DECEMBER 1, 2022

Informative | December Home Maintenance Checklist

DELIVERED: Your December Home Maintenance Checklist is here βœ‰οΈ

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but neglecting routine home maintenance can quickly lead to costly repairs and a lot of headache. Especially with the changing of seasons, it’s important to stay on top of your home maintenance to prepare for the colder winter months ahead.

Before all the holiday festivities begin, be sure to tackle your homeowner responsibilities and home maintenance tasks!

Here are a few things to do this month to keep your home in tip-top shape for the holidaysπŸŽ„

1. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

2. Declutter your closet and donate old clothes to a local shelter

3. Inspect weatherstripping and caulking around your doors + windows

4. Clean kitchen range hood filter

5. Sharpen your knives

6. Check sinks and toilets for leaks

7. Hang outdoor Christmas lights and make your front porch feel festive with a holiday wreath + welcome doormat

8. Set up a gift wrapping station

9. Plan for holiday home safety by installing a video doorbell camera and/or a security camera system

Click the bookmark button above to save this post! πŸ“Œ

DECEMBER 2, 2022

Informative | 5 Reasons Why The Holidays Are Even More Magical As A Homeowner

There's no doubt that homeownership comes with many perks: home equity, tax benefits, financial stability, security, long-term savings, and more.

But the most wonderful time of the year is an even more magical time to own your own home!

Here are 5 reasons why it's fun to be a homeowner during the holiday season:

1. You don't have to worry about renter-friendly Christmas decor. If you want to hang holiday decorations and put nail holes in the wall, you can because the house is yours!

2. You can make memories, start new traditions, and celebrate the holidays in your own home.

3. You can get a puppy for Christmas without getting your landlord's blessing or breaking your no-pets policy.

4. You can host a gingerbread decorating contest - may the best gingerbread house win!

5. You can cozy up by the fire with a good book and a cup of tea while making your hard-earned money work for you, not your landlord.

Looking to start the buying process and enjoy all the benefits of homeownership? I’d love to connect β€” send me a DM and let’s chat!

DECEMBER 3, 2022

Local | My Guide To Christmas In (**INSERT CITY**): Holiday Lights, Activities, Events, And More

I love living in (**INSERT CITY**), especially during the holiday season!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and (**INSERT CITY**) is full of Christmas cheer!

Get into the holly jolly spirit and celebrate the season with my guide to Christmas in (**INSERT CITY**): holiday lights, activities, events, and more!

You don’t want to miss these local happenings! Save this post for later by clicking the bookmark button aboveπŸ“ŒΒ and tag someone you want to bring along for all the holiday festivities!

DECEMBER 4, 2022

Interior Design | Home Organization Tips For The Holiday Season

Prepare your home for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season by taking some time this week to declutter + get organized!

Here are 6 organization tips to keep your home tidy, organized, and chaos-free during the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year:

1. Gift wrapping supplies can quickly become a giant, overwhelming mess. Create a portable gift wrapping station to keep everything in one place and minimize clutter in your home!

2. If you plan on entertaining, you’ll want to clean out your pantry & fridge beforehand to make room for the extra food you’ll be buying. Wipe down the shelves, get rid of expired food, take inventory of what you have, and get organized with acrylic containers and bins with labels if needed.

3. Stock up on food storage containers and ziplock bags for leftovers

4. Store spring/summer clothes in large plastic bins to make room in your closet for coats, winter shoes, and other cold weather gear

5. Find a creative way to showcase your Christmas cards to avoid cluttering up your entry table or kitchen counter

6. Declutter your home by donating items you no longer need/use to a local shelter

Do you have any home organization tips for the holiday season? Share them below!

DECEMBER 5, 2022

Local | 3 Holiday Music Events Happening In (**INSERT CITY**) This Month

The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hearβ€¦πŸŽ„

There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a night of classic Christmas carols.

