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Century 21® 2022-07-26 09:32:39

July 26, 2022 By C21 Communications

Eugene F. Pridgett III, owner of CENTURY 21 The Gene Group in Dayton, Ohio, has a long list of roles he’s played: Air Force veteran, stockbroker, software engineer, real estate broker, business owner, husband. Now he can add another – television star.

He was recently featured in an episode of “Military Makeover: Operation Career,” hosted by Montel Williams highlighting Century 21 Real Estate LLC. This special episode explored how the real estate industry and the CENTURY 21® brand provides great opportunities for military service members looking for a new profession as they transition to civilian life.

The CENTURY 21 brand is proud to support veterans who affiliate with a CENTURY 21 brokerage through its exclusive Recruiting America’s Heroes program for newly retired veterans, transitioning veterans, active military, reservists, military spouses and surviving military spouses. Where applicable, participating agents receive up to 40% off the online real estate pre-licensing course, up to 40% off continuing education courses through the CE Shops (in select states) and a welcome gift from the CENTURY 21 brand.

Skills That Last a Lifetime

Gene enlisted in the Air Force after college, specializing in avionics and programming software for F15 fighter jets. “It was my job to get the sorties in the air,” Gene says, which meant being responsible for the jet’s software and fixing things that went awry. He learned skills that have lasted a lifetime – analytical problem solving, quick thinking, working under pressure, teamwork, attention to detail, dedication to serving.

He expected these would translate well to a career as a stockbroker after he left the military, but ironically, it was the sales part that didn’t suit the future real estate broker. “I was too truthful. I’d tell clients, ‘You know, this isn’t a smart move because these fees are crazy. You can’t make the kind of money you’re looking for this way.’ Finance is, obviously, all about the money, but I was more about watching out for my clients’ interests.”

So, he returned to what he knew best, beginning what would become a 20-year career in software engineering for a major aerospace corporation that supported the military. Gene worked in configuration management, ensuring completed software was clean with no backdoors or additional software added in that could create issues.

Looking for a new challenge after two decades, he again turned to those invaluable skills he learned in the Air Force. Real estate had always interested him, so he began investing in and flipping houses. Over time, he developed algorithms to identify the best investment opportunities and how to best evaluate properties. (Because that’s what you do when you’re an ex-military software engineer who goes into real estate.)

What he found was that he loved helping people more than anything.

(Don’t) “Show Me the Money”

“It all came back to that foundation of service, which is what the military is all about – I wasn’t the warfighter, I supported the warfighter. Anything you do consistently over time becomes the baseline, becomes absorbed. Our greatest purpose on this planet is to be of service to others. You never see a
U-Haul following a hearse, because you can’t take it with you. I wasn’t in it for the money.”

So, he earned his real estate and then broker’s license and started his own independent brokerage. As his business grew, the offers started coming in – offers to merge, be purchased, affiliate with a brand. He’d always listen politely to what they had in mind, but he was never interested because they were always just about the money.

“When the CENTURY 21 brand approached me, they talked about a partnership, and that got my attention. My affiliated agents know I’m not sitting in the command quarter making decisions, I’m out on the battlefield with them,” Gene says, peppering his comments with military terms. “The CENTURY 21 brand operated the same way as me. I was talking to the heads of the departments and the president and CEO, Mike Miedler. They have approximately 14,000 offices, but he took the time to get to know me. I could reach out to him if I needed to talk, and that meant a lot. It still does.”

Gene was also attracted to the brand’s 50-year track record and reputation as the most recognized and respected name in real estate¹. “The CENTURY 21 name is known around the world, which makes a big difference. They also had a robust tool set and systems that allowed me to plug in and help me grow my business. I didn’t have to reinvent the wheel and I didn’t have to use any tools that maybe didn’t align with my approach.”

Military – The Making of a Good Agent

Gene has seen from experience that veterans often make great real estate agents because of their transferable skills. Both the military and real estate are all about service and working toward the greater good. Veterans are dependable and value consistency, so they seek careers with systems and processes in place that create predictable outcomes. They’re very goal oriented and excellent problem solvers. They’re used to quality training so they can continuously improve and grow their skills. They want a reliable source of correction when things start to go off track, so they’re very coachable. They thrive in environments where they work alongside leaders who want to contribute to their success for a mutually beneficial outcome.

