As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to prioritize your home’s maintenance and ensure it’s in peak condition for the months ahead. Regular upkeep not only keeps your home comfortable and efficient, but it can also prevent costly repairs down the line. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or new to the game, here are the top home maintenance tasks you should tackle as we enter the new year.  And remember, if you're unsure about anything, need expert advice or a number of one of our trusted vendors, don't hesitate to reach out to me for guidance! Click here for a downloadable checklist.  Maintenance Check List HVAC Inspection and Filter Replacement Your heating and cooling system works year-round to keep your home comfortable. Now’s the time to schedule a professional inspection to make sure it’s running efficiently and to address any potential issues before they become major problems. While you’re at it, replace your HVAC filters to improve indoor air quality and ensure the system is operating at its best. Pro Tip: Make a habit of changing your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on your home’s needs, to maintain optimal airflow. Gutter Cleaning and Inspection Winter can be hard on gutters, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or snow. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, leaks, and foundation issues, so it’s crucial to clean them out at the start of the year. Remove debris, check for signs of damage, and ensure downspouts are directing water away from your home. Pro Tip: Consider installing gutter guards to reduce the frequency of cleanings and prevent clogs. Roof Check Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and it’s essential to keep it in good condition. Start the year by inspecting your roof for loose or missing shingles, leaks, or any other damage. If you spot any issues, get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent water damage or mold growth. Pro Tip: Schedule a professional roof inspection every few years to catch potential problems before they become major headaches. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Safety should always be a top priority. The new year is a great time to check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Replace the batteries and ensure each unit is functioning properly. These small devices are critical in protecting your family from dangerous situations. Pro Tip: Consider installing smart detectors that can send alerts to your phone for added peace of mind. Seal Windows and Doors Drafty windows and doors can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency, leading to higher heating and cooling costs. Inspect the seals around all windows and doors for gaps or wear and replace any old or damaged weather stripping. This simple step can make a big difference in keeping your home comfortable and lowering energy bills. Pro Tip: Use caulk to fill in any cracks or gaps in window frames for an added layer of insulation. Clean Your Dryer Vents Over time, lint can build up in your dryer vents, creating a fire hazard. Start the year by cleaning the lint trap and dryer vents to ensure proper airflow and reduce the risk of fire. A clean dryer also runs more efficiently, saving you energy and extending its lifespan. Pro Tip: Schedule professional vent cleaning at least once a year to keep your dryer in safe working condition. Check for Plumbing Leaks Leaky faucets, toilets, or pipes can waste a significant amount of water and lead to higher utility bills. Check under sinks, around toilets, and in your basement or crawl space for signs of leaks. If you notice any dripping or water stains, fix the issue promptly to prevent water damage and mold growth. Pro Tip: Install water leak sensors to alert you to potential leaks in hard-to-see areas, like under appliances or behind walls. Water Heater Maintenance Your water heater works hard, especially during colder months, so it’s important to give it some attention at the start of the year. Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup that can reduce its efficiency and lifespan. If your water heater is over 10 years old, consider replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model. Pro Tip: Lower the water heater temperature to 120°F to save energy and reduce the risk of scalding. Inspect Foundation and ExteriorTake a walk around your home’s exterior to inspect the foundation, walls, and siding. Look for any cracks, signs of settling, or damage that may need repair. Addressing these issues early can prevent more serious structural problems down the road.Pro Tip: Apply sealant to any small foundation cracks to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage. Organize and DeclutterThe start of the year is a great time to declutter and reorganize your home. Go through closets, drawers, and storage areas to get rid of items you no longer need or use. Not only will this make your space more functional, but it will also help you start the year with a fresh, clear mindset.Pro Tip: Donate gently used items to local charities or hold a yard sale to clear out clutter and give back to the community. For free donation pickups, reach out to me at REALgratitude.  Need Help with Your Home Maintenance? Tackling home maintenance tasks can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! At REALgratitude, we’re here to help you keep your home in top shape all year round. If you have questions or need an expert opinion or recommondation to a vendor for any of the tasks mentioned above, feel free to reach out to us at REALgratitude for assistance. As an added bonus, click here for a downloadable checklist to maintain for your records.  Contact me at: barkley@realgratitude.org By staying proactive with these home maintenance tasks, you can protect your investment, increase your home’s efficiency, and enjoy a comfortable living space all year long. Here’s to a happy, healthy home in the new year! Want to Learn More? Keep an eye out for the rest of our New Year Home Maintenance series, where we’ll dive deeper into seasonal maintenance, energy-saving tips, and more to help you make 2024 the best year for your home!