Here are 3 holiday music events happening in (**INSERT CITY**) this month that you definitely shouldn’t miss:

🎻 For a holiday orchestra concert:

(**INSERT NAME OF THE EVENT**)

(**INSERT DATE AND TIME OF THE EVENT**)

(**INSERT ADDRESS OF THE EVENT**)

🎀 For a Christmas carol sing-along:

(**INSERT NAME OF THE EVENT**)

(**INSERT DATE AND TIME OF THE EVENT**)

(**INSERT ADDRESS OF THE EVENT**)

🎢 For a night of classic holiday tunes:

(**INSERT NAME OF THE EVENT**)

(**INSERT DATE AND TIME OF THE EVENT**)

(**INSERT ADDRESS OF THE EVENT**)

DECEMBER 6, 2022

Personal | My Favorite Holiday Tradition

For many, the holiday season is a magical time filled with family get-togethers, holiday soirees, meaningful traditions, and special treats that only come around once a year.

Traditions make the holiday season special and memorable! Every year, (****INSERT YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION, WHO IS INVOLVED IN YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY TRADITION, AND EXPLAIN HOW THE DAY OR ACTIVITY TYPICALLY UNFOLDS. GET INTO DETAIL!****)This is something I look forward to every year, and this year is no exception!

What is your favorite holiday tradition? Share below!

DECEMBER 7, 2022

Interior Design | Neutral + Modern Holiday Home Decor Must Haves

DECEMBER 8, 2022

Local | Ways To Give Back In (**INSERT CITY**) This Holiday Season

DECEMBER 9, 2022

Informative | 4 Festive Ways To Boost Your Home’s Holiday Curb Appeal

Over the last few years, neutral Christmas decor has become all the rage!❄️

If traditional red and green Christmas decor isn’t your thing and you want to deck the halls this year in a neutral color palette, you’re in the right place.

Here are a few neutral + modern holiday home must-haves to turn your home into a chic and sophisticated winter wonderland for the Christmas season!πŸŽ„

Here’s where to find everything on the graphic above:

1. Gingerbread House Cookie Jar - Pottery Barn

2. Flocked Artificial Greenery Wreath With Pinecones - Target

3. Wood Beaded Christmas Garland With Gold Tassels - Target

4. White Ceramic Decorative Trees - Target

5. Gingerbread House Doormat - Kirklands

6. Ivory Cable Knit Christmas Stockings - Crate & Barrel

Tis’ the season for spreading holiday cheer and kindness!

Make a difference this holiday season by giving back to the community and helping those in need: here’s how you can make an impact in (**INSERT CITY, STATE**):

1. Donate canned goods and non-perishable items to (**INSERT LOCAL FOOD BANK**)

2. Volunteer at (**INSERT LOCAL SOUP KITCHEN**)

3. Donate clothes, household items, and more to (**INSERT LOCAL DONATION DRIVE**)

4. Adopt a family through (**INSERT LOCAL ADOPT-A-FAMILY PROGRAM**)

5. Donate toys to (**INSERT LOCAL TOY DRIVE**)

6. Volunteer at (**INSERT LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY**)

The holiday season is a busy time for many, but there’s no act too big or too small. The greatest gift of all is the gift of giving!

Here are 4 tips to bring some holiday cheer to your neighborhood and boost your home’s curb appeal this holiday season!

1. Dress up your front door with garland, a holiday wreath, and a festive doormat.

2. Hang some Christmas lights to make your porch look merry and bright.

3. Liven up your front porch with some poinsettias or potted trees.

4. Keep your lawn tidy, gutters clean, and touch up any chipped or faded paint.

Are you team multi-colored lights or team white lights? Which do you prefer on your hone?Comment below!

DECEMBER 10, 2022

Informative | Survival Guide To Moving During The Holiday Season

Moving can be stressful at any time of year, but even more so with the craziness of the holiday season.

Here is my survival guide to moving during the holidays: 10 tips to surviving a holiday move and staying sane amidst the chaos!

