(NewsUSA) - Take a look around your home. Does your dining table show signs of wear and tear? Is your work-from-home setup not getting the job done? Does your bedroom furniture look a little shabby and not quite chic? If you're nodding your head in agreement, then it might be time to upgrade. And there's no better investment than Real American Hardwood™ furniture crafted from a stylish wood like cypress.

Make an Entry
Is your home in need of an entryway drop zone? A console table may be just what you need to transform unused wall space into practical storage and décor. And if you value durability, woodworker Capers L. Cauthen of Landrum Tables in Charleston, South Carolina, says cypress is your best bet.

"I don't just offer cypress furniture, I recommend it," he adds. "It's naturally durable. I use a lot of river-recovered cypress in my work, and I tell my clients that any wood that can last 400 or more years on the bottom of a river or swamp is something you can bank on."

Choose a Centerpiece
Picking out a coffee table can be a big decision. It's the resting spot for remotes, drinks, greasy pizza boxes, and tired feet. So, look for one that's built to withstand spills and scratches.

"With proper care, solid wood like cypress will last forever," Cauthen says. "And it can be repaired, refinished, and brought back to life many times over. On the other hand, run-of-the-mill pieces made out of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) or particle board aren't built for long-term use. Their surface has one life, and if it gets damaged, the whole thing will need to be replaced."

Experience Fine Dining
Family dinner time shouldn't be interrupted by creaks and wobbles. That's why buying a quality table is a smart choice.

"There is truly no comparison," says woodworker Angel Komazec of The French Address in Slidell, Louisiana. "Solid, handmade furniture is just built differently than pieces created in a factory. The labor and love that goes into building our wooden tables is what sets them apart."

And her wood of choice is cypress. "Its texture and grain never disappoint, and the way it accepts stain leaves us in awe every time. Witnessing someone see their custom cypress table for the first time is a blessing. We have been told countless times that our pieces will be passed down, and that is an amazing feeling!"

Get Down to Business
Is it time to move your "home office" from the dining room to a dedicated space? Then invest in a desk that'll keep you organized and on task-and look good doing it.

Matthew Latiolais, owner and craftsman at Cajun Salvage Company in Lafayette, Louisiana, says cypress slab desks are all the rage.

"Cypress is prevalent in our area, and it's more economical and easier to work with than some other species," he adds. "We use a lot of reclaimed material. It's a pretty wood and its natural color offers the lighter tones that are popular in home décor. And when you apply a durable poly finish, it'll be well protected for everyday use."

Catch Some Zzzs
Did you know the average person spends 26 years sleeping during their lifetime? It's true, and a well-made bedframe is as important as your mattress when it comes to getting better rest. 

"Having a quality bedframe matters," says Kelly Seibels, owner of Seibels Cottage in Birmingham, Alabama. "And that's why we pride ourselves in our craftsmanship. Our frames are custom made by hand, and we pay close attention to the details to ensure every piece meets a high standard.

"Aesthetics are another consideration and that's why we choose to work with cypress. It's a beautiful, stable wood with straight grain and very few if any knots. I love its natural color and the way it takes stain or any finish. Cypress simply stands out."

For more stylish furniture finds to refresh your home's decor, visit CypressInfo.org.

(NewsUSA)

"Deception: A Hollywood Mystery"
by Britt Lind

Blood and dreams run red through the magical land of Hollywood, and rarely do kind souls win the spoils of war ... . When singer/songwriter Josh Sibley gets the opportunity to write songs for a multimillion-dollar feature film, he's all in. Then he meets Lila Levy, the sexy singer/actress married to the movie's producer. She attempts to use her sexuality to hook Josh into a secret love affair.

But in Hollywood, dark souls are clothed in glamour and secrets. When Lila's husband is murdered, Lila disappears, leaving Josh to deal with the woman determined to track her down -- Police Sergeant Rosemaria Baker. When the cops finally bring Lila in, she declares herself innocent and builds her case around disturbing childhood trauma that will twist Josh's soul. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3onjPU0.

"The Happy Clam"
by Rosemary Schmidt

If the author's "Go Forward, Support!" was all about staying a child as long as possible, this book is all about being an adult. "The Happy Clam" scales the realms of happiness -- physical, intellectual, emotional, relational, spiritual -- bringing together findings from the fields of psychology and philosophy with practical advice on how to apply them.

