We always encourage renovating to meet your desires, but avoid over doing the personal style or funky designs While individual tastes vary, there are certain home renovation ideas that may generally be considered less practical, less appealing, or potentially problematic. Here are some examples: Removing Too Many Walls: Open floor plans are popular, but removing […]
Housing Affordability is a Real Challenge and Rent Prices are Part of It The residential rental market is a dynamic landscape influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, demographic shifts, and housing supply. As we peer into the crystal ball and approach 2024, it’s time to explore what the future holds for residential rent […]
States and Cities are Shifting More and More to Rent Control Policies Rent control, a set of laws or regulations aimed at stabilizing rental prices, has been a topic of discussion and implementation across various states and cities in the United States. As the housing landscape evolves, it’s crucial for both tenants and landlords to […]
Renovation of a Home can Add Immediate Resale Value Renovating your home can be an exciting and potentially lucrative endeavor. However, it’s important to assess the potential increase in value before diving into a project. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to accurately determine the rise in your home’s value post-renovation. Step […]
Not all Rental Property Investments are Good Ideas Investing in rental properties can be a lucrative endeavor, but it’s not without its challenges and potential pitfalls. In this blog, we’ll explore five compelling reasons to carefully consider whether buying a rental property is the right investment choice for you. 1. High Initial Capital Requirements: One […]
Home inspections are a valuable tool for all buyers, including investors. Being a savvy investor does not mean being a risk taker. Most investors are not skilled contractors. Nor do (most) investors have a general contractor on call to conduct a walkthrough prior to closing. Home inspections also help investors plan their renovation and account […]
Vinyl Plank or Hardwood are Popular and Very Different but Both Add Value When it comes to flooring options, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and hardwood are two popular choices that offer distinct advantages. While hardwood has long been synonymous with elegance and natural beauty, luxury vinyl plank has gained significant popularity for its affordability, durability, […]
Five Tips for Using Home Equity to Raise Your Home Value Homeownership provides numerous benefits, one of which is the opportunity to build equity over time. Equity is the difference between the current market value of a home and the outstanding balance on the mortgage. While equity can be a valuable asset on its own, […]
Consider Flooring that Maximizes the Comfort and Style for Your Finished Space Finishing your basement is a fantastic way to maximize your home’s space and increase its value. However, when it comes to selecting the right flooring for this unique area, there are several factors to consider. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best […]
Deciding on a Deed in Lieu can Help Avoid the Major Impacts of a Foreclosure When homeowners find themselves unable to meet their mortgage obligations, they often face the daunting decision of foreclosure. However, an alternative option known as a “deed in lieu of foreclosure” provides several advantages worth considering. In this blog post, we […]
Homeowners Who Fall Behind in Mortgage Payments Face the Risk of a Short Sale or Foreclosure When homeowners face financial difficulties and struggle to make mortgage payments, they may find themselves considering options like short sales or foreclosures. Both short sales and foreclosures are processes that can help homeowners in distress find a way out […]
Real estate investors succeed when they are well informed. The ability to assess properties with precision can mean the difference between a lucrative venture and a costly mistake. To ensure your real estate investments are grounded in solid analysis, here are the 10 key metrics every real estate investor should know: **Cap Rate (Capitalization Rate):** […]
Strategy is Needed for Homes that are Upside Down on Value Selling a house can be a challenging task, especially if the property’s market value is less than the outstanding mortgage. However, with careful planning and strategic decision-making, it is still possible to navigate this situation successfully. In this blog post, we will explore several […]
Creating a Beautiful Space with an Open Concept Home Requires More than Knocking Down Walls The concept of an open floor plan has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, revolutionizing the way we design and experience our homes. Open concept homes offer a seamless integration of living spaces, creating a sense of openness, fluidity, and […]
First Impression for Buyers Happens When Driving Up to a Home When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter. Enhancing your property’s curb appeal not only entices potential buyers but also increases its potential sale value. By investing in a few key areas, you can transform your home’s exterior into an irresistible showcase. […]
