Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Blog

Browse our blog to stay informed about real estate news.

Open

Teach Your Children These Simple Spending Habits

February 14, 2025

Cash can be a popular present for children when birthdays or other celebrations roll around throughout the year. But instead of letting your youngster splurge on candy or other impulse buys, set them on the right foot by helping them come up with a plan for their money.While it may be enticing to teach your child to save their money by depositing it all in a savings account for them, consider taking the opportunity to teach them how to develop good spending habits.Here are some simple spending habits to teach your child when they find themselves with money that’s burning a hole in their pocket:Wait a week. Whether it’s a gift card or cash, ask your child to wait seven to 14 days to consider how to spend the money. Don’t restrict how they can spend it, just require a waiting period.This can help them avoid an impulse purchase, which they may regret, allowing them to instead focus on something they truly want. The goal here is to teach a financial lesson that will help them appreciate money more.Create a wish list and go shopping. During the waiting period, ask your child to write down what they want to buy. From there, if they’re old enough, you can show them how to look up prices online in order to find the best deal. You may end up buying the gift they want at a physical store, but don’t take them shopping just yet. Instead, do some research on your own first so that you can avoid impulse buys while at a store. Once the waiting period has passed and you and/or your child has found the best price, go ahead and buy the item.Save some of it. While this isn’t necessarily a spending habit, getting into the routine of saving can be a good strategy when receiving some unexpected cash. Putting aside just 25 percent of some gift money"such as $5 out of $20"can help children learn about saving for long-term goals.If you’re saving for retirement or have a savings account of your own, sit your child down and explain how it works and how you’re saving money to retire someday or for some other goal, such as buying a car.Be a good example. When shopping, be careful about impulse buys, utilize credit cards correctly and shop around for the best price. Following these financial habits"and others"will provide a good example for your children and show them that you practice what you preach.Lastly, talk about your spending decisions as a family, setting priorities for your money. Show your children that any money they get"and especially money they receive as a gift"is worth careful consideration of how it’s spent.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Open

Best Practices for a Healthy Smile

February 13, 2025

Practicing proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing cavities and gum disease, which can lead to pain, tooth loss and other health issues. Maintaining good oral health is especially important if you have diabetes, are an older adult or are pregnant.To help you attack harmful plague, protect your teeth, stay healthier, and maybe even feel more confident when a cameraperson tells you to smile and say cheese, follow these tips from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:Brush your teeth. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste with fluoride, a mineral that helps protect teeth from decay. Brush your teeth two times every day and for about two minutes each time. Brush in circles, and use short, back-and-forth strokes. Take time to brush gently along the gum line, and dont forget to brush your tongue. You should get a new toothbrush every three to four months, but if yours is wearing out, replace its sooner.Floss every day. Flossing every day removes plaque and any food between teeth that your toothbrush missed. Rinse your mouth with water afterwards. If you arent sure how to floss, ask the dentist or dental assistant to show you at your next visit.Get regular checkups. Visit a dentist once or twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Teeth cleanings can also help remove stains. If you have problems with your teeth or mouth, see a dentist immediately.Some people fear going to the dentist, but you can help make your next visit easier by letting your dentist know youre nervous, choosing an appointment time when you wont feel rushed, or bringing headphones and a music player with you.Cut down on sugary foods and drinks. Choose low-sugar snacks like vegetables, fruits and low-fat or fat-free cheese. Drink fewer sugary sodas and other drinks that can lead to tooth decay.Quit tobacco. People who use tobacco in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, e-cigarettes and chewing tobacco, are at higher risk for tooth decay and stains, gum disease and oral cancer. Talk to your doctor for ways to help you quit tobacco.Drink alcohol in moderation. Drinking a lot of alcohol can increase your risk for oral cancer. If you choose to drink, have only a moderate amount. This means no more than one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men.By practicing these habits, youre likely to have a brighter, healthier smile.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Open

