Written by Jennifer McGuire

Wallpaper is back. And you’ll be glad it is – with all the exciting new colors, patterns and textures available to choose from. Today, stylish wallpaper is being used in small spaces, such as powder rooms and mudrooms, or as a beautiful accent, providing pops of color that brighten up an area or give it a more customized look.

Wallpaper choices range from traditional floral patterns to modern art deco designs, with patterns ranging from subdued to bold. Today’s wallpaper is also much easier to apply and remove, so you can create a big impact without the hassle and mess. So, where do you begin? It depends on the look you’re going for.

Create Visual Interest With Texture

If your space needs some personality, textured wallpaper may be the answer. Its three-dimensional design mimics just about any material, giving the room an unexpected visual element. Faux stone or wood adds rustic charm. Floral or scroll patterns evoke an antique or vintage vibe. Many textured papers are even paintable, so if you ever want to change things up, you can give your walls new life with a coat of paint.

Add a Touch of Glow With Metallics

For a glamorous feel, metallic wallpaper is an elegant choice. Your space will sparkle with movement as gold, silver and black elements reflect the light. Some metallic papers are also textured, producing shadowed accents that add depth and intrigue.

Soften Up With Fabric

Fabric or textile wall coverings are among the oldest types of wall decoration and can complement a bedroom’s soft furnishings, giving it a luxurious feel. Found in both manmade and natural fibers, the paper mimics velvet, silk, linen or cotton. These materials are also breathable and porous, making them less susceptible to mold spores. However, keep in mind that fabric wallpaper can be affected by moisture and extreme heat.

Go Green With Naturals

Newer wall treatments made from environmentally friendly, natural products such as bamboo or grass cloth have increased in popularity. Certain brands are handcrafted and create quite a conversation piece, capitalizing on the material’s innate color and texture variations.

Wow Them With a Mural

On a feature wall, a mural makes a bold a statement. It can help bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, transforming a room with dramatic floral arrangements, sweeping landscapes, lush forests and a variety of other picturesque nature-inspired scenes.

Find Your Inner Child With DIY Options

If you’re looking to create a playful, interactive space, coloring wallpaper is just the ticket. It’s not only an ideal addition to a child’s room, but also adds a fun element to any entertaining space. Just like coloring books, this wallpaper comes in a plethora of themes and can be minimal or highly detailed in design. Most often in peel-and-stick form, you can easily remove it, apply a new pattern and start all over again. Just be sure to take pictures of your masterpiece before tearing it down.

Feeling timid about jumping on the wallpaper bandwagon? Consider starting with a small project. Give your lamps some personality by applying wallpaper around the edges of the shades. Wallpaper the top of a side table that isn’t getting much use. Or paper the back wall of a bookcase or curio cabinet to introduce surprise depth. No matter the project, wallpaper has the unique ability to create a space in your home that’s every bit as distinctive as you are.

original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/wallpaper-with-personality/

Written by Jennifer McGuire

Opening your house to guests is one of the many joys of being a homeowner. You can make guests feel welcomed and comfortable by following these simple tips.

Create the Ultimate “Flex” Room

Flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters. If you host frequently, the room will likely be used by a wide variety of people – from your high school bestie visiting with her kids on spring break to Great Auntie Edna who’s there for the holidays to your nephew who’s in town to tour college campuses. If you expect to holiday children or multiple guests at the same time, consider investing in bunk beds or at least twin beds to offer several possible combinations of sleeping arrangements. The important thing is to plan ahead and anticipate who you may be hosting. Keep this in mind when decorating the space as well. Selecting a neutral color palette (step away from that ruffled, hot pink comforter!) will ensure that everyone feels content in their home away from home.

Add Some Local Flavor

Showcase your local community by displaying the highlights or most popular features of your city. Display a coffee table book about its history or attractions. Framed postcards or other artwork that show the best and coolest spots around town will not only dress up the space, but also give visitors a little taste of what they might see and do during their stay. Go one step further and stock the dresser drawer with brochures or travel magazines they can browse through to gather ideas about an itinerary for their vacation.

