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RENTAL READER YOUR
PREPARING FOR WHAT’S NEXT: AT HOME AND AT WORK 860.613.6290 WWW.ROBERTCWHITE.COM 15 Years in the Making
JUNE 2025
My daughter Evelyn is 15 years old now … actually, I am writing this on her birthday. Fifteen. That number still catches me off guard. In many ways, it still feels like she’s the little girl who used to hold my hand in the grocery store. But she’s also clearly growing into a young woman — with a sharp mind, a big heart, and more self- discipline than many adults I know. Evelyn is the oldest of our four kids. She has three younger brothers who look up to her — and it’s not hard to see why. She’s a student- athlete who plays both soccer and golf for her high school. She juggles practice, school work, and family life with quiet competence and a natural sense of responsibility. Well, maybe not always so quiet. She is my daughter after all, and we know how to be loud. She’s organized, driven, and always thinking two steps ahead. But she’s also sweet, funny, and kind — the type of person who takes the time to help her brothers with their homework or play a board game with them. She even still laughs at my dad jokes (for now). One of the things I admire most about Evelyn is her willingness to seek out feedback. Whether from her coaches, teachers, or even me, she’s not afraid to ask, “How can I improve?” She wants to grow, and she knows that growth doesn’t happen
by accident. It’s something you prepare for. It’s something you plan. That’s a mindset I see as critical, not just in parenting or growing up, but also in how we care for our homes and investments. In my experience as a property manager, I’ve learned that the most successful property owners think a lot like Evelyn: They’re not just focused on what’s happening today; they’re asking, “What’s next?” Properties — just like people — go through stages. They experience wear and tear. Their needs evolve over time. Systems age, tenants turn over, and the unexpected eventually becomes the inevitable. The difference between a home that holds its value and one that slowly deteriorates often comes down to preparation and choice. That’s why our team lives by values like Be Incredibly Credible, Endlessly Improving, and Client First. We don’t just fix what’s broken — we look ahead to what’s likely to come so we can help you stay one step ahead. Whether that’s coordinating preventive maintenance, identifying future capital needs, or simply making sure your property is cared for with attention and foresight, we bring the same mindset that Evelyn embodies so naturally: Do the work today that sets you up for success tomorrow.
Evelyn and Luke
Turning 15 is a milestone that signals bigger transitions ahead — for Evelyn, it’s things like driving, college planning, and growing independence. For a property, it might be a roof nearing the end of its life, a heating system ready for an upgrade, or a tenant cycle that could benefit from better timing and strategy. So, as I celebrate my daughter and the young woman she’s becoming, I’m reminded that whether we’re raising kids or managing homes, the best results come when we prepare for what’s next.
Here’s to what’s next!
P.S. I’m not really a crier, but I have a feeling I am going to soak some handkerchiefs when Evelyn goes off to college. Thank goodness I have three years until then.
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Home Sweet Well-Maintained Home MAINTENANCE TASKS THAT PAY FOR THEMSELVES
Home is where the heart is, but if you ignore maintenance, it can also be where your wallet suffers. Keeping up with minor repairs and seasonal upkeep may not be the most exciting way to spend the weekend, but a little TLC now can save you big bucks down the road. Just like you, your home needs a spa day every once in a while. From fixing a leaky faucet to sealing pesky drafts, essential home maintenance projects like these don’t just pay off — they practically pay for themselves.
twice yearly to remove leaves or debris from your gutters. If you’d rather leave this messy task to the professionals, gutter cleaning is typically inexpensive, averaging about $200. Tune up your HVAC system. Your heating and air conditioning systems are essential in keeping your home comfortable, no matter the weather. The last thing you want to face during a heat wave or chilly winter is for your HVAC system to fail you, and the dollars could stack up if it breaks down. Annual or twice-a-year HVAC tune-ups keep your system running smoothly and reduce your monthly energy bills. Clogged machines cause damage like leaks or ceiling damage and work less effectively, increasing your bills over time. Professional tune-ups cost around $200, and you can save money by changing the filters and flushing the drain lines yourself regularly.