“A diamond is coal – the only difference is pressure. Veterans have just been under different pressures. That’s not saying the diamond is better than the coal, because the coal will heat your home. It’s just that we need to be in a different setting to be our best. And I think real estate is that type of setting.”

While he doesn’t specifically focus on recruiting veterans, they naturally find their way to him based on his proximity to the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. But he says most of his military-related agents are actually military or veteran spouses, which he considers to be veterans, too. “When your spouse is active duty, you are, too. You’re part of the squadron.”

Hungry and Humble

CENTURY 21 The Gene Group currently has 40 affiliated agents in Dayton and four in Cincinnati, with another 30 in the queue waiting to affiliate. But he’s very selective about who he chooses to partner with.

“They have to be hungry and humble. When I meet with prospects, I tell them real estate is work, it’s effort. You have a great responsibility and there will be challenges. But you’re the one that helps clients work through the emotions of buying and selling a home. You are their trusted advisor, and you have to be committed to that.”

Gene lives by three rules, both in business and in life:

Do what’s right because it’s right.
Trust can’t be granted – it must be earned.
Give more than you expect to receive.

“If you’re not in alignment with these, you won’t be a good fit for my brokerage.”

Many of the agents Gene affiliates are new to real estate, which is by design because he can mentor them on the right way to do things. He developed an onboarding system that helps agents move from “green to gold” quickly. There’s a team that walks them through the affiliation process, helps with the paperwork, orders business cards and guides them on all aspects of real estate. His goal is to remove obstacles and decision fatigue, so they remain excited about their new profession and do not become overwhelmed.

He also plugs them into everything the brand offers, from C21 University® to the marketing and productivity tools. “If they want to go into commercial real estate, build a team – whatever direction they want to head in, I know the CENTURY 21 brand and I can help them.”

Working with agents and supporting them as they build a business has been a perfect match with Gene’s focus on service. “I’ve always met sales milestones and that’s been great. But helping an agent make an income she never thought was possible, enough to take her kids to Disney World – that means so much more to me.”

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the typical agent handles 9-10 transactions a year². “Those statistics are based on the wind shear agents face. But what if I could take that wind shear away? That’s what I’m trying to do – create an environment where challenges are minimized so agents can grow faster and go farther with the right systems and tools. My philosophy is, ‘If you want to go fast, go it alone. If you want to go far, go with a team. If you want to go real far and real fast, go with us!’”

Wind shear… Spoken like a true aerospace engineer.

Serving Those Who Serve

The Realogy Military Rewards program, available through Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (formerly Realogy Holdings Corp.), the parent company of Century 21 Real Estate LLC, supports military and veteran family homebuyers and sellers by offering $350-$7,500 in cash back³ after closing when they buy and/or sell a home with a participating agent, based on the home sale and/or purchase price.

CENTURY 21 The Gene Group is also invested in supporting members of the military who are relocating to or from the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Gene believes having a veteran leading the agency adds a level of confidence because they know he understands their unique challenges.

Gene’s team has a special process in place to help military clients with a PCS (permanent change of station), who typically have a very limited time to find a home and a tight deadline to move. Prior to the client arriving, they have several phone conversations to understand their needs and aspirations. The agent blocks several days off and prepares a showing execution plan so properties that meet their criteria are lined up and ready to view. His team shows them how to apply for VA financing, walks them through making an offer, and ideally, they leave with a contract so there’s one less thing to worry about.

Gene quotes Chaka Khan lyrics to illustrate his relentless approach to service, whether it’s to relocating military families, non-military clients or agents: “Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall.”

And that perfectly sums up how Gene rolls.

¹ Study Source: 2021 Ad Tracking Study. The survey results are based on 1,200 online interviews with a national random sample of adults (ages 18+) who are equal decision makers in real estate transactions and active in the real estate market (bought or sold a home within the past two years or, plan to purchase or sell a home within the next two years). Brand awareness question based on a sample of 1,200 respondents. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/-2.4%. Recognition question based on consumers aware of brand in question. Results are significant at a 90% confidence level, with a margin of error of +/- 2.4%.

