Articles Tagged "buyers market"

Vacations are top-of-mind this summer, after everyone has been home for more than a year. We're all anxious to stretch our legs, see the sights and travel. Implement a few of these helpful tips for peace of mind on vacation.

Securing Your Home:
• Make sure all your doors and windows – even second-story ones – are locked. 
• Add a broomstick or metal rod to the inside track of your sliding glass door.
• Unplug the power to your automatic garage door to prevent access via a universal remote.
• Lock the door between your garage and the interior of your home.
• Make sure your exterior lights are all in working order. Pro-tip: add a timer and/or movement sensor.
• Home security systems are great. Pro-tip: video security systems that you can monitor from your phone are even better.
• Let your close neighbors know that you'll be gone and ask them to keep an eye out. Give them contact information for where you'll be on vacation.

Planning Ahead for Maintenance:
• Hire someone to mow your lawn while you are gone.
• Ask a neighbor to bring your trashcans in while you are gone.
• Ask a neighbor to water your plants and lawn periodically.

How to Make it Seem Like You're Still Home:
• If your blinds or curtains are usually open, leave them that way. (A closed-up look signals no one is home)
• Put a few interior lamps on timers.
• Ask a neighbor to drive your car around the block and park it in a different spot daily.
• Ask a neighbor to collect your mail. If you'll be gone for more than a week, place a vacation hold on your mail with your local post office. Pro-tip: you can also request a vacation hold from FedEx and UPS. Or, if packages are expected, arrange for a neighbor to gather them.

What Not to Do:
• Watch what you post on social media. The best idea is not to post your vacay pics until you've returned. Or, only share photos with your close friend group.
• Don't leave visible valuables in front of open windows. Move that computer.

These are easy steps you can take to make sure your home is safe while you are away on vacation – so you can really relax and enjoy yourself without worrying. After being in your home every day for so long, it's time for you to let go for a few days. Just don't forget to lock up and keep your home safe.

Small businesses are at the heart of every neighborhood. They are the backbone to our economy. That's why we try to support small businesses each opportunity we get. Who doesn't, right?
 
Ready? Here are a few of our favorite locally owned and operated small businesses:

• The lovely flicker and gentle glow of a candle helps ease and soothe the mind. B's Knees Fragrance Co. candles are our favorite. They also sell reed diffusers and oils. All their products are made in the U.S.A.
• The house made mac-n-cheese and devilled eggs at Big Al's Smokehouse BBQ are awesome! Their Bar-B-Cuterie trays are perfect for group lunches and small gatherings.
• The darling and delicious cheesecakes from Cheesecake Society can be ordered by phone or online and are available for pick up or contactless delivery. Try the Pecan Praline. It is Jeanne's favorite.
• Try Chocolate Angel's merengue cookies - they're yummy and gluten-free. They are hosting a Valentine's Tea at the Richardson and Plano locations. We heart this!
• According to a study, people with a good hairstyle feel smarter and more capable at performing tasks as opposed to those who are going through a bad hair day. We agree. That is why we have a standing monthly appointment at Hair by Jennifer Henry.
• Who knew some of the best Japanese food around could be found at a food truck? Try out the food at Hibachi Master. It will not disappoint.
• We love a good drink! Try Lockwood Distilling Co in Richardson or eight|11 in Frisco for a relaxing way to unwind after work.
• Dance not only builds flexibility and strength, but it also teaches emotional expression and empathy. PDT Dance Arts, with locations in McKinney and Prosper, is where Danée's daughter found her second home.
• Flowers help stimulate a sense of pride and excitement with others, and release serotonin – whether you grow, buy, give, receive or admire them. Anything from Petals & Stems makes us happy.

In late 2020, 67 percent of small businesses continued to experience negative business impacts tied to the pandemic, while 43 percent suffered "significant impacts," according to Alignable's State of Small Business Report.
 
We remain steadfast and optimistic that consumer confidence will rebound mid to late 2021. Cheers to all small business owners! We salute your perseverance, tenacity, drive and passion.