Family and Home

Sometimes your home reaches the point where your regular cleaning routine just won't cut it. When it seems like dirt and grime are accumulating everywhere, it's time to open up the windows, put on the cleaning gloves, and focus on the nitty-gritty aspects of cleaning.

While deep cleaning can be a lot of work, you'll feel so much better once you have a nice, clean, and shiny house. Our real estate agents often do a thorough deep clean twice a year: once in the fall and once in the spring. We recommend adding these tips into your fall deep cleaning routine this year:

• Always Declutter And Organize First
  Junk and clutter will inhibit your deep cleaning efforts. Before cleaning, make sure you have everything put away. If you're running out of space, make an effort to eliminate junk by donating it or throwing it away. Once all of your surfaces are clear, you'll be in a much better position to deep clean.
  
  
• Use Microfiber Cloths
  While paper towels are meant to absorb liquids, they're not all that effective at collecting dust, dirt, and grime. Microfiber cloths are a far better alternative. Because they have very thin fibers, they're able to do a far better job at cleaning than paper towels. If you want your home to shine like these Holland homes for sale, make sure to use microfiber cloths!
  
  
• Wipe Your Light Bulbs
  You'd be surprised how many people forget to clean their light bulbs, but they can be some of the dustiest, dirtiest items in the house. Cleaning your bulbs will help eliminate additional dirt and grime, and it'll also help your rooms appear brighter. Cleaner bulbs can project up to 20% more light than dirty bulbs.
  
  
• Give The Sink Extra Attention
  Even if your sink appears clean, there is a good chance it's home to a significant amount of bacteria. Your sink accumulates dirt, grime, and germs from dirty dishes and food particles. Make sure to disinfect the sink (and the sponge) as part of your deep cleaning routine.
  
  
• Clean The Dishwasher
  Before cleaning the dishwasher, make sure to get rid of any leftover food particles. Then, fill a small dish with one cup of vinegar, place it inside, and run the dishwasher on a regular cycle. Afterward, add a tiny bit of baking soda to help eliminate any foul odors, and run it once again on a hot water cycle.
  
  
• Scrub The Floors & Shampoo The Carpets.
  Sweeping and vacuuming might be part of your regular cleaning routine, but scrubbing, shampooing, and/or mopping are a must for deep cleaning. You don't need a special cleaning formula — a soap and water mixture will work just fine. Remember to remove all furniture from the room so you can be sure to get all the spots.
  
  
• Wash Your Curtains
  Curtains are major dust collectors, so you'll want to wash them at least once or twice every year. Take them down and follow the manufacturer's washing instructions. While you're at it, wipe down your blinds too!

With these tips, your house is sure to shine like never before! Contact us today for more tips on improving your home's interior.

Shopping for a new home can be an emotional rollercoaster, and the process often takes several weeks or months. Once you discover that perfect home, it's normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety, which often leads buyers to act with a sense of urgency. However, before you have your agent draw up an offer, it's important to take some time to thoroughly evaluate the property and consider your terms.

Our real estate agents always encourage clients to take these steps before submitting an offer:

• Make a Pros and Cons List
  Finding a home that checks every box is challenging, and first-time buyers usually need to make some concessions. However, you do want to make sure the home is a good fit before making an offer. Sit down and make a list of all the pros and cons of the home. Consider the asking price, location, age, size, yard, garage, and any other components that are important to you. A pros and cons list will force you to consider every element of the home and can help you determine how aggressive to be when making an offer.
  
  
• Have Your Agent Ask If There Are Other Offers
  Listing agents aren't able to disclose the details of other offers, but simply knowing whether the property has received multiple offers is good info to have. If there are already multiple offers on the property, you'll want to work with your agent to come up with the most competitive offer you feel comfortable putting forward.
  
  If there are no offers, you may want to start at or around the asking price. If more offers come in, agents usually will come back and ask for the "highest and best" at a later date, which will give you the chance to adjust your bid.
  
  
• Estimate Your Mortgage Payment
  Before deciding what to offer, you'll want to make sure you're able to afford the down payment, mortgage payment, and closing costs. Your down payment will likely be somewhere between 3% and 20%, depending on what your lender pre-approved. Your mortgage payment is likely to fluctuate based on current interest rates, but you can use an online mortgage calculator for a close estimate. Your lender should also be able to provide you with a closing cost estimate based on the zip code and offer price. Bottom line -- you want to make sure you can afford what you're offering to pay.
  
