If you’re thinking of selling your lake home, you’ll have to broaden your marketing. Glenn Phillips, CEO of Lake Homes Realty, gives reasons to market to a broader audience.
Out-of-State Buyers: Agents who have had the most success selling lake homes are the ones who market to out-of-state buyers. When choosing an agent, consider if they will be able to tell you how many buyers in other states are shopping your lake. With more realistic buyers, you have better opportunities for more return on investment when you sell.
Specific Lake Might Not Matter: While some buyers may be committed to one lake, there are many who look at several lakes in multiple states when buying a lake home. This should affect where you are marketing and how you are pricing houses. You should price competitively for multiple markets, not just your own.
Local Marketing = Limited Marketing: Most buyers come from the web, so you should have a broad market reach. Putting out signs and listing in a local MLS are beneficial to a point, but limit your pool of buyers.
Web Portals Are Crowded: Big web portals that list many types of property are crowded with people looking for all types of houses, not just lake houses. This causes buyers who want to specifically look for lake homes to sift through the other types of property. Listing on a niche website that specializes in lake property puts you ahead of the listings on big web portals.
Agents and sellers must think broadly when selling lake property. Utilizing these strategies, sellers can maximize their return on investment with their lake home. Connect with an agent at lakehomes.com if you’re looking to sell your lake home to a broad market.
Buying and selling a lake property is nothing like buying a primary residence when it comes to its schedule. People often experience urgency with a primary residence due to events such as moving to a new town for a job. Lake Homes Realty CEO, Glenn Phillips, explains why lake real estate is a long game.
Discretionary = Patience: Similar to a high-end restaurant, a lake home is a discretionary property. Buyers aren’t paying for shelter alone, but also a premium for the lifestyle and access to the water. With discretionary property, buyers can be more selective in what they purchase.
Mortgage Rates are NOT a Driver: Unlike other residential property, mortgage rates do not push people in and out of the lake real estate market. Many buyers complete transactions with cash, and buyers can often pay extra for their property.
Dream Homes are Different than Urban/Suburbs: Buyers can afford to wait until their dream home is available on the lake they want. They can also buy property on that lake and build their dream home themselves. Additionally, buyers often wait to see what the market does over time, especially in times of compressed inventory.
New Lake Buyers have a Learning Curve: New lake home buyers often enter the market with minimal knowledge of lake real estate, and need time to learn. Many of them don’t realize that the price of a house increases when it is on lake property. These new buyers need time to understand and adjust their mindset while in the lake homes market.
Don’t be surprised if the buying and selling process is taking a while. Successful lake home agents realize that the lake real estate market is a long game and work to compress it. Connect with an expert lake agent who understands the importance of playing the long game at lakehomes.com.
First impressions are everything—especially when it comes to our lake homes. Curb appeal is, after all, one of the most critical factors when buying and selling homes. But regardless of whether your house is on the market, we still aspire to generate a welcoming experience for ourselves and our guests. So whatever your taste—modern, transitional, traditional, cozy cottage—the entrance to your home should offer an inviting signature statement from the dwellers within.
There are many inexpensive ways to amp up your curb appeal surprisingly quickly and with minimal effort. Small changes can deliver significant impact. In addition, you’ll love the results yourself and will always look forward to coming home. So, if you want to put some wow factor into your curb appeal, check out these cost-effective changes that are sure to impress without breaking the bank.
There’s nothing like the transformative power of paint to create an instant refresh for your front door. Just look at how eye-popping and visually pleasing this turquoise door becomes when backdropped by gray shingled siding and lush green foliage. A fresh coat of paint packs a powerful punch, and there are endless shades to choose from. Try a vibrant red or bright orange for a modern edge that looks striking against a dark neutral backdrop. When selecting your shade, try a complementary color that will pop against your home’s exterior. A sleek, elegant black also makes a bold statement and lends a sense of refinement to contemporary and traditional styles. Beautifully grained natural woods are also an option if you want to create contrast without actually painting.