The study was conducted by Kantar Group Limited (formerly Millward Brown), a leading global market research organization, from November 9-27, 2021.

² 2021 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile.

³ The cash back bonus is offered in most states. In some states, a gift card or commission reduction at closing may be provided in lieu of the cash back bonus. The program is not available for employer-sponsored relocations or transactions in Iowa or outside the United States. The cash back bonus is not available in Alaska and Oklahoma. In Kansas and Tennessee, a MasterCard MAX gift card will be issued. In Mississippi, New Jersey, and Oregon, a commission reduction may be available at closing. The cash back bonus is only available with the purchase and/or sale of your home through the use of a program-introduced real estate agent. The actual amount you receive is based on the purchase and/or sale price of your home. The program award is not available in certain transactions with restricted agent commissions (including many new construction, For Sale by Owner, or For Sale by iBuyer transactions). Your assigned agent can help you identify any transactions where the award would not be available. All real estate commissions are negotiable. Other terms and conditions may apply. This is not a solicitation if you are already represented by a real estate broker. Please check with a program coordinator for details. Program terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. Additional terms, conditions, and restrictions apply.

©2022 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are trademarks of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. The CENTURY 21® System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. This is not intended, and shall not be deemed to constitute, an offer to sell a franchise. Franchise offerings made only by a Franchise Disclosure Document. THESE FRANCHISES HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE FRANCHISE INVESTMENT LAW OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. SUCH REGISTRATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE APPROVAL, RECOMMENDATION OR ENDORSEMENT BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORPORATIONS NOR A FINDING BY THE COMMISSIONER THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN IS TRUE, COMPLETE AND NOT MISLEADING. This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. The Minnesota registration number for this franchise system is #F186. Century 21 Real Estate LLC, 175 Park Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940.

The post first appeared on Century 21®.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: https://www.century21.com/real-estate-blog/11925-2/

Century 21® 2022-07-20 21:33:00

July 20, 2022 By C21 Communications

Does fear hold you back? Whether it’s a fear of failure, fear of rejection or fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth (Google it, arachibutyrophobia is a real thing), fear can stop you from living your best life.

As The Relentless podcast fast approaches its one millionth download, we’re getting ready to launch Season 3, which will to focus on the notion of moving fearlessly. In a world filled with noise and distractions, we’ll look at how today’s most interesting entrepreneurs move fearlessly past obstacles and the assumptions that hold others back. We’ll talk with the people who transform what scares them into something that inspires as we explore how to build confidence, take risks and tackle the hard problems.

Since we started this podcast three years ago, we’ve packaged together more than 13 hours of content and spoken with over 30 guests — a diverse mix of successful entrepreneurs and effective salespeople who look at sales differently. In this special episode, we’re rounding up some of the best advice guests have shared over the past two seasons.

Bounce Back and Learn from Failures

Every entrepreneur experiences failure and rejection — it’s unavoidable. What you do with that failure will leave a lasting impact, whether positive or negative. Do you learn a valuable lesson, strategize how you’d approach the situation differently next time and bounce back even stronger? Or do you allow it to create fear that holds you back?

Actor and comedian Adam Ferrara is no stranger to rejection. Yet through countless auditions that ended in failure, he’s taken away a few important lessons that have helped him grow personally and professionally. He knows that even if you don’t get the part, the contract, the listing, you can learn from every failure or rejection and use it to hone your skills and grow.

Build Empathy

In business, being able to read the room and understand what others are feeling is a vital skill. When a deal is heading south, customers are on the fence or a valued employee is about to bolt, what happens next just may depend on your ability to pick up on their emotions and understand why they’re feeling that way.

We explored empathy in two episodes. Famed author, serial entrepreneur and public speaker, Gary Vaynerchuk discussed how everything starts with listening to people. Every interaction — from passing conversations to negotiating major deals — is impacted by how other people feel about you and how you interpret and respond to their emotions.

By understanding the situation, reading the room and anticipating peoples’ needs, you can be proactive and address any issues instead of being forced into reaction mode. Michael Atwood, the broker and co-owner of CENTURY 21 Atwood Realty in Minnesota, explained how empathy impacts the customer experience. Because when we’re invested in our clients, participate with them and get excited about their journey, they feel appreciated and supported.