  
• Evaluate The Market
  The real estate market is constantly fluctuating these days due to the lingering effects of the pandemic as well as rising interest rates. As a result, it's important for buyers to keep their finger on the pulse of the market. Check out the asking prices on some other Holland homes for sale, and use those data points to inform your decision. Home prices generally appreciate over time, but as buyer demand wanes, prices could start to drop.
  
  
• Check The Home's History
  The property's historical transactions could tell you a lot about the home. For example, if the current owners have only lived there for a short time, it could suggest a problem, and it's worth asking the listing agent for more information. Historical transactions can also tell you how much the current owners paid for the property and how the home has appreciated over time.

Submitting an offer on a home is exciting. But before you get carried away, make sure you do your homework. Contact us today for more home buying tips. 

Did you know hard water can negatively impact your home over time? While it's safe to drink, hard water can lead to many interior problems, which is why our real estate agents recommend addressing it as soon as possible. Hard water is common across much of the US, especially in the Midwest. As a result, it's an issue most homeowners have to contend with. Below, we'll tell you all about hard water and share some simple solutions for treating it in your home

What Is Hard Water?
While most water contains minerals, hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. Water accumulates high levels of these two minerals when it streams through deposits of limestone or chalk.  It's usually easy to tell if you have hard water as it often leaves a chalky film on your dishes, or it can even have a strong taste or odor. However, there are also inexpensive hard water test kits available that can tell you for sure.

How Can Hard Water Affect Your Home?
The effects of hard water range from short-term mild inconveniences to significant long-term damage. In any case, it's a good idea to address the issue right away. Here are some examples of the effects hard water can have in your home:

• Taste And Odor - Hard water often smells bad (like a rotten egg) and has a metallic taste.
• Residue - It can leave a white residue on your dishes that is difficult to remove, and it can also leave water stains on your sink, bathtub, and toilet.
• Dry Skin - It makes your skin feel extra dry after you wash your hands and take a shower.
• Laundry Issues - It can make your clothes feel stiff, and it can dull or fade colors.
• Plumbing Problems - It can lead to build-up or corrosion in your pipes, which can ultimately result in lower water pressure
• Poor Appliance Performance - It can affect the overall performance and energy efficiency of water-based appliances such as water heaters, washing machines, and dishwashers.

How Do I Treat Hard Water?
The easiest and most common way to treat hard water is with a water softener or filtration system. Some of these systems use negatively charged magnetic beads to collect calcium and magnesium particles while simultaneously allowing water to flow through. Other systems filter out calcium and magnesium from your water while pumping in sodium ions. The later types come with a separate salt tank, and the salt needs refilling periodically; however, the good news is water softener salt is usually inexpensive.

Once the process is complete, the water then flows out of the filtration system and into your home's plumbing. Water softeners range in price, but purchase and installation are usually around $1,500 on average. However, many of these gorgeous Holland homes for sale are already equipped with a water softener.

Eliminating hard water from your house can help you avoid unwanted water stains, unhealthy skin, and plumbing and appliance issues. It's definitely worth the investment. For more home maintenance tips, contact us today.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a new place to live, and the decision isn't always easy. But for those searching for a great climate, a strong economy, and quality education, Western Michigan checks every box. In fact, our real estate agents say people from all over the world move to Western Michigan thanks to its many amenities. Once you see what our great communities have to offer, we're sure you'll be eager to call this area home.

If you're on the hunt for a new place to live, here are a few reasons why you make sure Western Michigan is on the top of your list:

• You'll Never Run Out Of Things To Do
  In Western Michigan, you can fill your weekends with fun outdoor activities and take advantage of all the local amenities our communities have to offer. For example, you can relax on a Lake Michigan beach during the day, and then grab dinner and shop in Holland or Grand Haven. Or head downtown and enjoy some of the great restaurants and breweries Grand Rapids has to offer. Festivals and community events are also a big deal in Western Michigan, which can be fun for the whole family.
  
