, hybrid appraisals promise to speed the appraisal process, provide opportunities for agents to earn fees for collecting data and reduce delays. However, appraisers' experience with hybrid assignments raise troubling concerns. Here's what you should know.  Full Story:  REALTOR® Magazine  (4/3)  Lawmaker sets sights on affordable housing for military     Members of Congress are considering increases to the Basic Allowance for Housing and other measures to address affordability challenges facing service members. "Joining the military, especially for a lot of minority families, was really a way up the economic ladder. ... So how do we make sure that we get back to that place where families who are serving don't feel like they have these huge financial struggles?" said Rep. Marilyn Strick

  Estate planning is an important part of life, but it can be a difficult topic to bring up with loved ones. Many people feel uncomfortable discussing their wishes for after they pass away, and their loved ones may feel uneasy about bringing up the topic as well. However, it is essential to have these conversations to ensure that your wishes are met and your loved ones are taken care of. Here are some tips on how to talk to loved ones about estate planning. 1. Start the Conversation Early:   One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to estate planning is waiting too long to have the conversation. It’s important to start the conversation early, so everyone has time to think about and discuss their wishes. Ideally, you should start talking about estate planning when you’re still healthy and able to make decisions. This will give you and your loved ones peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be met. 2. Explain Why Estate Planning is Important:  Many people don’t understan

  In today's fast-paced world, where people are constantly on the move, it's easy for generations to grow apart. With age segregation, technology addiction, and an emphasis on individualism, younger and older generations can find it difficult to connect with each other. While different generations have different life experiences and perspectives, fostering relationships between them can bring tremendous benefits, including increased happiness, a sense of belonging, and a deeper understanding of different perspectives. In this blog post, we'll explore why intergenerational connections are important and some ways to foster them. Intergenerational connections can bring several benefits to both younger and older generations. Firstly, they can help to reduce loneliness and isolation, which can be a significant problem for older adults, especially those who live alone. Research has shown that intergenerational interactions can help to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety and