8 Things You Can Do Right Now to Boost Your Health

The first step on any journey is always the hardest — and if you’re trying to get fit and healthy, that first step can feel like a huge one.

But you can crush that first step by making small changes to your lifestyle, starting with everyday behaviors.

“Being aware of your habits — and rethinking those habits — can help you curb the worst of your behaviors,” explained Susan Bloom M.D., assistant clinical professor of preventive medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai in New York City, and author of “The Immune System Recovery Plan.”

Sometimes, it’s those small — yet consistent — changes that have the biggest bang for your buck.

Here are eight simple lifestyle tweaks that can help boost your health, fitness, and energy.

1. Get More Sleep

“The very first place to start is a good night’s sleep,” says Jarrod Spencer, Psy.D., sports psychologist at Mind of an athelte in Bethlehem, PA.

But anyone who has spent the night (or nights) counting sheep, staring at the ceiling, or tossing and turning knows that it’s easier said than done.

Before you turn to over-the-counter sleep aids, set yourself up for sleep success by optimizing your bedroom — like using light dimmers so you can adjust the level of lighting, getting the right pillow, and investing in a sound machine.

Getting enough sleep can impact your mood, mental clarity, your ability to lose weight, energy levels, and more, so it’s important to try to get enough sleep under your belt every night.

2. Stand More

Research estimates the average person spends more than half of their waking hours with bum in a chair.

“But I exercise,” you may be thinking. That’s great! But you’re not off the hook.

Another study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that for every single hour spent sitting watching TV after age 25, your life expectancy is reduced by 21.8 minutes.

While it might not be realistic to quit your (desk) job, you can do things like getting a standing workstation, and mixing in frequent, short sessions of light physical activity (e.g., walking) throughout the day.

The American Council on Exercise suggests taking breaks every thirty to sixty minutes.

3. Exercise Where You Can

Even when you’re watching TV at home, you can designate commercials a mental cue to get off your butt and fit in a few minutes (usually just 90–120 seconds) of squats, push-ups, or jumping jacks.

This will not only help add to your total minutes of exercise each day but will also help you make better food choices during your TV watching. It’s harder to eat the rest of that bag of chips when you’re doing push-ups.

4. Down Some Joe

There was a time when coffee had a bad reputation; it was reportedly unhealthy and stunted your growth. But there’s emerging research pointing to a bevy of health benefits.

If you’re caffeine-averse, no worries: Studies show benefits extend to decaf, as well.

And here’s some really great news for those who want to boost your exercise performance with coffee: Studies show that caffeine can help you train longer and harder.

One downside to coffee? Adding cream, sugar, and other toppings can rack up the calories fast.

Cut back without giving your taste buds a shock by gradually decreasing the add-ins.

Swap the packets of white sugar with a touch of honey. Instead of cream, try 2% milk or a milk alternative like unsweetened almond milk.

5. Make Your Tea Green

Not a coffee drinker? Tea is also a healthy beverage, containing health-promoting substances such as polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins, which research suggests have antioxidant-like properties.

If you’re already a tea drinker, focus on green tea.

Why? Although all teas – green, black, white, oolong – have health benefits, green is king.

“Hot or iced, it’s an excellent way to hydrate and boost anti-oxidant intake,” says registered dietitian and exercise physiologist Samantha Heller.

But beware of the pre-sweetened teas, which are very high in sugar content, she warns.

In green tea, the leaves are wilted and steamed, processed immediately after picking, which accounts for the difference in the final photochemical balance, and gives green tea its health-boosting catechins

To boost your tea benefits, use water that is near-boiling, and let the leaves steep for about two to three minutes — leaving them longer will release tannins and make the tea bitter.

6. Drink All The Water

Water is a great way to quench your thirst, but it’s also essential to many vital body process.

You’ve probably read or heard that you need to drink eight glasses of water a day. Turns out there’s no scientific evidence to support that — your daily water requirements vary depending on your age, gender, size, activity level, and other factors.

Use your body weight as a general guide to get you started. Drink your body weight, divided by two, in ounces.

So if you weigh 150 pounds — that would be 150 divided by 2, which equals 75. That’s 75 ounces of water you should be drinking every day.

Keep yourself hydrated and on track for your health goals by carrying a water bottle with you and refilling it throughout the day.

7. Time Your Pre-Workout Food Right

Fueling your workout with food can help you get the most out of your workout, and choosing the right food and timing are key.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, you’re better off eating one to three hours before your workout so that your stomach and muscles don’t compete for energy.

