5 Practical Ways to Get More Done Working at Home with Kids

Most parents are familiar with juggling family and professional responsibilities. And for parents who work from home, those challenges are compounded. Fortunately, there’s hope. While there’s currently no “hack” to pack extra hours into each day, there are ways working parents can accomplish more, even with kids underfoot. Avoiding chaos isn’t always possible, but these tips from Rivero Realtors offer practical advice on checking everything off your daily to-do list.

Implement a Routine

No matter your children’s ages or your line of work, setting up a routine can help the whole family stay on track. A bit of spontaneity is fun, of course. However, outlining your family’s daily schedule in order can help everyone understand what’s coming next and what needs to happen when. Younger kids may find a visual schedule helpful, too.

In fact, Zero to Thrive’s experts confirm that routines support social-emotional development starting in early childhood. Outlining a bedtime routine is healthy for children as well, studies suggest, especially if early wake times are part of your family’s work-life balance.

With purposeful transitions from one activity to the next, you may even prevent meltdowns – on both your kids’ end and your own. For parents working outside the home, sticking to an ordered routine minimizes late mornings and missed appointments, too.

Coordinate with Your Team

If you’re running your own business from home, you may find it difficult to oversee a team of remote workers. When managing a remote team, you’ll need to effectively define goals and tasks, manage proactively, and make sure you're using the same platforms to communicate.

Cleanse Your Space

An organized home is far easier to live in than a cluttered one, and when everything has its place, you’ll be less stressed, too, says Thrive. Spending a few minutes each evening picking up discarded toys, soiled clothing, and bringing dirty dishes to the kitchen can help the following morning feel less overwhelming.

Save deep cleaning for days when you have less work or fewer family tasks to handle. Eliminating dust and germs means your workweek will be that much easier to handle, even if you’re only heading into your home office.

Enlist Expert Help

Whether your children are school-age or still need lots of hands-on care, there are myriad challenges when working from home with kids underfoot. If you’re telecommuting and need care for your kids, explore local educational programs.

Not only can a high-quality childcare environment help open up your packed schedule, but studies suggest it may also be beneficial for your child’s development, confirms Motherly.

You can also enlist the help of freelancers and services. For example, instead of attempting to create your own website, hire a freelance web designer. Or if you’d like to register your business as a limited liability company (benefits include more flexibility and reduced liability), you can save yourself a lot of hassle and simply hire a formation service to file for you.

Dedicate Time to De-Stressing

Even with a solid daily routine and a relatively clean house, taking time away from work and household responsibilities is essential for minimizing chaos. Especially when the workday ends, it’s crucial to decompress and do things you enjoy with the people you love.

With kids, reconnecting at the end of the day means meaningful time with mom and dad that’s not bound by schedules, rules, or quiet time for parents’ remote meetings. Addressing mental health through gentle and honest discussion is just one way to express support for one another and air any underlying anxieties your kids may have.

For some people, de-stressing involves pursuing personal goals, like going back to school. Pursuing a different job, like medical coding, could allow you better work/life balance with more flexible hours or even a higher income. Plus it provides a tremendously satisfying sense of accomplishment. Apply online for a medical coding course that you can complete in only 30 hours of coursework. Then, you can decide if you want to move forward with other related skills or pursue a new career in medical coding.

As both a professional and a parent, you’re already adept at juggling multiple responsibilities and, more than likely, likely multiple children. But these practical tips can help make your days more manageable, no matter how many Zoom meetings or toddler tantrums you need to address.

If you decide that you need a bigger space to accommodate your family and your business needs, Rivero Realtors are here to help. We will find you the right home in the right area to help you meet your personal and professional goals. Contact us today to begin your house hunting process.

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 Blog written by: Katie Conroy

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Are You a Senior Who Wants to Flip Houses? Here Are 6 Dos to Follow

Many seniors want to remain active and maintain a source of income. If you’re in that group, flipping houses in Maryland could give you the best of both worlds. If you’re ready to get started, Rivero Realtors of RE/MAX Advantage offers six dos to help you succeed.

Do Formalize Your Business

Starting as a sole proprietor is an option, but it’s not ideal. If you want to protect yourself and your assets, it’s better to form an LLC. You’ll reduce liability, maintain flexibility, and gain access to tax benefits while limiting your paperwork.

Plus, you can get your LLC off the ground quickly. Formation services simplify the process and are more affordable than a lawyer, making them a great choice if you don’t want to go it alone.

Once your business is established, you’ll want to invest in tools that make operations and management easier. A good place to start is with software that helps you get payroll done fast. No one wants to be stuck at a computer for hours trying to accomplish one thing, but the right software can provide all the functionality you need, from time tracking to direct deposit, so you can run payroll in minutes. This will save you time and money, enabling you to get on with your day.