  
• Easy Access To Fantastic Healthcare
  Grand Rapids is home to "Medical Mile," a collection of some of the nation's best hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions. As a result, you don't have to travel far to get the care you need. There are actually more than 10 hospitals in the area. Easy access to healthcare is also one of the many reasons why people choose to raise a family or retire in Western Michigan.
  
  
• A Strong Job Market
  Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and Holland offer tons of job opportunities in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, health care, and food processing. Meijer, Spectrum Health, and Merrill are all large employers that call Western Michigan home. Commuting to a job in Grand Haven or Grand Rapids is an easy drive from these Holland homes for sale.
  
  
• High-Quality Education
  There are more than 15 colleges and universities in Western Michigan, including Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Davenport University, and many more, so quality higher education is easy to find. Western Michigan has tons of great public schools as well. According to Niche.com, Grand Haven received an "A" public school rating, and Holland received a "B+". There are also 22 public charter schools and 45 private schools across the area, and 5 Western Michigan schools actually rank top in the nation.
  
  
• Fantastic Weather
  The best part about Western Michigan weather is you truly get to experience all four seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, while winters are snowy and beautiful. You can enjoy the beauty of fall foliage and blooming tulips in the spring. With plenty of lakes and mountains, there are ample opportunities for seasonal outdoor activities like boating, biking, and skiing.

Western Michigan has so much to offer, so it's easy to see why so many people love calling it home. Contact us to explore local listings in our area.

With so many of us spending summer weekends doing yard work, our real estate agents thought it'd be a great time to share some landscaping tips.

Great landscaping is both an art and a science. We know creating the perfect yard takes time and practice, and it's well worth it. Remember, beautiful landscaping can make or break your curb appeal. Therefore, learning best practices and avoiding mistakes can really help boost your property value and attract attention when it comes time to sell your home.

If you're busy working on your yard this summer, here are some common landscaping mistakes you should try to avoid:

1. Don't Over Mulch
   The purpose of mulch is to maintain soil temperature and lock in moisture. When you apply a mountain of mulch around a tree or shrub, it actually causes the roots to rot and creates a paradise for destructive insects. It may be tempting to apply generous amounts of mulch; however,  you should limit it to only a thin layer around your plants so you can be sure your roots have room to breathe.
   
   
2. Choosing The Wrong Plants
   When shopping for plants, it's easy to gravitate towards the most beautiful options; however, don't forget to consider whether the plant is a good fit for your yard. Where will you place it? If it's a plant that thrives in the shade, you don't want to put it in an area with lots of direct sun exposure. Also, consider if it matches your facade and the rest of your landscaping. If you need some inspiration on choosing the right plants, check out some of the landscaping at these Holland homes for sale.
   
   
3. Planting Too Deep
   We know soil is necessary for plant growth, but you should avoid trying to bury your plant's roots too far below the surface for the same reason you shouldn't over-mulch. You run the risk of ultimately suffocating and damaging the plant roots by restricting airflow. When determining how deep to plant, use the plant's original container as a guideline.
   
   
4. Forgetting The Importance of Sun Exposure
   Homeowners are often so concerned about where plants look the best that they actually forget to place them in an area with adequate sun exposure. In order to ensure your plants grow big, bright, and healthy, they'll need to receive adequate sunlight during most daylight hours. Don't plant them in a shady area under a tree or on a side of the house with limited sun.
   
   
5. Cutting Your Grass Too Short
   Cutting grass in the summer is a weekly occurrence, and many homeowners falsely believe that cutting it as short as possible can buy some extra time. However, when your lawn is exposed to the summer sun all day long, your grass can dry out and die quickly. As a result, you actually want to leave a bit of extra length on your grass blades to provide some extra shade and hold moisture.

Landscaping can be a fun summer hobby, but it's also essential for maintaining your curb appeal and home value. Contact us today for more landscaping ideas.

Planning to sell your property or refinance your mortgage this year? Our real estate agents usually recommend an appraisal as a good first step. Knowing your home's true value can ultimately help you land more money when you sell (though keep in mind, that the buyer's lender will likely require their own appraisal). An appraisal is also required if you're planning to refinance.

While the home appraisal process is actually fairly simple, it is in every homeowner's best interest to do everything possible to maximize the appraised value. Spending time on home improvement projects can help you realize a higher return. Here are some simple ways you can prepare for your appraisal.