There are 1,000 things we can do to invite more happiness into our lives but only a few things that really make a difference. Just as clams are filter feeders, taking in nourishment from what's in the passing current, the author has taken in all the bits and bytes of daily news, research, and experience, and stitched them together to create a delicately crafted mosaic rich in hope and inspiration. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3r4F7Ib.

"Terms of Service"
by Craig W. Stanfill

This is not your typical sci-fi novel. Start with "1984," add in a healthy dose of "Brave New World" and "Fahrenheit 451," stir in a bit of "The Matrix" and "Blade Runner," and you have "Terms of Service." It is a thought-provoking exploration of the profound consequences to society as the digital world and the all-powerful corporations that rule it play a greater role in our lives, leaving readers to wonder where it will all end.

This is a work of literary science fiction, surreal in places, heavily laced with satire, mystical realism and even a bit of absurdism. In terms of subject matter, it lies squarely within the boundaries of the cyberpunk genre. A slow burn with an explosive finish. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3pxMmWI.

"The Orchid Farmer's Sacrifice"
by Fred Yu

In ancient China, spoiled and overconfident 18-year-old Mu Feng relishes life as the son of an honored general. But when his sister is abducted and his friends are slaughtered, he flees from home. He soon discovers the mystical birthmark on his body has put an enormous price on his head. Pursued across the Middle Kingdom, Feng finds allies in two fierce warriors and a beautiful assassin. When he learns his enemy plans an incursion with advanced weaponry, he must call on his friends and his own budding military genius to defend his country.

Can Feng fulfill a duty he didn't know he had and unite the empire against a terrifying force? If you like flashing swords, martial arts mayhem and inescapable fates, then you'll love this pulse-pounding saga. Purchase at https://amzn.to/332Q8zE.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Spend your spring with saints and sinners, featured in fresh programming with star-studded casts from Lifetime Television.

The start of April brings a pair of new feature movies from the Fallen Angels Murder Club series starring Toni Braxton, who also serves as executive producer. The Fallen Angels Murder Club features Braxton as Hollis Morgan, an ex-con turned amateur sleuth who sets out to investigate murders in her book club. The April premieres include Fallen Angels Murder Club: Friends to Die For on April 2, which also stars Eddie Cibrian, followed by Fallen Angels Murder Club: Heroes and Felons on April 9 with Kelly Hu. The movies are based on the Fallen Angels Book Club book series by R. Franklin James.

In the first installment, the members of the Fallen Angels Murder Club must have two things in common -- a love for books and have a criminal record. Hollis Morgan (Braxton) meets both requirements. Left holding the bag in an insurance fraud scheme concocted by her ex-husband, Hollis has served her time and now hopes the court will pardon her conviction so she can fulfill her dream of becoming a lawyer. But when a member of her book club is murdered in a scene straight out of the previous night's novel, Hollis becomes the subject of police scrutiny. Refusing to get stuck with another bad rap, Hollis sets out to investigate her fellow club members.

After a second book-inspired murder, she races to identify the killer before she becomes the next victim.

In the second movie, the members of the Fallen Angels Murder Club must band together again as they search for answers surrounding the death of one of their own. Hollis finds herself at the center of the investigation when a journalist reporting on the murder also winds up dead. As bodies begin to stack up, and Hollis connects the dots, she must solve the murders before it's too late.

Next up in April are two new movies from Lifetime's Seven Deadly Sins Movie Anthology, "Wrath" and "Greed," premiering on April 16 and April 23. The movies are based on the popular books by Victoria Christopher Murray. T.D. Jakes, Shaun Robinson and Derrick Williams serve as executive producers. Viewers will spot some famous actors in key roles. Michelle Williams, of Destiny's Child fame, joined by Beyonce's mom, Tina Knowles-Lawson and Romeo Miller (aka Lil' Romeo) star in "Wrath," and Monique Coleman, best known for her role in High School Musical, joined by LisaRaye McCoy and Eric Benét, star in "Greed."

The "Wrath" and "Greed" movies can be seen as modern morality tales, showing what can happen when people stray from a more righteous path.