1. Combine your new address cards with your holiday cards

2. The holiday season is a busy time, so be sure to start packing as soon as possible

3. If you typically host your family's holiday gatherings, ask another family member to take over this year

4. Save room in the moving truck by donating items to a local charity

5. Think ahead as much as possible. If you have a fancy holiday work party to attend or gifts to wrap before your moving date, you'll want to wait to box up your high heels, formal dresses, scissors, and tape.

6. Put on some holiday music to make packing feel a little more holly-jolly!

7. Pre-order your holiday dinner from a local restaurant or make reservations to save time and hassle

8. Throw a packing party by inviting your friends over for some Christmas cocktails, appetizers, and an evening of packing

9. Be sure to set aside time to enjoy the holiday season

10. Give yourself the gift of movers!

DECEMBER 11, 2022

Interior Design | 10 Ways To Prep Your House For A Stress-Free Holiday Party

Tis' the season for holiday entertaining!πŸŽ„πŸŽ…πŸΌ

Hosting a party around the holidays can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be.

Follow these 10 tips to prepare your house for a holiday party that both you and your guests will enjoy:

1. Clean out your coat closet or mudroom to make room for guests to store their coats, bags, scarves, shoes, and other cold-weather gear.

2. Stock your guest bathroom with plenty of toilet paper, clean hand towels, air freshener spray, and your favorite holiday-scented hand soap.

3. Set the mood with a festive jazz playlist!

4. Create a drink station with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage options, straws, cocktail napkins, an ice chest or bucket, and plenty of glassware. Keeping the beverage area separate from the kitchen and dining area will help to keep clutter and traffic to a minimum.

5. Run and empty your dishwasher before the party to make room for dirty dishes, silverware, and glasses.

6. Stock up on plastic containers to send your guests home with leftovers.

7. Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature (between 60 to 70 degrees is typically ideal for a party).

8. Grocery shop and prepare as much food as possible in advance to avoid last-minute cooking stress.

9. Plan a couple of holiday party games to keep your guests entertained throughout the night!

10. Create a cozy atmosphere by lighting a festive holiday candle, turning on your Christmas tree lights, and adding extra pillows and comfy blankets to your living room.

DECEMBER 12, 2022

Informative | Holiday Disasters: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Accidents happen when you oftentimes least expect it, and with the holiday season comes a higher risk of house fires and burglaries.

Between the holiday parties, cooking, baking, decorating, and wrapping, mishaps are bound to happen. Thankfully, home insurance covers a majority of the most common holiday accidents.

Here are 8 disasters that are typically covered by a standard home insurance policy:

1. House fires caused by cooking, holiday decorations, candles, a fireplace, or your Christmas tree

2. Indoor and outdoor theft, including stolen packages, gifts, and holiday decor

3. Vandalized holiday decorations

4. Electrical hazards

5. Weather and storm damage

6. Water damage caused by the burst of frozen pipes

7. Accidents involving holiday guests

8. Alcohol related incidents that occur in your home

The holiday season is a busy time of year, and you don’t need any more stress added to your plate! Before the holiday festivities begin, make sure your homeowners insurance is up-to-date and review your policy to be sure you have proper coverage.

DECEMBER 13, 2022

Local | National Cocoa Day: The Best Places To Sip Hot Chocolate In (**INSERT CITY**)

Warm up with the best hot chocolate in town to celebrate National Cocoa Day!

Whether you enjoy marshmallows and whipped cream on top, a shot of espresso for a caffeine kick, or a spiked version with a splash of booze, I know just the place for a perfect cup of cocoa.

Here are a few of my favorite hot chocolate spots in (**INSERT CITY**)

For a classic cup of cocoa🍫 

(**INSERT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT FOR A CUP OF CLASSIC HOT COCOA**)

For a boozy twist on a cold-weather classic🍸

(**INSERT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT FOR A SPIKED HOT CHOCOLATE**)

For a caffeinated hot chocolateβ˜•οΈ

(**INSERT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOT FOR A CAFFEINATED HOT CHOCOLATE**)

DECEMBER 14, 2022

Informative | Home Buyer Naughty Or Nice List

There’s no place like a new home for the holidays!