Do Get Your Funding in Order

Generally speaking, you want to get your funding straightened out before you start looking for homes to flip. In some cases, traditional financing works. However, if the house isn’t habitable in its current state, you may not qualify for certain mortgages. For instance, FHA mortgages have minimum property standards, so they may not work for flips.

Fortunately, there are alternative ways to fund a flip. You could go with a renovation mortgage or hard money loan. Partnering with a private investor may also be an option.

Do Use the Right Strategy When Picking Properties

You need to use the right approach if you want to flip houses. Usually, you want to focus on highly desirable parts of town and find properties that are well below neighborhood norms.

If you see a property in disrepair, research comps to determine what updates you’ll need to make and how much the value could increase after the work is done. Along the way, follow the 70 percent rule to narrow down your options. That way, there’s enough profit potential to make your efforts worthwhile.

Do Watch Out for Repair Costs

While buying a fixer-upper to flip helps you save on the purchase price, the required repairs can come with massive price tags. Additionally, while some projects have a solid ROI, others don’t.

For example, foundation repairs often cost between $2,000–$7,000, though the price can be higher for severe problems. However, regardless of what you spend, you’re almost guaranteed not to get anything close to all of that money back.

Before you buy, get a home inspection. After that, see if you can find a contractor who will provide an estimate before you make the purchase or use estimation tools to get figures yourself.

Once you’ve got an estimate, add 20%, particularly if you’re doing electrical work, HVAC upgrades, foundation problems, or addressing issues with asbestos or mold. That way, you have a buffer against the unexpected.

Do Choose the Correct Updates

Usually, updates fall into one of two categories. First, there are necessities. You need to fix issues that could prevent the house from passing inspection, such as problems with the overall structure or core systems.

Second, there are buyer-targeted updates. These typically include aesthetic and feature changes that make the house desirable. Fresh paint, new flooring, kitchen remodels, bathroom updates, smart upgrades, and even outdoor kitchens with a grill and range hood fall in this category.

Again, use comps as a guide. See what houses in the area typically offer and aim for a point in that zone. That way, you don’t under- or over-improve for the neighborhood.

Do Use a Real Estate Agent

Whether it’s time to buy or sell, using a real estate agent makes a difference. You’ll get the inside scoop on properties with flipping potential. Plus, they’ll help you find comps, pick competitive sale prices, sort through offers, and more when it’s time to sell.

By working with a real estate agent, you also get more time to focus on your company. That way, you can keep moving forward while your agent keeps the properties flowing. Reach out to Rivero Realtors to get started!

Downsizing for retirement takes planning, hard work and time. It involves organizing your current home, donating unwanted items, putting your house up for sale and moving to a new location.

Moving is a stressful experience at any age. Downsizing is a major decision, influenced by unique financial and emotional factors. We recommend you understand your own motivation for moving and weigh the pros and cons so that you feel comfortable with the decision.

If you have made the decision to downsize, here is a complete guide to downsizing for seniors or those working towards retirement. It contains everything from finances and moving logistics to cope with the emotions that come from parting with a family home.

Find the "right size" home for you at Rivero Realtors, and use this helpful information about aging in place in this guide.  When it is time to sell, start with the Riveros and our 30 year experience!

Blog by Alexandra Torres

What better way to work is there than to work from the comfort of your own home? You can do just that by turning your great idea into a small business that you can run right out of your house. Consider this guide to help you form your business and let Debbi and Richard Rivero help you find and move into the perfect home without missing a step.

Step 1: Form an Idea and a Business Plan

Every small business starts with an idea. Maybe you have writing skills that you could turn into a successful freelancing business. Perhaps you have a love of artistic expression and want to set up a space where you can create and sell pieces from your home. E-commerce is a great way to get your products on the market. One study shows that E-commerce sales have been steadily increasing every year.

Once you have your idea, you can start forming a business plan. The basics of a well-formed business plan are:

•        An executive summary 

•        A description of your company and products

•        Your business goals

•        Market information

•        Information on your business financials

Once you have this in writing, you can start the process of registering your business. 

Step 2: Make It Legal

Once you create a business name and register your LLC, you are official. Before you commit to a name, you'll have to make sure it is available. Check online to make sure no one else has registered that name. Then search for the website domain to ensure that it isn't taken as well. You'll need a tax ID number and a business bank account so that you can start purchasing the items that you need to make your business take off. 

Step 3: Find the Right Home

Before you can set up your office space, you need to find the home that will suit your personal life and your business. Location is the most important element. Some areas will not allow you to register a business at your address. If you fall in love with a beautiful home in a neighborhood with an HOA, ask if you can establish a business there before you think about purchasing. Check the local zoning laws for any other restrictions as well.  Start searching that home here.