How to Create a Sense of Wellness Throughout Your Home

February 12, 2025

Here are a few ways to create a sense of wellness throughout your home.Reconnecting With the KitchenWellness in the kitchen is about more than eating nutritious foods. The act of preparing food and gathering together to eat does wonders for our wellbeing.Outdoor SpacesFresh air, natural light and open spaces have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing, meaning outdoor spaces have never been more important.Activity AreasWhile it might not fit the traditional definition of wellness, having an area at home to engage in your personal interests plays a role in helping you feel your best.Sleeping SoundlyIts essential to design a bedroom that promotes relaxation and allows you to get ample rest each night, especially during stressful times such as these.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Open

Healthy Eating Tips to Cut Down on Sodium

February 11, 2025

For most people, theres no denying that salt is tasty. The sodium-rich ingredient excites our palates and adds flavor to bland food. But too much of a good thing can be bad.According to federal stats, nine out of 10 Americans eat more sodium than they need, which can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. The good news is that cutting down on salt and other high-sodium products can help lower your blood pressure or keep it at a healthy level. Use these tips from HealthFinder.gov to reduce the amount of sodium in your diet:Know your sodium limit. Generally, healthy adults and teenagers 14 years old and above need to limit their sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg a day. Children younger than 14 need no more than 1,500 to 2,200 mg a day, depending on their age. For people with high blood pressure, limiting sodium intake to 1,500 mg a day may be helpful. Make sure to ask your doctor how much sodium is okay for you.Shop for low-sodium foods. Believe it or not, most of the sodium we eat doesnt come from our salt shakers. Sodium is in almost all the processed and prepared foods we buy"even foods that dont taste salty, such as bread or tortillas. When youre shopping, limit these high-sodium items: processed meats, poultry and seafood, such as deli meats and sausages; sauces, dressings and condiments; and instant foods, such as flavored rice or noodles.Check the label. Use the Nutrition Facts label to check the amount of sodium in foods, and compare different options. Try to choose products with 5 percent Daily Value (DV) or less; a sodium content of 20 percent DV or more is high.Make healthy shifts. Swap out foods that are higher in sodium for healthier options. For example, you can snack on unsalted nuts instead of salted pretzels or chips. Buy plenty of fruits and vegetables, but avoid frozen vegetables with added butter or sauce and canned veggies high in sodium.Cook more at home. Making your own meals is a great way to eat less sodium, because youre in control of what goes into your food. Try different herbs and spices, such as ginger or garlic, to flavor your meal instead of salt. Choose condiments that are unsalted or lower in sodium, and if youre cooking pasta, dont add salt to the water. When you do eat out, check the menu for any lower-sodium dishes, and ask to get dressings and sauces on the side so you can add only as much as you need.Add more potassium to your diet. Replace high-sodium foods with high-potassium foods, which can help lower your blood pressure. Good sources of potassium include potatoes, cantaloupe, bananas, beans, milk and yogurt.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Open