Of course, everyone is different, so you might have to play with the time frame to see what works best for you.

“I recommend eating [at least] an hour before your workout,” says New Jersey-based registered dietitian Amy Gorin. “The snack should have a combo of carbs and protein — the protein provides your body with amino acids [the building blocks of muscle], and the carbs will help you power you through your workout.”

Some good choices include a peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole-wheat bread; Greek yogurt with fresh berries; an apple spread with almond or peanut butter; or a handful of nuts and raisins.

8. Get to Know Portion Control and Meal Prep

It’s all too easy to shove a burger in your mouth when you’re we’re rushed, tired or stressed.

An easy way to prevent overeating or grabbing not-so-healthy meals is to plan out your meals and snacks for the week or day ahead.

No weighing out your food. No calorie counting. Just match the container to the food group and you’re done.

Another easy trick — downsize your dishes. “Using smaller plates can cut down on your total caloric consumption,” explains Anderson.

Research found that larger plates lead people to serve themselves more, eat more, and waste more food.

*Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

BY: Sheryl raft and Kate Bayless

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2020 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.  

Rachel Sheller, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First- Principal Broker, Washington First-Managing Broker

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website 

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

How to spot the next hot neighborhood

Location, location, location
Location is one of the most important elements – if not the most important element – to consider in a home search. While it’s easy to find markets that are already buzzing, how can you spot up-and-coming neighborhoods?

Uptick in businesses
Take note when chic hotels, stylish boutiques and trendy restaurants begin to emerge in the surrounding areas. If a neighborhood is creating a higher demand for new venues, then its property values are likely to soar.

Fixer-upper potential
Neighborhoods that may be considered past their prime but offer unique architecture and structural integrity are prime real estate opportunities. Victorian, Tudor and Spanish-style older homes are popular, especially among millennials and first-time home buyers who are willing to invest in a home that requires a little extra love, attention and elbow grease.

Fast-selling properties
As homes begin to spend less and less time on the market, it’s a good sign that the neighborhood is increasing in popularity. Sometimes, it only takes a few buyers taking an interest in a neighborhood before other buyers take note and begin to see its potential for future growth.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2020 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.  

Rachel Sheller, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First- Principal Broker, Washington First-Managing Broker

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website 

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

7 Ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

While many people think of St. Patrick’s Day as the holiday of green beer, here are seven family-friendly ways to celebrate Ireland’s patron saint.

1.     Enjoy a local parade. Get the family together to watch marching bands, bagpipes and Irish step dancers in your area.

2.     Turn your food green. Dye your pancakes green, make cupcakes with green frosting or enjoy a mint milkshake as a festive treat.

3.     Eat traditional Irish food. Corned beef and cabbage or Reuben sandwiches are popular restaurant specials, or try making shepherd’s pie or Irish boxty at home.

4.     Enjoy an Irish beverage. Ireland has more to offer than Guinness and Jameson. Warm up with a cup of Barry’s or Lyons tea and top it off with a splash of milk.

5.     Listen to Irish music. Traditional Celtic music is standard fare. Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys are two Irish-American punk bands if you want a change of pace.

6.     Find a green landmark. Iconic sites around the world light up green for St. Patrick’s Day, making for a festive selfie backdrop.

7.     Watch the Chicago River turn green. Since 1962, the city has dyed the river by using an environmentally friendly powder that turns bright green when it hits the water. If you want to witness the transformation, be there on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2020 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.  

Rachel Sheller, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First- Principal Broker, Washington First-Managing Broker

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website 

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Spring cleaning checklist

As the weather begins to warm up, now’s the time to let your house breathe and do some spring cleaning. Set aside a day or a weekend to tackle your entire living space so you can freshen up your home without dragging out the process. Use this list to organize your cleaning room by room.

Kitchen:

·         Wipe down cabinets.

·         Clean windows.

·         Deep clean stovetop, oven and microwave.

·         Clean out fridge and pantry. Remove everything from the shelves and wipe down inside. As you return items, throw away any expired food, as well as spices that have been open longer than a year.

·         Remove everything from countertops and thoroughly scrub counters and backsplash.

·         Sweep and mop floors.

Living Room:

·         Clean out fireplace.

·         Dust ceiling fans, furniture and electronics.

·         Wash or vacuum window treatments.

·         Clean windows.

