As winter draws near, it's time to start thinking about getting your home ready for colder months. However, Northern Arizona is far from some of the most extreme winter climates; it's still essential to ready your home for the season ahead. Doing so will not only help protect your investment but will keep your home more comfortable, even in cooler temps.

Start working on a plan today so your home can be ready to take on the winter well before the coldest months take hold.

Tips for Winterizing Your Home in Flagstaff Meadows

Those looking to buy a new home at Flagstaff Meadows will not have to worry much about a long to-do list each winter to get their home winter ready. Each home sold at Flagstaff Meadows is energy efficient and is certified as a Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH). This Bellemont, AZ new community has already won an Honorable Mention at the 2018 Housing Innovation Awards by the Department of Energy. Flagstaff Meadows homes for sale start at $374,900 and offer 11 single-family floor plans ranging from one- to two stories with up to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,646 square feet.

While the new homes at Flagstaff Meadows are built to keep the outdoor elements from sneaking in, one of the best places to start winterizing your home is on the exterior. After all, these are the sections that Mother Nature will first hit. Unscrew all hoses and drain all irrigation systems. If you have a pool, it's time to get it ready for the winter, too. Place your cover or drain the pool, depending on manufacturing instructions or your preferences. Exposed water valves will need to be insulated or covered, depending on their location and function.

Next, bring in outdoor cushions or any furniture that could get ruined by moisture. Cushions can easily be placed in plastic bags or use vacuum seal options to help save on space.

You may also want to take extra precautions on north-facing doors and windows to help keep out more robust, colder winds as they reach your home. Here are some items that you can purchase to protect north-facing windows and doors:

1.    Thermal Blinds and Shades
2.    Heavy Drapes
3.    Energy-Efficient Shutters

Perks of Winterizing Your Home

As you take steps to help ready your home for winter, know that there are many perks ahead. You will be keeping your items to good use by putting them up for the season and ensuring that they will be ready for you once it warms.

Steps like insulating and avoiding cool drafts can also help keep your home warmer and more energy efficient. You can lower your energy bills by requiring less heat to be pumped into the house. Meanwhile, you'll be more comfortable without cool drafts finding their way indoors.

Stay comfortable and safe in your Flagstaff Meadows home, even during cold winter months. Take a look at these best tips and help ready your home for the upcoming change in season.

For more information on the new homes for sale at Flagstaff Meadows, get in touch with a sales agent at 855-928-1100.

The leaves have begun to brown and fall, and the distinct smell of pumpkin spice is in the air. From the warmth of a zesty latte in your hands to the flickering of fall-scented candles in your home, it can be easy to bring in the cheerfulness of fall wherever you are. Just a few simple changes can take your home from summertime fun to autumn comfort. Here are a few simple ways to decorate your home this fall. 

Create a cozy experience

When you think of fall, you think of comfort and warmth. To help bring in those fall vibes, bring in pieces of comfort throughout your home, such as a few throw blankets and pillows near the fireplace. You can also add a couple of fluffy rugs to tangle your toes in while getting lost in a good book.

Bring in fall plants

Adding plant life to your home naturally brings a little more flair to your home's décor. Select a few plants and flowers that are in season like Goldenrods, Marigolds, and Sunflowers, and spread them strategically around your home to bring in the season right. Fall mums, also known as garden Chrysanthemums, are trendy during the autumn season and would be a perfect fit around the entryway and front steps. You can also add a few real or artificial pumpkins and fall leaves to really make things stand out.

Light things up

Nothing screams seater weather like an array of fall-scented candles lit around the house. Select a few warm scents from your favorite candle shop like apple cinnamon, caramel apple, pumpkin spice, or a few woody, smoky aromas to warm things up a bit.

Swap cool tones with warm tones

Change out last season's comforters, pillows, rugs, and curtains with deeper shades and rich accent colors that provide a warm and cozy feel throughout your home. Don't forget to bring the flannel print!

Dress up the front door

The entrance to your home is the first thing your guests, friends, and family will see when visiting, so why not dress up your front door? You can add a few accessories to your front doors, like a monogram door hanger, a festive autumn wreath, or a garland of fall leaves. Twinkling string lights around the front porch are appealing, and don't forget a seasonal welcome mat at the entrance to top things off. You can even place one, two, or TEN pumpkins nearby to welcome guests even more! You can never have too many pumpkins. 

What’s not to love about Florida living? Year-round warm weather, stunning salty beaches, a wealth of cultural diversity, and proximity to the “happiest place on earth,” Disney World. Oh, and not to mention, there’s no state income tax. You can even get more bang for your buck when purchasing a new home, as properties in Florida are more affordable than in many other states. Living in the state of Florida yields lots of great opportunities and a layback lifestyle that any homeowner will appreciate. 

Read on to find out about some of the best places to buy a new home in Florida.

Sarasota

If you’re in search of a place to retire, a new home in Sarasota is the perfect place to unpack and stay awhile. With around 803,709 residents, this city is comprised of an older population and is ranked number one on the Best Places to Retire list. Living in Sarasota can be a bit on the pricey end, with the median listing home price being at $415,000, but worth every penny. Sarasota is home to The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, and the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. You can easily spot many sandy beaches for your sunbathing pleasure, including Lido Key Beach and Siesta Key Beach. You can also enjoy shopping at St. Armands Circle, where you’ll discover unique boutiques such as Wyland Galleries, White House Black Market, Tommy Bahama, and restaurants like Speaks Clam Bar and Le Macaron French Pastries, and Blue Dolphin Café. 

Tampa

The Tampa homes for sale consist of 95 neighborhoods with the median listing home price at $352,000 and a rising population of 387,916 residents. The top schools in Tampa include Pride Elementary School, Chiles Elementary School, Coleman Middle School, Brooks Debartolo Collegiate High School, and Plant High School. Tampa private schools include the Academy of The Holy Names and Jesuit High School. Amenities near Tampa include grocery shopping at Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods Market, Publix, and The Fresh Market. You can also grab a fresh cup of Joe at local coffee shops like Shelly’s Café and Buddy Brew Coffee. You’ll even fall in love at first bite at one of the many eateries within Tampa like Columbia Restaurant, Lolis Mexican Cravings, Bern’s Steak House, and Whiskey Joes.

Orlando

Orlando, Florida, is home to amusement parks like Epcot, Universal Orlando Resort, and Walt Disney World. The kid in you will quickly fall in love with the new homes in Orlando. Some of the best schools in Orlando include Dr. Phillips Elementary School, Laureate Park Elementary School, Orlando Science Middle High Charter School, and Lake Nona High School. You can find all of your favorite plant-based and organic grocery items at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market, or if you simply need to whip up a weeknight meal, there’s also Walmart Supercenter, Lucky’s Market, and Lotte Plaza Market. With 97 neighborhoods to select from, home values in Orlando range all the way up to $16.4 million, although the median home listing price last month was $324,000.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a hot spot for racing enthusiasts and was named the “World’s Most Famous Beach” in the 1920s. This popular city is home to the Daytona International Speedway built by NASCAR, and is also home to higher education institutions such as Bethune-Cookman University and Daytona State College. When residing in Daytona Beach, you’ll also come across the Jackie Robinson Ballpark, The Clock Tower and Bandshell, and the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Daytona Beach consists of 20 neighborhoods with Daytona homes for sale at a median listing price of around $219,000.

Miami

The city of Miami is situated in Miami-Dade County and hosts a population of 454,279 residents. Local attractions in this trendy beach town include the Perez Art Museum Miami that showcases global modern art, the Miami Seaquarium, the expansive Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. You can also take a cruise down the famous Ocean Drive lined with Art Deco buildings and visit the outdoor museum filled with creative street art at Wynwood Walls. Miami’s real estate market currently balances, which means the supply and demand of homes are around the same. The median home listing price in Miami last month was $450,000.

Life in a new California home can be a dream come true with its abundance of sandy beaches, boardwalks, year-round sunny skies, and all the Carne Asada tacos your stomach can handle. Whether you’re looking for a place to retire, rental income, or a fresh start for those big career goals, the Sunshine State is this perfect place to call home. But with a largely populated state like California, the biggest question on your home search is where to buy. There are many factors to consider like northern or southern California, urban or suburban, snow or dessert? In this post, we’re giving you a breakdown of five great places to buy a new home in California.

