Photo-  “no copyright infringement is intended”

As the school year approaches, I am reminded of my own school years and the excitement I felt during this time of the year.  I was excited to learn new things and meet new friends; of course, I experienced some nervousness because everything was new, but my excitement outweighed it.
               
Recently, I became a member of several book groups on Facebook and people discuss the classics they are currently reading.  I have come to realize how fortunate I was to have the classics be a part of my high school curriculum and to have my analytical journey be guided by teachers.  It makes me love and appreciate them all the more.  They may never read this or even know what I have accomplished, but I want to say thank you to every single teacher I’ve had from kindergarten to graduate school.  The ones from my formative years have a special place in my heart; thank you and I love you.
​
-Natasha Hughes Smith
​

Photo-  “no copyright infringement is intended”
​
​If you never experienced the feeling of being overwhelmed or anxiety, you probably experienced it for the first-time last year.  Some of those feelings have followed you into the year, 2021.  What do we do to dispel and conquer these feelings?  I don’t have all the answers and some might say that I don’t have any, but I can make some suggestions.

Firstly, it’s okay to admit to having these feelings among others.  Know that these feelings do not have to control you; you can regain control over the things you can change and that’s you.  You have a say or control of how you react to these feelings when they come on the attack.
Secondly, reach out to confidants or counselors, people with whom you can be vulnerable.  Everyone needs someone that they can share and talk about the things that way them down.  I employ you to find that someone.

Additionally, realize that it’s okay to let go.  Identify what is important and acknowledge your priorities.  And let everything else go.  Let go of the fear, the anxiety and the stress.  Don’t worry about the things you cannot change.   Focus on the goals and priorities that you have set and acknowledged.

Finally, relax; everything does not have to be perfect.  Forgive yourself and others if things have not turned out just right.  Be open and flexible; you’ll see that your stress and feelings of being overwhelmed will lessen.  There’s no magical wand or teaching that will change things overnight.  It will take effort and time, but it is possible.
​
-Natasha Hughes Smith

Photo-  “no copyright infringement is intended”
​
​Let’s reconnect.  As our country opens and things try to get back to “normal”, we can explore some fun ideas for the summer.  We can do what we’ve always done year in and year out and enjoy it like we have every single time.  Or we can explore some new outdoor adventures or activities.
Our country is so vast and filled with so much beauty; it won’t take long to think of something fun and exciting to do.  If you live in Michigan, you can visit the many downtown areas filled with restaurants or you can visit rivers and lakes and hit the water ways.  There are so many options from Southeastern Michigan to the majestic beauty of Western Michigan to the Upper Peninsula. 
Take your pick, but whatever you do, don’t stay inside all summer long.  It’s good to get out and feel the fresh breeze of summer on your face.  If you want to travel in Michigan, check out the state’s website (Michigan.gov) for the adventures that await.
 
-Natasha Hughes Smith

​Realtors run into difficult clients from time to time.  Let’s face it, we all can be difficult once in a while.  However, when our client is being difficult about completing the Seller’s Disclosure Statement, we have to stress the importance of it and how not completing it can make a deal go south!
If the statement is not completed and provided, the buyer can cancel the deal right up to closing.  And in Michigan if one is not provided or partially completed and the buyer has an issue with something after closing, the buyer can bring action for silent fraud.  So, if you encounter a client who is reluctant to complete the form, make it clear that the law put this is place to protect both seller and buyer.
-Natasha Hughes Smith

Photo-  “no copyright infringement is intended”
​
​Today’s metal roof is not the same as your grandpa’s.  Today’s metal roofing provides energy efficiency, style and is easy on the environment.  Metal roofs are fully made from recycled materials and can be recycled once they have completed their lifecycle protecting your home.  Everyone wants ways to save money and to keep the house cool when it should be cool and warm when it should be warm.  Metal roofs do this well and can help home owners reduce their energy costs.
Metal roofs come in a variety of colors and patterns; so, owners can be creative when selecting a pattern and color that reflects their own personal style.  However, the cost of metal roofs is more expensive than asphalt shingles; so customarily, owners that make this investment intend to be in the home for a decade or longer.  So, if you are thinking of getting a new roof, check your options.  You might want to go metal.
-Natasha Hughes Smith