• Do Your Own Inspection
  Starting with your own home inspection is the best way to uncover problems and fix them before the appraisal. Do a thorough walkthrough and examine everything. Look for any leaks, signs of roof damage, cracked flooring, missing siding, or anything that might make an appraiser pause. As a general rule, minor damage or dated elements usually take a $500 hit on the appraisal, so fix what you can.
  
  
• Make Your Home Shine
  Prior to listing a home (and the appraisal), make sure to clean like you have never cleaned before! This includes both the interior and the exterior. Go through each room and declutter, shampoo your carpets, and clean your windows and baseboards. You may even want to consider hiring professional cleaners. On your exterior, power wash your siding and remove any debris from your yard. If you need some cleaning inspiration, check out these spotless Holland homes for sale.
  
  
• Upgrade Your Appliances
  If you have dated appliances, upgrading to new stainless-steel models can make a great impression on appraisers and buyers, which can result in a higher home value. You'd be surprised how much of a difference a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven can make when it comes time to sell.
  
  
• Don't Neglect Your Landscaping
  Your appraiser will spend a good bit of time examining your exterior, so make sure your landscaping is in good shape. Mow the lawn, weed the garden, and trim trees and shrubs. Good landscaping is a great way to make a solid first impression.
  
  
• Highlight Your Upgrades
  During the process, make sure you let your appraiser know about any recent upgrades you've made. This could include roof replacements or repairs, a new furnace or hot water tank, updated siding, or any kitchen or bathroom renovations. You'll want to be sure your effort is reflected in the appraisal.
  
  
• Do Some Local Research
  Your own neighborhood can provide a wealth of information about local home values. Check out the recent sale prices on some similar-sized nearby homes. This can give you a frame of reference when it comes to your own appraisal. Additionally, if there are new local amenities, such as stores, restaurants, or schools, it might be worth telling your appraiser so he or she can factor that into their analysis.

When it comes to a home appraisal, a little extra work can go a long way towards boosting your property value. If you're planning to list your home on the market this year, contact us today.

Your house isn't just a place to live, it's also a major investment and vehicle for accumulating wealth. While homes generally appreciate over time if you keep them in good shape, there are also things you can do to help generate an extra return when it comes time to sell. At the end of the day, investing in a more livable home is the best way to boost your sale price.

Here are some top recommendations from our real estate agents to maximize your home value:

• Focus On Curb Appeal
  The view of your home from the street is so important when it comes to selling because it's usually front and center in your listing photo. Good curb appeal is critical for garnering online attention, but it's also the first thing buyers see when they pull up to the home. Simple things like painting the front door, installing a new mailbox, and keeping up with lawn care are all great ways to keep your curb appeal top-notch. Some of our favorite Grand Haven homes for sale have stunning curb appeal!
  
  
• Focus On Energy Efficiency
  Green living is an important characteristic for buyers today, so energy-efficient features are a must. You don't have to install solar panels to make your home energy efficient — there are many simple things you can do, including:
  • Install a smart thermostat to optimize heating and cooling costs.
  • Reapply caulking around your windows.
  • Replace incandescent bulbs.
  • Invest in double-pane windows for extra insulation
  • Install ceiling fans in bedrooms and living rooms to minimize cooling costs.
    
    
• Fix-up Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
  If you're planning a remodel or a major renovation, prioritize the kitchen and bathroom over other areas of the house. These are often the two most important rooms when it comes to attracting buyers. Installing new flooring, lighting, sinks, or counters in the kitchen and bathroom are often considered to be some of the best ways to improve home value. Need some inspiration? Check out some of the beautiful kitchens in these Hudsonville homes for sale.
  
  
• Finish The Basement
  An unfinished basement presents an excellent opportunity to unlock additional value in your property. Buyers seek finished basements to serve as game rooms, dens, extra living rooms, or even home offices. Make upgrading unfinished basement space a top priority.
  
  
• Upgrade The Major Appliances
  Buyers don't want to worry about making major replacements or upgrades shortly after moving in. Furnaces and hot water heaters typically last 10 to 15 years, so if yours is reaching the end of its lifespan, it might be worth upgrading prior to listing your home. Convincing buyers they won't need to worry about major fixes for years to come can really help increase the home's appeal.
  