If you have a new house on your Christmas list this year, make sure you don’t end up on the naughty list!

Swipe to learn how to get on the nice list (and stay off the naughty list) as a home buyer this holiday season!

DECEMBER 15, 2022

Seasonal | 3 Holiday Recipes With 5 Ingredients Or Less

Need a shareable, easy-to-make holiday treat for a last minute holiday party? Look no further!

Swipe πŸ‘‰πŸΌΒ Β for 3 recipes that require less than 5 ingredients + will take you no more than 20 minutes to make!

DECEMBER 16, 2022

Local | Where To Get Your Christmas Tree In (**Insert City**)

DECEMBER 17, 2022

Interior Design | Homebody Holiday Gift Guide

DECEMBER 18, 2022

Informative | Things To Do Before Leaving Your Home For The Holidays

Artificial Christmas trees might be all the rage, but nothing beats the fresh, woody fragrance of a real tree!

Real Christmas trees aren't just a decoration piece; they are an experience the whole family can enjoy and look forward to around this time of year.

Dress in your favorite flannels, bring some hot chocolate to sip on, and head to a local Christmas tree farm to pick out the perfect pine!

Local friends, here are some of the best Christmas tree farms in (**INSERT CITY**):

1. (**INSERT LOCAL PRE-CUT TREE FARM* 1*)

Location: (**INSERT LOCATION OF LOCAL PRE-CUT TREE FARM 1**)

Open: (**INSERT DATE OPEN-DATE CLOSED**)

2. (**INSERT LOCAL PRE-CUT TREE FARM 2**)

Location: (**INSERT LOCATION OF LOCAL PRE-CUT TREE FARM 2**)

Open: (**INSERT DATE OPEN-DATE CLOSED**)

3. (**INSERT LOCAL PRE-CUT TREE FARM 3**)

Location: (**INSERT LOCATION OF LOCAL PRE-CUT TREE FARM 3**)

Open: (**INSERT DATE OPEN-DATE CLOSED**)

If your happy place is at home and you’d rather stay in with a good book and a cup of tea than go out on the town, get ready to add these items to your holiday wishlist!

Here are 6 cozy gift ideas for the homebody in your life!

Going out of town for the holidays? Here are a few things you should do to prepare and secure your home before heading out the door.πŸŽ„βœ¨

1. Ask a neighbor or friend to collect your mail, pick up packages that get delivered, and put your garbage cans out on trash day

2. Charge or change the batteries in your security cameras and check to make sure they are running smoothly

3. Turn your thermostat down to conserve energy while you are away

4. Set your indoor and outdoor lights on a timer (to make it look like someone is home while you are away)

5. Before you leave, be sure to lock all exterior doors, windows, and the garage

6. Don’t hide any spare house keys outside

7. Clean out your refrigerator and take out the kitchen trash to avoid coming home to all sorts of smelly, spoiled food

8. Put valuable items in a safe or stash them in a good hiding place

9. Test your fire alarms + carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries if needed

10. Unplug electronics around your home that don’t need power while you’re gone (to save energy and reduce the risk of starting a house fire)

DECEMBER 19, 2022

Interior Design | 5 Must Have Kitchen Tools For The Holidays

Hosting holiday parties and cooking for a big crowd may seem overwhelming or intimidating, but it doesn't have to be.

Stay calm and take some of the stress away by properly equipping your kitchen for the holiday season!

Here are 5 kitchen tools you need to work smarter, save time, and pull off a show-stopping holiday meal! 🍽

DECEMBER 20, 2022

Interior Design | Holiday Gift Ideas For New Homeowners

Need a buy a gift for a new homeowner in your life?

Here are 4 gift ideas every homeowner is guaranteed to love:

1. A personalized doormat - lots of cute options to choose from on Etsy.

2. Modern house numbers - order on the Modern House Numbers website!

3. A Keurig or Nespresso coffee maker - purchase at your local Target or Best Buy.

4. A new house or first home ornament - check Target or Amazon!

5. A marble wine chiller paired with a nice bottle of wine - head to Crate & Barrel + your local liquor or grocery store!