Unlike Buying a Personal Property, Rental Properties Such as an AirBnB, Require a Plan Investing in a property for Airbnb rental can be a lucrative venture, but it requires careful consideration and evaluation. To maximize your investment and attract guests, it’s crucial to select the right property that meets certain criteria. In this blog post, […]
Lighting Recommendations for a Seamless Space Open concept living has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, providing a spacious and interconnected environment for modern homes. One crucial aspect of open concept design is lighting, as it plays a significant role in creating a cohesive and functional space. In this blog post, we will explore some […]
The Crucial Role of the Credit Score for Tenants and Residential Rental When it comes to renting a home or apartment, landlords and property managers have the responsibility of ensuring a safe and stable environment for their tenants. One crucial aspect of this process is evaluating prospective tenants’ creditworthiness. By conducting a thorough credit score […]
Historic or Built pre-1930, Consider this before Renovating Renovating a historic home, or even on just built before 1930, can be an exciting endeavor. These homes offering an opportunity to restore and preserve a piece of architectural history. However, it’s essential to recognize the unique challenges and risks involved in renovating such properties. Even just […]
Home Design and the Emerging Trends in 2023 As we enter a new year, it’s fascinating to observe how home design trends continue to evolve. The year 2023 brings with it a fresh wave of innovative ideas and design concepts that promise to transform our living spaces for the better. In this blog post, we […]
The Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates has been a hot topic in the financial world, especially for those in the housing market. Mortgage rates have been impacted by these interest rate hikes, and it’s important for home buyers and owners to understand how this affects individual and family finances. The recent “pause” is an […]
Housing Market is Difficult with Home Prices and Rents Increasing Purchasing a home is a significant milestone in one’s life, representing stability, independence, and an investment for the future. However, for first-time homebuyers, navigating the housing market can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we will delve into the current state of housing […]
Understanding the Value of Appraisals for First-Time Homebuyers: Risks of Waiving or Using Gap Coverage As a first-time homebuyer, navigating the complexities of the real estate market can be overwhelming. One crucial aspect to consider when purchasing a home is the appraisal process. In this blog post, we will explore the value of appraisals and […]
Many believe that the real estate market is headed for a crash while others see things balancing out Either way, right now it is not a healthy market for anyone. To suggest the real estate market is headed for a crash is speculative and sheer drama. Before discussing the “crash” versus (whatever) discussion, keep in […]
Buyers are Savvy to the Quickie Flip and Can Spot an Overpriced House Since early 2000’s, the flipping industry grew from a cottage concept into a large segment of real estate transactions. Everything from basic paint jobs to full blown large structural renovations of properties. And buyers have fallen in love with the homes that […]
Basic rule to determine cash flow on a rental investment Thinking of buying a rental property? Single family home or a multi-family, there is a simple rule that will help you determine if the property is worth considering. This rule is especially effective for first time investors. Keep in mind, the rule only works (effectively […]
For many buyers and sellers, there is a great misunderstanding about what it means when selling a home as-is. Before I go any further, it is important to understand that the “as-is” reference is for marketing purposes only. The purpose of the label is simply to convey to the public that the price reflects some […]
I get questions like this a lot. Why isn’t inventory picking up more? Aren’t home prices coming down? Where are the sellers now? In short, sellers are just as unsure about what to sell a house for as buyers are unsure about affording one. For this reason, and others, sellers continue to retreat from the […]
Home ownership has been a big part of the ‘American Dream’ slogan since (at least) the 1950’s. And for many, it is a dream they continue to chase. The pandemic that started late in 2019 and blossomed in 2020 into a global nightmare took the discussion of home ownership and brought it front and center. […]
Lessons Learned Selecting Real Estate Property Management Look, we all make mistakes. Mistakes from just trying to get things done are one thing. But mistakes as a result of not following a defined process? Well, those are dumb mistakes. For one of our rental portfolios, we selected a group based on a referral from one […]
If you had work done on your home, make sure the permits are closed out before putting it on the market Youtube: Selling a House with Open Permits Most homeowners avoid pulling permits when doing work on their home. Bad idea. But, many do it anyway. If you are one of the small crowd that […]