Lake County

Lake County is located in northern California, just two hours northwest of San Francisco and the state capitol, Sacramento. Lake County boasts a grand population of 64,386 residents and a median home price of $341,000. It is also home to Clear Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in California. Submerge yourself in the long-established history of Lake County while visiting the Lake County Historic Courthouse Museum, the Gibson Museum, and Cultural Center, and the Lower Lake Historic Schoolhouse Museum. While living in a new home in Lake County, you can partake in the wine country lifestyle touring many local vineyards like the Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill, Boatique Winery, Fults Family Vineyards, and the Mt. Konocit Winery. You can also enjoy a little antique shopping at Ratto’s Uniques and Antiques The Mall and grab a few greeting cards and specialized gifts for your loved ones at Linda’s Hallmark Shop. 

Orange 

Situated conveniently in Orange County, the city of Orange is a kid-friendly community with low crime rates and access to several parks, playgrounds, youth programs, and libraries. The median home price in Orange last month was $860,000. Orange is home to several popular attractions such as the Orange County Zoo, Irvine Regional Park, and the Hilbert Museum of California Art. You can also find Knotts Berry Farm, Disneyland, and the Angel Stadium in nearby Anaheim. Enjoy shopping at The Outlets at Orange, an open-air outlet mall that features the AMC Orange 30 movie theater and retailers like Aeropostale, Bath & Body Works, Kay Jewelers Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Victoria’s Secret, and Tilly’s. 

Big Bear Lake

The neighborhoods in Big Bear offer condos, townhomes, vacation homes, and cabins for sale. Whether you’re looking to purchase your next new home or a vacation home, Big Bear is the perfect place for any stay. Big Bear Lake has around 5,241 residents, and the median home price averages at $391,000. The small fish-filled city of Big Bear Lake is located in Southern California and provides access to tons to do no matter your fancy.  This city thrives year-round with the perfect weather for weekend camping or wintertime skiing. Residents and visitors enjoy the Bear Mountain Ski Resort, Snow Summit Ski Resort, and boutique shops and restaurants in Big Bear Lake Village. There is also the Big Bear Alpine Zoo and Boulder Bay Park.

Palo Alto

Palo Alto, California, is an ideal city with breathtaking views and rich culture. There are currently 134 homes for sale, ranging from as little as $15,000 to $53.9 million. Wow! What a difference in the price range! The home values in Palo Alto are a bit on the pricey end, but this also makes for an excellent investment or rental properties which yield a higher return and a higher caliber for tenants. Palo Alto is considered a safe area to live in, and the weather tends to remain at around 75 degrees throughout the year. A few of the well-performing schools in Palo Alto include Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School and Palo Alto High School. Private and charter schools include Bowman International School, Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School, and the International School of the Peninsula. Residents love exploring the local shops and eateries in downtown Palo Alto and visit the Computer History Museum in nearby Mountain View that takes you through the first 2,000 years of computing history. The Baylands Nature Preserve features over fifteen miles of trails perfect for a morning jog or bike ride and lots of local wildlife to keep company. 

Santa Barbara

Located on the central California coast near the Santa Ynez mountains is the gorgeous city of Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara consists of thirty neighborhoods with 258 homes for sale that range between $129,000 to $62 million in price. This area is a tourist city near LA surrounded by many beaches like Arroyo Burro Beach and Summerland Beach. Top-rated schools in Santa Barbara include Cold Spring Elementary School, Peabody Charter School, La Colina Junior High School, and San Marcos Senior High School. Santa Barbara is home to the Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and Stearns Wharf, a historic pier that offers shopping and restaurants. 

COVID-19 forced many people who might have otherwise spent the summer of 2020 out at the community or country club pool to hunker down at home during their leisure hours. While it has long been known that selling a home with a pool can be a challenge, top real estate agents noticed that homes with inground backyard pools were flying off the proverbial shelves last year, and the trend seems poised to continue this year. The phenomenon was simple: with fewer other options for leisure time, having a source of relaxation, exercise, and fun in your own backyard became very attractive, even with the cost premium and the maintenance/upkeep required.