In "Wrath," single lawyer Chastity Jeffries (Michelle Williams) meets Xavier Collins (Antonio Cupo), who seems too good to be true -- handsome, smart and a lawyer as well. In fact, Xavier is too good to be true; his affection turns to obsession, and Chastity realizes that she has abandoned her principles in this relationship. As Xavier's jealousy and wrath escalate, Chastity confides in her mother Sarah (Tina Knowles-Lawson) and turns to her former childhood boyfriend Roger Thompkins (Romeo Miller). But in the end, Chastity must find the strength to save herself.

In "Greed," interior decorator Zuri Maxwell (Monique Coleman) had it all -- a fulfilling career, loving family and friends, and a good man, artist Stephon Gardner (Nathan Witte). But greed threatens to destroy everything when Zuri meets handsome benefactor and entrepreneur Godfrey Anderson (Eric Benét) and his fabulously wealthy aunt Miss Viv (LisaRaye McCoy). They have everything Zuri thinks she wants. As Godfrey romances her, she compromises her values and morals to gain access to the moneyed lifestyle she craves.

Visit mylifetime.com for more information about Lifetime's spring lineup and other programming.

(NewsUSA) - Keeping children safer while supporting their key milestones can be a challenge for parents, but the right products can help make these transitional times smoother so families can embrace and celebrate these exciting moments.

1. The Dreambaby® Oxford Carrier is the perfect item to help as parents step out with their baby and enjoy the warmer weather. The hip healthy carrier is ergonomically designed to provide optimal comfort and support for both parent and child. It can be used in three different carrying positions. The Oxford carrier can be part of many "firsts" in a baby's life like the first trip to the zoo or the first visit with friends and relatives. The carrier can accommodate children up to 33 pounds, the breathable material makes it comfortable in all weather conditions, and quick-fastening clips and releases makes any outing easier.

2. For families looking for smart storage solutions, the Dreambaby® Strollerbuddy® StrollAway® Over-the-Door Stroller Hanger helps keep strollers safely out of the way when not in use. It requires no hardware or tools to install or use, just slip it on the door and adjust the arms to accommodate the size of your stroller. The simple, folding design makes it easy to bring along on trips and cushioning keeps doors safer from scratches.

3. Potty training can be a challenge. The Dreambaby® Step-Up Toilet Topper helps make this milestone easier by giving toddlers 18M+ the confidence and independence they need to succeed. This essential toilet topper bridges the gap between floor-based potties and adult toilets. The contoured seat and non-slip base are designed to help little ones feel confident and secure while using the toilet. As a bonus, it's light and can even be disassembled easily to bring along when visiting the grandparents, it's a potty training must-have!

4. Graduating to a "big kid bed" is another big moment for your little one. Dreambaby's® Dallas Bed Rail makes the transition smoother and helps relieve the fear of falling out of bed at night. Great for most beds, including recessed beds up to Queen sized, the fold-down feature is extra convenient for bed-making or bedtime stories, while anchors help secure the mattress and hold the bed rail in place.

5. For areas children should not go, the Dreambaby® adhesive Lever Lock® for door handles helps keep children safer by limiting their access to spaces such as laundry rooms, garages, and storage rooms. The lock is designed to fit most lever-style door handles and engages and disengages easily, with no key needed.

Dreambaby® is a family-owned and internationally renowned company with more than 20 years of experience in developing affordable, high-quality child safety products.

Follow @dreambabysafety on social media and visit dream-baby.com to purchase baby safety solutions or find more information.

(NewsUSA)

"The Colorless Womb"
by Kimberly Gowdy

Kimberly had always yearned for a child, but after multiple miscarriages coupled with an unhealthy marriage, she accepted that her plan to become a mother was inconceivable. A painful divorce and a job opportunity opened the door for a fresh start in Atlanta. A chance meeting with her husband-to-be, David, was a breath of fresh air. They seemingly shared the same goals and dreams but soon after realized that life doesn't always go as planned.

They entertained the possibility of surrogacy, yet after three unsuccessful attempts and only two embryos left, failure wasn't an option. Desperation to find the right surrogate led them to the biggest surprise of their lives: an unlikely person who proved to be the perfect match. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3KnBCDU.

"Rex's Journey"
by Dr. Ambroes Pass-Turner

A kid's emotional landscape is full of hills and valleys. Rex has been struggling with understanding why and how he feels. From angry one minute to sad the next, he just wants to be a kid. What's so hard about that? But we can't always control how we feel, especially not as kids.

