Keep Your Info Safe This Holiday.

 

Mall security (ONLINE VERSION)

According to a 2014 Deloitte survey, 55 percent of American consumers say they are concerned about protecting their personal data when shopping online, and 42 percent say they have similar concerns when shopping in stores. With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, consumers need to be more vigilant about protecting their personal data. PC Magazine offers the following tips to shop safely online.

   If possible, avoid using a debit card for purchases. Most debit cards don’t have the same level of fraud protection that credit cards have. If a debit card is all you have, protect your PIN by shielding the keypad with your hand or body.

   Visit only trusted sites, which are more likely to be secure. Make sure an “https” appears in the site’s URL and a lock icon is visibly displayed. Log out of all shopping accounts after completing a transaction.

   Avoid using a public Wi-Fi for your online shopping and financial transactions. Also use a password manager to create strong, unique passwords for each shopping site.

   Provide as little information to merchants as possible. Online retailers do not need to know your social security number or birth date to do business.

   Purchase gift cards directly from the retailer, not through a third-party source. Some scammers will auction off gift cards on sites like eBay with little or no funds on them.

   Review online bank statements frequently to confirm charges; don’t wait for your monthly statement to arrive in the mail. If you notice any questionable charges, contact your financial institution immediately. Keep these suggestions in mind, and you can enjoy a secure holiday shopping experience.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

22003 N Clear Lake Blvd SE Yelm, WA 98597

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/8HFHV3

Corner lot located in private gated Clearwood community, offering serenity & amenities: multiple stocked fishing lakes, pool, sport courts, walking/bike trails, beaches, swimming areas, bbq pits & more! Electricity on site and water in street. Bring your tent or RV for a great Summer camping spot! Or, bring your plans and build your dream home!

Bathrooms: 0.00

Price: $37,500

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360)400-3475 or cschmier@remax.net. You can also text 3201242 to 67299.

See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com

MLS ID: 871578

18229 E Clear Lake Blvd SE Yelm, WA 98597

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/FME38M

Private gated community awaits! Large covered front porch welcomes you home. Freshly painted interior w/new carpet! Spacious floor plan with Living, Dining, Kitchen & Family rms. Master Suite w/full bth & walk-in closet. Sizable bdrms - all upstairs! Fully fenced backyard w/plenty of rm to play! Attached 2car garage. Enjoy Clearwood amenities including community swimming pool, three lakes, boat launch, hiking trails, playgrounds, sport courts & much more! Quick commute to town & JBLM east gate.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.75

Square feet: 2,080

Price: $199,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360)400-3475 or cschmier@remax.net. You can also text 3201235 to 67299.

See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com

MLS ID: 871077

15529 104th Place SE Yelm, WA 98597

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/DN6RG2

Easy living! 2bdrm Townhouse in the Heart of Yelm! Light & bright! Tile entry w/newer carpet & hardwood floors. Living rm w/gas fireplace. Vaulted ceilings. Skylights. Family rm. White trim throughout. Dining rm. Open kitchen w/eating bar. Spacious Master Suite w/walk-in closet & soaking tub. Wired for security system! Utility rm w/sink. Fully fenced back yard w/ large covered deck. Prime location! Walking distance to Cochrane Memorial Park, schools & shopping. Easy commute to JBLM.

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,584

Price: $189,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360)400-3475 or cschmier@remax.net. You can also text 3199574 to 67299.

See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com

MLS ID: 871307

8736 Mariana Ct SE Yelm, WA 98597

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/LFN54P

Home, Sweet Home! Freshly painted inside and out. New flooring! New lighting! New bathroom fixtures! Move-in ready! Easy-flow floor plan with Living, Dining and Family rooms. Open Kitchen with eating bar. New Stainless Steel appliances! Large Master Suite with walk-in closet and full bath with double sinks and soaking tub. A job well done! Welcome to Nisqually Pines! Enjoy the community amenities: private river access, playgrounds, pool, club house. Affordable living!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,512

Price: $124,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360)400-3475 or cschmier@remax.net. You can also text 3195983 to 67299.

