Dani Hallsell | Real Estate Blog

  Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s a major financial asset. Estate planning ensures your wishes are carried out if you’re no longer able to make decisions or after your passing. Here’s a helpful guide to get you started: What Is an Estate Plan—and How Is It Different from a Will? A will is a legal document that outlines what happens to your assets after your death. Estate planning , on the other hand, is a broader process. It prepares for both end-of-life decisions and situations where you may become incapacitated. An estate plan may include: A will Trusts A durable power of attorney (naming someone to make decisions on your behalf) Other legal documents based on your unique needs Consulting with an estate attorney or financial planner can help ensure your plan is complete and meets your state’s legal requirements. When Should I Begin Estate Planning? It’s never too early to start. Key life events—like buying a home, getting married, or having children—are perfect...

  In a highly unconventional political move, former President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to announce a “shadow” Federal Reserve chair —well before current Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s term expires in May 2026. But what does that actually mean, and why should real estate professionals and homeowners care? Let’s break it down. 🔍 What Is a “Shadow Fed Chair”? Rather than wait for Powell’s term to expire, Trump’s team is expected to publicly promote a preferred successor as early as this fall . This individual—lacking any official authority—would serve as a symbolic future leader of the Fed , with the goal of influencing market expectations now, not later. This approach is being labeled as the appointment of a “shadow Fed chair” —someone who signals a future shift in monetary policy, potentially toward lower interest rates . 🧠 The Strategy Behind It Forward guidance : Even though Powell is still in charge, publicly signaling a new direction can shift how investors, lenders, an...

  Some of you may remember the article I shared last December, where I talked about finding mice in the basement—only to later discover our attic had become a full-service Bat B&B . While that was quite the surprise, it also gave me the opportunity to work with two outstanding local companies I want to spotlight today. ✨ Pestway Pest Control When we realized we had some uninvited guests , we called Pestway. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly thorough. They explained that bats are a protected species under Michigan law and cannot be harmed or removed during their active season (typically May through August) when they are raising their young. So what did the process involve? Bat & Wildlife Remediation includes: Inspection – Identifying all entry and exit points used by bats or other pests. Exclusion – Installing one-way devices that allow bats to exit safely but not return. Waiting period – After bats safely leave (often in the fall), sealing off a...

  Thinking about moving? ✨ Downsizing and decluttering can lead to a simpler, more secure, and lower-stress lifestyle—but it can also feel a bit overwhelming at first. Whether you're moving to a cozier space, retiring, or just ready to lighten the load, here are 10 helpful tips to make the process smoother and more manageable: 1. ⏳ Start Early Successful downsizing takes more time than you might expect. Give yourself at least 2–3 months to start sorting and planning before the move. Early prep = less stress! 2. 📝 Make a Plan Create a detailed downsizing plan. Breaking it down into manageable steps can help you feel more in control and reduce anxiety. 3. 📅 Set a Timeline Your plan should include a realistic timeline . List tasks in the order they need to happen and work backward from moving day. If you're moving far, allow extra time! 4. 📐 Use the New Floor Plan Try sketching or obtaining a floor plan of your new space . Knowing room sizes and layouts will help you decide wh...