For an even more impactful door makeover, consider upgrading your hardware. This simple fix will create big drama and acts as the jewelry for your front door. Choose a finish that complements the style of your home’s exterior and pairs effortlessly with the color of your door. Brass, bronze, and matte black fixtures befit both rustic and modern looks. In addition, polished and brushed metals pair well with a multitude of styles, including traditional and contemporary. The shape of your hardware also contributes to the overall aesthetic, from clean and streamlined to curvaceous and ornate.
You can also consider upgrading your security with an integrated smart lock that you control via an app on your phone. There are many types to choose from that will blend harmoniously with the style of your front door.
Do you have a lackluster landscape? Take inventory and start cleaning it up with simple things like weeding, trimming, watering, and replanting. Aside from your yard, you can dress up your front door with luxuriant potted plants and flowers that will frame the entrance to your home. Create a symmetrical look with pairs of matching plants and pots, or display colorful blooms for an eye-catching accent. You can even switch them out seasonally to create unique looks for spring, summer, fall, and winter.
It’s all in the numbers, as they say. In this instance, it’s your house number. Make sure yours is attractive to look at and easy to read for guests and delivery services. If it’s looking unpolished or outdated, replace it with a style that’s more appealing and befitting to your home’s exterior. You can choose from a range of styles, including ultra-modern numerals and 3-D numbers illuminated by LED lights for a brilliant display. For more rustic and traditional looks, choose classic or vintage styles. The options are endless, and you can easily find one that suits your taste and budget.
If your exteriors look dull and dirty, it’s time for a pressure wash. You can hire someone to do this for you, or you can rent or purchase a pressure washer if you’re more of a do-it-yourselfer. This is an excellent technique to scour away grime and mildew from your siding, driveway, and walkways. It’s also an efficient way to clean decks, patios, and even outdoor furniture. To go the extra mile, consider re-staining your wooden deck to enhance the beauty of the grain and protect it from the elements.
One of the most dynamic enhancements you can make to your home is exterior lighting. This sets the tone for your home’s curb appeal at night and also highlights the architectural features. You can illuminate almost any area with sconces, uplighting, and overhead lighting, especially at the front entrance. Accent with lawn lighting to set your landscape aglow and create a welcoming ambiance for friends and neighbors.
As lake homeowners know, your home has another curb that needs constant attention. Showing off your home from the water is often the most important view, so ensure your lake landscape and shoreline are tidy and well-manicured. If you have a dock, refresh the paint when it looks worn, and do the same with your outdoor furniture.
Now is the perfect time to upgrade your curb appeal and get ready for another glorious season at the lake. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and enjoy the new look you create.
You’ve made the decision, you’re ready to sell. But how do you go about finding a real estate agent that will help sell your lake home? Good news, there are actually some great questions to consider when it comes to this decision. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, provides a series of questions you should be asking, as well as one you should try to avoid.
WRONG Questions to Ask: Which agents…
Have the most listings? Having a plethora of listings can sometimes be deceptive. Agents might have multiple listings due to them not being able to move the inventory. This could be because of overpricing or other reasons. That’s not to say having multiple listings is always a bad thing, but a good rule is to try and avoid this question.
Do I personally like the most? Picking out which agent you’ll work with does rely on some foundation and rapport, but that doesn’t mean they should act as close friend. Find an agent who will help you from a business standpoint is what you should be searching for. They’ll be the ones to help you sell after all.
Have an office nearby? Because buyers are strictly looking to buy, finding someone to sell your home is the main goal. A physical office can bring a sense of security. However, at the end of the day, if you’re buying or selling, the office shouldn’t matter.
Do I want to help? Knowing someone personally won’t always help them. Besides, if you’re truly wanting to sell your property, you’re going to be looking for a seasoned agent. The bottom line: you should want to help yourself.
CORRECT Questions to Ask:
Are all agents the same? Just like all of us aren’t the same, not all real estate agents are either. Determining the one who is best equipped and qualified for success in helping you sell is what you should be thinking about.
Most capable of helping me achieve my goal? Referring to the first question, the agent that has the capabilities to meet your goal is what you should keep in mind. Whether it’s selling your lake home quickly, maximizing the return, etc. Whatever it might be, this question is important to remember.
Focused on lake real estate? Being focused on the lake real estate market is more than likely going to have a better payout than an agent who isn’t. A lake expert will know the ins and outs of this market and ultimately ways to leverage it.