See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com

MLS ID: 869514

Your Health and Your Neighborhood

Heart-Healthy NEIGHBORHOODS

Living in a friendly neighborhood may be good for your heart, according to a recent study by psychologists at the University of Michigan. In fact, the more social connections you have among your neighbors, the less likely you are to die from a heart attack.
       The study analyzed the social connections of more than 5,000 adults in urban, suburban and rural areas over a four-year period. Researchers controlled for factors like age, race, income, marital status, education, mental health, optimism and other known health-risk factors associated with heart attacks, such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. By the end of the four years, 148 of the individuals studied had suffered a heart attack.
       Maintaining friendly relationships with your neighbors may be good for your health because neighbors are more likely to check on each other and notice any potential health problems, share resources and health information, and lend money. They can also offer emotional support, which can be a buffer during times of stress.
       Conversely, other studies have shown that negative aspects of a neighborhood can have a detrimental effect on a person’s health. For example, living in areas with violence, noise, poor air quality and access to too many fast food restaurants can have a negative impact on a person’s health. Further, a study at the University of Pennsylvania finds that living in areas with abandoned buildings can lead to isolation and hamper social relationships, which can lead to poor physical health of residents who live nearby.
       Being helpful and neighborly is not only good for your health, it’s good for the health of the neighborhood.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

133rd Ave SE Rainier, WA 98576

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/BWWLVC

Bring your tent! Bring your trailer! A peaceful sanctuary retreat away from home! Perfect for those getaway camp-outs! Close to shopping and entertainment!

Bathrooms: 0.00

Price: $9,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360)400-3475 or cschmier@remax.net. You can also text 3190131 to 67299.

See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com

MLS ID: 870988

Pets and The Holidays

DON’T RUIN

Their holiday

 It’s easy to overlook our furry companions during the rush of seasonal celebrations. The holidays can be disruptive to pets’ routines, so it’s important to keep their eating and exercise habits to a normal schedule, according to the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The following tips can help keep pets out of harm’s way during the holidays. 

    Anchor the Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall over, injuring your pet. This will also prevent the tree water, which may contain poisonous fertilizers, from spilling. Also keep wires, batteries and ornaments out of paws’ reach so pets don’t get hurt.

    Consider decorating the tree with bows or strands of popcorn, ribbon or garland. Avoid shiny strands of tinsel that can be tantalizing to cats, but also dangerous. One small nibble can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting and dehydration.

    Fresh holly and mistletoe might appear harmless, but when ingested, pets can suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Instead, choose colorful, artificial plants made from silk or plastic.

    Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets can accidentally burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Place candles in appropriate holders on a stable surface, and extinguish them when exiting the room.

With so much activity going on, give your dog or cat a quiet place to retreat to, complete with fresh water, their favorite toy and snack, and a place to snuggle.

403-B Centre St S Rainier, WA 98576

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/BVHJ8B

Large covered front porch welcomes you home! Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Light & bright! Freshly painted interior. New flooring throughout! Open kitchen with eating bar. Appliances stay! Master Bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower. Dining room with French doors leading to back yard. Outbuildings for additional storage. Great location! Walking distance to schools, restaurants and shops. Easy commute to Lacey and I-5.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.00

Square feet: 1,296

Price: $139,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360)400-3475 or cschmier@remax.net. You can also text 3182071 to 67299.

See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com

MLS ID: 869323

Its Getting Gray!

CURBING THE WINTER BLAHS

While the weather outside might be frightful, your home’s curb appeal can still be delightful. The following ideas from HGTV.com can help make your home stand out even when it’s cold and gray outside.

    Clean the gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your home, create ice dams that can damage gutters and attract pests.

    Keep visitors safe. Clear the walkways, driveway and stairs of snow and ice so prospective buyers can make it to your front door without slipping.

    Provide proper lighting. As the days get shorter, it gets darker earlier. Lights can illuminate the path to the front door, and sconces or lanterns on each side of the door can give buyers a warm welcome.

    Colorize the exterior. Bare trees won’t hide your home’s faded or chipped paint, so give your home a fresh coat. A front door painted in a bright color can make it stand out amidst the gray landscape.

    Use winter decorations wisely. Keep holiday decorations to a minimum, and use them to show off your home’s best features. A string of white lights around the windows can make your home look festive.

    Bring out the green. Evergreen
trees and cold-weather plants, such
as pansies and witch hazel, can                               
liven up a dreary landscape.

 By following these simple tips, your home
can make a great first impression in any season.

15638 91St Wy SE Yelm, WA 98597

Property Site: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/G6CDDR

Pristine home in great location! Corner lot at end of cul-de-sac! Tile entry. Clean & neat! Open concept floor pln. Living/Dining w/soaring ceilings, gas fireplace w/fan. Entire home has been updated! Newer kitchen w/tile back splash, sink, faucet, cabinets. Downstairs Family rm. French drs. White trim pkg. Yummy colors! Fabulous selection of flooring & carpet! Master Suite w/walk-in closet & full bth. Solid wood tread on stairway. Fully fenced yard w/patio & deck. Sprinkler system. Well done!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3.00

Square feet: 1,776

Price: $210,000

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360)400-3475 or cschmier@remax.net. You can also text 3160196 to 67299.

See more listings at: cschmier.remax-pacificnorthwest.com

MLS ID: 866087