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes

Want to really understand what your visitors might need? Spend a night in your guest room with suitcase in tow, and you’ll discover all sorts of little niceties that would make a difference to your guests: handy hooks for wet towels, extra blankets in the bureau, plenty of empty hangers in the closet, a convenient luggage rack, drink coasters for the nightstand, an alarm clock or even a collection of short stories for nighttime reading. Endeavoring to understand their needs from their perspective will help you play the role of the perfect host.

Feel confident when you lay out the welcome mat that those who cross your threshold will enjoy the time spent in your home. Refer to these tips when preparing for overnight guests and you’ll be sure to win points as a first-rate host.

original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/guest-room-tips-for-the-warmest-of-welcomes/

written by: Jennifer McGuire

Shocking upsets! Amazing buzzer beaters! Yes fans, it’s March – time to fill out your bracket and get ready for some serious basketball. When your favorite team hits the court, will you hit the sports bar or watch from home? You can enjoy the best of both with a sports room that will be the envy of all your pals. Here are a few simple tips to get ready for the madness.

The TV

When it comes to screen size, it almost goes without saying that you have to think big. Make sure every play, every foul and every point is captured in big, bold, high-definition. That goes for the acoustics as well – bigger is no doubt better. With an excellent surround sound system, you can experience every swishhh as if you’re courtside.

The Couch

Leather is probably your best bet for maximum relaxation. If you plan to spend a lot of time on that sofa (like maybe two weeks in March?), you need the perfect place to sink right down and settle in. Added bonus: The easily wipeable surface means you don’t have to worry about spills and stains when things get a little rowdy in overtime.

The Drinks

Having a fridge nearby – full size or mini – is always a good idea. It’ll spare you from too many trips to the kitchen, causing you to miss out on all the excitement. Installing an elevated bar area with stools behind the couch is another popular option. Not only will it keep your beverages and snacks close at hand, it also means everyone has an awesome seat – squarely in front of the screen.

The Bar

If you’re ready to level up and recreate your favorite sports bar in your basement or garage, then having an actual bar is a necessity. This can be as simple or as extravagant as you want, from a $200 bar unit on Amazon to a custom DIY project and everything in between.

The Décor

Although this feature has the final spot in this list of top tips, it’s still pretty crucial. You want the room to feel like a rec room. So gather all your sports memorabilia – framed jerseys, pennants, autographed balls, heck, even a bobblehead will do – to give it the right atmosphere.

Now all you need is food and friends. Let the madness begin!

original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/get-ready-for-the-madness-with-a-sports-viewing-room/

Written by: Lauren Oosterlink

It’s almost criminal — leaving rooms in your home underutilized. While navigating the obstacle course of life, there are a host of reasonable factors that lead to this common home-functionality transgression. Now is the ideal moment to repurpose what you have and reinvent such spaces.

A desirable feature of yesteryear, the formal dining room is now often deemed obsolete by many homeowners, who allow it to morph into an underused or wasted space. A contributing factor is the evolution of the kitchen into a multi-functional communal area. Fortunately, the size and central location of this former principal gathering room typically allow for plenty of practical new purposes.

Similarly, extra bedrooms are always useful – until they aren’t. These rooms typically boast prime real estate within a dwelling, yet unless you frequently host overnight guests, they easily befall the sin of neglect. If it’s become rare for you to have stayover visitors, the space is well worth repurposing to revive and add value to your floor plan. It’s your oyster for all sorts of possibilities!

Any of the following suggestions could inspire these rooms’ next roles. Here is a curated collection of the most actionable and relevant ways to inspire an uplifting transformation in your dwelling’s neglected spaces.