What could be better than living in a tightknit community?  Living in a tightknit community in Lathrup Village is better.  You can own 1.94 acres in a beautiful subdivision, where the neighbors look out for one another and are actively involved in community affairs.  You can build one home or divide it up into one or two additional parcels to sell.  There are a few options for builders and home buyers who want to build new construction.  This dream can be yours.  Check out the links below to take a tour of the property and to get more information about the listing.
https://youtu.be/Q5XBknIgAa8
​https://matrix.realcomponline.com/.../19600FORESTDrive
​-Natasha Hughes Smith

​Spring is on its way!  Can’t you feel it in the air and see it?  With Spring time comes cleaning time.  Here are some tips for Spring cleaning and getting organized.
It’s sorting time.  That’s the first step in decluttering your place.  This is a job for everyone- spouses and children.  Even the dog can carry something to one of the purge piles.  Don’t be afraid to purge.  If the item is not being used, it’s just taking up space.  If that’s the case, there’s no purpose being served.  Purging might equal trash for the stuff that should never see the light of day or the donation pile for good stuff that’s no longer used or wanted.
Spring cleaning does not have to be overwhelming.  You can work a room at a time. Before you know it, your entire house will be clean.  Just be mindful to maintain, so that you don’t re-clutter your home.  Spring time is the time for a fresh start, so start it with a clean and fresh home.  Spring into it!
-Natasha Hughes Smith

Photo-  “no copyright infringement is intended”
​
According to Cheryl Fenton as featured in Select, a special edition of the Sunday Detroit Free Press,  bookshelves are one design feature that is on point for interior design this spring.  Here you can find a quick recap of some of the design features that are predicted to be in fashion this spring.

1. Lights- Neon rooms and lights. My twelve year old great-niece is on trend with her LED string lights lining her bedroom ceiling to wall edges.  If that's a little out of your comfort zone,  you can add wall signage to add color.  This trend is popular with all ages.
2. Minimalism as done by the Japanese known as Japandi.  This style provides comfort and simplicity by using neutral color schemes, sleek lines and unfinished woods or bamboo pieces.
3. Shelves are back.  They could be built-ins, open shelving or floating shelves.
4. Separate spaces- People want defined spaces now instead of open floor plans.  If you have an open floor plan,  you can use creative ways to make separate spaces with furnishings used as dividers or actual room dividers.
5. Trend setter- you can become a trend setter by creating your own unique style by using your imagination.
-Natasha Hughes Smith

“Sometimes one can become lost in a big company and lose sight of how what one does truly helps or impacts the end customer. If you are one of those, think of a fire brigade, a line of people passing buckets of water from one to the other from a source of water to the site of the fire. An individual in the brigade may not be able to see the end result, i.e., the water being thrown on the fire to put it out, but the contribution of the individual is indispensable to the final outcome.” – Grant Bright, Former Project Lead IBM
 
There are lots of services in the atmos now that focus on providing a service void of human interaction.  Profits are generated and given to a few who create the apps and machines used for self-checkout and the like.  But have you considered what is lost?

There’s a clerk who was downsized because he is no longer needed because the machine will check customers out and make them scan their own items and bag their own groceries.  In fact, the customer completes work that the clerk used to do subsequently increases the profit of the shareholders.  All the while, the clerk is unemployed, not able to provide for his family and not able to contribute to his local economy.

The same is true for apps that tout that they can sell homes for the homeowner.  It seems quick or less of a hassle as they are one click, two clicks away from listing the house.  But what is the cost?

The cost, is the lost livelihoods of skilled and licensed professionals who work diligently to protect the interest and the rights of the homeowner.  Remember there is always a cost.   All that seems good isn’t.
 
-Natasha Hughes Smith

​The holiday season is upon us.  May we gather with our household and create memories that will linger long past 2020.  May we take stock of our many blessings despite our circumstances so that we can rejoice.  May 2021 bring greater blessings, joy and hope in the coming months.