The average pool costs tens of thousands of dollars, often around $42,000, and in the past, having said pool would only boost your home’s value compared to a home without a pool by a little under $17,000. Now, in a very strong seller’s market and with pool ownership so popular, many see price hikes for their pools of about $28,000. What does this pool boom mean for your home, and any plans, you have to buy a pool or sell a home quickly this summer? 

Got a Pool Already? Cash In With a High Purchase Price

If you’ve considered moving to a home without a pool at any point, this might be the summer to do it. This is especially true if you’ve already gotten lots of valuable use out of your home inground pool since that use is valuable. As opposed to some point in the future when pools aren’t quite as en vogue, selling now could mean taking advantage of the popular premium and adding five figures to your purchase price. While not every area of the country is experiencing this pool boom the same way, even places where a pool used to be a rarely used feature are likely to do better than average this summer. 

Considering a Pool? Do It For the Experience, Not Just the ROI

While pool mania is great for people who have already footed the bill to have one installed, don’t let the dollar signs cloud your eyes too much if you haven’t yet installed a pool. The ROI this summer is certainly better, but if you intend to sell soon, adding a pool just for resale value isn’t likely to recoup your costs. 

However, if you have caught pool fever and see many years of enjoyment ahead for this luxury addition to your home, that is the time to sign up to install a pool. While a boost on the ROI of your home is certainly nice, the associated costs for upkeep with a pool mean that they rarely fully pay for themselves in purchase price alone. Focus on getting a pool only if it will bring enjoyment for your family, and then consider down the road how to best market and sell your home with a pool when you’re actually ready to move. 

Blog Contributed By www.homelight.com

One of the most significant decisions you can make as a parent is where you raise your children. The community you live in determines what schools they attend, the friends they meet, what their interests are, and eventually, who they become as adults. For those with children of any age or couples planning for a future that includes little ones, the neighborhood you call home should be kid-friendly. The exciting experience of finding the right new home for your family can quickly become stressful when considering the underlying factors that should be considered. So, how do you know if your new community is great for kids? We’ve gathered a short list of four things every kid-friendly neighborhood should have when buying a new house. 

School Ratings

Every parent desires for their kids to have the absolute best in education no matter the age. Selecting the right daycare, elementary school, and especially college are incredibly important. When searching for your dream house, make sure to research the school systems surrounding the communities you’re looking to move to so you can see how well they perform. Check for academic ratings, retention rates, graduation rates, and available extracurricular activities. Will your daughter receive the same intellectual stimulation in her honors and AP classes in the new school? And will your son continue to thrive playing for the school soccer team? It is vital to make sure that your children have a comfortable transition wherever you decide to move. It would also be helpful to read reviews from other parents with children attending the neighboring schools to get a different perspective on the pros and cons of the school district.

Convenience

A new home with convenience to your everyday needs is a must-have for families. Living in a rural area may be ideal for some, but who wants to drive an hour away for a gallon of milk? Take into consideration the availability of grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants, and gas stations. Hospitals and medical offices like the family dentist and pediatrician should also be a short distance away in an emergency. Does your new home allow for ease of access to local highways and freeways, making commuting to and from work easier? These are all great things to consider about when making this long time investment.

Community Amenities

Children of all ages always need something to do other than play video games or make Tik Tok videos. You’ll want to look into what your neighborhood has to offer both onsite and offsite. Several newly built communities feature amenities like clubhouses and community centers with swimming pools, basketball courts, tennis courts, parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas. You can also look out for fun community events in your new town, such as music festivals, movies at the park, holiday events, and more. These are great ways to get better acquainted with your new neighbors as well.

Attractions and Recreation

Along with being close to community amenities, living in a new home with access to places like movie theaters, museums, skating rinks, and amusement parks are also a must-have. You can search for nearby national parks where your family can enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing. Many communities are near local beaches, perfect for soaking up the sun’s rays, building sandcastles, and splashing in the salty waves. Create unforgettable memories filled with fresh buttery popcorn and steamy hot dogs with all of the fixings at a local baseball game, or spend your afternoons touring the city while visiting its national monuments. 