Serious Business

Particularly with recent shifts to a work-from-home situation, savvy homeowners have taken to the idea of repurposing their dining room into a home office. Adding a desk, shelves and a few chairs – perhaps from the dining table set – will easily convert an outdated area into a place dedicated to work or remote learning. Get creative with this project and give the room a true makeover with a bold new paint color, wallpaper and artwork throughout the reimagined space.

Child’s Play

If you have young children, consider creating a designated play area. You can maintain organization in the room by adding a colorful chest of drawers, whimsical hutch or handy bins for toys and game storage. Be sure to incorporate plenty of comfortable seating, and perhaps even a television to enhance the capabilities and fun factor.

Hobbyist Lair

Bibliophiles and audiophiles, rejoice! A dining room or spare bedroom could be reinvented into a library or combo listening studio. Any treasured books or magazines hidden away in boxes or spread among various coffee tables throughout the house can be placed on stylish display on dramatic floor-to-ceiling shelving. An essential here is at least one ultra-cozy chair. Vinyl lovers can add a turntable and settle in for undisturbed contemplation. Further elevate this converted space by introducing an elegant bar cart or armoire bar cabinet.

Mindful Movement

Fitness-focused households might find another use for an underutilized space – and pounce on the opportunity to build out a home gym. Relocate or sell any unneeded furniture, and as a first step for those with wood flooring, try laying foam mat overtop. Double down on the quality of this transition by installing a full-length mirror. Then comes the fun part: Decide which machines, weights or other equipment would optimize the revitalized room.

Every square inch of your residence matters, so if you discover any areas that have become abandoned, focus on the primary needs and functions that best serve you and your family – and reference these tips to get the most out of your space.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/the-case-for-repurposing-your-space/

Written by Gustavo Gonzalez

Whether on television, at an open house or on the pages of a magazine, we’ve all seen stunningly outfitted estates that deliver a true wow factor – and listing price – that properties without staging just cannot match. Buyers quickly fall in love with homes that have a strong character while wordlessly conveying the lifestyle they would enjoy if they lived there. Before listing your property, consider that proper staging is one of the most important factors in enhancing your home’s appeal and most flattering features.

First Things First

 In order to entice potential buyers, you must think outside the box – but to start, examine what needs to be done to get your home in showplace shape. Check under older carpets for lovely hardwood, survey the ceiling for cracks or leaks to seal, consider having the pool or tennis court resurfaced and focus on boosting your curb appeal. Once your home is a clean slate, you are ready to begin.

 Neutral Rules

When using achromatic tones on painted walls and furniture, ensure that the staging pieces do not distract from the form of the home. When staging for luxury, color psychology can signal buyers that they’re working with a discerning seller who has elevated the home to its full, indulgent potential.

In the world of interior design, fashion and luxury vehicles, neutral colors have always made a recognizable statement of power, sophistication and confidence. Once you’re prepared to stage your home, you’ll want to highlight those qualities with the crème de la crème of design – blacks, grays and whites.

While buyers will always notice houses with splashy displays, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will find them appropriate for their tastes. Staging experts often use furniture, rugs and paint in neutral hues (also consider beige and pale, cool colors) to help buyers overlay their own creations onto the scene and more easily discover the home could be the perfect fit.

Character Is King

Often, a seamless introduction to the home involves pairing décor with architectural personality. Envision how Old-World pillars and stonework are beautifully complemented by gold-framed art and Turkish rugs, and contemporary interiors effortlessly show off leather, wool or velvet furnishings and unique accents as statement pieces. When hiring an interior designer to get the job done, seek out a professional with not only expertise, but also an imaginative mindset.

Now to address spatial issues. For smaller sitting rooms, offices or charming nooks, instead of cluttering the area to make it appear as if much can be done with the layout, take a more minimalist approach to ensue that each individual piece has room to breathe and directs attention to the space itself.

On the other hand, if you have a cavernous room, think about creative ways to section it off and separate it into more manageable areas with rugs or furniture in unique arrangements. The same approach can be applied to unusually shaped rooms.