Step 4: Set Up a Home Office

Once you find your dream home, you can begin setting up your home office. Find a space in the home that is quiet and separate from everything else. This helps you mentally separate your personal life from your business, which is a great way to stop yourself from overworking. Consider a garage remodel or even setting up a small shed-like building in the backyard.

Step 5: Start Marketing

Most small businesses begin by marketing themselves, and your most valuable marketing tool is your website. Your page should have all the information about your website readily at first glance. Consider hiring a graphic designer to create a simple infographic that will catch a visitor's eye, though this can be costly. 

For a more affordable option, make an infographic in minutes using an online tool. You can access free customizable templates online to help you build your website. You use the colors and imagery from your logo on the website to create a cohesive brand. Make sure your site is connected to a strong server so that customers can access everything quickly and reliably.

Starting a business and moving into a new home at the same time doesn't have to be scary. When you're settled in your forever home and your business is thriving, you'll realize it was all worth it. Maintain your dedication, and you'll be successful.

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Blog by: Claire Wentz

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A mortgage is an agreement between an individual and a lender who provides the funds to purchase a property. Over time, the individual needs to make timely repayments to the lender or risk the property getting repossessed. This article presented by Realtor Debbi Rivero will provide you with an all-encompassing mortgage guide to help you navigate through the process.

Who can get a Mortgage?

Any individual who meets the mortgage criteria set by the lender is eligible for a mortgage. While the criteria can vary, here are some conventional mortgage requirements, that most buyers think is necessary to buy a home.

●       A strong credit score i.e. 670 and higher.

●       A good DTI (Debt-to-Income) ratio between 36-43%.

●       Ability to pay at least 20% of the purchase amount as the down payment.

●       Provide additional documentation such as employment verification, proof of income etc.

●       Lenders don’t require it, but consider getting a home warranty to help protect your budget from unexpected repairs. Do some research to find the best home warranty company.

Which Mortgage Type is Best?

The best mortgage for you will depend on your current financial situation, credit score, and repayment plan.

●       Conventional Loan: For those with high credit scores and a large down payment, this is the best option as reported by Nerd Wallet.

●       Government Insured Loan: These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA loans), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA loans), or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA loans). These accept credit scores as low as 500, have lenient DTI ratio requirements, and may waive down payment depending on your application.

●       Fixed-Rate Mortgage: These have a set interest rate allowing for predictable monthly repayments till the end of the loan.

●       Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: After a set period, your interest rate will become adjustable every year, allowing you the advantage of lower payments.

How Can I Get Approved?

It can take up to a month to get approved. The process is as follows:

●       Submit your mortgage application which includes all documentation asked by the lender, looking for a lender with many different programs?  Contact Terry Healy.

●       A loan processor will then review your application with a strong focus on your credit score, ability to repay, and collateral.

●       Next, a home appraisal will be ordered to verify the property’s value meets the loan valuation, according to SmartAsset.

●       Post-review, the underwriter will approve, deny or conditionally approve your mortgage.

●       If approved, your lender will send a Closing Disclosure (CD) which includes all information related to the loan, to be signed while closing on the home.  This CD must be signed by you at least three days before closing.

Now that you have all the important information needed to get a mortgage, go ahead and start your application with confidence. Search for your next home now and contact me, I can help you throughout the home-buying process, so get in touch when you’re ready to start looking.

How to Make Your Home a Wellness Haven Without Breaking the Bank

Even with the pandemic winding down, it’s still essential that we do all we can to make our homes a wellness haven. Luckily, there are several ways to increase the health of your living space without breaking the bank. Today, Rivero Realtors is here to guide you through the process.

Declutter Your Home

Excessive clutter in any room makes it hard to clean the space effectively to get rid of germs and bacteria. It also affects your mental health by overstimulating your brain and cluttering your mind, leading to a lack of focus and memory problems. Tackle the messiness head-on by sorting through your possessions and donating or selling those items you no longer need. Then, commit to keeping all your rooms clean, tidy, and organized going forward.

Add Some Color to Your Walls

Obviously, the appearance of your home can have a big impact on how you feel being there – but for some, the prospect of painting (and repainting) walls is a little daunting. Luckily, there are other options. Assuming you aren’t renting (or your landlord doesn’t mind), wallpaper is an easy alternative. You can even choose a wallpaper design from an artist across the globe. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!

Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

You may be causing pollution in your home without even realizing it. The American Lung Association reports many household products and cleaning supplies contain volatile organic compounds that release into the air and cause allergies, headaches, and respiratory problems. These harmful products include air fresheners, liquid dish detergent, rug cleaners, furniture polish, glass cleaner, and any aerosol spray product.

