Whats Happening

COVID-19 has changed many things, including what homebuyers are looking for. With these upgrades, you are sure to catch the buyers eye’s and make a good impression. Check out the top trends for homebuyers in 2021 from Williams & Stuart Real Estate.

1.) Upgrade your home office

Since many people have been working remotely, a functional home office has become essential in 2021. A quiet place for you to work and for the kids to do virtual learning requires good lighting, a strong internet connection, and space to do meetings. A blank wall or neutral background can make all the difference when on video calls.

2.) Make room for a workout

Due to the closures of many gyms, studious, and fitness centers, many people have been doing their workouts from home. Virtual fitness sessions and YouTube workouts have become increasingly popular, so ensuring that your home is equipped with the right spaces and sound system is essential for the home workout fanatic.

3.) Prioritize your outdoor space

The outdoors can be an escape for some and having a developed outdoor area will make all the difference to a homebuyer. Fire pits, swimming pools, cooking areas, and comfortable furniture will immediately draw positive attention. The pandemic has made outdoor events and gatherings more popular, so make sure you are prepared.

4.) Ensure sanitation within your spaces

Cleanliness has become essential in the COVID-19 Era and homebuyers want to feel safe and comfortable in the home they are purchasing. Important products to utilize are air purifiers, indoor air quality monitoring, and new filtrating systems for the air and the water. The cleaner the home is kept, the better!

5.) Increase your storage

With restaurants being closed and more people staying at home, more cooking will be done and there will be a greater need for food storage. Having extra space in the fridge or pantry will be vital when trying to feed extra mouths and when stocking up on extra supplies.

6.) Housing multiple generations

Homes with extra spaces are becoming more popular as families allow parents and in-laws to move in with them. Accommodations for older relatives need to be implemented and having an extra part of the house for them to live in or distance is a plus.

After a stressful year with the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing that many people want to do is think about filing their taxes. Unfortunately, this isn’t something that can be avoided, and with tax deadlines approaching it is important to think ahead and get prepared. Below you will find 3 different ways that you can minimize your stress and get the most out of this tax season!

1) Prepare in advance and be proactive

Early preparation is essential, especially this year with COVID-19. You may be confused about where to start and a great place to begin is understanding when your return and payments are due as well as what options you have. Think about whether or not you want to file your taxes yourself or if you want to reach out to a professional – there may be more complicated and unexpected tax situations this year that you need to take into consideration. Lastly, gather your relevant documents in advance and anticipate that there could be delays.

2) Utilize the online/virtual options available

Online tax filing software is a great resource that is even more popular now with the virtual world that we are living in. You can e-file your Rhode Island State Income Taxes for Tax Year 2020 online and check out the State of Rhode Island Division of Taxation website to download necessary tax forms.
Additionally, check online for COVID-19 related information as changes will be reflected on government sites!

3) Ask questions & reach out to a local CPA

At the end of the day if you are worried about your taxes the best way to ensure you minimize your stress and get the most out of your returns is to reach out to a professional. There are many local CPAs who can help and Rhode Island has many businesses that specialize in this. If you choose to take this route, ensure that you make appointments as early as possible! With all the uncertainties that this year has had, many people may find it useful to utilize a professional. If you’ve had major changes over the last year you may have a more complicated tax filing process.

With all this time we are spending inside, are you looking
to fresh up your home this upcoming spring? We’ve got you covered! After almost a year of quarantine, we understand that your home might need some T.L.C. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity for you to start afresh and keep your family healthy. Here are some
helpful tips on how you can make your spring cleaning a
stress-free experience and tackle this dreadful
chore head-on:

Gather all of your preferred supplies
— Vacuum, mop, steamer, cleaners, trash bags, paper towels, Clorox wipes
Declutter before you start
— Tidy up your home before you start your cleaning
— Donate unwanted clothes, shred old mail or paperwork, get rid of toys
Clean all your towels and linens
— Strip the beds and collect all blankets, towels, and linens
Wash all of your dirty laundries
-Pick up any dirty clothes laying around
Clean from top to bottom
— Start by cleaning the fans, light fixtures, and blinds
— Then clean floors and carpets
Clean all surfaces that your family touches
-Clorox any doorknobs, handrails, tables, and countertops
-Wipe down tv remotes, car keys
Do a deep clean of the bathrooms
— Clean toilet, tile, shower, vanity, and mirrors
— Finish by mopping the floor
Do a deep clean of the kitchen
— Throw away unwanted or stale food
— Clean inside and outside cabinets
— Clean the oven, fridge, stovetop, backsplash
— Finish by mopping the floor
Organize
-Organize any shelves, bookcases, and closets
-Put away any random stuff you have laying around
Final touches
— Use a Magic Eraser to remove scuff marks on baseboards
— Wipe down windows and window sills
— Change air filters