Attractive Accents

While a visually busy room is an easily avoided faux pas, keep in mind that going completely neutral is not the answer either. In order to strike that oh-so-delicate balance between sensible furnishings and handsome décor, decorate with stylish accents that lend a perfect finish to any lifestyle.

Any artwork on display should be minimal and tasteful, so buyers can easily picture how they will customize the space on their own, and personal items like family pictures, sports memorabilia and other personal items should be stored.

When a buyer enters your front door and explores the home room by room, they’ll be thinking about how they will personalize it with their own touches, and how much of a transformation might be needed to get it suited for them. With beautiful furnishings in place and just the right level of flair, they won’t have to work very hard to visualize their new life – and that gets them one step closer to making your house their new home.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/staging-tips-to-sell-your-home-this-spring/

Written by Sam Shalom

Guest post by Lori Cunningham

With dozens of decorating apps to choose from and inspiration just a finger touch away, redecorating your home has never been easier. Augmented Reality (AR) now lets you use your phone to see how colors, accessories, and furniture will look in your own house. On the horizon, you can expect to see apps using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to learn your style through your interaction with them.

Whether you’re looking to give your living room a quick refresh or want to completely revamp your home, these five apps can help you get started. Create a stunning look without blowing your budget — no professional interior designer needed.

Houzz: Start with online inspiration

Apps like Pinterest and Instagram have plenty of pictures and designs to start your inspiration journey. However, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, and keeping track of design ideas can be cumbersome.  It’s not always simple to buy an item featured in a picture, and you might need to search around to find a similar item. A site like Houzz can help you keep everything organized and in one place.

Houzz covers architecture, interior design, decorating, landscape design, and home improvement. It has over 17 million high-resolution photos, all of which can be filtered by room, style, budget, size, color, or a combination.

Many of the pictures have purchasing information on the featured items, allowing you to purchase them within the Houzz app.  You can also save pictures to an “Ideabook” to help keep your style ideas all in one place.

The app uses AR to help you see what an item will look like in your home. Click the “View in my room” button to see the item in 2D using your phone’s camera.

The Houzz app is free on iOS and Android.

MagicPlan: Create a floor plan from your phone

To ensure that the furniture you plan to purchase fits in the room you’d like to decorate, it helps to create a floor plan.  The MagicPlan app lets you input the dimensions of a room by measuring, drawing, or using your phone’s camera to create the floor plan.

Once you’ve added your room’s dimensions, you can add doors, windows, structural features, plumbing, appliances, electrical, HVAC, furniture, flooring, and more to your floor plan.  Many of these features are free to use, but there is an in-app cost for things like cabinetry, light switches, and outlets.

When you add MagicPlan’s 2D furniture, you can adjust it to the size you want by using your fingers or inputting the dimensions.  You can add your own photos to your floor plan, as well.

If you are planning to paint or replace the flooring, estimate how much it would cost by clicking “Estimate” for the approximate price. Just remember the estimates do not include the cost of labor.

MagicPlan is free on iOS and Android.

TapPainter: Virtually paint your walls

Swatches from your local home improvement store make it hard to envision the color of the whole room, and buying paint samples can get expensive. The TapPainter app lets you choose paint colors from Benjamin Moore, Behr, Sherwin Williams, and other popular brands.

Use the app to snap pictures of the room you want to paint and try out different colors by entering the code from a paint swatch, choosing a color from one of the brands included, or mixing your own custom color.  You can even add different colors to different walls.

TapPainter is free on iOS.

DécorMatters: Design a room using AR

DecorMatters is an app that lets you virtually add pieces and design elements to a real room.  Take a picture of the room you want to decorate and use AR and the AR ruler to add and measure 3D pieces. This is a simple way to see if a piece you’ve been eyeing will fit.