Have a proven pipeline of out-of-town buyers? A big thing to take into consideration is that many buyers are from all over the state and even across the country. Obtaining the maximum amount buyers increases the likelihood of getting the price you want.
While selecting a real estate agent to sell your lake home can come with challenges, at the end of the day the right one will help you sell your home. Following questions similar to the last set and trying to avoid the first should help you narrow down the search. However, if you still find yourself not sure, reach out to one of our lake experts at lakehomes.com. They’ll know exactly how to help you!
Whether you prefer freshwater fish caught from your own lake or succulent market seafood, there’s no better complement to your fresh catch than the perfect bottle of wine. Like wine and cheese, there are endless options to choose from when selecting the perfect wine pairings for fish and seafood. So, to help you navigate the sea of wine selections, here’s an easy shortlist to guide you. Keep in mind that there are no hard and fast rules, and it’s always adventurous to experiment with different combinations.
Starting with a summer classic, Chardonnay—along with these other favorite whites—are the go-to wines for a multitude of fish dishes. A fuller-bodied Pinot Gris or Fumé Blanc complements oilier fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, bluefish, grilled fish, and smoked trout. Yet a rich buttery Chardonnay pairs beautifully with sweet seafood, including lobster, shrimp, crab, scallops, and even raw oysters. Its slightly oaky flavor also balances well with trout, striped bass, and crappie. Chardonnay is known for pairing well with nutty or buttery flavors, and it also tastes delightful with meaty fish like tuna, halibut, and cod. As journalist and Master of Wine Christy Canterbury said in a Kendall-Jackson post, “Chardonnay is the Meryl Streep of white wines . . .a marvelously versatile white grape variety that can play a diverse array of roles very well.”
Light and dry, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc wines are characterized by their high acidity, bright citrus aromas, and crisp minerality. These wine styles are the perfect pairings for white, lean fish such as tilapia, cod, snapper, walleye, halibut, and flounder. Because of their acidity, they are especially prized for balancing the fat in fried fish dishes, catfish, striped bass, deep-fried shrimp, fish and chips, and fish tacos. In addition, these refreshing wines taste excellent with seafood salads and most seafood, including sushi, shrimp, lobster, scallops, crab, mussels, clams, and oysters. To learn more about specific fish and wine pairings, visit VinYang.
Yes, you can drink red wines with fish, contrary to popular belief. These light reds are an ideal choice if you’re serving meaty, flavorful, and fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, swordfish, monkfish, marlin, bluefish, or mackerel. Fruity and bright, they can even help tone down the fishiness you can sometimes detect with tuna and salmon. Likewise, rich, tomato-based dishes, paella, and Mediterranean-style fare can stand up remarkably well to light and medium-bodied red wines. In addition to hearty fish, these versatile reds can also complement mussels, oysters, lobster, and delicate poached white fish or salmon. For more on pairing red wine with fish, visit Decanter.
You don’t need a special occasion to break out the bubbly. Sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava are perfect on their own but take on an entirely new persona when paired with sweet seafood and shellfish like shrimp, lobster, and prawns. They are also surprisingly delicious with fried foods like tempura seafood and even hearty beer-battered fish. The light and lively fizz of sparkling wines help to balance heavy fried foods and elevate the flavors. Champagne and oysters—another classic pairing—deliver a perfect balance between the crisp and satisfying nature of bubbly with the clean and fresh sea-saltiness of oysters. Pair these effervescent wines with cooked shellfish such as scallops, clams, or mussels for a beautifully balanced taste sensation.
Highly versatile and universally popular, blush wines and rosés pair exceptionally well with seafood. Their floral and fruity notes, along with their palatable acidity, bring a beautiful balance to succulent shellfish as well as both subtle and rich seafood. These wines are light and refreshing, so there’s no need to worry that they will ever overpower the delectable flavors of your fresh catch. In fact, they do just the opposite, complementing almost every fish flavor, whether briny or sweet. Plus, they make a crisp substitute for more full-bodied white wines like Chardonnay. Their light blush hues bring delightful color to the table, along with the fresh taste of summer.
For a list of exceptional “No-Fail Seafood & Wine Pairings,” visit Southern Living. Cheers to your delicious culinary adventures at the lake this season—bon appétit!