·         Freshen couches and chairs. Vacuum and use upholstery cleaner where needed. Rotate the placement of couch cushions.

·         Wipe down baseboards and crown molding.

·         Vacuum and steam clean carpets.

Bedroom:

·         Remove all bedding and sort into five piles: mattress pads, fitted sheets, flat sheets, blankets, and comforters. Wash in that order so you can make the beds as each load is completed.

·         Wash or vacuum window treatments.

·         Clean mirrors and windows.

·         Dust furniture with microfiber cloths.

·         Wipe down baseboards and crown molding.

·         Vacuum and steam clean carpets.

Bathroom:

·         Spray surfaces of tubs, showers and toilets with a heavy-duty cleaner, then allow to soak while you finish the next three items on the bathroom checklist. Return to rinse surfaces before completing the fifth item.

·         Clean mirrors, windows and sinks.

·         Wipe down walls.

·         Clean baseboards and vacuum or mop floors.

·         Wash towels and throw rugs.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2020 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.  

Rachel Sheller, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First- Principal Broker, Washington First-Managing Broker

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website 

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Common Mistakes Buyers Make

Here are two mistakes buyers often make when shopping for a home, according to Realtor.com^®.

Not sticking to a budget
Once you’ve set a housing budget, try to avoid getting emotionally attached to a home that’s way out of your price range. Borrowing more than you can comfortably afford can lead to long-term financial problems. One rule of thumb says that your total monthly mortgage plus other debts (car payments, student loans, credit cards, etc.) should not exceed 43% of your pretax earnings.

Not comparing lenders
You can save money both in the short-term (closing costs) and long-term (interest rates) by shopping around before committing to a mortgage. You may want to begin with your own bank, but check with other banks, mortgage brokers or online lenders as well.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2020 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.  

Rachel Sheller, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First- Principal Broker, Washington First-Managing Broker

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website 

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

5 Home Design Trends to Be Thankful for This Year

After years of normalizing neutral color palettes, for example, designers are embracing more colorful trends to showcase personality in homes. REALTOR® Magazine’s Styled, staged and sold blog asked designers and stagers what home interior trends they’re most grateful for this year. Here are their top picks.

1. More colorful spaces

Goodbye, white kitchens and gray walls. More color is moving in. Homeowners favor bolder hues inside the home, not just for pops of color but also as a base color for an entire room. Paint companies have chosen variations of blues, pinks, and greens as their picks for 2020 color of the year. These colors also are being splashed on kitchen cabinets, exterior doors, and home accessories.

The paint firm PPG selected Chinese porcelain, a blend of cobalt and muted navy tones, as its 2020 color of the year. Sherwin Williams followed suit with Naval, a deep navy blue.

Behr’s top 2020 pick is a meadow-inspired yellowish green called Back to Nature.

Pinks also are catching on. HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams, the company’s offshoot brand, chose a blush hue called Romance, while Benjamin Moore chose a soft, rosy hue called First Light.

2. Luxury vinyl flooring

A design trend that’s stylish but low maintenance, luxury vinyl is enjoying popularity as an alternative to hardwood and ceramic tile flooring. Vinyl is touted as being cheaper, warmer, and softer on your feet; it also requires less upkeep than traditional hardwood or tile.

Today’s luxury vinyl shouldn’t be mistaken for linoleum and other varieties of sheet flooring. Luxury vinyl can be laid out in planks, tiles, and sheets, and it comes in trendy finishes. Luxury vinyl planks can resemble the look of hardwood and are offered in handscraped and wide plank varieties. The planks can be installed diagonally or in a trendy herringbone pattern, and they also can resemble tile and marble.

The lower maintenance of luxury vinyl is appealing to families with young children and pets. It’s a water-resistant material that works easily in kitchens and bathrooms.

3. Voice-controlled smart appliances

Alexa, Google Home, and Siri are ushering in a new and advanced era of smart-home technology. The choices are growing, too: Smart plugs, for example, cost as little as $10 and enable you to say: “Alexa, turn on the lights.” Add smart lightbulbs that can be controlled via voice assistants, as well as other appliances such as the thermostat, door locks, and security cameras. Suddenly, smart homes have become more attainable and cost-effective.

4. Statement ceilings 

Finally, a reason to look up! The homes fifth wall is commanding the spotlight In the roaring ’20s, stamped ceilings, such as those plated in copper or tin decorative sheets, were popular. But the trend faded in favor of smooth ceiling finishes. Now, the statement ceiling is back.

