Posts made by author 'Bonnie Wicks Bertalot'
30
I Never Became a Psychologist... Or Did I?
When I graduated from North Georgia College and State University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, I honestly wasn't sure where that degree would take me. Like many college graduates, I had spent years learning theories about people, communication, relationships, and decision-making. Then graduation arrived, and life quietly nudged me in a direction I never expected.
Life led to a career in banking at SunTrust. I absolutely loved it. I began as a personal banker and eventually became licensed in financial services. Later I joined the SunTrust at Work program and eventually became an assistant manager. Every promotion brought more responsibility, but what I remember most wasn't the titles. It was the people.
Every person who sat across from my desk...
29
Your Cat May Be Protecting Your Home More Than You Realize
Why Cats Choose Bathtubs, What It Means, and What Every Homeowner Should Know
For years, I believed a cat sitting in a bathtub was not a good thing. Then a friend shared a photo of her black cat sitting quietly in the tub while recommending a cleaning product that had removed pet stains and odors. Like many homeowners, my first thought was, "I hope the urine didn't ruin the bathtub." That simple question led me down an interesting path of veterinary research, chemistry, and home maintenance. What I found surprised me.
Many homeowners immediately think about cleaning the mess, but the bathtub itself may actually be one of the luckiest...
27
Listening to the Photographs
Yesterday afternoon I spent a couple of hours with a family preparing their home for professional listing photographs. Most people probably imagine that a photo shoot is all about cameras, lighting, and making sure the house looks perfect. There is certainly some truth to that. Before the photographer ever takes the first picture, I walk through the house turning on lights, opening blinds, clearing countertops, hiding trash cans, putting toilet seat lids down, and making sure anything that doesn't belong in a photograph quietly disappears. In this home, that even included gathering up every dog toy before the photographer arrived.
Once everything is ready, the photographer begins working room by room. As she moves through the house, my job is simply to keep the homeowners one step ahead of the camera. If she is photographing the living room, we wait in the kitchen. When she moves into the kitchen, we step into a...
25
Before You Spend Thousands on Home Repairs, See If Someone Else Will Help Pay
Most homeowners know to compare contractor estimates before replacing a water heater, HVAC system, windows, or insulation.
Far fewer realize they should compare assistance programs first.
After researching homeowner assistance programs available throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, I was surprised by how many opportunities exist to help reduce the cost of home improvements. Some programs offer rebates after qualifying equipment is installed. Others provide low-interest financing. Some help pay for insulation, windows, HVAC systems, electrical upgrades, or plumbing repairs. There are even programs that assist homeowners with major repairs when health, safety, or income requirements are met.
The challenge isn't that these programs don't exist.
It's that most...
25
Before You Buy a Water Heater, Read This First
How Lowcountry homeowners may qualify for rebates, financing, and even free replacements through their electric provider.
Not long ago I had two different sellers in Tall Pines Plantation preparing to put their homes on the market. Like many homeowners, they ordered pre-listing inspections so they could find problems before a buyer did.
In both homes, the inspector pointed to one of the same concerns.
The water heater.
Both units were older. Neither homeowner was excited about spending well over a thousand dollars replacing something that was still working but was nearing the end of its expecte...
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