  
• Take Care Of The Roof
  An aging roof comes with an expensive price tag, and this could quickly turn off buyers. You may want to consider a roof replacement prior to listing your home. However, depending on the cost — it can be difficult to recover your entire investment. At a minimum, make sure to take care of any cracked, missing, or warped shingles that may be leading to leaks in the attic.

When thinking of what repairs and upgrades can drive value, put yourself in the shoes of a buyer. Try to imagine what would make your home more comfortable, liveable, and convenient. Contact us today for more home improvement tips.

If you love cooking at home, the best way to eat fresh all year long is by cooking seasonally. Seasonal cooking means creating meals and menus around ingredients as they come into season. Seasonal ingredients taste delicious and are less expensive, and the best part is that you're supporting local farmers, businesses, and the community when you add them to your meal plans.

Our real estate agents are big believers in the benefits of seasonal cooking. After seeing some of the amazing kitchens in these Grand Haven homes for sale, we were inspired to create a list of seasonal cooking tips to help you improve the freshness and quality of the food you eat. Here is what we recommend:

Build Your Menu Around What's In Season
The key is to plan your meals based on what is currently in season, not necessarily what's on sale. Take the time to learn what fruits and vegetables are at their peak around Michigan. Here is a quick guide:

• Winter: Winter is the time to make good use of root vegetables, as these plants tend to thrive in cooler / cold weather. Kale, carrots, squash, and turnips all make for great choices. You can easily throw these tasty root vegetables into a nice stew or bake them into a casserole.
  
  
• Spring: Now is the time you'll start seeing fresh leafy vegetables and certain fruits at their best. Asparagus, radishes, mushrooms, peas, and strawberries are all great seasonal foods come springtime. Spring is one of the best times of year for seasonal cooking.
  
  
• Summer: Those warm summer months are the right time to enjoy so many of your favorite fruits and vegetables. From a fruit perspective, peaches, apricots, raspberries, cherries, and blueberries are all ripe and ready to be harvested. On the vegetable side, you'll find your brussels sprouts, cucumbers, zucchini, and corn are all fresh. Remember, people enjoy corn on the cob in the summer for a reason.
  
  
• Fall: While we often associate fall with changing leaves and dying plants, there are many fruits and vegetables that thrive during these cool weather nights. Apples are perfect in the fall, as are broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. It's no surprise that many of these ingredients are found in traditional Thanksgiving dishes. 

Don't Forget To Use Local Ingredients
Purchasing ingredients from local farmers or small businesses is the best way to know exactly what you're eating. Some local supermarkets may sell local products, or you can make a stop by some of our wonderful local farmer's markets. Don't be afraid to ask local vendors and farmers how they grow their crops.

Trust Your Eye And Try Something New
You can often recognize seasonal ingredients at the grocery store or farmer's market. Not only will they be prominently displayed, but they'll look good too. Fruit and vegetables appear bigger and brighter when they're in season. Take a stroll through the produce aisle and see what looks good.

Seasonal cooking is great for both your health and the overall community. For more tips on how to make the most out of your kitchen this year, contact us today.

Nothing gets our real estate agents in the holiday spirit quite like DIY holiday crafts. Holiday crafting is not only a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family, but it also is a chance to create some beautiful holiday decor that you can use to liven up your home for the holiday season. If you're looking for some creative ideas before heading out to the craft store, here are our four most popular DIY holiday craft ideas:

• Make A Holiday Wreath
  Creating a holiday wreath from scratch is easier than you think. For the base, you can simply use floral wire, twigs, or Styrofoam. For the greenery, you can use juniper sprigs, eucalyptus pods, evergreen boughs, or anything you can find. Them, simply collect your greenery into groups and attach it to your base with floral pins, tape, or craft glue. Lastly, top it off with some holiday bows or other decor. Crating a holiday wreath is not only a ton of fun, but it can make a great addition to your home's facade. Some of our favorite Holland homes for sale have some beautiful holiday wreaths on display this year.
  
  
• Craft Some Simple Ornaments
  Christmas tree ornaments are super easy, and there are so many different types of ornaments to make.
  