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping For a Home

February 10, 2025

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Open

How to Help Your Kids Build Confidence

February 9, 2025

Children gain confidence by exploring the world around them, trying new things, and learning how to process both successes and failures. The way you interact with your kids on a daily basis can have a profound effect on how confident they feel as they grow up.Provide Love and SupportThe most important ingredient that helps children build confidence is unconditional love from parents. That doesnt mean that you should agree with everything your children say and let them do whatever they want, but rather, it means that your kids should always know that you have their backs and that youll love them even if they make mistakes.Encourage Your Kids to Try New Things, but Set LimitsWhether you introduce your kids to foods from other cultures or different genres of music, or take them to museums, plays or foreign countries, help them see the richness and beauty of the world around them. If a child expresses an interest in playing a new sport or musical instrument, let him or her try, even if the idea seems to come out of the blue and you think its just a passing fancy. Your kids may surprise you by sticking with an interest youve never heard them express aloud before.Letting your children try new things doesnt mean that you should let them try everything. Kids need rules to protect them, although the rules can change as they get older. Knowing where boundaries lie provides children with a sense of security.Help Children Succeed and Learn From FailureKids will be confident if they know that theyre capable. That doesnt mean that theyll do everything perfectly, but everyone has talents, so help your kids find theirs. Encourage them to try things they might enjoy and to keep trying, even if they have a hard time at first. Instead of letting kids set lofty goals that will leave them disappointed, teach them to set realistic, incremental goals. With each accomplishment, their confidence will grow. Offer assistance, constructive criticism and praise whenever appropriate.A large part of gaining confidence is learning from failure. When your kids are unable to do something, reassure them that everyone fails along the way"and encourage them to try again. They might need to devote more time and attention to a task, slow down, or try an entirely new approach. Frame failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.Give Your Kids the Support and Freedom They NeedParents can help children learn to be confident by allowing them to explore while enforcing rules for their safety. Kids gain confidence by knowing that with hard work and determination they can succeed, and that even if they dont, their parents will love them just the same.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Open

6 Tips for Designing the Perfect Pool House

February 8, 2025

Follow these tips to design the ultimate pool house…Connected to NatureConsider large doors that open to the pool area and easily transition in and out.Keep It ConsistentConsistent style between the main house and pool house provides a sense of fluidity.Changing RoomA changing room is essential, as is storage space for towels, pool toys, and more.KitchenetteA kitchenette with a few key appliances makes it easy to prepare refreshments by the pool.Covered BBQ AreaA well-designed grill station next to the pool is perfect for entertaining.Guest RoomA separate structure gives visitors privacy, while acting as their own private guesthouse.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Open

7 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease and Stroke

February 7, 2025

Someone dies from heart disease, stroke or another cardiovascular disease every 43 seconds in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association (AHA). To help you live a longer, healthier life, the AHA notes seven things you can do to reduce your chances of a heart attack or stroke.1. Know your risk. Certain factors can increase your risk, including smoking, kidney disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and a family history of early heart disease. Many risk factors can be prevented or managed by making lifestyle changes.2. Eat healthy. Build your diet around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean animal proteins and fish. Make smart choices like limiting refined carbohydrates, processed meats and sweetened drinks. Use the nutrition label on packaged foods to cut back on sodium, added sugars and saturated fats, and avoid trans fat.3. Stay active. Move more"its one of the best ways to stay healthy, prevent disease and age well. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. If youre already active, you can increase your intensity for even more benefits. If youre not active, get started by simply sitting less and moving more.4. Watch your weight. Stay at a healthy weight for you. Lose weight if youre overweight or obese. Start by eating fewer calories and moving more. You can check your body mass index (BMI), and if you need help, talk to your doctor about a weight loss plan.5. Live tobacco-free. If you dont smoke, vape or use other tobacco products, dont start. Theres no such thing as a safe tobacco product. If quitting tobacco is a challenge for you, ask your doctor to help you kick the habit using proven methods. And try to avoid secondhand smoke, too!6. Take your medicine. If you have a health condition, your doctor may prescribe statins or other medications to help control cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. Take all medications as directed. But dont take aspirin as a preventive measure unless your doctor says to. If youve never had a heart attack or stroke, a daily aspirin may not help you at all and could cause problems, including risk of bleeding. If youve had a heart attack or stroke, your doctor may want you to take a low dose of aspirin to reduce your risk of having another.7. Be a team player. Your doctor is one of the best resources to help you reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke. Work together on your prevention plan and to address current health conditions. Ask questions, and be open about any challenges you may face in trying to make healthy changes. Stress, sleep, mental health, family situations, tobacco use, food access, social support and other issues can all affect your health and well-being.Published with permission from RISMedia.

Work With Us

When it's time to move, you need someone who markets your home, knows how to find the right buyer, negotiate on your behalf, oversee the inspections, handle all necessary paperwork and supervise the closing. We take care of everything you need buy or sell your Scottsdale home, from start to close.

Let's Connect

Follow Me On Instagram