Learn Digital Body Language

Body language often says way more about our feelings and intentions than the words we speak. It’s human nature — when we’re engaged in a conversation and trust the person we’re speaking with, we naturally smile, uncross our arms and make eye contact. But in an increasingly digital and remote world, we’ve lost the opportunity to use these nonverbal cues to connect with people.

So, does body language have a digital equivalent?

Erica Dhawan, communication expert and author of Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance, examined how to take real-world emotional body language and translate it for the digital world.

Create Joy and Delight

Every entrepreneur knows that customer satisfaction is paramount to a successful business. But what if you could elevate that satisfaction to a whole new level? Creating joy and delight is all about surpassing expectations and delivering such a positive experience that customers will remember it, tell their friends and come back for more.

Tina Roth Eisenberg, a Swiss designer and serial entrepreneur who founded Tattly, which offers fake tattoos designed by real artists, gave tips on how to add surprise and delight to your products and services.

Coming Soon: Season 3

These are just a few important takeaways from some of our inspiring guests. As we gear up for the launch of Season 3, we invite you to listen to this special episode for highlights of Seasons 1 and 2.

The Relentless is the podcast that looks at sales differently, created in partnership with Century 21 Real Estate LLC and Slate Studios — is a Webby honoree for best branded podcast and is ranked among the top 1% of all podcasts. Visit The Relentless website to join the conversation, and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Stitcher or TuneIn.

© 2022 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

The post first appeared on Century 21®.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: https://www.century21.com/real-estate-blog/11934-2/

5 Minutes at Home with Katie Riedeman

May 20, 2020 By C21 Communications

Brand new first-time mother, a division 1 athlete and an award-winning real estate Agent? Seems like there’s not much Relentless Agent Award winner Katie Riedeman cannot do. We checked in with Katie recently to learn how she’s evolving her business, supporting her community and the unexpected benefits of shelter in place.

Are you doing anything differently to push forward with your day-to-day work in helping your clients during this time? How would you describe your new “normal”?

Learning is key! I’ve had time to be more engaged in developing and perfecting my systems behind the scenes which will definitely be beneficial to future clients. With current clients I am still showing homes but once they go under contract with their new home, I am checking in weekly with them and their lender and updating everyone with where we are in the process.

My new normal hasn’t changed a lot in terms of client outreach and showings. I do a more virtual showings than before to slow foot traffic through homes but that isn’t necessarily a new thing for me. I have sold a lot of homes to clients over Facetime in the past so now I’m perfecting that craft and navigating how I can get better. I also supply sanitizer and gloves when my clients want them for showings and do what I can to ensure safety in taking healthy measures during home showings. This isn’t only important for my buyers but also important for us to do everything we can to keep the homes that we are touring clean.

Is there anything that you’re doing now to work on your business that maybe you haven’t done before?

Because this is my 6th year in the business I feel like I now have a true grasp on what it takes to be successful in real estate, I have been working on my systems and client outreach to ensure when the market begins to normalize once more that nothing falls through the cracks. I want clients to receive the service they deserve, and solid systems is the key to clients having successful transactions. If I have good systems in place, I can spend my time with my clients and supporting them rather than spending so much time with behind the scenes work.

In addition, I’m making sure I am up to date with all of the current market information so I can give my honest and educated opinion based on data, research and what I am seeing first hand as I am out in the market helping other clients.

Are there ways that you or your team members are helping your community get through this crisis?

We have been trying to keep our community updated on the housing market with real time stats, so they feel educated in making one of the biggest purchases of their life. Our company has created a community outreach program called Impact where we can donate a portion of our commission toward a cause. Every quarter that money is given to someone in need in the community. We all get the opportunity to nominate a deserving person or cause and a committee decides who gets the funds.

On the personal front, staying up to date on the latest news in supporting local businesses is important to me. I recently connected with a local bakery for pastries that I dropped off on the front step of some friends, clients and community members.

What is one thing that you DON’T miss about pre-coronavirus life?

