There are many benefits to owning a home, but homeownership also requires hard work and responsibilities! Neglecting home maintenance could cost you thousands of dollars in the long run.

By keeping up with preventative home maintenance, you'll reduce the risk of costly repairs, keep your home looking its best, and preserve (or even increase) the value of your property.

Here are some things to do this month to keep your home looking its best👇🏼

1. Change HVAC filters

2. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

3. Repair leaky faucets + fix squeaky doors

4. Deep clean the inside of your oven and microwave

5. Flush hot water heater

6. Wash windows and siding

7. Touch up interior and exterior paint

8. Clean out your pantry + throw away expired/unwanted items

9. Review your fire escape plan

10. Trim overgrown plants

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1. Clean and Declutter: Buyers want to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, so it's important to remove any personal items or clutter that could distract from that goal. Pack away family photos, minimize knick-knacks and other decorations, and clear out excess belongings.

2. Repairs and Maintenance: Small issues like leaky faucets or scuffed paint can distract from your home's value in the eyes of buyers. Take the time to fix any problems, and consider investing in some upgrades (like new light fixtures or fresh paint) if it's in your budget.

3. Curb Appeal: The first impression your home makes on a potential buyer is through its exterior. Small things like painting your front door, planting flowers, keeping the lawn trimmed, and power washing the exterior of your home will go a long way with buyers.

4. Stage Your Home: Staging can help potential buyers visualize themselves in the space and help your home sell faster. This may include rearranging furniture, adding new furniture, and decorative accents.

Here are 5 things to think about when making your wishlist:

1. Location - Be sure to consider proximity to amenities such as schools, grocery stores, healthcare facilities, and access to transportation. Choosing a location that meets your needs will ensure a convenient lifestyle.

2. Size - Think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need and the amount of living space. While it's important to consider your current needs, it's just as important to plan for the future. Do you plan on starting a family? Will you need space for future guests?

3. Style - The style of your home should reflect your personality and taste. Choose a style that suits your aesthetic preferences and enhances your quality of life. Keep in mind factors such as your current furniture and décor and whether you'll want to renovate down the line.

4. Features - Also factor in your lifestyle and hobbies. For instance, if you have a large family, you may need multiple living areas or bedrooms to ensure everyone has their own space. Do you want an outdoor area for entertaining, a functional kitchen, or a basement?

5. Budget - Determine the maximum amount you can afford to spend and ensure your wishlist aligns with your financial reality.

Grab a custom, locally brewed craft beer at one of my favorite local breweries to celebrate!

Here are three of my favorite breweries in the **Insert City** area!

Whether you're a local or visiting **Insert City**, these breweries are worth checking out for a memorable craft beer experience. Cheers!

1. **Insert Favorite Brewery 1**

Address: **Insert Address**

Known For: **Insert What The Brewery Is Known For**

2. **Insert Favorite Brewery 2**

Address: **Insert Address**

Known For: **Insert What The Brewery Is Known For**

3. **Insert Favorite Brewery 3**

Address: **Insert Address**

Known For: **Insert What The Brewery Is Known For**

Back to school season is a great time to start fresh, establish a better household routine, and learn new ways to manage your/your family's schedule for the months ahead.

Here are 5 ways to refresh your household routine and get more organized for back to school!

1. Establish a schedule

Create a daily schedule that includes wake-up times, meal times, school drop-off and pick-up, homework time, and bedtime. A structured routine helps children know what to expect and can reduce stress and chaos.

2. Set up a homework/study area

Designate a specific area in your home for homework and studying. Ensure it's well-lit, free from distractions, and stocked with necessary supplies like pencils, paper, etc.

3. Plan meals and snacks in advance

Plan out meals and snacks for the week ahead of time. Prepare a grocery list and stock up on nutritious, quick, easy-to-grab snacks, such as cut fruits and vegetables, granola bars, or pre-portioned snacks.

4. Organize backpacks and school supplies

Designate a specific spot for backpacks, lunch boxes, and school supplies. This will help ensure that essential items are easily located and prevent last-minute scrambling.

5. Communicate and involve the whole family

Talk to your children about the new routines and involve them in planning and organizing. This helps build a sense of responsibility and ownership, making it easier for everyone to adhere to the new household routine.

Taking a day trip is a great way to explore nearby cities and get out of your daily routine.

There are many destinations within 2-6 hours of **Insert City** to visit: here are three summer day trip ideas from **Insert City, State**!

If you ever need a **Insert City** tour guide, you know where to find me! I'd love to take you to some of my favorite local spots and show you why I love living here! Send me a message, and I'd love to connect!

Closing escrow signifies the completion of the purchase or sale of a home, and it allows the buyer to officially take ownership of the property!

Just closed on your new home? Congratulations! Here are a few things you should consider doing after you close escrow:

1. Change the Locks

2. Transfer Utilities And Services

3. Update Your Address

4. Keep a Copy of Closing Documents

5. Review the Closing Disclosure

Here are 3 home organization tips for surviving back-to-school season✏️🎒

1. Create a functional space for everyday items (that typically end up on the kitchen counter) to take control of clutter and avoid chaos. Designate an area near the entry of your home for your kids to hang their backpacks and store their shoes, sports gear, mail, books, and other items they may need for school.

2. Set up a designated homework spot in your home and use an acrylic caddy to organize crayons, pens, scissors, glue sticks, pencils, erasers, etc.