Media and economists will talk about real estate at a national level, but the real measure is local Talk to any good real estate professional, particularly a local agent, if you want a pulse on how the real estate market is doing around your home. The market is not crashing. We are not seeing a […]
A Recession is Likely Ahead of Us, but not Due to Real Estate Home Sales In 2006 and 2007, home sales were reaching “an unprecedented pricing level” in home prices. Houses were selling for prices that seemed unrealistic and unsustainable. Sounds familiar, right? The 2019-2022 real estate market has home sales at the highest levels […]
In a sellers market, not every house sells quick or above list price When real estate favors a particular side, in this case the seller, a home for sale tends to be listed for more money than it is worth in an average market. Unfortunately, many real estate agents do not do enough diligence. They […]
Top 10 Inspections that Cause Seller Headaches when Selling a Home Once under contract, the home buyer has the right to inspect a home before moving ahead with the purchase. This inspection is normally performed by a licensed home inspector or maybe a general contractor who the buyer knows and trusts. During the inspection, the […]
Your Home has Remodel or Repair Work but it was Unpermitted So you did the remodeling or maybe just some overdue large repairs. And, like most people, you used reputable contractors. Maybe they were friends or family members or maybe just someone you knew. Problem is, no one pulled permits for the work or told […]
So why is my house not selling even in this hot seller’s market? After talking it over with multiple realtors you listed house on the market. Sure, you and your agent expected it would sell quickly. But you haven’t received any offers and showing requests have been few and far between. As the days have passed […]
Selling your house by wholesale can have good, bad or just a plain ugly result We all get the calls and text messages. “I want to buy your house with cash and close quickly.” Yes, even investors (like us) get these calls. And working with a wholesale real estate investor can be a great outcome […]
Project is Underway for this Renovation on Alenier Street The sellers had a long-term tenant who decided it was time and was moving out. We met with the sellers and took a brief walk through the house and property. The big question was whether to help them list it on the MLS or buy it […]
We purchased this bungalow house with a plan for a full renovation. This accounted for every room in the house from basement to attic bedroom. But, the most important aspect of the project was the kitchen and attic (bedroom) access. In order to gain more functional space with a compelling kitchen design, we needed a […]
It takes a Team to Win with Real Estate Investing Real estate is awesome. There are so many ways to invest and build a business. Most people think of the obvious side of real estate – such as doing “flip” properties. There are many more ways to build a real estate company. From providing services […]
Investor Advantages as a Licensed Realtor or a Network of Realtors The idea of a Realtor has evolved dramatically over the decades, especially in the last decade with our dependence on smartphones. The image we have in our head of a Realtor is often more nostalgic than factual. Part of this is due to the […]
A Vacant Home is an Easy Target for for Weather and Vandalism Unfortunately, it is all too common to see a vacant home vandalized. If you have a vacant home, such as recently inherited home, it is important to keep a close eye on it and protect it. Vacant homes are the targets of two […]
Selling a House Means Preparing for Buyers, Pandemic Raised the Bar For anyone looking to sell a house, there has always been an expectation of having the house “show ready”. Meaning, cleaned and de-cluttered or possibly staged in order to make the best impression with buyers. But the COVID pandemic has changed how we look […]
Open Concept House to Sell? Be Ready – Buyers are Starting to Shift Away Since the 1930’s, the the “open concept” floor plan has only increased in home buying appeal. Especially as capabilities emerged that made the open concept not only more attainable (without being super rich) but more capable as well. Since the 1950’s […]
With Another Forbearance Extension is the Foreclosure Market just Getting Bigger We heard that the Federal Housing Finance Authority pushed the forbearance period out another 6 months through June of 2021. This now puts the mortgage market into an 18 month period of delayed payments for mortgage holders. For some, the forbearance period was a […]
Selling a House Now can be Bountiful or Challenging We all thought that the real estate market last year was going to be a train wreck. The impact of COVID was sure to devastate the real estate market. Complete opposite. The 2020 year for real estate was unprecedented. And, so far, 2021 shows the same […]
Selling “As-Is” versus “Retail” I talk about this a lot because at least once a week, someone asks me the difference. And sometimes, it is a Realtor. There is a general understanding that putting a house for sale “as-is” means there is no expected negotiation due to condition. Generally, that is true. What is misunderstood […]
Important Tips for Investment Properties Just to be clear, this is not about how to gauge the Cap Rate, NOI, GOI, ARV, etc., etc., when considering investment properties. This article is meant for people just starting to contemplate investment ownership. The idea of buying and managing an investment property is intimidating. Heck, we were with […]