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As a homeowner, the start of a new year is the perfect time to refresh, reorganize, and plan ahead for the year to come. Your home is one of your most valuable investments, and keeping it in top condition not only ensures your comfort but also protects its value. With that in mind, we’ve created a blog series to help you stay on top of essential tasks that will set you up for success throughout the year. In this series, New Year Home Maintenance: Essential Homeowner Tasks for a Great Year Ahead, we’ll walk you through everything from home maintenance and budgeting tips to energy-saving ideas and preparing your home for the upcoming seasons. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you stay proactive and organized as you navigate homeownership in the coming year. What to Expect in This Series Kickstart the Year: Top Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle in the New Year We’ll start with a checklist of must-do maintenance tasks to keep your home running smoothly. From checking your HVAC system to inspecting your roof, this post will cover all the basics for January upkeep. Budgeting for Homeowners: How to Plan for Annual Home Expenses Unexpected home repairs can hit hard, but with a solid budget, you’ll be prepared. We’ll share tips on how to budget for both expected and unexpected expenses, ensuring you’re financially ready for anything your home might need. Energy Efficiency Check: Simple Upgrades to Save You Money All Year With utility costs on the rise, energy efficiency is more important than ever. This post will cover simple upgrades that can help lower your energy bills and reduce your home’s environmental impact. Refresh and Revive: Decluttering and Organizing Your Home for the New Year There’s no better feeling than starting the year with a clean, organized space. Learn practical tips for decluttering and organizing every room of your home, creating a more peaceful and functional living environment. Planning Ahead: Essential Home Improvement Projects for the Year Thinking about a new kitchen, updating the bathroom, or even expanding your living space? We’ll explore how to prioritize and plan out your home improvement projects for the year, keeping both your budget and long-term goals in mind. Prepping for Spring: Early Landscaping and Outdoor Maintenance Tips Don’t wait until the last minute to get your yard ready for spring! We’ll cover essential early landscaping and outdoor maintenance tasks that will save you time and effort when the warmer weather arrives. Safety First: Reviewing and Updating Home Security and Emergency Plans Your home should be a safe haven. We’ll guide you through reviewing and updating your home security system and emergency preparedness plan, ensuring your family stays protected throughout the year. Maximizing Home Value: Regular Upkeep to Boost Your Property's Worth A well-maintained home holds its value better over time. This post will highlight routine tasks and small upgrades that will help you maintain and even boost your property’s value, making it a smart long-term investment. Why Starting the Year Right Matters By taking action at the beginning of the year, you can avoid costly repairs and last-minute stress down the road. Whether it's financial planning or getting your home ready for spring, tackling these tasks early on will keep your home in excellent condition and give you peace of mind throughout the year. At REALgratitude, we understand the importance of maintaining your home and being proactive about its care. That’s why we’re excited to share this series with you, helping homeowners make the most of the new year. Be sure to stay tuned for each post, and if you have any questions about home maintenance, budgeting, or improvements, feel free to reach out to us—we’re here to help! Let’s make this year the best one yet for you and your home! Which blog are you most excited about reading? Stay tuned for the first post in the series, and let’s kickstart the year with a home that’s ready for anything!

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The real estate industry is undergoing significant changes with the recent implementation of new National Association of Realtors (NAR) commission regulations. These regulations are designed to increase transparency and shift the way commissions are managed and disclosed. As a real estate agent, understanding these changes is crucial to adapting your business practices and remaining competitive in the evolving market. In this post, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the new regulations and explore their implications for real estate agents. Overview of the New NAR Commission Regulations The new NAR commission regulations aim to enhance transparency in real estate transactions by requiring clearer disclosure of commission structures. Here are the core changes: Transparency of Buyer Agent Commissions: Buyers will now be fully aware of the commission their agent is earning, which was not always disclosed previously. Adjustments in Commission Negotiations: Buyers may have more leverage to negotiate their agent’s commission or choose to represent themselves. Potential for New Commission Structures: With these changes, alternative ways of handling commissions may emerge, including different payment structures for agents. Implications for Real Estate Agents As an agent, these regulations will affect various aspects of your business. Here’s how you can expect the new rules to impact your role and practice: Increased Need for Transparency The new regulations require full disclosure of buyer agent commissions. This transparency means that buyers will see exactly how much you are earning from their transaction. As a result, you’ll need to be prepared for questions and negotiations related to your commission. Clear and open communication with clients about your commission structure will be essential to maintaining trust and ensuring smooth transactions. Potential Shift in Buyer Representation With greater awareness of commission structures, some buyers may opt to represent