Just the mere mention of listing contracts, sales contracts and real estate closings create anxiety, doesn’t it? Why does the sale of a property have to be so complicated and require so much paperwork?

Think about it, a home is one of the largest investments you may make in your lifetime, so detailed paperwork is much needed and recommended for smooth transactions.

When building new homes for clients, I often would find myself getting caught up in the many intricate details from the cabinet hardware to what types of kitchen sink drains they preferred. The result of the attention to detail was mostly rewarded with educated, informed buyers and sellers.

Read Your Documents Attentively

My biggest pet peeve with lengthy detailed documents required in all property transactions is that often people do not take the time to read over them. I know, we are all busy, and who wants to spend 30 minutes to an hour reading over a 10-page listing form, sales contract or closing documents/statement?

My hope today is that I can stress to each and every one of you reading this article how important it is for you to read over every document you sign. Yes, we all have access to agents and attorneys that will read and interpret documents for us, but why don’t we ourselves take the time to personally read over every document that we end up signing? If you don’t think you have the time or patience to read any document you may be signing, please reconsider!

Take 24 Hours to Read All Documents

First and foremost, whenever you are handed a real estate listing or any real estate contract form to sign, politely tell the person drafting and delivering the form to you that you would like to look it over for at least 24 hours before signing.

This is a rule of thumb I live by and it gives me ample time to look over the forms, have anyone I trust look over the forms and gives me time to think clearly before signing any forms. If any person drafting and delivering a form or document to you pressures you to sign it before you have read it, steer clear.

What about the dozens of real estate closing documents you are handed on the day you are scheduled to close on your property? I hear about this scenario daily! You arrive at the property closing office, you are seated at a conference table and told to “sign here” on at least a dozen or more forms in sometimes 30 minutes or less!

Granted, title companies and closing agents do their best to explain each form or document you are signing, but I’ve yet to be seated at a closing where the signor reads every word in every document prior to signing.

Request Copies Before Closing Day

Do this instead: at least 24 hours before you are scheduled to close on your property, simply notify the closing/title company that you would like a copy of all of the closing documents you will be signing emailed to you.

If you do not have email access, simply ask if you can pick up copies of the closing documents prior to your closing to look over. Most any title/closing company will gladly print out or email you all of the documents giving you ample time to read over every form that you will be signing. This gives you time to methodically look over each form, see what you will be signing and ensure that no mistakes are made.

Some common mistakes to check for are simply the correct spelling of your name, the description of the property being conveyed, prorated taxes or rents, credit for monies paid outside of closing and possible incorrect or not agreed upon expenses charged.

Remember, closing/title companies are handling numerous transactions per day. They are human beings that can unintentionally make mistakes due to the volume of paperwork they handle.

Allowing at least a 24-hour period to look over your closing documents will make you feel much safer, informed and also ensure less mistakes or errors made in the process.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How often have you signed a lengthy document or form without reading it? Have you signed a document or form and later realized you wished you had taken the time to read it?

Do you enjoy walking the store aisles for hours, trying out new restaurants, and relishing in hotel stays? Do you like interacting socially? Are you physically fit?

Have you ever considered becoming a mystery shopper?

What Is a Mystery Shopper

A mystery shopper (also known as a secret shopper) is a person who is hired to pose as a regular customer and visit a business, such as a store, restaurant, or hotel, to evaluate and report on their experiences. Mystery shopping is typically done by companies to assess the quality of their products, services, and customer interactions, as well as to identify areas for improvement.

Mystery shoppers are given specific instructions on what to look for and report on during their visit, which may include aspects such as the cleanliness of the location, the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, the quality of the products or services offered, and the overall customer experience.

Mystery shopping is often conducted anonymously, and the shopper is usually compensated for their time and any purchases made during the visit. The information gathered by mystery shoppers can help businesses improve their operations and better understand the needs and expectations of their customers.

How Do You Become a Mystery Shopper

There are several ways you can become a mystery shopper.

Sign Up with a Mystery Shopping Company

Many companies specialize in providing mystery shopping services to businesses. You can find these companies online and sign up to become a mystery shopper.