A day on the lake is all sunshine and relaxation, but owning a boat is more than playing in the water. Proper boat ownership includes maintenance to ensure your vessel’s appearance, longevity, and value. Luckily, there are several tools and cleaners on the market to keep your vessel in pristine condition. Whether you need to remove salt, grime, or mildew, these products are sure to help you.
One of the primary products for boat cleaning is a high-quality boat soap or marine cleaner, like this one from West Marine. These specialized cleaners are designed to effectively remove salt, grime, and other common contaminants found in marine environments. Although formulated to be gentle, this sudsy aid provides thorough cleaning power for exteriors. Boat soaps or marine cleaners are essential for routine maintenance and are typically used for washing the boat’s hull and decks.
Great for both the hull and the floor, this special soap keeps your vessel water ready. But boaters clean a vessel like their teeth — a brush is needed. Most deck brushes feature a multi-bristled head with an extendable body and telescopic handle to reach difficult spots.
One struggle boaters everywhere complain about is mildew. Try as they might, boatowners are bound to miss a spot when cleaning, and that is all it takes for mildew to form. Mildew thrives in damp areas, making vessels a prime location. These boat cleaners remove mildew stains and ward off potential popups. Manufacturers designed these products to be safe on various surfaces and fabrics commonly found on boats. Regular use prevents buildup, eliminates odors, and prolongs the lifespan of cushions and similar items.
Bling Sauce is a brand for and by boaters with a mission to imagine, create, and distribute solutions to boating woes. One of their products, Green Sauce, boasts a biodegradable spray to defeat mildew and mold on your vessel. Their formula is safe for color, vinyl, outdoor fabric, carpet, and fiberglass — all without chlorine, bleach, or ammonia!
Readers may have noticed that most boat cleaning tools tend to be soapy liquids, but they are not just to improve aesthetic appeal. One example is the bilge, an area within the boat that collects and pumps out water. Bilge water may contain salt, oil, fuel, or other contaminants that corrode metal components, such as pumps, wiring, and other mechanical systems. By keeping the bilge clear and removing any water or substances that could cause corrosion, you help protect the boat’s components and reduce unnecessary damage.
No need for a lengthy trip to the store or ordering online, as one common bilge cleaner is in the kitchen. Known globally for its part in assisting with the BP oil spill, Dawn Dish Soap is safe for bilges too. To use Dawn for bilge cleaning, add a fair amount of soap to a bucket of water, include a splash of bleach, and soak below.
Just like cars, it’s important to keep your window clear of grime and gunk. Among other things, a traditional windshield will protect from dirt, bugs, and wind, but the windshield on a boat faces different challenges. On the water, glass must be able to withstand saltwater, sea spray, and other environmental elements. Many boat glass cleaners have additional properties that make them effective at sea. Water-repellent helps bead water, encouraging it to roll off the glass surface, which can be particularly useful when boating in wet or rainy conditions.
Chemical Guys offers a series of sprays and cleaners catered toward boaters, and their product, Marine and Boat Optical Clean Glass Cleaner, reduces scratching, prevents water spots, and works for both tinted and non-tinted glass. After treatment, salt and minerals will be unable to stick onto and dry on applied surfaces.
With the right tools, you can enjoy your time on the water while keeping your boat looking its best.
Are you looking for a healthy and family-friendly alternative to summer cocktails? Then try a mocktail instead. Not surprisingly, mocktails are becoming a delicious option for people who have nixed alcohol altogether—permanently or for a brief sabbatical, like sober January. However, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when it comes to refreshing summer mocktails. These libations look and taste just as appealing as their boozy cocktail cousins. Plus, they easily transition into a cocktail simply by adding your favorite spirit. This is a perfect all-around summertime fav that everyone—even the kids—can enjoy. Sip these refreshing mocktails on hot afternoons at the lake or while boating when you want to stay hydrated in the sun and feel full of energy for watersports. After all, sunset cocktails are right around the corner if you so desire. So, here are some delicious crowd-pleasing concoctions you can whip up at the lake—cheers!