themselves to avoid paying a commission to a buyer’s agent. This shift could lead to fewer buyers utilizing agents, affecting your potential client base. To address this, consider emphasizing the value you provide, such as your market expertise, negotiation skills, and ability to navigate complex transactions. Adjustments in Commission Structures The new regulations may lead to alternative commission structures and payment arrangements. As an agent, you might need to adapt by exploring new ways to structure your commissions or working with clients to find mutually beneficial agreements. Flexibility and creativity in how you handle commissions will be important as the industry evolves. Enhanced Negotiation Skills With buyers potentially negotiating more aggressively on commission or choosing to represent themselves, your negotiation skills will become even more critical. Strengthening your ability to negotiate favorable terms and demonstrating your value to clients will help you remain competitive and secure deals despite the changes. Adapting Your Marketing Strategy As the market shifts, updating your marketing strategy to address the new commission landscape will be vital. Highlighting your unique selling points, expertise, and the benefits of working with you in a transparent commission environment can help attract and retain clients. Consider leveraging digital marketing, social media, and client testimonials to showcase your strengths and build trust. Staying Informed and Educated Keeping up with ongoing changes and updates related to the new regulations will be crucial for staying ahead in the industry. Engage in continuous education and training to ensure you fully understand how these regulations affect your practice and how to navigate the evolving landscape effectively. Strategies for Success in a Changing Environment To thrive under the new NAR commission regulations, consider implementing the following strategies: Communicate Clearly: Ensure that you provide clear explanations of commission structures to clients and address any questions or concerns they may have. Emphasize Your Value: Highlight the benefits of working with a professional agent, such as your expertise, market knowledge, and negotiation skills. Be Flexible: Adapt to new commission structures and be open to exploring alternative payment arrangements with clients. Invest in Marketing: Update your marketing strategy to reflect the new commission environment and showcase your strengths to potential clients. Stay Educated: Continuously educate yourself about industry changes and best practices to remain competitive and informed. Express your Unique Value Proposition: At REALgratitude, we don't just help you find a home, we give you a community. With each transaction, we connect our clients with their community to give back. That's why dozens of buyers and sellers have chosen to work with us to complete their transaction. What makes you different from the millions of other agents and gives them something they can't get on their own? The new NAR commission regulations mark a significant shift in the real estate industry, bringing greater transparency and altering the traditional commission structure. As a real estate agent, adapting to these changes and leveraging your expertise will be key to navigating the evolving market successfully.  At REALgratitude, we’re committed to supporting agents through these transitions and helping you thrive in the new regulatory environment. To find more about how you can bring REALgratitude to your community, learn more at Join the MOVEment. If you have any questions or need guidance on how to adapt to these changes, feel free to reach out to me at barkley@realgratitude.org Stay informed, stay flexible, and continue to provide exceptional service to your clients as the industry evolves.

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Dear Pacific Palisades REALgratitude™ Community, I’ve been absolutely heartbroken watching the devastation unfold in your beautiful neighborhood. The destruction caused by these fires is unimaginable, and my heart aches for the loss of the homes that give your community its unique charm. Each home in the Palisades has its own personality, its own story, and thinking of them being gone feels deeply personal. I can’t even begin to imagine how all of you must feel in this moment. Over the years of working in Palisades, I have grown a great love and appreciation for these homes - the architecture and the variation of each home - but even more so than for the homes, my love and appreciation has grown for the people in them, You.  Even though I’ve been working primarily in Arizona over the past two years, the Palisades will always hold a special place in my heart. I owe so much to you and your neighborhoods for shaping the path I’m on today. Let me share a bit of backstory to explain why. During the pandemic, I was just starting out as a freshly licensed real estate agent. At the time, I’d created a Facebook group in Glendale to help my neighbors connect during those isolating days. As the group grew, people began reaching out to me for real estate advice, sparking an idea: What if real estate transactions could do more than just sell homes? What if they could build community? At the time, I was at a brokerage that saw my acts of service—like running errands for high-risk neighbors—as a liability. Then a broker in Pacific Palisades reached out to me, and after speaking with her, I visited the area for the first time. I was blown away—not necessarily by the brokerage, but by the Palisades itself. The beauty, the energy, and the kindness of the people inspired me. Even though it was a 45-minute drive from Glendale, I knew I wanted to build a foundation with all of you. I needed a way to introduce myself, so I organized a clothing drive. I couldn’t door-knock yet, so I spent what little money I had on hundreds of postcards and stamps, mapped out streets, and hand-wrote the date I’d be driving by to pick up donations with no contact needed. That first drive, without even knocking on a single door, we collected thousands of dollars worth of clothing for the Santa Monica Mental Health Center. From there, we grew. The next thing we collected together was halloween costumes and candy for children experiencing homelessness. Dental supplies were even donated by local dentists. That Christmas, we collected hundreds of dollars worth of presents for children whose families were unable to provide them at the time. All of this was possible because of the incredible generosity and kindness of the Palisades community. You and your support was the foundation of REALgratitude™, proving to me that real estate can be more than just inevitable transactions—it can be a force for good, creating a never-ending chain that uplifts the community. Even though Palisades, was never my official home - it was monumental in shaping me into the person I am today and it is still my dream that one day I get to join you as an official neighbor.  