The ALA recommends using warm water and non-VOC soap for general cleaning and baking soda on any surface you need to scrub. Clean your glass with a simple mix of water and vinegar in equal proportions.  Replace your air fresheners with an essential oil diffuser.

Buy a Water Filter

Filtered water is safer for you to drink as the impurities harmful to your health are removed. Filtering pitchers are inexpensive to buy and use and are an easy way to get clean drinking water. If your budget allows, have a home water filtration system installed by a plumber to give you cleaner water out of every faucet and tap. These are especially helpful in hard water areas as they help protect your appliances from excessive mineral deposits.

Create an Outdoor Oasis

Relaxing outside in a natural setting allows your mind to unwind and your lungs to breathe in the fresh air. No matter the size of your yard, patio, or balcony, you can create an outdoor oasis to chill out in after your hours spent indoors. For starters, purchase a couple of comfortable lounging chairs and a table. Next, toss in some throw pillows and a couple of ottomans so you can prop your feet up.

Plant an Organic Garden

Organic fruits and vegetables aren't treated with chemical pesticides and generally have a higher nutritional value. Most people agree they taste better, too. Now is a great time to plant an organic garden in your backyard so you can skip the higher prices at the supermarket.

For the best results, hire a freelance landscape architect to ensure your garden is beautiful and functional and a place you will love to work in. A professional can determine the optimal place for the garden so it gets enough sun and has the best soil and room enough to grow. The architect can show you a 3D picture of the proposed garden so you know in advance exactly how beautiful the finished plot will look.

Adopting any of these ideas helps to refresh your home into a healthier space to live in during this pandemic. More than that, they can turn your house into a wellness haven where you will love to hang out.

Rivero Realtors are dedicated to providing the most up-to-date market data in the area. Our team is made up of caring, knowledgeable professionals that work tirelessly to help you with the home buying and selling process. Reach out today to get started!

Blog By: Marcus Lansky

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How to Smoothly Relocate Your Business

Has your business outgrown your current facility? Did you purchase a new building? Is your rent too high? Regardless of your reason, moving a business to a new location takes careful planning; you don’t want to lose productivity or customers, and you want minimal disruption for everyone.

Every business has varying needs, but all companies can benefit from these tips.

Create a Relocation Plan

Move.org knows there are many steps to a move; they advise making a checklist. It might include:

•        Schedule for key tasks

•        Packing and moving timelines

•        When to order new business cards, furniture, signs, and equipment

•        How to notify vendors and clients

•        Funding needs

•        New permits or licenses

Obtain Funding

Your company may need additional funding to purchase new equipment, hire movers, or make improvements to your new property before you move. Create an accurate budget, then seek funding options if needed.

Consider Overlap

For many businesses, it’s virtually impossible to close a location one day and begin operations in the new location the next day if both sites aren’t fully functional. You need to provide expected services or goods to customers wherever you are.

Many companies move as much inventory and fixtures as they can into their new facilities well ahead of time while still leaving enough at the current place to serve their clients. That way, once the new location is operational, things can be moved from the old one.

Communication Is Key

Retail businesses are different from factories or wholesale companies because many customers may frequent your store. If you don’t effectively communicate your moving plans to your customers in plenty of time, they might show up at your store one day and wonder what happened to your business.

Retail companies might hand out refrigerator magnets to their customers with the new location address and moving date. All businesses should inform their employees, clients, delivery companies, and vendors about your plans. Vendors and delivery people will need to know what door they should use to enter your new premises before you move to avoid confusion.

Order New Furniture or Equipment Early

Order new inventory, equipment, furniture, and supplies for your new location early enough to account for product availability issues and shipping delays.

Put It in Writing

People read about your business in different places: your website, social media pages, advertising, and business cards. You might also have pre-printed invoices or other materials that include your address.

When you know that you’ll be moving, make an announcement for your online outlets. Tell readers when you’ll be moving and the new location. That way, people will be on the lookout and not be caught by surprise if they show up at your old site after you’ve moved.

Designing new business cards or other printed materials is quick and easy. You can design a personalized business card using customized pre-made templates and choosing your font style, color schemes, and finish, along with adding images and text.

Put up signs at your new location as soon as you’re able, and try to arrange to leave a “We’ve moved” sign at your old property.

Make It a Smooth Move

Although moving a business can be a significant undertaking, it can be a smooth process if you make a thorough plan and follow a timeline. Give yourself as much time as possible to get ready, and remember that communicating about your move is critical for continued success.

When you’re ready to find the perfect Maryland home, realtor Debbi Rivero is ready to help with exceptional real estate services. Call 443-386-1306 to schedule an appointment!

Blogger: Claire Wentz