Some of the fast pace… I have been a competitor all my life and was a Division 1 athlete, so I thrive in the pace of competition. It has been good for me to be forced to slow down a bit. In real estate we can get really caught up in the go go go and forget to slow down and enjoy the things around us. I have had a TON of change in my life since the beginning of this pandemic so having the time to reflect and not just jump back into the fast lane after having my first child has been nice. I am learning new norms and systems to protect the health of my family and clients as well as embracing the change.

What’s your top tip for being relentless during this time?

Communication, honesty and support. I think having open and honest communication with clients during this tough time is essential. Supporting their needs and making sure they know that I am here to serve them whenever they decide the time is right to buy or sell as well as support their needs in between is really important.

BONUS: What is the first thing you’re going to do once the local shelter in place orders have been lifted?

Get together with family and friends! One of my favorite things to do this time of year through the summer is invite people over and grill, play yard games and hang out on the patio.

The Relentless Agent Awards celebrate all of the ways that C21 Agents deliver extraordinary experiences to their clients and make the home buying or selling process a memorable one. Are you a client who recently has an amazing experience with a CENTURY 21 Agent? We want to know! Click here to submit a nomination for a deserving Agent today.

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5 Minutes at Home with Lisa Mills

May 20, 2020 By C21 Communications

From virtual catch-ups to porch drops, Relentless Award Winning Agent Lisa Mills shows that even the most extreme situations can open a space for creativity to allow entrepreneurs to not just survive – but thrive in any market condition. We recently sat down with Lisa to check in on how she continues to deliver the extraordinary, all while serving a very specific market in her area, the senior community.

Hey Lisa! We’d love to know, what are some things that have helped you clear your mind and stay positive these days?

Yoga, walking and connecting everyday with several friends, family members or clients. In some ways there are more opportunities to reconnect because my contacts are also more available and primarily working from home or simply hanging out at home. This is a great opportunity to make something good from a bad situation!

Are you doing anything differently to push forward with your day-to-day work in helping your clients during this time? How would you describe your new “normal”?

We have to be creative! No showings or open houses are allowed currently in the community I serve. Videos, photos and good pricing are key to moving homes into escrow. For those clients who are stymied with the timing of these new restrictions, I do my best to give positive reinforcement to their situation. I think it’s important to make them feel that I’m more than an agent. I can be a friend, a coach or a delivery person in addition to keeping them apprised of the real estate market and situation.

Are there ways that you or your team members are helping your community get through this crisis?

I have reached out to all my clients with this email: “These are crazy times and we are all adapting. I’m here to help you any way that I can… whether it’s a face mask, gloves, toilet paper, sanitizers, cookies, groceries, handyman services, chocolate or just someone to bring a chair and sit six feet away for a social distance visit, let me know!”

Thankfully, most of my clients are doing well. One needed a face mask and sanitizer wipes which I delivered the next day. One client asked for a visit. Cookies and/or chocolate have gone to many of these same clients. I just feel that it’s important for them to know I can help in more ways than just the business transaction of their real estate needs.

What new concerns are you hearing from your clients right now? How are you helping address them?

Each situation is different in a senior community. Overall, my clients are concerned about people taking advantage of the crisis and submitting significantly low offers. If the home is priced right and they can wait, the homeowner shouldn’t worry since the inventory is low.

What’s your top tip for being relentless during this time?

Stay positive and communicate often, it helps ease anxiety.

Never get too comfortable with the present situation and always have a backup plan for the “what ifs” that life might throw at you.

BONUS: What is the first thing you’re going to do once the local shelter in place orders have been lifted?

Try to reassess what the new normal will be and ensure that I’m fully equipped and sensitive to lingering concerns about contamination and exposure. My car will be fully stocked with personal protection materials to use and give out. Whether I am representing the seller or buyer, I will reinforce the notion to respect all concerns about hygiene and exposure. I will also do whatever I can to eliminate paperwork and rely more on the digital opportunities.

