Don’t get burned! The ESSENTIALS you must know to hire a contractor. I spoke with 2 homeowners last week who had paid initial draws, signed contracts and were even given contractor license numbers, insurance information only to find out later that it was all fraudulent. One couple paid a contractor $75000 and he took the money and disappeared. First, both people who reached out did everything right! I have communicated with them privately and what this (I can’t call him a contractor because he isn’t) “person” did could’ve happened to any of us. They asked the right questions but didn’t know to dig a little deeper to verify the information that was given. I’ve heard it all…Get x amount of quotes blah blah blah. As a General Contractor with a little bit of seasoning let me give every homeowner/realtor some advice. Getting multiple quotes and going with the cheapest one does not guarantee the best deal. No more than going with the most expensive one means you’re going to get quality work. Ask anybody you are thinking about hiring a few simple questions. 1. Are you licensed? 2. Are you bonded (what ever state you live in) 3. Are you insured? Always ask for this information. Trust me, it’s not easy to get a Contractor license, we’re happy to show it to you and in most states, we’re required…. as an added bonus ask for photos or video of previous work relevant to the work you need done. I don’t put a lot of weight in asking for references but it doesn’t hurt. Look for their footprint meaning, check their website, go to their socials. See that they are an established business. Finally trust your gut. If something seems off, run. Most reliable and trustworthy Remodeling Companies are busy. Be patient but you should get timely responses. I do the same thing as a contractor. I evaluate any potential client and I ask myself a few questions….Can I deliver exactly what they’re expecting for their price and by the deadline they have established? But most important, is this a collaborative effort? Meaning; are they invested in our shared success of the project. If the answer is “no” to any of these questions, I cannot accept that client.As a home owner it will save you money and heartache if you do your due diligence first before you go spend thousands on your home. I hope this helps anybody moving forward.If any of you have any questions or concerns, feel free to post in the comments below or contact me directly.

Hey there, amazing friends.We’re gearing up for some fantastic episodes on “The Beautiful Day Un Dia Bonito Show” right here in the DMV, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and NYC areas, and we need YOUR help. Do you know of any breathtaking locations or hidden gems in these areas that would make for a perfect backdrop for our show? Share your suggestions with us. We’re also on the lookout for engaging episode ideas that you’d love to see on our show. Whether it’s exploring local and Latin culture, food adventures, or unique stories, we want to hear your thoughts. And last but not least, we’re open to partnerships and sponsorships. If you or someone you know is interested in collaborating with us to make “The Beautiful Day Un Dia Bonito Show” even more incredible, drop us a message. Let’s make magic happen together. Just comment below or slide into my DMs with your ideas, suggestions, or potential sponsors. We can’t wait to bring you more Beautiful Days with every episode. Stay tuned…..

September 11, 2001 is a day etched into the collective memory of all of us. A day when ordinary people displayed extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of unspeakable horror.We remember 3,000 innocent lives that were lost in New York, D.C., and Pennsylvania, and we honor the first responders who rushed toward certain death without hesitation. Today, we pay our respects to the victims, survivors, service members and their families. The scars of that day remain, we continue to stand united in our support of them as a symbol of resilience. In honoring the memory of 9/11, we ensure that the spirit of unity and love prevails over hatred and division. May we find comfort in our shared memories and honor the legacy of those who were lost by working towards a brighter, more peaceful future. ~Bill

