IBA SUCCESS MAGAZINE Volume 5 Issue 1 | Page 9

building codes and older homes should be brought up to code. Keeping trees on your property trimmed will reduce the chance for flying branches. Purchasing supplies in advance—plywood, nails, tarps— and keeping them on hand will eliminate the lines at the home im- provement stores. Check the sturdi- ness of your windows and replace caulking if you fear leaks or wind intrusion. In Florida, the question is never “if” there will be a major storm, but “when” that storm will hit. Focus on hurricane preparation in the spring… before hurricane season. • Make sure your home is as smart as it can be by installing technology that adds to security and ensures efficiency of many of the systems. Cloud-based voice services—like Alexa—allow you to interact with technology within your home and beyond using only your voice. More and more home- owners are opting for these tech ecosystems whereby dozens of functions from security, to the door bell, to laundry and cooking appli- ances are all controlled by a single iOS or Android app. Individual elements like smart thermostats, for example, save energy costs, and you can monitor and adjust the settings from anywhere. Security technology has rapidly advanced in the past few years. Video doorbell cameras are now mainstream and are a deterrent to neighborhood crime. Rick Singh, CFA Orange County Property Appraiser REAL ESTATE We specialize in helping individuals, families, and small business owners who are typically overlooked by the traditional financial services industry. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to achieve the financial future they choose.” LET US HELP WITH • • • • Your home is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make. Whether you are in your starter home, your family home, or your forever home, take the time and commit the resources to make it comfortable for you and your family, and to ensure that it is in the best possible condition to increase its value. Remember, many factors determine the market value of your property. There’s no guarantee that upgrades will have a dollar for dollar impact of your home’s value. But FINANCIAL SERVICES • Financial Education • Managing Debt • Protecting Your Income with Insurance you will enjoy the new kitchen or colorful landscaping, and you will appreciate the maintenance and repairs during hurricane season. Retirement Planning Paying Less Tax Education Savings Legacy Planning PROPERTIES FOR: • First Time Home Buyers • Relocations - US & International • Investment Properties • Second Homes • Short Sales & Foreclosures Nesterine Blair Real Estate Broker 4725 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 VISIT US AT: www.blairrealtygroup.com (321) 438-6228 [email protected] VOL 5, Issue 1 n IBASuccessMagazine.com 7