Follow along with Rex's journey as he learns to cope with his emotions in a safe and healthy way: something we all can learn from. One Amazon reviewer calls it "a beautiful and timely story. We need more books like this! This book showcases the journey of a little boy who had to go to a counselor. Very well done." Purchase at https://amzn.to/344MZzK.

"Ghosted"
by Jana Eisenstein

Fueled by cheap vodka and low standards in her twenties, Jana naively assumes that "happily ever after" is just a dark, sweaty nightclub away. In this memoir, Jana meets men … lots of men. But with every face-licker, toe-sucker, and internet creep, it becomes clearer that hers is a ghost story and not the fairytale she expected. Still single in her thirties, she realizes she'll need to adjust her approach or risk being haunted by the mistakes of her dating past and a future of shirtless bathroom selfies.

Though "Ghosted" depicts the struggle to find lasting love, at its heart it's a story about learning to accept that when it comes to dating, there are scarier fates than ending up alone. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3G9dEZS.

"Crossing the Pressure Line"
by Laura Anne Bird

Twelve-year-old Clare Burch wonders whether her feelings of sorrow over her grandfather's death will ever go away. A special request sends Clare on a journey from her home to the Northwoods of Wisconsin. She knows she must honor Grandpa Anthony's last wishes.

Clare heads to rural Alwyn with her little blind dog and a duffel bag full of worries. What will she do without her best friends? Who will take her fishing and spoil her with candy now that her grandfather is gone? And is she strong enough to let him go? She stumbles upon the answers, learns to listen to the courageous voice inside and discovers just how tough she really is. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3GhMS1l.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - We've missed birthdays, holidays and so many of our favorite activities during this pandemic. But with the COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots--which are free and widely available--we can finally get back to spending time with family and friends. Have questions about COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots? The Eldercare Locator can provide information to help you make informed choices--and when you're ready, connect you to local resources that can help you come up with a plan to get vaccinated, whether it's your first shot or a booster.

The Eldercare Locator can connect older adults, caregivers and families to services in their communities--services that make getting the vaccine safe and convenient. The Eldercare Locator is a national, federally funded hotline that provides older adults and their families with information on important topics, including COVID-19 and the vaccines, transportation, support services, housing and more. Trained staff connect callers with Area Agencies on Aging and other community-based organizations that provide personalized support to help older adults stay healthy and safe.

Contacting the Eldercare Locator is easy. Visit the website at eldercare.acl.gov to browse the listing of online resources or to enter your ZIP code to find services in your community. Interested in talking directly to an Eldercare Locator specialist? Live operators are ready to take your call and can also be reached by chat or email. Whether you or your family need assistance with meals or home care, or a caregiver needs training, education or a break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator can help.

Visit eldercare.acl.gov to learn more about services in your area and to chat with the Eldercare Locator's trained staff online. Give the Eldercare Locator a call at 800-677-1116 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday. Callers can request to speak to a specialist in any language. Support is also available by email at [email protected].

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living and is administered by USAging.

(NewsUSA) - With its beautiful looks and remarkable durability, Real American Hardwood™ has long been a beloved material in American home interiors. "Homeowners are always looking for fresh and exciting ways to use wood," says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. "They often find inspiration in the work of the best architects, designers, and decorators, sought-after talents who offer trendsetting ideas on using oak, maple, walnut, and other classic species." So, we checked in with five of the most accomplished residential designers in the business to uncover the top trends in hardwood for the year ahead -- and beyond.

Hardwood planks on walls and ceilings: The ultimate flooring material is used increasingly to clad vertical and overhead surfaces, as in this contemporary Austin bedroom by Texas-based Cornerstone Architects (@cornerstonearchitectsllp), where an entire wall of walnut boards brings warmth, color, and texture to the sleek, modern interior. "It's plain sawn with a natural oil finish," notes principal Bob Wetmore. "That makes it a bit more rustic by showing a lot of grain." Photograph by Andrew Pogue

Hardwood in the bathroom: Today's designers look at bathroom vanities and cabinets as if they were stand-alone pieces of fine furniture, specifying solid hardwood construction and elegant hardware. For his own house, architect Donald Powers of Union Studio in Providence, Rhode Island, (@unionstudioarch) used quarter-sawn white oak everywhere, including for bath cabinetry. "We chose a very simple palette throughout," he says. "It's peaceful rather than exciting, and that's exactly what we wanted." Photograph by Anthony Tieul

