Diamond Certified Blog

In addition to the complex process involved, there are a lot of pitfalls to avoid when selling a home, many of which have significant financial consequences. Unfortunately, some homeowners can’t escape said pitfalls, often due to held misconceptions about appraisal, marketing and other parts of the process. To avoid difficulties with your home sale, consider these common seller misconceptions: Read more

The end of 2017 brought about a major overhaul to the United States tax system called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Last year, we spoke with Russell Barnett, EA, CTC to get a sense of how the new code might impact taxpayers. One year after the overhaul, we turned to Mr. Barnett again to learn what insights he’s gained after working with the new regulations. Here’s our conversation: Read more

Earlier this week, we posted an article featuring expert auto care tips from industry professionals. One of the aspects mentioned was the maintenance of shocks—a crucial yet often-overlooked vehicle component. To learn what makes shock maintenance so important, watch this video by Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Walee Gon, owner of Faxon Garage in San Francisco.

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As a vehicle owner, you’re likely familiar with routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tire rotation. However, there are many lesser-known aspects of vehicle maintenance you may not be aware of. To expand your knowledge, we asked five Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to address some often-overlooked vehicle components and their maintenance needs. Read more

When you need work done on your home, it’s not always easy to know who you should call. In some cases, a general contractor might be the right choice, while others may call for a trade specialist like a plumber or an electrician. However, there’s another type of service provider that’s sometimes overlooked: the handyman. Read more

If you wear behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, you may occasionally experience issues with proper functioning. However, before bringing them to your audiologist for repairs, here are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem on your own: Read more

Welcome Aboard!

We’re pleased to announce that the following companies have recently been awarded Diamond Certified. That means they’ve passed our rigorous 12-step ratings process and scored Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise®. Read more

Robocalls are out of control at my house. First, the landline rings. I don’t answer because I have Caller ID and don’t recognize the number. Then my cellphone rings with a similar number, and within a few minutes, my cable telephone line also rings. Did I mention my husband often gets a call on his cellphone around the same time? Calls to my landline sometimes start before 7am and continue as late as 10pm. We’ve had as many as 15 calls in a day. I’m not surprised by one estimate that says about one-third of all phone calls are now robocalls and scams.

I’ve done everything that’s recommended. I use the call-blocking feature on my iPhone after getting a spam call. Read more

When most people think of water damage, they tend to envision the most dramatic instance imaginable, such as flooding. However, the truth is that water damage can strike in a variety of forms. Even something as seemingly innocuous as a spill on the carpet or a small drip from a washing machine hose can be a potential catalyst if given enough time. In any case, while the forms of water damage vary, each can compromise a home’s structural stability and sanitation. Read more

Have you received your free copy of the 2019 Winter Diamond Certified Directory Update in the mail? It provides instant access to hundreds of local, top rated Diamond Certified companies across a wide range of service industries, from auto repair and plumbing to optometry and dentistry.

Every Diamond Certified company must continue to deliver on its promises to you, the consumer. That’s why we conduct ongoing customer satisfaction research, perform credential-based ratings, monitor each company’s performance, and back you up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Read more