Moving to a new city or town is an adjustment and takes work, but it’s always helpful to dot your I’s and cross your T’s. You can start by surfing through NewHomesDirectory.com and explore new home neighborhoods that may appeal to you. You can search the local event calendars, read the local news and reviews, and even plan a visit in person to see if a community is a right fit for you and your family. If the area of your choice meets this criterion, then you’ve found yourself the perfect kid-friendly neighborhood!

With the Spring season coming to a close, summer is just around the corner. The warm weather is the perfect time to spruce up your outdoor living space and enjoy the fruits of your labor. In this article, we’re sharing a few great inexpensive ways to revive up your backyard in your new home so you can show it off this summer!

Build an Outdoor Firepitome

Imagine cozying up with family and friends after the sun sets near a beautiful flame in your backyard. You can make it happen by building your own outdoor fire pit with a bit of elbow grease. This can become an easy DIY project that you’ll be proud of. You can roast marshmallows and tells scary stories with the kids or simply relax next to your new fire pit with a good book in hand.

Paint Your Fence

One of the easiest ways to make a difference in any space, whether outdoors or indoors, is by adding a little color. Take that old brown fence from drab to fab with your choice of paint color this summer to make a statement and refresh your outdoor living space. 

Revive Old Patio Furniture

If you haven’t used your patio furniture all year, it’s probably time to dust it off and give it a good deep clean in preparation for all of your backyard shindigs coming up this summer. Not everyone can purchase brand new future, but a couple of cans of spray paint may do just the thing. Restore those rusted metal chairs with a few coats of spray paint, and no one will ever notice. This method works great for wicker as well.

Plant Flowers

You can plant inexpensive flowers that are in season to brighten up and heighten the look of your backyard. Perennials are a great flower to start with, and they come back each year which makes them a fantastic investment. Your neighbors will envy you and your pockets with thank you.

Set the Mood with Lighting

Adding outdoor lighting provides the perfect touch to your backyard living space. You can wrap your trees, tables, and even fences with affordable string lights to add a romantic feel. Outdoor lights are perfect for eating dinner after dark and enjoying a fantastic summer evening with the ones you love.

Purchase an Outdoor Rug

Outdoor rugs are a great affordable way to elevate your outdoor living space! Adding an outdoor rug to your backyard provides your space with more color and personality with little to no effort.

Create an Outdoor Dining Space

Who doesn’t love to eat outside during the summer? You can bring your favorite meals outdoors with a table and few chairs that complement the space, and voila! Savor your first cup of brew with your morning paper or fire up the grill and dig into some tasty barbeque at your outdoor dining space. 

However you decide to revamp your backyard living space, get creative and have fun with it. Once your work is complete, it will quickly become your favorite outdoor hangout spot. After a long day’s work, retreating to your outdoor living space to relax is the perfect way to end your day. 

Our February REALTOR® of the month is JoAnn Callaway, Senior Agent at Those Callaways Real Estate. JoAnn provides the monthly real estate market update for Phoenix and Paradise Valley, Arizona.

JoAnn Callaway has served Arizona real estate with her husband, Joseph, for 25 years. Together, they’ve sold over two billion dollars worth of homes. As new agents in 1996, JoAnn and Joseph began their journey with John Hall & Associates, eventually building a full team of licensed professionals to help them best serve clients. In 2011, they created their own brokerage as “Those Callaways Real Estate”, a team of REALTORS® with a two-word mission statement of Clients First. 

Their path to success in real estate began with each other, “When we met, it was love at first sight.”, and they’ve been working side by side ever since. In 2012, they wrote their first book to share the unique reason for their success. Clients First: The Two World Miracle became a New York Times Bestseller. In 2013, they joined with The Salvation Army to create the holiday bell-ringing initiative Real Estate Wednesdays. The next year, they partnered with The Army again to spearhead Real Estate for Rehabilitation. Their second book, Super Agent: Real Estate Success at the Highest Level, came that same year to serve as a real estate agent’s bible, written by agents for agents.

JoAnn’s service to her community has been honored with accolades from the Women’s Council of REALTORS®, NRBA, HAREP, REALTOR® Magazine, Phoenix Magazine, and more. She and her team specialize in residential resale throughout AZ’s Maricopa County, focused on Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the Magic 85254 Zip Code. They help sellers sell with ease and buyers find their dream homes. Each team member is highly experienced in a specific aspect of the real estate transaction to ensure that clients’ needs are met every step of the way. If you're in search of a new home for sale in Phoenix, JoAnn Callaway is the one to call!