Herringbone hardwood floors: Although herringbone flooring, which uses solid hardwood blocks to create a geometric pattern, originated in 17th-century France, it can fit seamlessly into contemporary settings. "Whitewashed oak gives traditional parquet a modern vibe in this Texas kitchen," says Carina Coel of Austin-based Restructure Studio (@restructurestudio), who worked with the homeowner, an interior designer, on the project. It's elegant and timeless but also a little bit country, thanks to the finish. Photograph by Michael Hsu

Exposed Wood Beams and Trusses: "Wood beams overhead can help to create architectural drama," says New York-based designer Glenn Gissler (@glenngisslerdesign), who used them to striking effect in the living area of a new Maine lake house. "They also establish a human scale in an oversize room with a soaring ceiling like this one." Expect to see more of them if the trend toward bigger and bigger houses continues. Photograph by Jonathan Reece

Wood slats: Surfaces clad with vertical or horizontal wood slatting have become ubiquitous in recent years. Slats can add visual and architectural interest to an interior while maintaining a sense of lightness, as is the case in this basement rec room remodeled by Chevy Chase, Maryland-based architect Bruce Wentworth (@wentworthstudio). "We hid columns with a poplar-slat enclosure," Wentworth says. "It anchors a seating area while accommodating a TV and storage."

Cerused oak: This distinctive finish, known in Britain as "limed oak," dates back to the 16th century, but it's becoming popular again for furniture and panelling, as in this Greenwich Village townhouse, another project by Glenn Gissler (@glenngisslerdesign). "Traditional oak panelling might have been too overpowering for this hallway," Gissler notes. "But by cerusing the wood-applying a white pigment that reveals grain lines and lightens the color slightly-the space looks fresh and modern." Photograph by Gross & Daley

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about trends in American hardwoods. 

(NewsUSA)

"The Bucharest Dossier"
by William Maz

"The Bourne Identity" meets John le Carré's "The Spy Who Came In from the Cold." CIA analyst Bill Hefflin is a man apart -- apart from life, apart from his homeland and apart from love. At the start of the 1989 uprising in Romania, Hefflin -- a disillusioned Romanian expat -- arrives in Bucharest at the insistence of his KGB asset, a man code-named Boris.

As Hefflin becomes embroiled in an uprising that turns into a brutal revolution, nothing is as it seems … including the search for his childhood love, which has taken on mythical proportions. With the bloody events unfolding at blinding speed, Hefflin realizes the revolution is manipulated by outside forces, including his own CIA and Boris, the puppeteer who seems to be pulling all the strings. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3ApLE10.

"The Burden of Innocence"
by John Nardizzi

Innocence is pain when you're locked in a cage. Private investigators Ray Infantino and Tania Kong take on the case of Sam Langford, a man framed for a murder committed by a crime boss at the height of his powers. The gangsters know that, in the new Boston, vulnerable witnesses they manipulated years ago are shaky.

Old bones will not stay buried forever. When a vicious gangster and a corrupt cop team up to derail the investigation, the stakes are higher than ever. It's a crime thriller written by "a bold new poet of American noir -- "this is the book Chandler would have written if he'd been a real-life private eye," says author Ellen McGarrahan. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3oHmzfl.

"The Prague Connection"
by Will Steadman

The collapse of the Soviet regime with perestroika meant big trouble for the KGB; rebellious groups of agents in the satellite countries have shaped a plan to resist Moscow's reforms. Portable, backpack-size nuclear weapons will be their key to success. The weapons are safely hidden until Lena, a beautiful Russian physicist working in the U.S., raises the alarm.

When Petrov, a nuclear weapons expert and son of a KGB agent, goes missing with the chemicals needed to arm the weapons, Putin and the West are in a state of panic. Brandt Swindon, a CIA operative, and his CIA-agent lover, Casey Stephens, are enlisted as part of a joint Russian/NATO team to find the weapons before disaster strikes. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3dRC8uS.

"The Paris Photo"
by Jane S. Gabin

A marvelous blend of mystery, historical fact and romance with great attention to detail, this novel is based upon the experiences of the author's father in Paris during the last part of WWII. Finding a previously unknown photo among her late father's papers, college professor Judith Gordon sets out to locate the boy in the group picture almost 70 years after it was taken.