• BestMark
• IntelliShop
• Market Force
• Secret Shopper
• Confero

Apply Directly with Businesses

Some businesses may hire mystery shoppers directly instead of going through a third-party company. You can check with businesses in your area to see if they offer this type of opportunity.

Check Job Boards

You can also find mystery shopping opportunities on job boards such as Indeed, FlexJobs, and Glassdoor.

Once you find a mystery shopping opportunity, you will need to apply and go through a screening process, which may include filling out an application form, taking a test, or completing a sample mystery shopping assignment.

If you are selected, you will be given instructions on how to conduct the mystery shopping assignment and what information to report back to the company. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully and provide accurate and detailed feedback to ensure the success of the mystery shopping program.

What You Should Consider Before Becoming a Mystery Shopper

Before becoming a mystery shopper, there are several important factors to consider.

Assure the Legitimacy of the Business

Ensure that the mystery shopping company or business you’re considering is legitimate. Unfortunately, there are scams that pose as legitimate mystery shopping opportunities, so do your research and verify the company’s credentials and reputation.

Make Sure Compensation Is Worth Your Time

Consider the compensation for the mystery shopping assignments. While compensation can vary depending on the company and the assignment, it’s important to ensure that the pay is fair and worth your time and effort. It’s definitely not a get-rich type of opportunity with assignments ranging from a few dollars to around $20 or more per assignment.

Validate Your Time Commitments

Determine whether the time commitment required for the assignments fits with your schedule and lifestyle. Some mystery shopping assignments may require you to visit a location during specific hours, which may not be convenient for everyone.

Make Sure You Meet the Requirements

Be aware of the specific requirements for each mystery shopping assignment, including the skills or knowledge required, any necessary qualifications or certifications, and the equipment or tools needed to complete the assignment.

Also, you will be asked to be on your feet for several hours while on assignments so being physically capable is required.

Understand the Confidentiality Agreement

As a mystery shopper, you may be required to keep certain aspects of the assignment confidential. Be sure to understand the confidentiality requirements and agree to comply with them.

Becoming a mystery shopper can be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra income and provide valuable feedback to businesses. However, it’s important to carefully consider these factors before deciding whether to pursue this opportunity.

Why Become a Mystery Shopper

Here are the perks of becoming a mystery shopper.

Offers Flexibility

Mystery shopping can offer flexibility in terms of the schedule and location of assignments, which can be especially beneficial if you have other commitments or health considerations.

Generates Extra Income

If you are on a fixed income and you want to supplement your retirement savings, mystery shopping can be a way to earn extra income on a part-time or occasional basis.

Provides Social Interaction

Mystery shopping assignments can provide opportunities for you to interact with others and engage in activities outside of the home, which can be important for maintaining social connections and mental health.

Let’s You Stay Mentally Active

Mystery shopping can provide opportunities to develop or maintain skills such as observation, attention to detail, and communication, which can be beneficial for those who want to stay mentally active.

Mystery shopping may not be suitable for everyone, as it does require certain physical abilities or skills depending on the type of assignments available.

If mystery shopping isn’t up your alley, but you’d like to explore other opportunities, read 60 CREATIVE WAYS TO MAKE MONEY IN RETIREMENT.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What do you think about mystery shopping? Have you ever been a mystery shopper? Do you think mystery shopping can help improve customer services, and perhaps even ageism?

Rachel Fuda’s Denim Jumpsuit on Instagram

Real Housewives of New Jersey 2023 Instagram Fashion

When in Rome Texas a denim get-up is a must. And Rachel Fuda def delivered on that wearing her denim jumpsuit at the rodeo. But even if you’re not in Texas a denim jumpsuit is still a must because it’s sooo cute. Which is why you need to giddy up to the link and Style Stealers below to wrangle one for yourself.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Show Me Your Mumu Jumpsuit