This time, however, paint, wallpaper, or wood moldings are the ceiling accents of choice. A statement ceiling can brighten up a space and make it memorable, says Katie Skoloff, principal designer and founder of In Site Designs, an interior design firm in Greenville, S.C. “We find the interest on a ceiling draws the eye up, and you cannot help but feel the space is there to ‘wow’ you,” she says. Wallpapered ceilings, as well as wood beams and coffered ceilings, are today’s standout options.

5. Contrasting kitchen design

Along with more colorful interiors, the white kitchen is fading in favor of a bigger statement, including tuxedo cabinetry, shiny hardware, and brass-trimmed range hoods.

Polished brass on cabinet hardware, range hoods, and appliance handles shines in otherwise white kitchens, appearing to be like jewelry for the space. Café, a hardware line for the GE Appliance brand, offers customizable options in various metals for refrigerator or oven handles. For example, soft-brushed copper handles can be added to a matted white refrigerator for a more contemporary vibe.

Contrasting kitchen cabinets, such as the tuxedo kitchen, also are gaining popularity. The trend calls for upper and lower cabinets to be painted different colors—perhaps white on top and a gray or dark walnut on the bottom. It’s essentially a way to add more visual interest to an otherwise all-white display.

An alternative—and slightly less bold—version of this trend is also taking root, such as all-white cabinets and a contrasting kitchen island in a deep blue, gray, or walnut color.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

5 Business Books That Motivate

If you’re finding yourself in a end-year slump, these top-rated reads are sure to keep you motivated all the way through the end of the year.

Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
In his newest book, Cal Newport addresses the challenge of remaining focused despite the constant distractions of this modern age. His insight teaches you how to train your mind and master your work ethic once and for all.

The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups
Why do some groups seem destined for greatness? Daniel Coyle dissects the ins and outs of the most successful teams on the planet. You will find actionable steps you can implement in your work environment to inspire success.

Great At Work: How Top Performers Do Less, Work Better, and Achieve More
As a clear, data-based guide to on-the-job success, Morten Hansen’s latest book provides seven practices linked to high performance. His thoughtful advice will help you integrate them into your own life.

Brave Leadership: Unleash Your Most Confident, Powerful, and Authentic Self to Get the Results You Need
In this empowering read, Kimberly Davis delivers an engaging and influential guide to overcoming personal obstacles, so you can become a courageous and confident leader.

Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days
If you work with a team, this guide is invaluable. Formerly of Google Ventures, Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky and Braden Kowitz recorded their proven method for creating a comprehensive solution to a business problem in just five days with the right team.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Tool Safety For DIYers

Tackling DIY projects can be satisfying, just make sure you don’t end up in the hospital. Porch.com analyzed data from ER visits and found that ladders caused the most injuries for DIYers, followed by hardware (nails, screws, etc.), lawn mowers and power saws. The report also found that more people were hurt using cleaning agents than chain saws. Remember: “No matter how modest your home improvement project may appear, exercise caution and focus at every stage.”

Consider these tips from the safety consulting and certification company Underwriter Laboratories:

·         Use the “4-to-1 rule” for ladders: For every four feet of height, the base should be one foot away from the wall.

·         Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles when operating power tools, and avoid wearing bracelets, watches or loose-fitting clothing.

·         When painting inside, ensure proper ventilation by opening windows, using fans and wearing a respirator mask. Take breaks often to get away from the fumes.

·         Be aware of where other people (and pets) in the household are at all times, and keep your work space clean and well-lit.

·         Know your limits. If you don’t feel comfortable with a specific tool or project, call a professional rather than risk getting hurt.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller- Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First-Principal Broker, Washington First-Managing Broker

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Should You Upgrade To USB Electrical Outlets?

Not Your Parent’s Electrical Outlet

The last time your home’s electrical outlets had a significant redesign was 50 years ago, when, for safety reasons, the three-prong outlet became standard for use with all major appliances. That surprised look on three-prong’s face that we’ve all grown accustomed to has been transforming, as USB ports are built into more electrical socket designs to accommodate the multiple devices we need to charge every day.

When USB wall outlets first started showing up, they were mainly in airport terminals and hospitals. Now you often find them in hotels and even your favorite coffee bar. Chances are, you’ve plugged a device into one somewhere in recent years. They’re so easy and convenient when your phone or tablet’s battery runs low. So why haven’t you upgraded any of the electrical outlets in your home with them?