As any real estate agent knows, leads are the lifeblood to success. This is why it is no secret that a high percentage of most agents’ time is dedicated to uncovering possible leads via as many conduits as possible. That being said, all leads are not created equal. Some leads roll in thanks to expensive […]
Buying a home is an important – and exciting – decision. After all, having a place to call your own, to raise your family in, to do as you wish with no landlord to answer to are all motivating factors in starting the process. But, in addition to these emotional reasons, buying a home can […]
Talk of a Covid Vaccine and What it Could Mean for Real Estate To date, 2020 has been a year that was beyond imagination or (any normal person’s) prediction. Covid struck a blow early in the year and still (at the time of this post) continues to beat down major components of the United States […]
Not every realtor, or homeowner or prospective homeowner, understands what selling a home as-is means It sounds obvious, but sometimes there is confusion. When selling a home as-is, for sellers it means when an inspection is done, it is for the buyer’s information purposes. Not for negotiation. For buyers, it sets the expectation of a listing […]
Home sales get cancelled all too often It happens. More than you may realize. Especially in a seller favored market. The process of buying (selling) a home is lengthy and there are many steps. For some people, the process seems to only include looking at homes and putting in offers. It takes a lot more […]
As Expected Nationwide Mortgage Delinquencies are on the Rise The COVID pandemic is still fresh on everyone’s mind and in the news. We cannot deny the affect it has had on our economy. Oddly, the real estate market has benefited during these times despite wage losses and (still) high unemployment rates. But that’s simply because […]
We All Thought COVID would Decimate the Connecticut Real Estate Market Like most of the country, Connecticut has seen an unbelievable increase in real estate valuations for residential properties. At GLG Homes, we are continually watching the real estate market, but even more since COVID struck earlier in 2020. In particular, we have watched COVID […]
Selling your house? Connecticut home values continue to rise Earlier this year we started looking at how the market would react once the COVID-19 pandemic really took hold. As we’ve talked about before, especially since the start of March, the impact of the COVID-19 virus left everybody wondering what direction the economy would head. When […]
Seller Market for sure, but Foreclosures are coming The Connecticut Real Estate market has been on fire. It is a true seller market as we continue to see median price value jump up month-over-month. Over the past 12 months, we have seen median price values across the whole of Connecticut increase by 12%. But for […]
Connecticut Real Estate is Still Highly Active but is it a ‘V’ or ‘W’ Recovery Ahead? Over the past few months, the economy has been referred to as a ‘V’ shaped recovery. Meaning once the bottom has been hit, you will see a surge in spending and consumer confidence. But the question is looming, are […]
How you can sell your house without the stress and uncertainty Eliminating the stress and uncertainty of selling a home is the GLG Homes mission. We do this by sharing with you all of the options available to you and then helping you through your chosen path. What do we mean by options? Well, we […]
Not selling your house on the MLS? Know your options and know your buyer! Too often we hear the horror stories from people selling a house and they didn’t like the buyer or it fell apart. Yes, we buy houses to renovate (remodel, rehab, whatever you want to to call it) and then either rent […]
COVID Restrictions on Foreclosures may be Ending At the start of the COVID pandemic and the institution of protective measures such as social distancing, the government put a hold on the processing of current or newly filed foreclosures. There was a 90-day pause instituted to give homeowners and banks a chance to work through the […]
It is a great time for selling a house (fast) in Connecticut Back in May, we took a look at the Connecticut Real Estate Market (through April, 2020) and the effect of COVID. This was a review of the Median Sales Price and how it increased in Connecticut despite COVID. As we rolled into the […]
Despite COVID – the Connecticut Real Estate Market is Active – but Inventory is a Concern We are looking at the Connecticut Real Estate Market through April, 2020 and the effect of COVID. The Median Sales Price has increased across the nation and in Connecticut we saw a 5% increase in month-over-month median price compared […]
How, and why, we buy houses of a particular nature At GLG Homes, we buy real estate. It is a fundamental part of the services we provide. But buying houses is not our strategy. And, equally distinct, the purchase of a house is more than just buying it. Once we purchase a piece of real […]
Landscaping should be a key part of your selling strategy A lot of homeowners and investors think about the landscaping at the end of a project. Some, don’t consider it at all. I talk to dozens of investors and there is a wide opinion regarding the importance, or lack of it when selling a property. […]
