THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Welcome to my weekly newsletter featuring a personal note on the ever-evolving world of real estate along with a few news-worthy updates. Enjoy!

i'm leaving town

I can't wait to head on vacation with my family later this month. In addition to scheduling appointments, stocking up on travel essentials and packing, I use a checklist to protect my home.

Temperature Regulation

• In warmer weather, set your thermostat to 5 degrees warmer than your home’s regular temperature. In cooler weather, set your thermostat to 5 degrees cooler than your home’s regular temperature. 

• Have your HVAC system serviced prior to your departure.

Security

• Lock up! Ensure your front door, back door, garage door, the door between your garage and home, sliding doors, and pet doors are all locked using deadbolts when possible. 

• Lock your garage door manually. Electric garage door openers may be susceptible to scanners that can allow burglars access into your garage.

• Don't hide keys under rocks, door mats, or porches.

• Install and program light timers that turn on indoor and outdoor lights.

• Inform your neighbors of your planned absence.

• If you generally keep your blinds open, leave them that way, as closed blinds for an extended period suggest that no one is home. Hide valuable possessions out of sight from any open windows.

• Arrange for mail and package pick up. A pile of Amazon deliveries at your front door sends the wrong signal.

Water and Electrical Risks

• Unplug all small appliances that aren’t a light source or part of your security system. Kitchen appliances, living room appliances, and office appliances should be unplugged to prevent damage during storms.

• Use water sensors around the hot water heater, air conditioner and toilets - these are easy and link to an app on your phone.

• Set your water heater to the lowest level.

• Ensure your sump pump and the backup battery, if applicable, is working properly.

Indoor Maintenance

• Empty your refrigerator of perishable items. 

• Leave your kitchen clean by emptying the garbage, cleaning dirty dishes, wiping down counters, and cleaning the garbage disposal with vinegar.

• Open all interior doors between rooms to allow air to circulate better throughout your home.

• Check the batteries in your smoke detectors to ensure they’re working properly.

Outdoor Maintenance

• Schedule upkeep for your lawn and landscaping, such as mowing the grass and watering plants, to give the appearance that someone is home.

• Clean your gutters and downspouts to prepare for heavy rainfall. 

real estate & the news

• Is the US economy about to heat up? The past week alone was the highest-volume week for mergers and acquisitions for U.S. companies since 2021. Some believe the tail end of trade deal negotiations combined with the high prospect of Fed rate reductions is fueling this.The biggest of the year so far is Union Pacific’s $71.5 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern, a fellow railroad that some fear may cause shipping costs to rise. (WSJ)

• How would you rate your local shopping options? More often these days we hear of buyers seeking a Village-style lifestyle with a wide variety of shops and services gathered together on a 'high street'....a florist, bakery, coffee shop, dry cleaners, shoe repair, etc. A thriving retail environment that truly caters to humans on multiple levels is bound to fuel real estate valuations too. (FT)

• Inflation has eroded the meaning of UHNW..... “Ultra high net worth” typically means $30 million or more, however, with inflation and the significant expansion of global wealth since 2000, more firms are considering the modern threshold to the top UHNW level to be $100 million. (CNBC)

around dc

JAMES TAYLOR

AT THE WOLF TRAP

Since the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968, James Taylor has established himself as a singular artist whose music embodies the art of songwriting in its most personal and universal forms. A favorite among Wolf Trap audiences, Taylor returns with his heartfelt classics “Fire and Rain,” “How Sweet It Is,” “Carolina in My Mind,” and more. Sharing a knack for acoustic storytelling, folk-pop trio Tiny Habits (“tiny things,” “For Sale Sign”) open the show with their mesmerizing and intimate three-part harmonies. Tickets are available here.

Lee Arrowood

Principal, Arrowood Advisory at Compass

M: 202.251.3175

O: 202.448.9002

lee.arrowood@compass.com

+$173M Sold In 2023

#3 Team Lead 2022