Syndicated via Century 21®. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/A3ile5eNXbk/

5 Minutes at Home with Misty Dowling

May 20, 2020 By C21 Communications

Over the past couple of months of shelter-in-place in Quincy, IL, Award-winning CENTURY 21 Agent Misty Dowling has celebrated three family birthdays, a graduation and the adjustment to what “normal” is for the majority of us. Despite these challenges, she has not stopped finding new ways to deliver the extraordinary to her clients and in her community. We caught up with this recent Relentless Agent Award winner to learn the ways she’s working through this current pandemic.

So, tell us Misty, how are you staying connected with your community right now?

Our nurses are working extra-long hours and don’t always have time to eat full meals. I donated snacks to every nurse’s station in our local hospital. The nurses all took pictures with the snacks and sent them to me, they were so grateful for the smallest gesture! I also deliver groceries to the elderly who shouldn’t or can’t get out due to risk of COVID-19.

Do you have any stories that are particularly memorable to you from the last few weeks that you could share?

I ran into a client I sold a home to at the store. She had her four children kids (all under the age of nine!) with her. I could see she was frantic and overwhelmed trying to find Lysol. I told her I would go to a few stores so she didn’t have to drag her kids in and out potentially exposing them. I found 2 cans of Lysol and dropped them off on her porch. She was so appreciative. It goes to show, it’s really the little things we do for each other right now that matter more than ever.

Are you doing anything differently to push forward with your day-to-day work in helping your clients during this time? How would you describe your new “normal”?

We can all use a good laugh right now. I have added videos and market updates into my weekly routine on all of my social media platforms. Instead of just dull market numbers I have added humor! Last week was a Tiger King skit where I dressed my dog up as a lion.

I have also had clients ask me about the spread of corona virus and how that effects showings at their home. We are taking every precaution possible using COVID-19 forms and following guidelines from the association. I explain to sellers and buyers the new way we have to show homes. We use gloves, masks, and sanitizer and remove our shoes at the front door.

Productivity continues for us, despite the current circumstances. I am thankful our office had electronic filing and signatures through Dotloop even before COVID-19 life. This has been a lifesaver in our current stay at home situation.

What is something that you’ve learned during this unique time that you’ll incorporate into your life moving forward?

I touch everything and touch my face!! I had no idea how much I did this until I actually had to think about it. I will keep sanitizer with me and use it more. I also realize I need to slow down and enjoy walking our beautiful parks with my family. I will absolutely make my family continue to take a break from technology and spend more time outdoors. Discovering this has been a huge benefit to come out of the stay at home orders.

What is your top tip for being relentless during this time?

I think the coronavirus has made me as an agent look around and ask how I can help more. I have always approached business by putting people first and the money follows. Living through the coronavirus pandemic will prove even more so that we have to be human and love our neighbors and put people first to then be successful when this pandemic is over.

BONUS: What is the first thing you’re going to do once the local shelter in place orders have been lifted?

I love stopping into TJMaxx for a little retail therapy between showings. I can’t wait for normal life! Besides shopping I just can’t wait to hug my parents at some point. We have practiced social distancing to protect them.

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Star Wars: Which Planet Should You Live On?

December 17, 2015 By Casey Danton

Have you ever imagined yourself wading through the swamps of Dagobah or traversing the lush forests of Endor? The galaxy far, far away has a wide array of settings which has thrilled fans for decades. To celebrate the release of the latest chapter in the Star Wars saga, we’ve devised a quiz that will tell you what Star Wars planet you would fare best on.

Which U.S. state has your favorite natural landscape?
1. Nevada
2. Massachusetts
3. Louisiana
4. Washington

Which activity would you choose?
1. Moisture farming
2. Defending a Rebel Base
3. Jedi training
4. Overthrowing the Empire

Who is your ideal neighbor?
1. The Skywalkers
2. The Rebellion
3. Yoda
4. Ewoks

Which is your ideal vehicle?
1. Landspeeder
2. Tauntaun
3. X-Wing
4. Speeder Bike

Now it’s time for your results…

If you chose more 1s than any other number, you belong on Tatooine!
You love the sun and desert sand. A simple life of moisture farming and droid repair would suit you. You also value friendly neighbors, which you’ll have in the Skywalker family. (Just don’t get too attached to them.) If you were hoping for a different planet, be on the lookout for a mysterious old hermit, he might get you off that rock.