  To make a simple ornament, cut your ornament base from cardstock using any holiday pattern you'd like, and then add some paint and glitter to one side. String a nice ribbon through a hole at the top and bead it on the other end.
  
  Want to take your homemade ornament game to the next level? Replace the cardstock with a jingle bell, snow globe, or engraved wood, and swap out your ribbon for decorative pipe cleaners. Creating holiday ornaments is also a great crafting idea for the kids.
  
  
• Build A Lighted Pinecone Basket
  Lighted pinecone baskets are one of our favorite crafts. Gather a half dozen sturdy pinecones and apply a coat of clear spray paint. Then, add some gold glitter to the wet paint. While the paint is drying, line a small weave basket with some gold string lights, and then place the pinecones inside. Once you plug in the lights, it should look as if the lights are coming through both the pinecones and the weaved basket.
  
  A beautiful lighted pinecone basket makes for a great mantle piece or can even fit nicely on the kitchen counter.
  
  
• Design Creative Christmas Cookies
  Decorating Christmas cookies is a DIY craft project that's fun for all ages. Bake some delicious gingerbread cookies, butter spritz cookies, chocolate bark cookies — the opportunities are truly endless. Buy some holiday cookie cutters, icing, and candy, so you're ready to decorate as soon as your cookies come out of the oven. 

Before you start crafting, don't forget to set the holiday scene. Turn on some nice Christmas music, turn on all the lights, and light a fire in the fireplace. It's the perfect way to spend a chilly December afternoon.

For more tips on holiday decor, contact us today.

This time of year, you're probably thinking about all the family and friends that will be visiting or staying at your home for the holidays. Problem is, parties haven't been the norm for a while, so you may be as much of a hosting wiz as you used to be. The good news is our real estate agents are pros of holiday hosting and have gathered some tips to help you get back in the swing of making guests feel welcome and comfortable.

If you're prepping your home you acquired from Holland homes for sale, follow this guide to make the holidays nothing but smooth sailing.

1. Don't Fuss Over Food
   Complicated, home-cooked dishes are great, as long as you have the time to cook them. On the other hand, you'd be surprised by what you can find at your grocery store that's already prepared or just needs heating up in the oven. If you have some holiday hosting cash set aside, you can even look into catering or restaurant party offers.
   
   
2. Think About Flow
   You need to think about the best way to keep people moving and avoid traffic jams. If it makes sense to move furniture, do it! You can always move things back to the way you like in the new year. Small tables can also be useful if you stock them with refreshments, so you can avoid a crowd in your kitchen.
   
   
3. Make Sure Guests Can See Refreshments
   Just because you tell guests to make themselves at home doesn't mean they will. Placing food, drink, plates, cups, and napkins in plain sight will help guests know they don't have to wait to be served. This will also avoid any unwanted rummaging through your refrigerator and pantry.
   
   
4. Mix Drinks First
   You want to chat and enjoy the company of your guests too, so if you're planning to make some tasty alcoholic drinks, mix them beforehand. That way, guests can pour what they want instead of having to wait for you.
   
   
5. Have A Variety Of Drinks
   Water is great, but you'll probably want some more options. Coffee, soda pop, or flavored soda water make a nice selection. Your guests will appreciate having some choices, and they may want more than one type of drink throughout their stay.
   
   
6. Seating Isn't Everything
   Most people won't mind standing up, especially if they had to drive a ways to get to your home. They'll also be moving around the room and chatting. If you are inviting older friends or family, make sure they have an opportunity to sit down. Usually, as guests depart through the night, more seats open up and offer new spots for people to chat.
   
   
7. Keep The Bathroom Stocked
   Make sure there's plenty of toilet paper, room air spray and matches, soap for washing hands, and clean towels so guests won't have to look for these items.
   
   
8. Mind The Temperature
   Even in winter, it can get stuffy with so many people in your home. If you have the heat, oven, and maybe even a fire going, your guests might find it a little too warm. Crack open a window or two, turn down the thermostat, or turn on your ceiling fans to keep air circulating.
   
   
9. Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help
   Ask a friend or relative to help with the setup and to direct traffic while you answer the door. Hosting friends and family is a lot of work, so any help you receive will make the process that much easier — and more enjoyable!

Our real estate experts know how to get the most out of your West Michigan home. Contact us today to learn more.