Have you noticed the odd bar code boxes showing up on real estate signage and flyers lately? Do you recognize them as QR codes? Are you shaking your head wondering what a QR code actually is and does? Do you have a smartphone?

A QR code is very similar to a UPC bar code that is used in pretty much every store, from where you buy your groceries to where you shop for clothes. It gives detailed product information. In a matter of seconds, using your smartphone, you can get all the information you desire on the item at no cost and with less hassle.

With a QR code, you can read about the product, including a home for sale, using your smart phone easily and fuss free. You can efficiently scan the “house for sale” flyer you found on your doorknob or the for sale sign of the home next door to your daughter and discover the details of the home without having to make a phone call. You can be directed to a real estate website that will show you more homes and other resources, too, if you desire.

As a real estate agent, I enjoy QR codes because they allow me to “show” you the house BEFORE we even talk. You can view pictures, videos, floorplans, community information and status – everything you want to know – instantly. I personally dislike having to wait for a call back when I want information, so I use QR codes to make sure you can find out what you need to know, when you want to know it!

So, please let me know what you think. I value your opinion and wanted to educate you on what and why those little fuzzy boxes exist. Do you love QR codes, too, or would you rather see my picture on a sign instead? Maybe both?

When you are buying a home or listing your home for sale, you have a lot to consider. If you are buying, you will no doubt be viewing and walking through many houses in search for the one that makes you feel “at home.” If you are selling your home, you will need to make your home feel less “yours” so that it can appeal to buyers.

Both of these situations can be emotionally challenging and so it really helps to have a trusted friend with experience in your area, namely a knowledgable real estate agent, at your side through the process.

A real estate agent has more experience than you when it comes to knowing how to market or discriminate between homes in your area. Trust your agent to have your best interests in mind so that you can utilize that knowledge. This is especially true when it comes to open houses!

Work with and listen to your agent’s suggestions to meet with the most success (and follow my advice in this post).

Staging A Successful Open House

• First off, make sure the interior of your home is clean and de-cluttered! If it is in your budget, consider removing the bulk of your house contents to an alternate location. Your ultimate goal as a seller is to move, so start packing – it will help your home to sell more quickly! Consider the model home concept that new builders use and set that as the goal for your home – neutral, tasteful, open.

• Make sure the outside looks great, both in regards to your property, and your neighbors’ homes. Does your street look safe, well-kept and friendly? If not, brainstorm about what you can do to achieve a friendly neighborhood feel. Maybe you can offer to help trim or mow your neighbor’s lawn or put away their trashcans, resulting in a more attractive canvas for your home. Check that your for sale sign is standing straight and tall and consider adding a few balloons (bright colors) to attract even more attention.

• Speaking of neighbors, invite them! This is an opportunity to hand-pick a new neighbor, and they can have a say in it by inviting their interested friends. Plus it will create a buzz, increase positive energy, and make sure your open house is well attended. If you have a neighbor who has listed their home, be sure to visit their open house, too, so you can see what your home is being compared against. In including your neighbors you may actually find that they are more than willing to assist you with your open house with small favors like making sure there is ample street parking or repairing a broken brick planter. Ask your agent for the best way to handle this as it depends on the area – it might be better to host an early preview for neighbors for homes where a huge turn-out is expected.

• Since you’ve invited your neighbors to stop by, make sure you have fresh baked goods (and their accompanying aroma) present in your home as a thank you for visiting. Nothing says “home” better than the smell of vanilla and cinnamon. If you are unable to do this, do NOT resort to air fresheners as many people are allergic to them. Ask your real estate agent for advice on dealing with the odors in your home well before the open house occurs.

Please feel free to add your comments on what you feel makes open houses more valuable to you as a home buyer and seller, too. I’d love to learn from you! Consult with me for other more specific suggestions on how to make YOUR open house more successful – as each home uses a different approach. You’ll be glad you did!

Summer is here, bringing with it beautiful sunshine, warm weather and children with a lot of free time on their hands. Much of that time is likely to be spent swimming, whether at the beach or a local pool, and so some reminders on safety tips are in order.