DECEMBER 21, 2022

Personal | There’s No Place Like Home For The Holidays

🎢  For the holidays, you can’t beat home sweet home 🎢

This time of year is my favorite! This weekend, I’m planning on eating lots of (**INSERT 1-2 OF THE FOODS YOU ARE EXCITED FOR**), spending time with (**INSERT WHO YOU ARE SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS WITH**), and watching (**INSERT YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE/TV SHOW**).

What are your plans for the holidays? Share below!πŸŽπŸŽ…πŸΌ

DECEMBER 22, 2022

Personal | These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things: Holiday Edition

πŸŽΆβ€Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite thingsβ€¦β€πŸŽΆ

I've noticed a lot of new friends around here lately, and what better way to get to know each other than with a holiday icebreaker?

Here are some of my favorite things (holiday edition)!

What's a holiday treat you look forward to every year? Share a picture on your Instagram story, and don't forget to tag me!

DECEMBER 23, 2022

Local | Christmas Grocery Store Store Hours In (**INSERT CITY**)

No one enjoys waiting in a lengthy grocery store line or driving in circles through the parking lot to find an empty spot, but sometimes it's inevitable around the holiday season.

Even if you make a list and check it twice, a last-minute grocery store run should almost be EXPECTED if you are hosting or cooking for a crowd over Christmas weekend.

Whether you forgot that one essential ingredient that ties the whole dish together or you suddenly get a craving for some eggnog, here is a guide to Christmas grocery store hours in (**INSERT CITY**)!

Save this post for later by clicking the bookmark icon above!

DECEMBER 24, 2022

Seasonal | Merry Christmas Eve

"Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth, sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever." -Β Richelle E. Goodrich

Today, I'm looking forward to (**LIST 2-3 THINGS YOU ARE EXCITED TO DO TODAY TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS EVE**).

The halls are decked, the holiday shopping is complete, the gifts are under the tree, and now it's time to pour a drink, kick back, and relax!

Wherever you are, whomever you're with, and whatever your plans may be this Christmas Eve, I hope your day is merry and bright!

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy Christmas Eve!

DECEMBER 25, 2022

Seasonal | Christmas Day

Wishing you and your loved ones a warm +Β wonderful holiday seasonπŸŽ„Β 

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! May your day be filled with joy, love, laughter, and fun!

DECEMBER 26, 2022

Informative | 10 Ways To Increase Your Home Value In 2023

Don’t waste time, money, or energy making home improvements that won’t add value to your home!

Here are 10 ways to increase your home’s value in 2023, from quick tasks to DIY projects to full-on renovations:

1. Give your walls a fresh coat of paint

2. Spruce up your landscaping by trimming the trees, taking care of your lawn, and planting some new shrubs

3. Power wash your driveway, sidewalk, and the exterior of your home

4. Give your kitchen an update with new countertops and appliances

5. Replace faucets and hardware in your kitchen + bathrooms

6. Update light fixtures and add more lighting to brighten up your space

7. Clean or replace worn rugs + carpets

8. Update your window treatments

9. Remodel your basement

10. Declutter and deep clean every square inch

Looking to sell your house in 2023? Your real estate agent will be able to tell you whether or not the home improvements you are considering will have a good ROI (return on investment). Wait to make major renovations until discussing your ideas with your realtor first!

If you are looking for a real estate agent in the (**INSERT CITY**) area, I would love to grab lunch or coffee to discuss your 2023 real estate goals. Send me a DM and let's connect!

DECEMBER 27, 2022

Personal | 2023 Goals/New Year’s Resolutions

Have real estate goals for 2023? Set yourself up for success by setting SMART goals.

You've probably heard of SMART goals before, but if not, let me fill you in! A smart goal means that the goal is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound.

If your goal is to purchase a home in 2023, here is how to make it a SMART goal:

1. Make it specific: create a home buying wishlist and get clear with what you want in a home.

2. Make it measurable: assess your finances and set financial goals to help you reach your New Years resolution of homeownership.