This vibrant Mango-Kiwi Mocktail combines frozen mango concentrate with kiwi juice, offering a fruity taste sensation as fresh as an island breeze. You can also use freshly blended mango juice if you prefer and slowly pour over ice. Top with kiwi juice, and then add a splash of grenadine that will sink to the center and create beautiful layers. Garnish your refreshing mocktail with a lemon wedge, and sip on a glass of tropical inspiration. Visit Cooking Sense for the ingredients and preparation.
This spicy citrus Ginger-Orange Mocktail is the perfect option when hosting a family gathering or festive summer celebration. You can make this wonderful concoction beforehand and then serve it in a punch bowl or pitcher over glasses of ice. Combine freshly squeezed orange juice—or Satsuma mandarin juice—with chilled pineapple juice and Angostura bitters. Ensure you have enough oranges to garnish your mocktails with thin slices for an extra kick of citrus flavor. Top each drink with ginger beer for a cold and fizzy thirst quencher. For those who prefer a cocktail, add a shot of vodka or gin. Visit Southern Living for the full recipe. Sip, savor, and enjoy.
Who doesn’t love the taste of cold, juicy watermelon on a hot summer day? For these delicious Watermelon Mocktails, you can use either a blender or a cocktail shaker to muddle the watermelon cubes, fresh mint, and lime juice. The tang of the lime juice balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of the watermelon. Strain the mixture into ice-filled glasses and top with sparkling water or kombucha. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if desired, and garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint leaves. Visit The Mindful Mocktail for the full recipe.
A Cuban-Spanish classic, the mighty mojito is always a summer specialty. For your next get-together at the lake, mix up a batch of refreshing Mojito Mocktails. Packed with fresh flavor, this variation combines all the ingredients of a traditional mojito without the alcohol, which you add by the glass for those who prefer rum. Blend fresh lime juice with simple syrup, fresh mint leaves, and strips of lime zest. Add ice cubes and sparkling water and divide among four glasses. Garnish with lime slices and mint springs, if desired. You can easily double the recipe to serve a crowd.
Quick Tip: Add your ice cubes and sparkling water just before serving if you don’t want to dilute this fragrant pitcher cocktail. Visit Eating Well for this refreshing recipe.
For a punch of zesty summer flavor, this cooling Fizzy Cranberry-Lemonade Punch offers a quick pitcher drink you can mix up in just five minutes. All you need is a large pitcher, some cranberry juice cocktail, and one container of frozen lemonade concentrate. Stir until blended, and add club soda or seltzer and ice cubes. Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries for an extra fruity kick and a colorful presentation. Visit Woman’s Day for this breezy summer recipe.
For a twist on the classic cocktail, this Virgin Cucumber Gimlet delivers all the cool cache of the original. Simply combine club soda, muddled cucumber, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake it up and serve over crushed ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a rolled cucumber slice and a refreshing finish. For the recipe, visit Town & Country.
This classic tiki drink gives you all the frosty goodness of the original without the liquor. To make these Nonalcoholic Piña Coladas, mix coconut milk, cream of coconut, and agave syrup in a blender for about 20 seconds. Then, add pineapple chunks and lime juice and blend for an additional 30-45 seconds. Add ice and even nonalcoholic rum if you like, and blend until creamy and smooth. Divide the mixture between two tall, stemmed glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges. For some extra zest, make your ice cubes from fresh limes or lemons. This Caribbean favorite is yummy-delicious and offers an instant cool-down in the summer heat. Visit Food Network for the full recipe.
If you want to transform these creative libations into cocktails, add your favorite spirits or liqueurs. For more fantastic summer mocktail recipes, visit Food Network. Cheers to a cool summer at the lake!
Lakes are enjoyed for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities, but lakes can also be a hotbed for festivity and revelry. From California to Alabama, every state has its own party lake with unique events, cultures, and atmospheres. Prepare to embark on a journey filled with music, dancing, laughter, and the exhilarating spirit of celebration that can only be found at the shores of these remarkable party lakes.
Nestled in the corner of the Gravois Arm of the lake, Party Cove, officially named Anderson Hollow, is known for its wild boat parties and festive atmosphere — what the New York Times called a “permanent floating bacchanal.” People anchor their boats together, creating a floating party with music and dancing, and the area can see thousands of vessels on weekends in the summer. It’s a unique experience that has become an iconic part of the Lake of the Ozarks party scene.