Why Haven’t You Made the Switch?

Maybe you haven’t upgraded any outlets to USB yet because you think it involves getting an electrician to your house and that’s always costly!
Maybe you wonder if you really need to install USB outlets because you’ve already invested in a charging station that you placed in the most useful spot in your home.
Maybe you heard USB outlets constantly draw power even when they’re not in use.
Or maybe wall warts, power strips, adapters, and a bunch of dangling charging cords just don’t bother you.

Whatever your reason, here’s why it’s time to upgrade to USB outlets in certain places in your home:

You don’t need an electrician–if you’re the DIY type. You can change an outlet to a new USB receptacle in under an hour. The cost to upgrade will only be your time and about $25 per receptacle.
You don’t need that charging station anymore. A USB wall outlet is a better long-term solution and aesthetically, these slim and sleek new outlets just look better.
You can be expect a USB outlet to be more energy efficient than a charging station. Although USB outlets do draw a very small amount of current when not in use, you can buy one with a switch and easily turn off power to the outlet until you need to plug in a device.

Check This Before You Make the Switch

USB receptacles have a bit more to their backsides than do the standard three-prong receptacles. Follow these steps* to check that the outlet you plan to switch has a junction box that can accommodate the larger size:

1. Use a voltage tester to check that electricity is present in the outlet. A red light on the voltage tester indicates “hot” to show the outlet has an electrical current. Watch a few how-to videos if this is your first time using a voltage tester.
2. Next, cut off power to the room where you’d be replacing a socket via the main circuit breaker panel. To be extra safe, or if you are not sure which breaker controls which room, always turn off the power to your whole home.
3. After turning off the power, use the voltage tester on the outlet again to ensure the current is off. The voltage tester green indicator lights up if the power is off. Then remove the outlet’s faceplate and unscrew the receptacle from the junction box.
4. Check that the junction box for the outlet you are upgrading has about 3 inches of depth to it to fit the bulkier USB outlet. If you have an older home you may have slimmer junction boxes. Repeat steps for every outlet you want to switch. If any of the junction boxes are too small, you can either not upgrade that outlet, or call an electrician.

*If you have doubts about your electrical DIY skills, stop now and call an electrician. Better to stay safe, and keep in mind that USB wall outlets are safe when installed correctly as well.

Pro tip: You cannot switch a GFCI outlet for a USB one. USB outlets do not have built-in GFCI capability.

The Best Places for USB Outlets

Now that you know these new USB receptacles can fit in at your house, it’s time to consider all of the places where switching an outlet makes the most sense. Here are rooms where upgrading to USB works best:

• Bedrooms on nightstands where sleeping gadgets lie.
• Kitchens next to countertops but not for switching GFCIs.
• Living rooms by entertainment areas or near tables by a chair.
• Guest rooms by nightstands or nearest to the sleeping area.
• Home offices near to desks, or see “Gadgets” section at end of article for another idea.
• Garages by tool benches or sturdy shelves, but only buy USB outlets with port covers here.

Unfortunately, for now, you can’t add USB outlets outside on a porch or patio, even if your outdoor outlet has an insulated metal cover. That’s because the National Electrical Code (NEC) requires outdoor electricity outlets to use GFCI. If you have an enclosed porch, where the outlet is high off ground level, you could consult an electrician. But it may be better to simply wait for the next innovation to come along.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller- Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First-Principal Broker, Washington First-Managing Broker

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Resist These Retail Traps

As the buying season approached- it might be good to know how to resist these retail traps!

When it comes to profoundly understanding consumer behavior, retailers have done their research. Watch out for these strategies that stores use to get you to buy more. 

Free shipping thresholds: Be wary of offers such as “spend $50 and get free shipping.” Avoiding a shipping charge may feel like the better deal, but make sure you’re not spending money on stuff you don’t need.

Limited-time offers: You’re more likely to purchase an item impulsively if you’re worried it will be gone tomorrow. Limited-time offers capitalize on your fear of missing out. 

Price anchoring: Seeing the slashed “original” price can prompt you to think you’re saving money, even if the product is still overpriced. Take time to research similar products to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Product hide-and-seek: Some stores rearrange products frequently in hopes that you’ll scan extra shelves and add more to your cart. Stick to your list or order products online to avoid this trap.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE,CSA-Certified Staging Agent,Oregon First-Principal Broker, Washington First-Managing Broker

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!