Cut costs by cutting branches. Having trees in your yard heightens curb appeal and provides natural shade. But, if mature trees grow too close to your home, they could cause severe damage and may be dangerous to your family. When limbs are damaged or diseased, a storm could knock them into your roof, windows, or walls, leading to costly repairs. They could also bring extra moisture and pests to your space. Keeping your trees trimmed and pruned regularly can save thousands of dollars in potential repairs. If you have experience trimming trees and it is safe to do so, you can take on this task for the cost of supplies like a ladder and pruning tools. Hiring a professional could cost up to $2,000, but that’s still a great value when you consider roof replacements average about $9,500. Keep your gutters clear. Cleaning your gutters is a basic chore that can save you hundreds or even thousands in the various issues clogged gutters can cause. When debris blocks your gutters, water cannot drain off your roof, which can lead to leaks, water damage, mold, and even foundation problems. You must climb the ladder at least
Protect your driveway. Your driveway takes a daily beating from cars, weather, and time, so protecting the pavement from damage is essential. Applying a coat of sealer every 3–5 years can prevent cracks and pores from forming in the asphalt, which could ultimately lead to potholes. If your blacktop is starting to fade, it’s time to give it a little TLC. A handyperson could do the job for about $500 and even patch existing cracks. A little home maintenance now can prevent future financial headaches. Investing time and effort into these chores will protect your property and keep your hard-earned dollars where they belong.
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Planting the Seeds of Style GET YOUR GARDEN BLOOMING WITH THESE BOLD TRENDS
Nostalgia Gardening Travel back to a more sentimental time with nostalgia gardening. This style is about honoring the past and capturing the gardens’ smells, sights, and feels from our childhood memories. Fill the space with fragrant, familiar flowers like the roses grandma always grew or lilacs that remind you of peaceful afternoons. Cozy touches like stepping stones and wooden benches can give your yard a feeling of timeless comfort, inviting you to slow down and appreciate the little things. It’s about designing a space that feels like a warm hug from the past, where every bloom tells a story, and every corner holds a special place in your heart.
Summer is in full bloom, and so are this year’s biggest gardening trends! Whether you’re a natural green thumb or just trying to keep a cactus alive, the hottest landscaping fads are here to help you grow your garden game to new heights. From living fences to bold colors and textures, we’ve got the dirt on what’s blossoming in popularity this season. Ready to branch out and dig into the latest gardening trends? Let’s get growing! Living Fences Do you want to add privacy to your space without sacrificing style or the environment? Living fences made of decorative hedges give your home a cozy cottage feel — private but attractive. Plants are an excellent way to enclose your space, beautify your yard, and support local wildlife while creating your oasis. Unlike solid walls, eye-catching hedges don’t stop the eye or disrupt the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space.
leaf shapes and sizes to create a dynamic landscape. Don’t be afraid to highlight flowers in big bursts of reds, purples, and blues to bring a buzz of energy to your home. If you have wanted to experiment with strange plants or unusual varieties, now is the perfect time to let your imagination blossom. Think spiky succulents, tropical foliage, or unexpected patterns to make your yard a masterpiece.
Bold Colors and Textures Dare to go big and bright this year
with plants that feature bold colors and unique textures or shapes. Look for non- conventional local plants to blend different
TAKE A BREAK
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar • 1 cup soy sauce • 1/2 cup pineapple juice (optional) • 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil • 3 large garlic cloves, chopped • 4 lbs boneless round steak, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices • Bamboo skewers soaked in water
Directions
1. In a large bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, water, vegetable oil, and garlic together. Drop beef slices into the mixture and stir to coat. 2. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in a refrigerator for 24 hours. 3. Remove beef from marinade, shaking to remove excess liquid. 4. Thread beef slices on skewers in a zig-zag pattern. 5. Preheat grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grate. 6. Cook beef skewers for about 3 minutes per side until the meat is cooked through.
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INSIDE
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15 Years in the Making
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How Small Repairs Lead to Big Savings
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The Hottest Landscaping Fads This Season
Teriyaki Beef Skewers
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The Rule of 3 for Perfect Patios
Your tiny terrace or pint-size patio doesn’t have to be small in style if you follow the rule of three to make a significant impact with smart seating, lush greenery, and mood-setting lighting. Turn your outdoor space into balcony bliss with cozy furniture like an armchair or nesting seats to save space. Choose furniture that complements your lifestyle, like an outdoor workstation for the remote worker or a table and chairs for the coffee lover. Add life to your balcony with potted plants, mini vegetable gardens, and climber plants like dramatic ivy to green your valuable vertical space. Colorful planter boxes with vibrant flowers can elevate your lofty curb appeal. Create a warm glow with candles, lanterns, or twinkling LED lights. Don’t forget personal touches, like a bright rug or quirky statue, because even the tiniest balcony should feel like a grand getaway.
A Little Balcony Goes a Long Way Big Ideas for Small Outdoor Spaces
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