Homeland Security Declares Real Estate ‘Essential,’ But …

Federal guidance from the Department of Homeland Security has included real estate in a list of essential services that are deemed critical to public health and safety, as well as economic and national security.. State and local officials, however, have been issuing guidelines that could prevent normal business operations for real estate professionals in some areas. Those local mandates should take precedence over federal guidance, experts advise.

Where real estate services are continuing—albeit in modified forms—brokerages are cautioning their agents to act responsibly and to practice safe social distancing in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

Under the issued Homeland Security guidance, “residential and commercial real services” are included on a 15-page list of essential services. These cover settlement services and government offices that conduct title searches, notaries, and mortgage and recording services, as well as construction. The advisory letter was created by the Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.

“This list is advisory in nature,” the guidance notes. “It is not, nor should it be considered, a federal directive or standard.”

Indeed, REALTORS® should follow the guidelines set forth by their city, county, and state governments, urges Katie Johnson, general counsel and chief member experience officer for the National Association of REALTORS®. “It is imperative you adhere to the order” of your local jurisdiction, Johnson says.

“Being deemed an essential service means that you have a special responsibility and opportunity to continue operations if you choose to but not if you don’t. It means you have the special responsibility and mandate to adhere to your state’s executive order regarding ‘essential services.’ ”

REALTORS® also have a responsibility to abide by all necessary health and safety precautions mandated by your state’s executive orders that would apply to business activities such as in-person property showings or other face-to-face gatherings.  “We all have a special responsibility to lead by example, to do what we think is best for our communities and ourselves, and to do what we think best for the reputation of the industry,” Johnson says.

Read more recommendations for conducting business safely in Coronavirus: A Guide for REALTORS®.

Article by the National Association of Realtors

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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 

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7 Tasks to do after moving into your new home

The safety and security of your family, guests and pets are the most important reasons to complete these tasks as soon as possible after moving in.

1. Change the locks and the garage door entry code. You have no idea how many of the former owner’s neighbors, friends or relatives have a key or know the garage code.

2. Hide an extra key in a combination lock box. Burglars know all of the usual spots where people hide keys such as under a flower pot or in a fake rock.

3. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If there aren’t any or they look dated, make sure to install new ones.

4. Check the temperature on your water heater, especially if you have young children. The safest and most eco-friendly setting is 120^° F.

5. Make sure there’s a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and one on each additional floor.

6. Check motion lights and other security lights to make sure they have working bulbs.

7. Locate the main gas and water shut-off valves. Find the circuit box and label all of the breakers.

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!

Update On Interior Surfaces

The trendy styles for countertops, flooring and walls were revealed at The International Surface Event trade show this year. 

“Geometric designs, increasingly refined faux-hardwood porcelain tile and luxury vinyl-tile floor coverings were prevalent,” reports Houzz.com. 

Whether you’re updating your drab interiors for your own enjoyment or redecorating your home for resale, here are some highlights to consider.

• Patterned tile: Increasingly popular choices for kitchen floors and bathroom walls are graphic encaustic (or inlaid) tile and arabesque mosaic tile.

• Quartzite: “The great thing about quartzite is it comes in so many colors, so a lot of it looks like marble, but it’s much stronger,” according to the National Stone Institute. “It’s good for countertops.”

• Faux wood: Selected for its easy maintenance and lower cost compared with natural hardwood, the wood look is available in materials such as laminate, porcelain and vinyl.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

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

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View this 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!

Style Your Coffee Table Like A Pro

A well-designed coffee table complements the rest of the room and creates an interesting visual story. Consider these tips to make your table look professionally styled:

·         Display decorative items in odd numbers (especially in groups of three) to create an effortless look. Add at least one tall item to draw the eye up, such as a vase with flowers or stems.

·         Aim for a cohesive, balanced design. For example, add a sculptural piece on top of a stack of books to keep them from looking too flat. Pull in colors from the rest of the room or pick items that are similar in shape. Try using a serving tray to tie your decor together.

·         Include one statement piece that sparks conversation or showcases your personality. This could be something you bought on a trip, an interesting antique, or an item in a color or texture that pops.

·         Keep functionality in mind by leaving enough space for drink glasses and snack plates. Add a decorative box or basket to catch remotes and other daily items.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

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

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- Homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

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Surviving a kitchen remodel

Living in your home while renovating your kitchen comes with a certain level of chaos, but a little forethought can help you make it through.

Plan for simple meals and lots of takeout. Think sandwiches, soups and anything that can be grilled. If you’ll have access to a fridge, consider making and freezing meals that can be added to a slow cooker as needed. Factor takeout costs into your renovation budget and look for restaurants with daily deals such as kids eat free or two-for-one specials to help ease the financial strain.

Set up a temporary kitchen. Ideally, this will be away from the construction zone and close to a water source. Make sure the electrical outlets in your “kitchenette” can handle small appliances and a mini fridge, if possible. Plastic drawers on wheels work well for storing dishes, utensils and non-perishable food, and be sure to protect your temporary countertops from hot dishes.

Helpful items for your makeshift kitchen include: a microwave, coffee maker, electric teakettle, slow cooker (or Instant Pot), toaster oven, electric grill, cutting board, sharp knives, grilling tools, dish soap, scrub brushes, dish towels, a few spices, and a large tray to carry food to your eating area.

Control the mess. There will be days when you just need to use disposable plates and utensils, but relying on them too much creates a lot of waste. Try keeping only one place setting per family member, which will force you to wash dishes right away. If you’re rinsing plates in a bathtub or bathroom sink, catch stray food scraps with a drain strainer to prevent clogs.

Expect delays. It’s helpful to practice patience if or when the contractor encounters “unforeseen issues” after tearing out the old cabinets, your new stove arrives 10 days late or the plumber accidentally floods the adjoining laundry room.

Keep your sanity. Designate at least one room in your home that’s construction-free and tell your contractor, if necessary. Having a peaceful place to escape during renovations can help your family regain a sense of normalcy along the way.

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

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

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

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View an accurate list of ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington  m

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