The main party area off the water is at the Bagnell Dam Strip, a lively neighborhood packed with bars, restaurants, and clubs. This strip offers a variety of entertainment options, from live music and DJs to karaoke and dancing. It’s a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
With several coves and islands, Lake Travis, outside Austin, Texas, is considered the original party lake by many Americans. To get to Devil’s Cove, visitors will have to pass through Marshall’s Point, but the echoes of a musical flotilla welcome partygoers deeper down the inlet. Here you’ll find a large tie-up with pontoon boats, slides, floats, and booming speakers. Starnes Island, also known as Monkey Island or Snake Island, is another popular spot on the lake where boaters drop anchor on the shore to enjoy activities in the water, on the boat, and the island.
Like a mirage, Sometimes Island is an islet that comes and goes. The Colorado River ran through a flood-prone basin that threatened the local population, so the Lower Colorado River Authority constructed Mansfield Dam to prevent flash floods and provide drinking water. When water levels are low enough, you can still spy the peak of this hill lost to time.
Contributing to its partying history, Aquapalooza was first hosted on Lake Travis in 2006. The inaugural Aquapalooza event at Lake Travis was a success, attracting a crowd of boaters and music lovers. Over the years, Aquapalooza has grown in scale, featuring larger stages, renowned musical acts, and a broad range of activities. It has become one of the premier on-water concert events in the United States, drawing thousands of attendees.
Split between coastal California and the deserts of Nevada, Lake Tahoe is an oasis for locals and visitors. The foremost party lake of America’s West boasts endless opportunities and is only a short drive from Carson City, Reno, and Sacramento. While the mountains have breathtaking daytime hiking trails, the casinos and clubs at their base invite midnight escapades.
Casinos in Crystal Bay, like the Tahoe Biltmore, are a community staple. Visitors can try their luck at slot machines, video poker, and table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps. Tahoe Biltmore hosts a range of entertainment and events throughout the year. From live music performances and comedy shows to themed parties and special events, something is always happening to keep guests entertained.
Tahoe City, on the northwest side of the lake, has several venues that provide live music and a lively atmosphere, while breweries such as Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company and Alibi Ale Works serve up delicious craft beers. Nightclubs and late-night venues may be less prominent in Tahoe City, but occasional DJ nights or live music events at places like Lakeside Pizza & Sports Bar or Hacienda Del Lago offer opportunities to dance and party.
As Alabama’s third-largest lake, Lake Martin is the state’s premier party lake. Chimney Rock is a popular diving and party destination, often confused for Acapulco Rock and vice versa. During summer, boaters tie up and form a platform around “The Rock” to play music, dance, and watch divers. Sail around Lake Martin to see its storied islands for a reprieve from the party scene.
From concerts to casinos and clubs, America’s lakes provide a perfect place for your party escapes. But if your ideal afterparty is somewhere to relax, check out these seven peaceful lake locales.
If your lake home is currently on the market, or it will be soon, it’s important to know key things about buyers. As a seller, you may have certain home transaction qualifications that are important to you whereas these same priorities may not be important to a homebuyer. Lake Homes Realty’s CEO, Glenn Phillips, has some insight into the top 5 things sellers may care about, but buyers don’t.
What the seller paid: Phrases such as “This is what we paid” usually don’t coincide with what the buyer thinks. They’re looking for the best price. The market will set the price that will sell.
Listed price of nearby homes: What’s listed for and what sells are two different things. You should instead be aware of what the homes are selling for. The buyers are already aware of this.
Personal effort on customizations: The emotional value put into house might mean a lot to you, but for the buyer the same sentimental feeling isn’t there. You personal style isn’t the same as everyone else’s.
Rumors of outlier high prices: Just because your neighbors sold their home as a high outlier doesn’t mean the circumstances will occur for you. You may have priced higher based off a rumor.
Taking low offers personally: No offers are worse than a low offer. Try countering the offer and negotiate during the transaction.
At the end of the day, buyers are ready to jump on some great options. You just have to make sure you go about it in the right way. If you’re ever looking for more help, contact an agent at lakehomes.com. They know how to get buyers and are more than willing to help!