Purchasing a new home can be an exhilarating moment in your life, but the process can be complicated when there are obstacles in the way, like a low credit score. Having a low credit score is nothing to be ashamed of and is not the end of the world. Many accumulate debt for several reasons like the loss of employment, a medical emergency, and other financial hardships that you have no control over. No matter where your credit score is on the scale, there are some sure-fire ways to make improvements and finally purchase the new home of your dreams.  Here are four ways to increase your credit score before buying your new home.

Pay Your Bills on Time

Your payment history is one of the most significant factors that will affect your credit score and your ability to receive a home loan. Lenders want to know that you are reliable that you will pay them back on time. If you are not already doing so, ensure that your bills are all paid on time or early. You can schedule your payments through automatic bill pay with your banking institution or set up autopay through your account, so you never have to worry about a missed payment.

Dispute Credit Report Errors

Looking at your credit report may be a daunting experience, especially when that golden number isn’t looking very shiny. Sign up on websites like annualcreditreport.com or creditkarma.com to take a good look at your detailed credit report and make sure that everything looks the way that it should. If you come across any mistakes, you can dispute the errors. The credit bureaus have thirty days to look into it and respond. Once confirmed, the disputed mistake will be removed from your credit report, which will improve your credit score.

Use a Secured Credit Card

A secured credit card is a credit card funded by an upfront cash deposit, and the credit limit is the same as the amount of your deposit. So if you deposit $300 on your secured credit card, your credit limit will be $300. This is an excellent option for someone who may not qualify for a traditional credit card and needs to boost their credit. If you decide to go this route, make sure that you apply for a secured credit card that reports to all three credit bureaus when choosing this option.

Negotiate Your Debt

If you have bills in collections and receive letters in the mail and those annoying phone calls, you may want to pick up the phone and try negotiating your debt to a lower amount. You can also discuss creating a payment plan that works for your budget. Ask the debt collector to remove the negative information from your credit records. When doing this, make sure to always get your payment agreement in writing before proceeding. 

Taking these steps will take your credit score from zero to hero and help propel you into homeownership in no time!

It’s that time of year! Spring is making its way around, and you know what that means. It’s time for a home refresh. Say goodbye to the dark days of winter and get ready for warm and bright sunny days ahead. Each year our homes quickly begin to collect dust and unwanted clutter and or just need a little bit of change to make the space enjoyable again. Now is the time to give your home an instant refresh this spring.

Declutter

Decluttering your space may seem like a tall task, but when the job is complete, you may not even recognize the appearance of your home. Make a shortlist of areas in your home that need the most attention, and start working your way down the list. Start with the smaller, less time-consuming tasks first, like decluttering your tubberware cabinet before you take on big jobs like cleaning out the garage. 

Rearrange Your Furniture

Rearranging the furniture in your home costs absolutely nothing and just takes a little elbow grease. You can add or remove furniture from room to room. Maybe move your bed toward the window for more sunlight in the morning. Switch the position of your living room furniture and remove pieces that may overcrowd a room. You can grab a lamp and a small table from one room and an accent chair from another to create a cute reading nook or even rearrange the pictures on the walls. The possibilities are endless when you get creative with what you have.

Switch Out Your Decor

One of the easiest ways to give your home a quick makeover is to switch out your decor. You can get a couple of new throw pillows and a throw blanket in your living room. You can swap your duvet covers in the bedrooms and the shower curtains and bath rugs in your bathrooms. Switch to a new set of kitchen towels, throw rugs, and curtains to give a fresh look to your home. 

Change out your lighting

Replacing your lightbulbs can give your home an instant makeover by brightening up the place within minutes. If you want to add some light to your living space, try opting for LED lightbulbs. 

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Add a pop of color in a room that needs a little more spice. Whether you decide to paint one wall or all four, it’s up to you.

Refreshing your home this spring doesn’t have to be a difficult task at all. Some of the smallest changes can make the biggest impact.