3. Make it attainable: set your budget, figure out how much you can afford, and be realistic.

4. Make it relevant: reflect on WHY you want to purchase a home - knowing your why is crucial to staying motivated and focused through the home buying journey.

5. Make it time-bound: set a specific date for when you want to start the house hunting process, when you want to put in an offer, and when you want to be all moved into your new home.

I’d love to help you reach your 2023 real estate goals! Send me a DM, and let’s chat!

DECEMBER 28, 2022

Informative | 10 Things Every Homeowner Should Consider Doing In The New Year

The benefits of homeownership are close to endless, but being a homeowner also comes with responsibilities! Here are 10 things every homeowner should think about doing in the New Year:

1. Plan for emergencies by stocking your first aid kit, making a fire escape plan, and preparing your home for natural disasters and severe weather conditions.

2. Set aside money (even if it's just a small amount) each month to start or continue building a home emergency savings fund.

3. Review and update your home insurance policy.

4. Reduce your energy consumption by replacing your standard light bulbs with energy-efficient ones and making a habit of turning off the lights when you leave a room.

5. Donate items in your home that you no longer want or need to create a clutter-free environment.

6. Perform routine home maintenance to keep your home looking its best and avoid expensive issues down the road.

7. Boost your ROI by making home renovations or doing some DIY home improvements.

8. Upgrade your home security systems/cameras.

9. Review your household budget and look over your current expenses.

10. Build equity faster by making extra mortgage payments.

Looking to buy a house in 2023 and experience all the perks of homeownership? I’d love to connect β€” send me a message and let’s chat!

DECEMBER 29, 2022

Personal | 2022 Year In Review/Client Appreciation

2022 was one for the books!

Some of the things I’m proud of accomplishing this yearβ€¦πŸ‘‡πŸΌ

(**List 5-15 things that you accomplished in 2022! Be sure to include both work and personal accomplishments. Ideas: homes sold in the past year, listings in the past year, number of families helped, your total sales in the past year, awards you won, team members you hired, business moves you made, things you did for your clients, events you attended, vacations you went on, personal goals you achieved, courses you took, books you read, things you learned, charities you donated to, personal development goals you achieved, community service you participated in, etc**)

Such an incredible year wouldn’t have been possible without you! Thank you for your referrals, support, trust, and loyalty! I love what I do and I feel so blessed to have the best clients. Looking forward to what this next year holds for all of us!

2023 is almost here! Wishing you a wonderful and safe New Years! πŸŽ‰

DECEMBER 30, 2022

Local | (**INSERT HOME BUILDER NAME**)’s New Home Community

Is a new build home one of your goals for 2023?

If so, you should look into the new (**INSERT HOME BUILDER NAME**) community!

Coming soon in 2023, (**INSERT HOME BUILDER NAME**) is building a collection of beautiful single-family homes in (**INSERT CITY, STATE OF NEW COMMUNITY**). The neighborhood amenities will include (**HIGHLIGHT AMENITIES IN THE NEW COMMUNITY**).

(**INSERT AMOUNT OF HOMESITES**) homesites will be available in 2022, and they will have (**INSERT NUMBER OF FLOOR PLANS**) floor plans available, ranging from (**INSERT RANGE OF SQUARE FOOTAGE**) square feet.

If you are looking to buy a new build home in the (**INSERT CITY OF NEW COMMUNITY**) area, you can't miss checking out this new community!

Have questions about the new build process? Send me a message and let's chat!

DECEMBER 31, 2022

Seasonal | Happy New Years Eve

 
Goodbye 2022, and hello 2023!πŸ‘‹πŸΌ

Out with the old, in with the new! Cheers to the New Year! πŸ₯‚ Wishing you a new year filled with success, happiness, joy, love, growth, and prosperity!

I have an overwhelming amount of gratitude for those in my life that made this year so incredible. To my friends, family, and clients, thank you for such a wonderful 2022!

I’m excited to see what 2023 has in store for you + me! Let’s make this next year a great one!πŸŽ‰