Running a renovation company in 11 states can be demanding and stressful. I am faced with making tough decisions from 5am through the late evening regarding someone’s home. As our business grows it’s more and more critical to prioritize self-care and find ways to unwind among the chaos. Fortunately, there are fun and creative ways to reduce stress without breaking the budget. Here are a few things I’ve been doing to keep my sanity. Take a hike. Nothing crazy, step outside during your breaks. Observe the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Pay attention to the sensation of your feet hitting the ground. This simple act of mindfulness can help clear your mind and bring a sense of calm. Art Therapy. Engage in artistic endeavors such as drawing, painting, or coloring. I’m fortunate to have a job that allows me to explore artistically through interior design. It’s incredibly therapeutic and provides an outlet for self-expression. Set aside a few minutes each day to let your creativity flow, and you’ll be amazed at how it eases your stress levels. This can even include (in my humble opinion the greatest artistic expression man has created), musicTurn up the music. Create a playlist of your favorite songs whenever you need to shake off stress. Music has always been a big part of my life. Start a Journal. Take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Write down three things you appreciate, whether it’s a supportive colleague, a successful project, or a moment of tranquility. Focusing on gratitude and success helps shift your mindset towards positivity. I have a whiteboard where I can track progress and job completion. It’s gratifying and a daily visual reminder of my win column. Practice Deep Breathing. Deep breathing exercises are simple yet powerful stress-relief tools. I first discovered this learning Isshinryu and Krav Maga. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and take slow, deep breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat this for a few minutes to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.Sometimes, when the world gets to be too much, I’ll take 20 minutes of my morning and do stretching, yoga and low level meditation. Engage in Mindful Eating. People will always ask why I love Italy so much and I will always reply It’s the only place that reminds me to be human. Meaning: meals, drinks are an event. Instead of rushing through meals, you engage socially with those around you and take time to enjoy each bite mindfully. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and aromas. Eat slowly and be present in the moment. Mindful eating not only enhances your enjoyment of meals but also helps you manage stress by bringing your focus to the present. In Italy a server will never bring you a check unless you ask for it. Il conto per favore. We tend to rush through meals to get back to work. Enjoy it for what it is. Exercise. My buddy Clif would’ve had me put this first but hey, I’m still working on it.I recently bought a bike. My first time on a bike in over twenty years and I rode twenty miles. It. Was. Amazing. Sure, I was a little sore but felt great the next day and was ready to go again. If you have the means, hire a professional trainer and life coach. Remember, there will never be a greater investment than one you make in yourself. Engage in a Hobby. Dedicate time to a hobby you love, such as reading, playing a musical instrument, camping, gardening, or photography. Having a creative outlet allows you to recharge and escape from work-related stress. Laugh and Socialize. I try to make happy hour a priority in my life. Not to drink but to be social. (Ok ok maybe an occasional drink) but laughter truly is the best medicine and how can you go wrong with something called “happy hour”… Last night I had wings at Bushwallers during Trivia Night. It was fun and I wasn’t even playing.Connect with friends, family, or colleagues who bring happiness and comfort to your life. Share a funny story, watch a comedian or play a game together. Most days have a happy hour of some sort and there are some great comedy clubs in our area. Self-care should be a priority, even amidst the demands of your daily hustle bustle.I hope you can help promote a healthier, happier you. Take small steps. “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. You’ll gradually and incrementally notice a difference in your well-being. ~Bill

Yesterday, quietly marked a very special milestone for me and my little home improvement contracting business, SmartHomes. Ironically and somewhat fitting, I was working with a very close friend DJ, helping him start his own contracting business. 8 years ago, I embarked on this journey with nothing but a dream and a determination to make things better for myself and my loved ones. I’ll never forget those early days, starting the business out of the trunk of my car during a challenging time when Betty fell ill. It was a period of struggle, sacrifice, and countless lessons learned along the way. Through it all, I discovered the power of perseverance and the incredible support of those around me. John Lee, you have been at my side every step of the way. I can never thank you enough. I am truly grateful for the amazing real estate agents I’ve had the privilege of working with. Far too many to list individually but Chris Reed, JB, Lucy, Amy, Jason, Katherine, David, Kim, Karen, John Ginty, ….If you are a real estate agent reading this, I probably mean you as well. Their unwavering trust and support have been instrumental in shaping my success. Each collaboration has been a valuable opportunity for growth, allowing me to refine my skills and contribute to the projects that have made a difference in people’s lives. Two years ago, I experienced a remarkable milestone that I never imagined possible. SmartHomes surpassed $1,000,000 in annual net revenue. It was a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team, as well as the trust and loyalty of our clients. I am humbled by the recognition and deeply grateful for every person who has believed in us. This incredible journey has also led to some unexpected and exciting opportunities. From our humble beginnings, we’ve come a long way, even having the honor of being featured for 4 seasons on the TV show The Beautiful Day/ Un Dia Bonito Show with Gil Coronado, Dori Bonilla and of course Leo. It’s a testament to the transformative power of passion, persistence, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. Above all, yesterday was a moment of reflection and gratitude. I am profoundly grateful for everyone who has been a part of this journey, from our incredible clients to our amazing team members. You have all played an indispensable role in shaping SmartHomes into what it is today serving 11 states and offering Renovate Now, Pay Later. As I look back on the past 8 years, I’m reminded of the challenges we’ve overcome, the lessons we’ve learned, and the unshakable spirit that has carried us through. I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries, being innovators in our industry, delivering exceptional results and creating spaces that inspire and transform. Thank you all for your unwavering support, encouragement and belief in me and SmartHomes. I am truly blessed and eternally grateful. Here’s to the next chapter, where together, we’ll reach new heights and make even more dreams come true.

Today, we remember the fallen. We honor their memory by cherishing the freedoms they fought to preserve. We stand together, grateful for the opportunities their sacrifice has afforded us, and humbled by their profound bravery.On this day, let us also extend our gratitude to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They carry a burden that is immeasurable and deserve our unwavering support and compassion. Their resilience and strength inspire us to remember that true heroism extends beyond the battlefield. May we never forget the heroes who gave their all.

