How to Create a Paperless Home

Large stack of files, paperwork. Close-up. Desk, office. Nobody.

Large stack of multi-colored files and paperwork lie on an office desk. A white coffee mug in background. Wooden backdrop. Copyspace to side. No people.

Take a look around your office and you’ll probably notice there’s something missing: those teetering towers of papers that used to pile up on the edge of your desk. As we move further and further into a digital environment, paper is being tossed in favor of email, the cloud and text messages.

While a paperless environment is becoming the norm in the work world, it may be a different story at home, where mail collects on your kitchen counter and outdated magazines have sprouted roots in your living room. Want to replicate the paperless environment of your work world at home? Here’s how to get started:

Cancel subscriptions. Any publication worth its salt—from newspapers to magazines—now has a digital version online, so cut back on your print subscriptions, narrowing it down to those few publications you really enjoy sitting with over coffee.

Ditto for catalogs. Anything you might shop for in a catalog can be shopped for online.  What’s more, viewing an item online usually means the ability to zoom, see different angles, and read reviews.

Put your scanner to work. Of course there is a wide variety of paperwork and records that we must hold onto for future reference. Instead of stacking away yet another cardboard box in the attic, start scanning your important paperwork and create a digital file. Be sure to keep several back-up copies of such online records.

Switch to online banking. Do you really need paper bank statements when you can access your account anytime online? If you’re uncomfortable about some of the new online and mobile banking options go sit down with someone at your local branch and get a quick tutorial. Once you go online banking, you’ll never go back.

Enroll in autopay. There is also no need to get buried under the endless flow of credit card bills and records coming into your house. Set up all your credit card accounts online and enroll in autopay. Not only will this ensure that you never miss a payment, it will pull you out from under the mountain of credit-related paperwork.

Nix the notes. Part of the paper pile-up at home can be attributed to the random post-it notes, to-do lists and reminder scraps gracing our counters, bureaus and fridge-doors. This can all be consolidated and nicely organized in your smartphone’s memo feature, the sticky notes function on your desktop, or one of several apps, such as Evernote or OneNote.

Not only is a paperless home a more organized home, it’s one that runs more efficiently as well. So get out from under the piles and start enjoying your newly liberated environment.

About the Author
Greg_Close Main

Greg DiGiorgio is a highly reviewed Arlington MA Realtor who is a dedicated, passionate, and market-savvy professional who puts his clients’ satisfaction before all else. His attention to detail, superior people skills, broad knowledge of the real estate industry as a whole, and his pure determination to indulge his clients with first class service sets him apart. In addition to Greg being an Accredited Buyers Representative-ABR, he understands the power of creative, well-organized and highly effective marketing and offers customized marketing plans that maximize property exposure to the most qualified buyers. He has appeared several times on Fox 25 News where he was interviewed on current market trends and conditions. A real estate transaction is really about managing people, their desires and their finances. It is an intricate and consequential negotiation.


Greg understands that it is important to secure not only the most able buyer, but also to the one that is most likely to close the deal. When so much is at stake, Greg is the one you want to represent you. His fair yet aggressive negotiating style and protectiveness of his clients’ best interests and ultimately, their assets, has gained his respect with colleagues and clients alike.


Greg also knows that every transaction represents the most important purchase or sale a person can make, and he takes every precaution to ensure that communication is impeccable with all parties involved from beginning to end. Whether it’s patiently guiding first time buyers through this exciting process or following through with clients’ needs long after the transaction is over, Greg’s warm, caring yet efficient business style will turn you into a client for life.


Driven


Greg grew up in the Greater Boston area and has a deep appreciation for the North East way of life. He attended The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, with a concentration in Marketing Research. Greg’s professional background is rooted in the technology sales & marketing. As a result, he learned to adapt to many different people and situations quickly and competitively. The insight that he has gained from many years of involvement in bringing all components of a transaction together smoothly has granted him a unique perspective and approach to the real estate industry. His enthusiasm and tenacity has allowed him to emerge as one of Greater Boston’s finest Realtors, and one of the highest reviewed amongst Arlington MA Realtors!


My Goal


My goal is to provide the best experience possible to my clients while helping them achieve their real estate goals. My streamline systems and use of technology ensure a smooth ride along the way. Whether it’s a first-time buyer, a seller, or investor, I strive to gain lifelong clients and friends by providing them with a fun, relaxing, but yet educational experience throughout the entire process.


Objectives for my Buyer Clients


Counsel session to determine wants & needsSchedule times to view properties

Run comparable analysis report for subject property

Help negotiate terms of the offer

Provided options for home inspectors

Help negotiate & finalize terms of Purchase & Sale Agreement

Assist in finalizing finances with Mortgage Broker

Handle any other paperwork and/or tasks including meeting mortgage commitment deadlines to making sure the transaction closes on time.

I keep an open door policy with all my clients even after the sale should they have any questions, or need help with any of their real estate needs. The closing of a real estate transaction is not the end, but just the beginning of a relationship.


Objectives for my Seller Clients


Listen carefully to make sure your goals and objectives are clearly understood

Explain the home selling process thoroughly

Discuss agency relationship

Price your home accurately

Stage your home for sale

Plan & implement a proven & innovative marketing plan

Work diligently to sell your home quickly and efficiently

Follow up with open house leads & showing brokers to obtain feedback

Work hard to ensure that each step of the transaction is running smoothly

To ensure that all smoke & carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working correctly, and to obtain certificate from town/city

To obtain final payoff for city/town water bill

“Most Importantly to communicate with you consistently and efficiently throughout the entire home selling process”

Certifications and Recognitions


Winner of Leading Edge Real Estate’s Outstanding Creative Marketing Award. Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)

Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR)

Member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM)

Licensed Massachusetts Real Estate Broker

Member of Greater Boston Real Estate Board (GBREB)

Member of National Association of REALTORS (NAR)

Zoning & Building Codes Certificate

Residential New Construction Certificate

Title V Certificate