If you chose more 2s than any other number, you belong on Hoth!
You love the winter months and can’t wait to get outside to build snow-Wookies. You also have a sense of duty to defend your homestead from whoever intrudes and aid your neighbors when they need you most. However, don’t wander into any icy caves unsupervised, the local fauna is fierce.

If you chose more 3s than any other number, you belong on Dagobah!
You love swampy mysticism, and you value your privacy. You prefer your neighbors to be quirky little green guys who have a lot of weird advice. The climate is a little muggy and there isn’t much to do besides fix your waterlogged vehicle, but this planet will make you a stronger person.

If you chose more 4s than any other number, you belong on Endor!
You prefer a home surrounded by trees and greenery. Your neighbors are adorable, tiny, and fuzzy, but don’t underestimate them. The planet is pretty peaceful, other than the occasional interplanetary war that decides the fate of the galaxy.

For entertainment purposes only.

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How to Baby Proof for The Holidays

November 16, 2015 By Casey Danton

If you’ve got a little one this holiday season, don’t make the mistake of being unprepared. This time of year brings about unique potential dangers for him or her that you might not have considered. Follow these five tips on how to baby proof your home for the holidays.

Skip the tablecloth. Infants are known to be grabby, and the hanging end of a tablecloth is too tempting to resist. In one quick tug, your tyke could accidentally pull down the entire dinner table setting, including your dishes, silverware, and candles. Yikes!

Keep flowers out of reach. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias aren’t actually poisonous, but there’s still no reason for your child to ingest them. Keep all plants out of reach. They’re not food, and you never know which one may make a particular individual sick.

Don’t wrap with ribbons. Stick to wrapping paper only when giving gifts. Leftover ribbons can easily fall on the ground, presenting a choking hazard for you baby. Additional tip: Gather up and throw away wrapping paper as soon as it’s discarded. Again, you never know what your child might put in their mouth.

Secure your tree. Fasten your tree to the wall and consider blocking off the area with a baby gate because after all, the tree is for looking, not for touching. If you want to bring your baby closer, do so under strict supervision, and don’t let them tug on any branches.

Hang ornaments higher. Hang all ornaments out of reach on the top half of the tree, just in case your tot does get closer to the tree. Smooth, shiny decorations will be sure to attract their attention, and all too many are easily breakable. If you feel like your tree is a bit bare, opt for paper or felt ornaments on the lower half.

These simple changes to your holiday decorating routine may make for a safer celebration for your newest family member.

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How To Stage Your House Over the Holidays

November 3, 2015 By Casey Danton

Selling your home during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to hold back on the festivities. Let your home shine while attracting buyers during the most wonderful time of the year with these seasonal touches.

Deck the halls:

Don’t let selling your home stop you from spreading the holiday cheer. Subtle hints like a welcoming evergreen wreath at the front door, mulled cider brewing on the stovetop or hand-sewn stockings hanging from the fireplace awning gives the space a jolt of spirit.

Trim the tree:

Usually the most eye-catching piece of the living room during the holiday season, make sure your spruced-up Christmas tree matches the aesthetic you want to sell to potential buyers. If your living room has a clean-cut scheme with ivories and whites, for example, make sure your baubles fall under the same color palette.

Tone it down:

As tempting as it is to blow some lawn ornaments to celebrate the season, it’s best to go for a minimalist approach during this crucial selling time. Neatly highlight the defining elements of your home’s exterior with snow white lights or hang fresh garland with bright red bows from your rooftop or mailbox.

Warm up:

Before open houses, make sure your home feel as cozy as possible. Now’s the perfect time to light a fire in your fireplace and warm up your home. If your home is lacking the fiery centerpiece, turning up the thermostat to a comfortably toasty level gives potential buyers extra incentive to linger for a while to escape the brutal cold outside—and allows them to fully digest the best qualities of your home.

Tune up:

Fill up the hallways with contemporary holiday classics while potential buyers are roaming the halls. Make a mix of festive favorites: go old-school with Frank Sinatra’s “White Christmas” or Natalie Cole’s take on “The Christmas Song”…or just play Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas (Is You)” on a loop.