The app features items from popular stores like Crate & Barrel, Target, Overstock, West Elm, IKEA, and Ashley, and you can make in-app purchases right from your phone. You can save your ideas to your mood board to share with friends, and the DecorMatters in-app messaging also offers free feedback and suggestions from real DecorMatters interior designers.

DecorMatters is free on iOS.

Art.com: Add some art to your walls

Finally, the Art.com app offers hundreds of frame styles and sizes to help you plan your gallery wall. Use the app to arrange different layouts to see how your gallery wall could look.

Art.com’s latest app release also lets you upload your own artwork and family pictures to pair with any style frame, and you can even have them printed on canvas, wood mount, acrylic, and more.

The Art.com app is free on iOS and Android.

It’s easy to create a stunning look that suits your style, all from your phone. These five apps offer the inspiration, confidence, and guidance you need to get started on your redecorating project.

Original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/5-apps-to-redecorate-your-home-with-your-phone/

Written by Lindsay Listanski

Guest post by Co-Founder NorthStar Moving Company Laura McHolm

If you are one of the lucky folks on the move this month, you are probably up to your knees in boxes and packing paper. You’re trying to figure out how to pack everything so it ends up in one piece in your new home. Well, let us help you with one of the most difficult items to pack: wine glasses. Because of their odd shape they are often packed incorrectly and their delicate glass and long stems get broken in the moving process.

We have seen too many new homeowners sipping out of plastic cups after a move. Let the plastic frat house red cups be gone! Let’s put some elegance into that new home from the start. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to properly pack wine glasses to keep them in one piece and easily accessible after move day —

1. Select the Proper Box: One of the key factors to keeping your wine glasses from breaking or getting crushed is using the proper box. You need a box that is big enough and secure enough for your glasses. We recommend a “dishpack” box because it’s 5.2 cubic feet high and has double thick walls for extra protection.
2. Gather the Right Materials: Once you have the proper box, gather the packing materials to wrap and protect the glasses. Here is what you will need:
   1. Packing Paper (Lot’s of it. And, get the plain recyclable packing paper, not newspaper so you don’t have to spend time washing newsprint off all your stemware.)
   2. Cardboard Inserts (If you are unable to get these inserts, we will teach you how to do without them)
3. Wrap: Place a wine glass on packing paper horizontally. Grab a corner of the packing paper and roll the glass into the paper. Make sure to tuck the sides of the paper in, like you would do wrapping a burrito. Continue rolling the glass on the paper until you reach the end of the paper. Place the now wrapped glass back on another piece of packing paper horizontally and roll again. Repeat 3-5 times (depending on thickness of glass) with more sheets of packing paper until the glass is properly secured & cushioned. Continue for each wine glass. Label the outside of your “burrito” package: “glass” so it won’t get tossed out with the extra packing paper.
4. Pack & Pad: Before placing any of the wrapped wine glasses in the box, cushion the bottom of box with packing paper. If you are using the cardboard inserts, position one layer of the inserts in the box on top of the packing paper and place one wrapped glass into each cardboard insert. If you are not using the cardboard inserts, place the wrapped glasses vertically in one layer in the box. Make sure to place them standing up and not lying flat. They are more secure vertically.
5. Layer & Repeat: After completing the first layer, place packing paper on top. Add more inserts or place wrapped glasses vertically. Repeat these layers until the box is full.
6. Stuff Empty Space: Once the box is full, fill any remaining space with crumpled packing paper. The layer of crumpled paper will add extra cushion and security for the glasses.
7. Tape & Move: Lastly, securely tape the box closed and leave it for the movers to carefully move it to your new place! Be sure to label each side of the box “FRAGILE Wine glasses” and arrows pointing up on all sides of the box. Also, write the name of the room you want the box to end up in your new home: “kitchen” or “dining room.”

For more tips on how to pack wine glasses check out this video: http://www.northstarmoving.com/packing-videos#wine

Now you can look forward to that Bordeaux on the other end of your move. May your new home be full of many occasions to raise your glass! Cheers!