Staging sells a home when it is done right We have all seen the home reality TV shows where the house that is for sale looks glamourous. Every room shines and looks amazing. Of course, because this is marketing. Staging a home is simply another form of marketing to the buyer. Staging that sells a […]
For Sale by Owner is about more than saving commissions There are many ways to sell a house. The most common is to put the house on the retail market using the MLS. But another approach often used is the “for sale by owner“ method. This is also known as an “FSBO” listing. There are […]
The Pros and Cons of Selling a House “As-Is” One of the biggest possible challenges for a homeowner can be selling a house. Especially if it is a question of repairs versus improvements. There are multiple factors that can influence how quickly a house sells and for how much. These factors include timing the market; […]
Four Essential Steps to Invest in Real Estate When considering investments, there are options all around you. Many of us think about the stock market, mutual funds, and a 401k as the immediate answers. Others will look at investing in collectibles such as cars, motorcycles, bicycles, antiques and stamps. Or, still there are those who […]
An important piece of the real estate puzzle hinges on building a strong team. This is why in addition to our network of agents, lenders, attorneys, and brokers, we are always on the lookout for great contractors to partner with. Below is some more insight on what we are looking for along with a number […]
If you are a real estate investor looking to purchase wholesale properties or partner on joint venture projects, look no further. Our team has the experience, know-how, and infrastructure to offer you opportunities in your real estate investment endeavors. No matter if you are looking for a rehab project to work on or you are […]
Homeowners find themselves in the position of having to sell their home fast for any number of reasons. For example, there are times when family obligations require you to move out of state with little warning. Maybe a job relocation takes you to a new area. Or a personal situation has arisen, putting homeowners on […]
What is Seller Financing the Sale of a House? Seller financing is one of the easiest, and oldest, ways of buying and selling a home. It is also referred to as “owner financing” or “lease-purchase”. But note; it is not the same as “lease-option” (we can explain those differences later). It works best when both […]
Making Repairs Before Selling a House Almost always, when selling a house, the first discussion a Seller and Realtor will have is about what repairs are needed that do not cost a lot of money but add value to help support (or even increase) a listing price. This is one first and most common discussion […]
Harding Street – Perfect Fit for the First Time Home Buyer We’re pleased to announce our latest renovation project. This one will be called “Harding Street” (we’re really creative with our project names). Some quick facts about the Harding Street house: Built in 1940 3 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bathrooms 1 car, detached garage .14 acre lot […]
The time has come to consider the renovation of your home. One of the most important steps to take is the budget. Some would say it is the most important. But, a poor contractor or bad schedule can drain a budget just as easily as overspending on a fixture. Budgeting a Home Renovation Developing a […]
We are always looking at the market data. Housing prices fluctuate every year. Sometimes, month-to-month swings can be seen if a major event happens in the news. But usually, price adjustments are more identifiable on a quarterly basis. Recently, we were looking at some properties in the State and thought it would be helpful to […]
Unfinished Renovation Project and Failed Flips It’s not uncommon to find an unfinished renovation project on the MLS that was originally someone’s rehab or “flip” project. I come across these projects and it makes my stomach turn. You might be wondering ‘why’? Well, think about it. More likely than not, the property owner left the […]
We all see it. That one house on the street that looks amazing. Your neighbor’s yard is always cut, while the edges are trimmed. It is as if every blade of grass and flower petal is just blazing in colorful glory. And then there’s the rest of us. The house where the yard is a little […]
We recognize that selling a house in probate is not part of anyone’s plan. Probate situations can be difficult, especially if the house was ‘intestate’ (meaning no will was in place declaring how to handle the transfer of the property). 5 Basic Steps for Selling a Probate Home Get an attorney – specifically one who […]
You Have to be Objective Everyone thinks about this, but so few do it. Getting your house ready to be sold is more than dusting the counters (but yes, please do that as well). Okay, so there are way more things you could do before listing, but we think these are the most relevant and easy […]
Windows Tell a Story We spend a lot of time, and I mean a lot of time, evaluating homes for renovation. When we go through a home, one of the first items we see (naturally) is the windows. They tell a lot about a home. The condition of a window can give insights regarding other […]