Feed the masses:

The best way to make somebody feel at home—potentially at their future home—is through their stomach. Whip up some holiday-themed cookies and mocktails to serve during your open house; the extra hint of hospitality will keep you in the mind of prospective buyers even after the last present is unwrapped during the holidays.

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6 Home Improvement Projects to Tackle While Your Kids Are At Camp

August 13, 2015 By Casey Danton

While your kids are playing tag, making friendship bracelets, and enjoying s’mores, you can get projects done around your home. These home improvement projects may increase the value of your home. Not looking to sell right now? These projects may make your home more enjoyable in the meantime!

Design a Kitchen Backsplash: Protect your walls from kitchen messes in a stylish way. Backsplashes can be made with all kinds of materials, such as glass, stone, tile, or metal with the versatility to fit any type of design preference. Whether you want something muted or vibrant, plain or intricate, you may be able to create a look you love.

Plant a Garden Path: Embrace your green thumb, and enhance your time spent outside in the sun. Clear a space through a garden or grassy area and lay down stones or tiles to create an easy way to maneuver through your yard. There are countless creative ideas for setting up a charming and unique garden path.

Replace Showerheads: There’s nothing better than cooling off after a hot summer day. Enjoy a refreshing shower with new showerheads. You may want to choose a showerhead with features such as water conservation, stronger water pressure, or even speakers!

Restore Your Deck: Protect your deck so you may be able to use it for many summers to come. Consult with a paint specialist to pick the right finish — make sure to get something waterproof and UV resistant. Clean the entire deck beforehand, and apply the finish with a paint roller or brush.

Paint a Room: Pick up a paintbrush, and change a room’s aesthetic. Read up on color psychology to choose a color that may suit your intended mood. For example, you may want to paint a bedroom or bathroom blue because the color has been associated with feeling calm and tranquil.

Create a Family Organization Station: Getting out the door may be a little bit easier when the entire family is organized. Create a station with a calendar of family activities, a spot for keys, hooks for backpacks, and any important papers like school permission slips or baseball game tickets. Once you do this maybe everyone can sleep in for, “Just five more minutes.”

Get started on these home improvement projects while you still have the house to yourself.

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5 Interior Designers to Follow on Pinterest

July 6, 2015 By CENTURY 21

Summertime can be a great time to reinvigorate your home decor! Redecorating isn’t always as easy as it may appear. If you find yourself stuck in the redecorating rut, it might be time to turn to Pinterest. We’ve gathered a list of five inspirational interior designers. No matter what kind of design ideas you’re looking for, you’ll be likely to find it on one of these pages! For even more interior design ideas (and a splash of DIY projects and house cleaning tips), be sure to follow us on Pinterest!

K.D! Designz, Inc.

This Pinterest pro has over sixty boards dedicated to interior design ideas, covering everything from bed crowns to entry halls. So whether you’re looking for a new bathroom design idea (like the elegant and modern look featured above) or some inspiration for a new wall backdrop, you’ll probably find it here!

Dorothy Durbin Interior Design

One glance through Durbin’s Pinterest page and you just might find yourself wanting to redo your entire home and your garden! In addition to innovative ideas for kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom designs, Durbin also has boards organized according to color scheme. So, if you find yourself inspired by a certain color, check out her boards and get ready to do some redecorating!

Georgica Pond

Pond features beautiful, modern bathrooms and kitchens. But, no need to fret, if you enjoy a more traditional or rustic look for your home, she has plenty ideas for that as well. Scroll through her thousands of pins to get inspired!

Mark Sikes

Whether it’s people or homes, Sikes’ Pinterest page is a spot for all things stylish. With different boards for different rooms of the house, Sikes offers up some interior design advice on everywhere from the entry, to the bedroom, to the pool.

Gary Inman

Inman’s page is full of classy and elegant looks for all rooms of the house. He even has a whole board dedicated to mudrooms — and his pins prove that a mudroom doesn’t have to be that ugly room where people put their shoes. Check out his pins for some redecorating motivation!

Luckily for those of you who love interior design, these are just five of the thousands of interior designers on Pinterest! One scroll through these Pinterest profiles might just be all the incentive you need to get started on that summer redecorating project you’ve been thinking about. Time to change things up!

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