Laura McHolm is an organizational, moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. NorthStar Moving Company is an award winning, “A+” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/correct-way-pack-wine-glasses-move/

Written by Gustavo Gonzalez

For many people, owning a home is one of the largest financial transactions they’ll make, which is why 87% of sellers rely on an agent to be their guide¹. It’s estimated that real estate agents play more than 150 roles during an average home transaction, so it’s best to leave it to the pros.

Real estate agents know how to sell your home quickly and for the best price. Successful sales balance four components: the market, price, condition of the house and exposure. Because agents know about market trends and the other houses in your neighborhood, they’re well equipped to play up your home’s advantages and downplay disadvantages.

In addition, a skilled agent will:

• Help determine an asking price that will make your home competitive
• Offer recommendations on how to prepare your home to attract attention, from staging and curb appeal to small home repairs that can make a big difference
• Market your home to people who are most likely to buy your home
• List your property on the Multiple Listing Service, so buyers can easily find it online
• Represent your needs and negotiate the best deal possible
• Help you navigate the many services you may need during the process, such as appraisals, inspections, home repairs, title, mortgage, home warranty and insurance
• Be readily available to take your calls and answer any questions

There is also a financial advantage to using an agent:

• Homes that are offered for sale by the owner (FSBO) typically sell for less than the selling price of other homes. FSBO homes sold at a median of $225,000 in 2021, which is significantly lower than the median of agent-assisted homes at $345,000².
• The average Coldwell Banker® listed property sells for 20.7% higher than the National Association of REALTORS® average price³.

If you are selling your property and plan to purchase another home, your real estate agent will be a valuable partner to help ensure everything goes smoothly. In fact, 53% of sellers nationwide use the same agent to purchase their next home³.

Contact your Coldwell Banker affiliated agent today to discuss listing your property for the spring selling season.

original article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/why-you-should-use-a-real-estate-agent-to-sell-your-home/

Written by Gustavo Gonzalez

If your strategy for meeting the neighbors is a quick hello while walking the dog or picking up your mail, you need a better approach. Here are three ideas for neighborhood get-togethers that are easy to organize, inexpensive and a lot of fun.

1. Progressive Dinner – Organize a progressive dinner party that involves traveling to several homes, each serving up a different course to the meal. Start with hors d’oeuvres at the first home, then move on to soup or salad at the next, an entrée at the next and then end with dessert at the final home. Leisurely pacing out the evening in this way is the perfect way to encourage lively chit-chat between bites and en route to the next destination. And because everyone chips in, no one host is burdened with the cost, preparation or clean-up for the entire meal.
2. Progressive Party – Put an engaging twist on the traditional cocktail party by applying the progressive concept to adult beverages: each stop can feature its own signature drink. There are all kinds of ways to spice things up, such as establishing an imaginative theme to the evening or having each home come up with a quirky name for its individual concoction. Once the creative juices start flowing, so will the conversation!
3. Game Night – A small group of eight or fewer can meet up for a rousing game night. Everyone has their favorites, whether it’s trivia that tests your knowledge or a drawing game that gives you a chance to exhibit your artistic prowess. Teaming up and encouraging a little bit of healthy competition among friends (and soon-to-be-friends) is a sure way to get further acquainted while having fun in the process.

Since you already share a neighborhood, you may as well find out what else you have in common. This spring, assemble the troops and plan some creative festivities to mix and mingle.

Original Article found at https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/meet-your-neighbors-with-these-three-party-ideas/

Author: Gabriela Ruiz

Tips for efficiently working from home

Adapting to a new work environment is always difficult, even when it’s moving into the comfort of your own home. Working from home can present new obstacles for those we are learning to manage work and life, in their household. Different variables like implementing new rules, practicing good habits and maintaining a healthy balance, are very important.