3. Create a family command center with an acrylic wall calendar, a place to drop mail and paperwork, a bulletin board for notes, chore charts, and hooks to hang keys and sunglasses. This is a great way to keep everyone on the same page and manage the hectic schedules of back-to-school season.

1. Refinancing your mortgage: Knowing your home's value will help your lender accurately evaluate your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) to determine the mortgage rate you qualify for.

2. Home equity loans or lines of credit: These allow homeowners to borrow against the equity in their homes; the value of your home often determines the amount you can borrow. If you don't know your home value, you may borrow less than you could or pay more in interest.

3. Property tax assessment: Your property tax amount is determined by the assessed value of your home. Overvaluing can lead to overpaying property taxes, which can be costly over the years.

4. Homeowner insurance: Homeowner insurance policies are tailored to the value of your home. If you don't know the current market value of your home, you may be underinsured and don't have the means to rebuild or repair your property if something goes wrong.

5. Net worth: Knowing your home's value can help you determine your net worth, which can be used to assess your overall financial health and plan for your financial future.

Q: What are the requirements to become a real estate agent, how much does it cost, and how long does it take?

A: The requirements and costs are different in each state. Still, you'll probably spend $300-$1,600 with pre-licensing education fees, exam fees, background and fingerprint checks, broker fees, business expenses, etc. To become a real estate agent in the US, you must be at least 18-19 years old, have legal US residency, complete your required pre-licensing education, and pass the real estate license examination. Becoming a licensed real estate agent typically takes 2-6 months on average.

Q: How much and when does a real estate agent get paid?

A: Most real estate agents are paid solely through commissions based on a percentage of the property's selling price. The buyer's and seller's agents typically split the commission (6% is pretty average), and both agents are paid when the sale closes. Your broker will also take a small percentage of your commission before you get your cut!

Q: How does a real estate brokerage work?

A: Hanging your license with a broker as a new real estate agent is required. Your designated broker will supervise and oversee your activities to ensure you follow the state and national real estate laws.

Q: What does a typical day look like as a real estate agent?

A: Each day is entirely different depending on your client's urgency and response time, how busy you are, the current market trends, and more! A good portion of my week is spent making calls, writing contracts, negotiating, showing houses, meeting with clients or other agents, responding to emails, networking, and ensuring everything runs smoothly for my clients!

Have other questions about what it's like to work in the real estate industry? I'd love to connect and give you some tips I wish I had known when I first became an agent! Feel free to send me a DM!

Ideally, a drop zone will be in a designated area near your entrance. This area should be easily accessible and visible to all members of your household.

Next, choose organizational tools that fit the space and meet your needs. Options include hooks, baskets, bins, and shelves. Using these tools, you can keep items like shoes, keys, mail, and bags neatly organized.

Additionally, adding a mirror or bulletin board for messages and reminders can optimize this space. You can even add some greenery or decor to make it a stylish focal point in your home.

The listing price of a property can make or break a sale, so it's crucial to list your home competitively right off the bat!

The dangers of overpricing your home:

If you overprice your home, it can make your property unattractive to potential buyers, as they may feel it does not offer good value for their investment. Overpricing can also lead to your property staying on the market longer than it should, making it seem stale and undesirable. This could result in you having to lower your asking price later on and selling for less than you would have if you had priced it right in the first place.

The dangers of underpricing your home:

Underpricing your home can also have negative consequences, as it can lead to you selling it for less than it is worth. This can make buyers suspicious of the property and assume there may be hidden defects or other issues. If you underprice your home, you may sell within a couple of days and wonder if you could've gotten a better offer if you listed at a higher price.

A few factors that will determine the right listing price for your home include location, neighborhood comps, the condition of your home, the size of your home, and current market trends.

Working with a trusted and reputable real estate agent is crucial in avoiding overpricing or underpricing your home.

As your real estate agent, I have the knowledge to educate you on the current market trends, answer your questions, and help you to set a listing price that will allow you to sell your home quickly and for top dollar!

Have questions about the selling process? Send me a message, and I'd love to chat!

Whether you’re craving a classic cone, a milkshake topped with whipped cream and a cherry, or a banana split sundae, **Insert City** has more sweet frozen treats than you could ever dream of🍦

Grab a scoop of your favorite flavor at one of my favorite local ice cream spots in all of **Insert State**!

1. **Insert Favorite Ice Cream Spot 1**

Address: **Insert Address**

What To Order: **Insert Favorite Menu Item**

2. **Insert Favorite Ice Cream Spot 2**

Address: **Insert Address**

What To Order: **Insert Favorite Menu Item**

3. **Insert Favorite Ice Cream Spot 3**

Address: **Insert Address**

What To Order: **Insert Favorite Menu Item**

First, do your research. Before you even start attending open houses or browsing online listings, research the neighborhood you're considering, the quality of schools in the area, and the local amenities. Look for trends in the real estate market and consider factors like crime rates, commute times, and property taxes.

Second, be realistic about your budget. Although it's tempting to stretch your finances to buy your dream home, making a wise financial decision will ultimately lead to more satisfaction and less regret down the road. Don't forget to factor in utilities, maintenance, and repairs costs.

Third, seek advice from trusted professionals. Real estate agents, attorneys, and other experts can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the buying process, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.

Finally, take your time. Don't be afraid to take a step back and reevaluate your options. Make sure you feel confident and comfortable with your decision before signing on the dotted line.

Here's a glimpse at 6 things that brought me joy this month!