Whether you own a swimming pool, are buying a home with a pool, or may use a pool at a neighbor’s home, recreation center or while on vacation, this post shares valuable information and questions to provoke thought to help you be more aware and prompt action where needed.

IF YOU OWN A POOL

• Do you have a four-foot or taller fence around the pool and spa with self-closing and self-latching gates?
• Do you have and use a door alarm and are your windows secure for any areas that access the pool?
• Do the people living and visiting your home know how to swim?
• Do the people living in your home know how to perform CPR on children and adults and are they current on certification?

IF YOU ARE USING A POOL (EVEN IF ITS YOUR OWN)

• Is proper gating in place to discourage younger children from areas that are unsafe?
• Do the people you are with know how to swim?
• Are you or a trusted adult available to physically “watch” your children and respond quickly to an emergency?

75 percent of drowning accidents involve children younger than 5 years old and African American and Hispanic children are at greater risk, due to a lack of knowledge on how to swim and water safety, according to national studies. Reports also show that “residential locations dominated incidents involving victims younger than 5 years of age.” Children should NEVER be left unattended near a pool or spa.

As drowning can occur in as little as 20 seconds for children and 60 seconds for an adult, never swim alone or allow others to use your pool without adequate supervision. Drowning makes no sound, so pay attention to all swimmers to avoid accidents and respond quickly if something is not right. If someone is missing, check the pool before other areas.

• Is there a charged and working phone easily accessible?
• Is someone with you who is certified and can perform CPR on children and adults?
• Have the pool drains been replaced to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act? Ask the pool servicer if you cannot tell. Recently a lot of news have been published on pool drains, the suction part of the pool which coordinates suction on the pump and filter to keep the water clean. If a newer (last 5 years) drain is installed or the drain has a substantial cover, you shouldn’t have to worry, but older drains with too much suction can pose a serious drowning risk as bathing suits, hair and even small children can be pulled down and drown. Don’t be afraid to ask about this – too many accidents have already happened, and the National Swimming Pool Foundation, reported earlier this year that almost 80 percent of public pools are not in compliance!
• Are safety rules posted in the pool area? Can you visibly see life rings and poles and is there a lifeguard on duty during the times you and/or your children will swim?
• When was the last pool safety inspection and the last cleaning? Does the water look cloudy or smell too strong? Does the pool appear to be filtering?

You may feel that some of questions are not necessary, however pool safety is an international concern. Do your part to be aware by checking out PoolSafely.gov to find out how you can be more proactive in your pool safety and spread the knowledge you have. You could save a life!

What do you know about your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy? Have you evaluated it recently? If not, it is a good idea to review it every six months to ensure that your coverage is as expected. Obviously, the best time to review your policy is prior to a crisis situation. So take some time out of your busy schedule and spend a few minutes today going over the details in your insurance policy.

You should contact your insurance agent if you have questions or need to make a few adjustments. He or she should be able to answer your questions. If you don’t feel comfortable with your agent or question whether or not he or she are providing you with the best policy for your situation, please contact us for a reference. You may find that a change could save you money both short-term and long-term.

Some helpful questions:

Ask – Can I qualify for a premium reduction by installing smoke detectors, alarms, new locks or doors, or improved roofing material? Do I qualify for a preferred customer or senior/student discount? What is really covered by my insurance? Ask about the phrase “acts of God” and the interpretation of the insurance company.

Discover – What is insured, the actual home or only the land under it? Is land value part of my policy amount and if so, why? Did I opt for replacement value or actual cash value in your home coverage and does that still apply?

Discuss – Are my valuables and heirlooms in need special coverage? Would a higher deductible result in a significant reduction in my premium? Should I get earthquake or flood damage insurance?

Asking these questions now and periodically in the future will give you peace of mind and give you the knowledge you will need should you ever encounter a crisis with your home. It is a good idea to place a copy of your homeowner’s policy in a place away from your home, as well, in case just such an accident does occur.