As both real estate investors and realtors, a house in foreclosure is always part of our ongoing market evaluation. Sometimes, for a first time home buyer or investor, a foreclosed property can be a terrific opportunity to purchase. Buying a House in Foreclosure isn’t Complicated Buying a home in foreclosure is an option and it’s […]
Today aside from a snack or a cup of coffee, very little is bought with just cash. More and more we turn to credit cards for everyday spending. Consider large purchases. Very few people go out and purchase without the use of a loan, particularly home buyers. Cash is needed for a down payment and […]
Trends to Watch (Coming to an End) It’s no secret, most of us love looking at home design. And, just like clothing, home design is filled with trends that come and go. From the simple or clean designs to those that are more intricate or ‘charming’, the process of home design is a journey we […]
First Time Home Buyers are Critical We strongly support the goals of first time home buyers. We all were (or are) a first-time buyer at some point. But for today’s buyer, the market feels more challenging. It’s easy to make the argument that everything is relative. In the 70’s buying a home was cheaper, but […]
First Time Buyers Compete with Investors I came across this article the other day. On the surface, it’s a fair representation of the market for first time home buyers. The article focuses heavily on the disadvantages felt by first time home buyers competing with investors. But, the issue is not the presence of competition, rather it […]
Simple Upgrades for a Smart Home There are options galore to create a ‘smart home’. From the simplest of changes such as an energy-intelligent thermostat to fully automated features connected to voice technologies (e.g. “Alexa”). On the surface, a $1,000 to add smart home technology sounds like splurge spending. How many of us want to […]
Energy Efficiency Helps Sell a Home When a homeowner decides to sell their house, one of the most overlooked aspects is its energy efficiency. There is a lot of focus put on how the house looks and (not always) enough on how the house will perform for heating and cooling. There are dozens of tips […]
Sellers, take note – yes, buyers like homes that are ‘smart’ or at least tech-friendly More and more, our homes are becoming connected to the digital world. Whether it’s a thermostat control or a voice system to remind you about upcoming events, the appeal of a smart home is growing. Especially if it’s already in […]
Zillow and Pre-Foreclosures Don’t be fooled by a sudden listing on Zillow that is incredibly low priced. First, see if it has a “blue dot” and the words “pre-foreclosure”. If so, move on. The house isn’t for sale. Zillow, like all real estate websites, acquires public data. Aside from actually listed properties (namely listings posted by […]
Pay Attention a Foreclosure is not Always For Sale Our friends at Zillow have clouded the market with how they provide “possible sales”. Please note; they are not alone. All real estate websites and apps do this, but we’ll use Zillow as the example. If you look through listings on these sites and apps, you […]
While our business is primarily focused on how we can buy and renovate properties to redevelop them into homes for new buyers or hold them as rental properties – we are also advocates for other investors. But not all investors are long-term players. Many are just getting into the business with the purchase of a […]
Sell Your House ‘As-Is’ Before we dive into whether or not you should, let’s define what an ‘as-is’ house means to the market. When a house is listed ‘as-is’, it means that there is no negotiation on the purchase price for notable defects to the home. It means that any and all issues found related […]
Another lovely article reminding us how Connecticut has yet to recover (particularly in real estate) from the 2008 recession. But, what is encouraging is the direction that things are heading in. The article mentions that home sales did start to slow down and the median price has been generally lower. But, for the first time […]
If you are going to sell your home without the services of a Realtor – you might want to consider running a ‘pre-inspection’. Basically, it will give you some insight as to what could come up in an inspection during a buyer’s contract period. Why spend the money? Well, why risk not having your house […]
As a cash buyer, I love seeing articles that help inform Sellers about the pros and cons of selling a home in ‘as-is’ condition. Quick disclaimer – ‘as-is’ doesn’t always mean the house is a complete mess. There are criteria that give a house an ‘as-is’ label – but not everything that you think. Take […]
Every year, markets are predicted as being up or down years for buying and selling real estate. It’s always good to stay on top of these reports and articles. This article from USA Today gives some good reasons to consider selling before the year is up. Why You Should Sell Your Home in 2019 Housing […]
Okay, so a few days ago I posted a blog about an article from an insurance group about the “8 Tips of buying a For Sale by Owner.” It’s a good article for a few different reasons and there are some good pointers they provide. But, that said – this article might make you think […]