Now, as you face such immense challenges, I want to thank you again for all you’ve done for me and your community. In return, I'd like to offer my support. If you’ve created a GoFundMe or are passionate about any local initiatives that need support, please send them my way. I’d be honored to share them on my social media accounts and in an upcoming email to the rest of the REALgratitude™ tribe that you helped create.  In addition, in an effort to make things a bit simpler for you, I have created a blog post with information from lawyer Ted Nguyen on what to keep in mind as you are moving forward with insurance claims. I hope that it offers some value and clarity to your situation. I’m sending you all love and light during this difficult time. If there’s anything I can do to be of service, please don’t hesitate to let me know. With deepest gratitude, Barkley Romero   ‌‌‌‌‌‌  

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To our Pacific Palisades neighbors, my heart goes out to you as you navigate the devastating aftermath of the recent fire. This has been an incredibly difficult time for so many, and while there’s no way to truly replace what has been lost, we hope this information can help you take the next steps toward rebuilding and recovery. Handling insurance claims can feel overwhelming during such an emotional time, but taking the right steps now can make all the difference in the support you receive.     Here are six essential pieces of advice, generously provided by attorney, Ted Nguyen, to help you through this process: 1. Hire a Public Adjuster A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They are skilled at negotiating claims and often secure higher payouts than the adjusters provided by your insurer, who may aim to minimize payouts. Having a professional advocate on your side is worth considering to ensure you receive what you deserve. 2. State Your Intent to Rebuild Let the insurance company know you plan to rebuild, even if you’re undecided. This approach can prompt the insurer to take your claim more seriously and may unlock additional coverage specific to rebuilding costs. 3. Document Losses with Photos and Videos Before creating your inventory of lost items, take photos and videos of all affected areas. Visual documentation is invaluable in backing up your claim and helps ensure you don’t overlook anything when listing your losses. This step can save you a lot of time and hassle during the claims process. 4. Itemize Your Losses Room by Room When creating an inventory of what you’ve lost, go room by room. This method ensures a more thorough list, helping you avoid missing smaller items that can add up in value. The more detailed your documentation, the stronger your claim will be. 5. Save Receipts for Additional Living Expenses Keep records of any expenses you incur due to displacement or the loss, such as temporary housing, meals, or other necessities. These are often covered under your policy’s additional living expenses clause. Receipts are key to being reimbursed. 6. Take FEMA’s Debris Removal Offer If FEMA offers to clear debris from your property, it’s generally a good idea to accept, unless there’s a unique feature on your land (e.g., a septic system or other sensitive elements). Declining could leave you with the burden of covering debris removal costs later, which can be costly and difficult to recoup. So understand that by allowing FEMA to have access to your property you are creating a binding agreement without an expiration date to allow them access. If you do get compensated in the end FEMA may come back to collect a cost for the clean up work. Be sure to read any terms in the contract and understand them prior to acceptance.    This has been a challenging time for our community, but together we will rebuild and move forward. While these tips provide a solid foundation, every situation is unique, and it’s always wise to seek expert advice tailored to your circumstances. A heartfelt thank you to Ted Nguyen for sharing this invaluable advice. I, "REAL" Barkley-Romero am not an attorney nor offering any legal advice and encourage you to consult an attorney for further counsel. If you have questions or need additional resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

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The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has recently introduced new regulations that will significantly change how real estate commissions are handled. These changes are poised to impact not just buyers and agents, but home sellers as well. As a seller, understanding these new rules is essential to ensure you’re prepared for the changing landscape of real estate transactions. In this post, we’ll break down the key aspects of the NAR commission regulations and explain how they may influence your home sale. What Are the New NAR Commission Regulations? The NAR’s new rules focus on increasing transparency in real estate transactions, particularly when it comes to how commissions are structured and paid. Historically, the seller’s agent would offer a portion of their commission to the buyer’s agent, and this amount wasn’t always visible to the buyer. Now, the new regulations require