Photo: @rachelfuda

Originally posted at: Rachel Fuda’s Denim Jumpsuit

Ciara Miller’s Red Crochet Skirt Set on Her Instastories

Summer House 2023 Instagram Fashion

Ciara Miller has been sharing some pics from her vacation in South Africa. One of those pics featured her wearing this super cute red crochet skirt set. Summer is right around the corner (and down a few blocks) and I’m so pumped because summer fashion is my personal fave. So seeing this set has me excited for summer and of course a new crochet look to arrive.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to Shop Her Maiya Paris Top

Click Here to Shop Her Maiya Paris Skirt

Photo: @ciaramiller___

Originally posted at: Ciara Miller’s Red Crochet Skirt Set

I create content for and work with many women over 50 who are trying to figure out what’s next for them at this stage of the game. Most of the women are content, overall, but are trying to figure out what they can do for themselves now. They are trying to find their joy and purpose.

As we’re looking at this, a big part of what we do is consider what barriers might be standing in their way as they truly reflect and consider any and all possibilities.

And the number one barrier that I see, both in my 1:1 work as well as among the women in my program is that we censor ourselves.

What Does This Mean?

One of the first things that I ask women to do when they’re looking to redefine in some way, is to take time to imagine what an ideal day and week would look like for them. What would they be doing? How would they move about their day? Who is there? Where are they? I encourage them to really put themselves in the moment and imagine all that is around them as well as themselves.

When women really carve out time to work on this reflection and write it all down, this can provide a WEALTH of information for them as they move forward on their journey.

But, with this reflection, more than any of the others, I see women censoring themselves. They’ll have a thought and decide not to write it down because:

• “That could never happen!”
• “That seems silly.”
• “who do I think I am?”
• “I don’t want anyone to see this – they might laugh at me!”

And the list goes on. Their brains stop them with fixed mindset statements.  With most of us, these statements come from a negative core belief that has driven us since we were young children.

An Example

Let’s pretend that one of the elements of your ideal day and week is that you are living at the beach.

You start to write that down, pause, and think, “I can barely pay my bills now. Why would I even write this down – there is no way I’d ever be able to afford living at the beach!”

Or, “How would I just pick up and move to the beach at this age? The whole idea seems overwhelming!”

So that wish never gets on the paper. Even though it might have been the first thought you had.

And you might be right. You might not get to live at the beach.

Or, you might be wrong! But you’ll never know because you haven’t even entertained it!

Maybe you won’t live at the beach. But maybe that thought will prompt you to treat yourself to a beach weekend every quarter. Or to research jobs or opportunities at the beach. To find communities and people who do live at the beach to follow and get to know.

By censoring yourself, you have closed a door that might have led to something great for you! Even if it didn’t mean you were going to live at the beach full time!

Censoring yourself may keep you from considering an idea that could provide you with real joy in your life.

That seems like a big deal to me, at any stage of the game, but particularly on this side of 50!

Benefits of Setting Aside Those Censored Thoughts

Most Importantly – Increases Our Self-Awareness

Doing an uncensored brain dump on a topic and going through the act of writing all of your thoughts down around that topic can provide you with great information when you go back to look at it.

You can see trends.

You might see some things that surprise you. Thoughts, feelings and dreams that you didn’t even realize you had!

New ideas may formulate.

All of which will increase your self-awareness around whatever the topic might be.

Clears Your Head

Doing an uncensored brain dump on a topic gets it out of your brain and onto the page.

You are literally clearing your head!

Helps Organize Our Thoughts

Once you’ve written down your thoughts and reflections on the topic at hand, you will have it all in front of you. This enables you to be able to review what you’ve written and create action steps around anything that you’d like to do.

It allows you to examine all of the possibilities.

At this point, you can decide to leave certain ideas. As long as you are not discarding those ideas for the wrong reasons.

But… if you’ve censored yourself, if you’ve decided not to write something down because it seems impossible and silly, it may be forever lost.

And, what if it would have led to a dream come true on this side of 50?

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What’s something that you’d like to do an uncensored reflection/brain dump on? What possible censor thoughts might your brain present you with while you’re doing this? Being aware of your own censorship can help you to push those thoughts aside and keep going!