The story is the tale of a young mother who courageously protects her child, Guy, by keeping him hidden during the war; but there is a long-lasting cost. Critics have called it "totally engaging," "fascinating," "beautiful" and "a phenomenal accomplishment." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3p66AaP.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Women often juggle many important duties. They are caregivers, business owners, household managers, community leaders and volunteers. Balancing these varied responsibilities often affects their financial needs and outlook, and it can present some challenges to reaching their personal and financial goals.

Working with a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional can provide some clarity for women who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about their finances. CFP® professionals are trained to provide competent, ethical financial advice and can be trusted advisors who help you see the bigger financial picture.

Here are five benefits of holistic financial planning for women.

1. It alleviates financial stress. Changes in employment, family circumstances or housing are just a few of the things that can cause concerns about your financial future. A CFP® professional can help you weather these ups and downs, recommending sound financial strategies that keep you on track to reach your goals.

2. It supports career transitions. Many women take time off from their careers to care for children and family members. Millions of others may be reevaluating their current jobs against their needs and values, potentially leading to a career change. These decisions have important implications for your income, earning potential and retirement savings. A CFP® professional can help you clarify your priorities and plan for your next career move.

3. It helps your business thrive. If you own a business (or would like to), a CFP® professional can collaborate with you to create a financial plan to guide you through the start-up phase, company growth and expansion, and succession planning.

4. It lets you determine your legacy. Estate planning is important for all women, but especially those who have considerable assets, such as real estate, insurance policies and retirement accounts, to bequeath. A CFP® professional can help you develop a thorough estate plan that fulfills your financial desires.

5. It gives you confidence in your tomorrow. Creating a holistic financial plan that helps you establish short- and long-term life goals is a crucial step in mapping out your financial future. When you have a strategy and a financial plan, it's easier to make financial decisions and stay on track to reach your goals.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org to find CFP® professionals in your area. A trustworthy financial advisor will help you focus on your needs and concerns and effectively manage your financial future.

(NewsUSA) - A real estate brokerage paying you for the honor of handling the sale of your house?

It's true -- and maybe just the latest sign of how sizzling hot the real estate market is.

In fact, under the innovative Homeowner Benefit Program, you don't even have to be ready to sell now -- or even in the near future -- to immediately receive a check that typically runs between $800 to $3,000. You just have to agree that MV Realty, which launched the program in late 2018 and continues to expand it across the nation, will broker the sale for you if and when you are ready.

"It's a win-win situation," says Amanda Zachman, the founder of MV Realty, which has the highest 5.0 rating on the real estate website Zillow.com. "The homeowner gets money now and ongoing access to a high-quality real estate brokerage that believes real estate is more than just some one-time transactional deal. And we get a future client."

Intrigued? Then before we even get into the details, consider this month's headline from Fortune.com that should warm the heart of every potential home seller: "It's the Mother of All Seller's Markets."

Meaning, the two key factors that made 2021 a record-shattering year, with cities like Miami witnessing home prices soaring by as much as 32.5 percent, both remain in play:

* A tight inventory.

* Demand so rampant -- including from investors paying cash -- that, as CNBC reported, "houses are selling on average 10 days faster than they were a year ago" when all you heard about was people fleeing big cities because of COVID.

"On top of all that," notes Zachman, "what we're now seeing are many buyers looking to lock in still relatively low mortgage rates in anticipation of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates multiple times this year."

Headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., MV Realty now offers the Homeowner Benefit Program through its licensed agents in 33 states (Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin).

What makes the program so extraordinary is that homeowners get to keep the money from the brokerage, which is based on the estimated value of their home, even if they never choose to sell.

That's money that can be used for anything they want. Home renovations. A much-needed vacation. One homeowner was able to host their 5-year-old's dream birthday party at Disneyworld.

Meanwhile, homeowners get the benefit of a top-rated real estate brokerage's expertise, including information delivered on everything from current market trends to a personalized home analysis.

And if they do choose to sell? That's when the full-service MV Realty really jumps into action by using its highly structured proprietary process of listing and valuing a home. And -- here's the key -- maximizing said home's marketability by using its multiple resources to promote it both nationally and internationally complete with professionally taken photographs. A sale earns the brokerage the competitive local commission rate.

"With the market the way it is, now is one of the best times ever to sell," says Zachman