It’s a fantastic idea to start some low-cost home renovation projects in the spring to modernize and renew your house. Here are some suggestions: Paint: A new coat of paint may significantly alter the way a room looks and feels. If you want to modernize the space, think about repainting a room or an accent wall in a different color. Add some greenery: Plants can give your home a splash of color and life. To improve your curb appeal, think about adding some inside plants or making a small outside garden. Update hardware: You can give a space a fresh look and feel without spending a fortune by swapping out worn-out cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and light fixtures. Spring cleaning is a terrific time to clean and organize your home. It may also give it a fresh new look. Think about performing a thorough cleaning of your carpets, washing your windows, and selling or donating any goods you no longer use or use. Refinish cabinets: If the cabinets in your kitchen are antiquated or worn out, think about refinishing them. For a brand-new appearance, sand, paint, or stain them. Install new window coverings: Blinds, drapes, or shades may transform a space and give it a fresh appearance. Window coverings that let in natural light and improve your perspective are something to think about installing. Renovate your front door: When someone comes to your house, one of the first things they see is your front door. Think about modernizing it with new paint, a handle, or a lock. You may modernize your home and give it a fresh, new vibe with the help of these affordable home renovation projects without going over budget. ~Bill

Several days of rain coming our way this weekend. Here a few things you should check to make sure you are ready. Check your gutters and downspouts: Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and functioning properly. Blocked gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and damage your roof, walls, and foundation. Inspect your roof: Check your roof for any damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or holes. A damaged roof can cause water to leak into your home and cause significant damage. Look for signs of water damage: Check your walls, ceilings, and floors for any signs of water damage, such as stains, discoloration, or warping. If you notice any signs of water damage, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Keep your basement dry: If you have a basement, make sure your sump pump is functioning properly and your basement is free of water. If your basement is prone to flooding, consider installing a backup sump pump or a water-powered backup pump to prevent flooding. Trim your trees: Trim any trees or branches that are close to your home and could potentially fall and cause damage during heavy rain and wind. Check your insurance policy: Make sure you understand what is covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy in case of water damage or flooding. Stay safe: During heavy rain and wind, stay indoors and avoid driving through flooded areas. If you need to venture outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear to stay dry and safe. If you see any evidence of water intrusion, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. SmartHomes offers free roof inspections and can help with flood damage. ~Bill

We are a full-service home improvement company that specializes in pre-listing repairs on homes. Our team is licensed and insured to perform everything from paint, flooring and landscaping to full-scale renovations, ensuring that we can meet all of your clients’ needs. We are proud to offer a wide range of services, so whether your clients need minor repairs or major renovations, we can help. One of the unique benefits of working with our company is that we are backed by 52 lending institutions. This means that we can offer no payments on repairs until closing, which can be a significant benefit for your clients who may not have the upfront funds to make repairs. This financing option can also help to speed up the sales process, which is especially important in today’s competitive real estate market. Lets dig a little deeper; We offer financing on repairs. A client chooses to finance repairs. We complete repairs on average in 17 days.  Home is listed and sells. Title company issues a check to pay off all renovation work to the financial institution. Client pays no out of pocket expense money for repairs. Another option is simply SmartHomes fronts the funding either in its entirety or bridging a gap between the work needing done verses the work a client can afford. This option requires a little partnership from the agent. Listing date, scope of work, budget and property details may be important to our shared success and winning results for the client. Our updates have been shown to net clients and real estate agents higher sales prices on homes and an average of 11 fewer days on the market. This is because we take a data-driven approach to our renovations, focusing on the repairs that are most likely to add value and appeal to buyers. We understand that the real estate market is highly competitive, and our goal is to help your clients sell their homes quickly and for the highest possible list price. SmartHomes Group LLC offers a unique and valuable service to real estate agents and their clients. We are a one-stop-shop for all home improvement needs, and our financing options and data-driven approach to renovations make us an excellent choice for those looking to sell their homes quickly and for the highest possible price with little or no cost from the clients. ~Bill

I recently started rewatching Sopranos. In season 3 episode 1, Tony’s hot water heater fails and floods his entire basement. In case you were wondering; YES, this can actually happen in your home.There are a number of warning indicators that your hot water heater may soon stop working, such as: Age: A water heater typically lasts between 8 and 12 years, so if yours is older than 10 years, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it. Strange noises: If you hear popping, cracking or banging noises coming from your water heater, this could be a sign that there is a buildup of sediment in the tank, which can cause the unit to fail. Rusty water: If you discover that your hot water faucet is leaking rust-colored water, it may be a sign that the water heater tank’s interior is corroding and rusting, which could eventually lead to leaks. Leaks: If you see water pooling at the base of your water heater, there may be a leak in the tank or a fitting. Hot water that is inconsistently heated: If the water temperature varies frequently or is either too hot or too cold, this may indicate that the heating element or thermostat is malfunctioning. It’s crucial to have your water heater inspected by a professional if you observe any of these symptoms in order to establish the severity of the issue and whether a repair or replacement is required. If you find yourself in need of a new hot water heater there also some great energy efficient and smart features available. At SmartHomes we offer several financing options, including no interest or payments for up to fourteen months. ~Bill