With the help of two experienced real estate agents with Coldwell Banker®, we have identified some useful tips to help create effective habits and achieve greater productivity:

1. Create a Workspace (And Keep it Tidy)

First, create a designated workspace that you can call your office and in which you keep your work. This helps to make the distinction between where you work and where you live.

Make sure to keep your workspace organized and keep your essentials at hand – notes, office supplies, water and brain-food snacks. This helps you focus and avoid getting up to find things, constantly, which can lead to more distractions.

“I knew that I would be working from home much more than normal in the coming weeks and decided I needed to make a change, and fast. We had a desk in the basement, and we had a store credit on Wayfair.com that we decided to use to purchase a new desk chair. With these items and some rearranging of furniture, I was able to create the perfect home office for me in our den.” – Rachel Crowl, Coldwell Banker Preferred PA     

2. Stick to Your Regularly Scheduled Programming

Try to keep your normal routine and schedule in place. Use the time you would normally take to commute to do something for yourself – make a good and healthy breakfast, take a shower to ready you for the day, or walk the dog a little longer. Some professionals may already be accustomed to flexible schedules. But, if you must spend more time at home than normal, find ways to supplement what you would be doing – like expanding your social media marketing skills or attending a web-based seminar. 

3. Dress for Success

While you may not want to dress in a full suit or in business wear, getting out of your pajamas helps you get into a productive and more energetic mentality. For example, dressing in your workout clothes can help you feel more active. Dress professionally for your video calls – it reminds your clients and colleagues that you’re always a professional on your A-game.

“How you dress affects your mindset, so I am dressed in business casual attire. I recognize that a client may need to FaceTime or video-chat, so I’m prepared. I also make my workspace comfortable and bright, and I setup dual monitors.” – Bobby Yazdani, Coldwell Banker Realty in Texas 

4. Stay Connected

Keep in touch with your clients and colleagues by recognizing the adopting the best platforms to reach them. From Microsoft Teams or Skype to social media, there are numerous platforms that facilitate communicating, sharing files, creating appointments and virtual meetings. The key is to identify your goals and the best format to connect with the desired audience.

Tip: Microsoft Teams is the hub for team collaboration in Office 365 that integrates the people, content, and tools your team needs to be more engaged and effective. If you haven’t already, download it here.

     5. Coordinate Do Not Disturb Times

For those who aren’t working from home alone, it is useful to coordinate do not disturb hours with those living in your household. That could mean creating a schedule around your workload or organizing your workload around their schedule. Find what works best for you. Also, create the Zen space that helps you to concentratete, this doesn’t always mean working in silence, especially when external noises may be inevitable. Consider noise cancelling headphones, calming sound effect apps or maybe instrumental music online. For example, Spotify offers Focus Music Stations with a variety of sounds.

“Both of our workspaces have doors that shut, which is key when we need privacy for calls or to focus. We have also tried to implement a policy during normal working hours to save all personal discussions and business until after work hours, unless it’s a true emergency. It’s too easy to just walk into the other person’s space and spontaneously talk about things that are going on in your own mind, that might cause the other to lose their train of thought or work mindset.” – Rachel Crowl, Coldwell Banker Preferred PA

6. Remember to Get Fresh Air

Productivity doesn’t occur from non-stop, limitless hours of work. Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time can be detrimental to your health. Working past your normal office hours can be easy when you’re at home, but it can also lead to exhaustion and loss of sleep. A healthy balance is vital to ensuring productivity and efficiency! Use your break time to step out and get fresh air or even your normal commute time home, for a quick walk.

“I make adjustments by designating hour bands that are strictly for work. I address all immediate emails, questions or concerns relating to current transactions first and then work on different aspects of the business each day of the week. I think it’s important to re-energize, so I incorporate 15-30-minute breaks throughout the day. By midday, I typically take the time to step away and address any chores or personal errands so that by the time I come back, my mind is fresh and refocused.” – Bobby Yazdani, Coldwell Banker Realty in Texas