Sam Graubner

Traveling to Europe.... check out what's coming.

The implementation of ETIAS, a new travel authorization required for U.S. passport holders visiting many European countries, has been delayed again. Here’s what you need to know: 1. ⏳ Delay in ETIAS Implementation: ◦ ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) will not be in place during the first half of 2025. ◦ The system is now expected to launch after October 2025, possibly delaying its full rollout until 2026. 2. 🛂 What Is ETIAS? ◦ ETIAS is a travel authorization that U.S. travelers will need to enter 30 European countries. ◦ It will include EU Schengen states, EFTA countries, and European microstates with open borders (e.g., Vatican City). 3. 🌍 Countries Requiring ETIAS: ◦ Includes popular destinations like France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, and Switzerland. 4. 🔧 Reasons for the Delay: ◦ ETIAS depends on the Entry/Exit System (EES), which has been postponed to October 2025 due to reliability, readiness, and industry concerns.

I don't know if this is true or not... doing this anyway... can't hurt.

So now they are doing it, just announced on Channel 13 News. Facebook is charging all users starting Monday. You can do a opt-out by this. Hold your finger over this message and copy, it can’t be a shared.

I do not give permission for Facebook to charge $4.99a month to my account, also; all my pictures are property of mine and not Facebook.

Thank you!

Enjoy your day friends!

We like to support local talent and tonight was Andy Braun at Natty Oaks. Not many nice evenings to enjoy outdoors, so we're taking advantage of as many as we can! Good talent, good food, good venue!

Thought I'd share... friends from McKinley Marina G Dock ... we always enjoyed hearing their tunes on the dock! Fun times! You'll enjoy; so try to get there.

Check out this blog! Visit my website for a FREE Buyer or Seller Guide: htpp//samgraubner.shorewest.com.

The Path To Homeownership Can Be Steeper for Some Americans As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor and recognize the past and present experiences of Black Americans. A significant part of this experience is investing in a home of their own. While equitable access to housing has come a long way, the path to homeownership is still steeper for households...

What are Essential vs. Cosmetic updates?

Many factors determine the value of your home. These include plumbing, roof, siding, and cosmetic updates such as paint color and appliances. Essentials are items to ensure your home is safe and will last. Cosmetics are the things that make your house feel like a home.

This season, look around your home and see the condition of the essential and cosmetic items in the below list to help maintain your home's value and living condition.

Essentials

Age and condition of the roof
Age and condition of HVAC system
Age and condition of hot water heater
Condition of exterior siding
Any leaks in your kitchen or bathrooms?

Cosmetic

Are your appliances functioning correctly?
Are your ceiling fans or lighting fixtures all working correctly?
Is your paint or wallpaper fresh or fading?
Are your bathroom cabinets loose or broken?
Are your blinds or curtains broken or faded?
A few minor repairs now could help you avoid major repairs in the future. For more detailed information about your home's current value, reach out to me, and we will schedule a walk-through. Having a second pair of eyes may help you prioritize your list.

Check out this blog! Visit my website for a FREE Buyer or Seller Guide: htpp//samgraubner.shorewest.com.

Consumers Agree: It’s a Good Time To Sell In today’s sellers’ market, many homeowners are weighing their options and trying to decide if they should sell their house. If you’re in that group, you may be balancing things like the ongoing health crisis, rising mortgage rates, and your own changing needs to determine your best time to ma...

Check out this blog! Visit my website for a FREE Buyer or Seller Guide: htpp//samgraubner.shorewest.com.

How Remote Work Impacts Your Home Search Some Highlights If your workplace is delaying its return to office plans or is allowing permanent work from home options, that may open up new possibilities for your home search. Ongoing remote work could give you the chance for a change in scenery, a move to an area with a lower cost of living, or....

Check out this blog! Visit my website for a FREE Buyer or Seller Guide: htpp//samgraubner.shorewest.com.

The Top Indicator if You Want To Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Heading Mortgage rates have increased significantly since the beginning of the year. Each Thursday, Freddie Mac releases its Primary Mortgage Market Survey. According to the latest survey, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has risen from 3.22% at the start of the year to 3.55% as of last week. This is...

Check out this blog! Visit my website for a FREE Buyer or Seller Guide: htpp//samgraubner.shorewest.com.

Owning Is More Affordable than Renting in the Majority of the Country If you were thinking about buying a home this year, but already pressed pause on your plans due to rising home prices and increasing mortgage rates, there’s something you should consider. According to the latest report from ATTOM Data, owning a home is more affordable than renting in the majority ...

Check out this blog! Visit my website for a FREE Buyer or Seller Guide: htpp//samgraubner.shorewest.com.

Why Your Home Inspection Matters Some Highlights Buying a home and wondering if your inspection is necessary? While some buyers may decide to waive their inspection, it’s risky decision. Your home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. It assesses the condition of the home you plan to purchase, so you can avoid c...