that the buyer be made fully aware of what commission their agent is earning. The key changes include: Full Disclosure of Buyer Agent Commissions: Buyers will now know exactly how much commission their agent will earn, which could influence how they negotiate during the transaction. Increased Negotiation Leverage for Buyers: Buyers may start to negotiate their agent’s commission or even opt to represent themselves, which could lead to more complex negotiations for sellers. Potential for Commission Restructuring: Sellers might need to adjust how they structure their listing commissions to remain competitive in this new environment. How Will These Regulations Affect Sellers? While the regulations bring more transparency to the commission process, they also introduce new dynamics that sellers must be prepared for. Here’s how these changes could affect your home sale: More Transparent Commission Structures In the past, sellers would negotiate the total commission with their agent, who would then split a portion with the buyer’s agent. Buyers were often unaware of how much their agent would receive. Under the new regulations, buyers will have full visibility into this commission structure, which could lead to more buyer scrutiny on the commissions being offered. As a seller, you’ll need to be prepared for buyers to negotiate not only the price of the home but potentially the commissions involved as well. Buyers Representing Themselves One of the more significant outcomes of these new rules is the possibility that more buyers will choose to represent themselves in a transaction to avoid paying commission to a buyer’s agent. This can create a different type of negotiation dynamic. While representing themselves may save buyers money on commission, it could complicate the transaction, as they may not have the same level of expertise or understanding of the process as a professional agent. The Need for Creative Commission Solutions With these changes, you may find yourself needing to think creatively about how commissions are structured to attract buyers and their agents. Offering a competitive commission to the buyer’s agent can still be an effective strategy to ensure that agents are motivated to show your property. Sellers who are flexible and open to new commission structures may be better positioned to navigate the evolving landscape. More time Spent with your Agent Negotiating Offers The NAR regulations now mean that each deal is negotiable in regards to commission as opposed to havng a blanket commission offered to the buyer's agent. This means that you can get creative with how you structure the buyer's commssion, but it means that each offer should be scrutinized with your agent to ensure that you are making the best choice when selecting a buyer. A Fragmented Real Estate Market The new regulations could lead to a more fragmented real estate market. With increased transparency, more buyers may choose to explore multiple platforms beyond the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to find properties. As a seller, this could mean needing to market your property across different platforms and ensuring you’re reaching a wide audience. This fragmentation may result in a more competitive market, but also potentially a more confusing one for consumers. Right now, NAR restricts you from listing anywhere other than the MLS if you choose to list on the traditional MLS, so do not expect to see this change occur immediately, but could be in the near future. Strategies for Sellers in a Changing Market As these regulations reshape the real estate market, sellers need to be proactive and adaptable. Here are some strategies to help you navigate the new commission rules: Offer a Competitive Buyer Agent CommissionWhile buyers now have more transparency, offering a competitive commission to their agent remains an important tactic. This incentive ensures that agents continue to prioritize showing your home to their clients, increasing your chances of a successful sale. Work with an Experienced Agent Having a real estate agent who understands the new regulations and knows how to structure a transaction that benefits you is critical. An experienced agent can help you navigate buyer negotiations, including handling requests related to commissions and structuring deals that work in your favor. Be Prepared for Buyer Negotiations With buyers potentially looking to save on agent commissions, expect more detailed negotiations about who covers these costs. You may need to negotiate seller concessions or other incentives to make your home more appealing while still ensuring a fair deal. Get the Inspection done upfront Buyers are looking to have more transperency in the transaction as well as cut down costs now that they may be liable for their agent's commissions. by getting the inspection done upfront, this may bring more buyers in to view your home and feel more comfortable making an offer with or without an agent representing them. Adjust Your Marketing Strategy The potential for a more fragmented market means that sellers may need to cast a wider net. Listing your home on multiple platforms, leveraging social media, and employing a targeted marketing strategy can help you reach more potential buyers, particularly in a market where buyers are exploring alternatives to traditional MLS listings. The new NAR commission regulations bring greater transparency to real estate transactions, which is ultimately beneficial for both buyers and sellers. However, these changes also create a more complex environment for sellers, with increased buyer negotiation leverage, the potential for more self-representation, and a fragmented market.  By staying informed and working with an experienced agent, sellers can adapt to these changes and still achieve a successful sale. At REALgratitude, we are committed to helping sellers navigate these new regulations and structure their transactions to maximize value. If you have any questions or need assistance with your home sale, feel free to reach out to me at barkley@realgratitude.org

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