FEBRUARY 1, 2023
Home Tips | February Home Maintenance Checklist
A clean, well-maintained home will save you time, money, and headache in the long run. This month, show your home a little love by completing your February home maintenance checklist!
Here are a few tasks to tackle in February to keep your home looking its best:
1. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
2. HVAC filters
3. Clean the condenser coils and compressor behind your refrigerator
4. Rotate and clean your mattress (use a mix of baking soda and vinegar to kill odors and treat stains)
5. Clean your garbage disposal
6. Check caulking and grout around your showers, sinks, and bathtubs
7. Touch up indoor paint on walls, cabinets, doors, and trim.
8. Clean out your medicine cabinet
9. Repair leaky faucets + fix squeaky doors
10. Clean the inside of your oven and microwave
Home maintenance doesn't have to be overwhelming or intimidating. Completing your home maintenance checklist each month will keep your home in tip-top shape year-round!
FEBRUARY 2, 2023
Local | Valentine's Day Gift Ideas From Local Businesses In **Insert City**
Here are some Valentine's Day gift ideas from local businesses in **Insert City** that your special someone is guaranteed to love!👇🏼
For beautiful floral gifts and special arrangements, **Insert Local Florist** is a well-known florist offering delivery or pick-up!
For a traditional box of chocolates, **Insert Local Chocolate Shop** has a variety of sweet treats for the chocolate lover in your life!
For fine custom jewelry, a diamond bracelet or pair of earrings from **Insert Local Custom Jeweler** is a gift your loved one will treasure forever.
For a personalized balloon bouquet, **Insert Local Balloon Delivery** offers helium balloon delivery for any occasion!
For a box of delectable desserts, you'll find plenty of decadent goodies to gift your sweetheart at **Insert Local Cookie Or Cupcake Shop**.
Tag your favorite small businesses in **Insert City** below!
FEBRUARY 3, 2023
Informative | 6 Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Your Home
1. Underpricing or overpricing your home
2. Neglecting regular home maintenance
3. Not using professional listing photos
4. Failing to declutter or depersonalize your home
5. Taking low offers personally
6. Making it difficult for buyers to see the home/declining showings
The home selling process involves many steps and can be overwhelming at times, but hiring a real estate agent to guide you through the process will take a lot of stress, effort, and time-consuming tasks off your plate.
Have questions about selling your home in 2023? Send me a DM, and I'll be in touch!
FEBRUARY 4, 2023
Home Tips | Neutral Valentines Day Decor Ideas
Here are 3 neutral and subtle ways to decorate for Valentine's Day:
1. Add pops of soft pink or dusty blush to capture the style of Valentine's Day without being too themed. Think light pink flowers, throw pillows and blankets, kitchen towels, or festive pastries displayed on a cake plate!
2. Neutral heart-shaped garlands, wreaths, candles, and decorative trays are all great ways to subtly decorate for the season.
3. Fill a glass jar or two with festive treats (**Insert Your Favorite Valentine's Day Candy** would be my candy of choice) for a quick and easy Valentine's Day decor idea!
What's your favorite Valentine's Day treat? Share below!
FEBRUARY 5, 2023
Local | Fun Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day In (**INSERT CITY**)
Here are a few fun ways to celebrate love in and around (**INSERT CITY**) this Valentine's Day:
1. Head to (**INSERT LOCAL BRUNCH SPOT**) for bottomless mimosas and a stack of perfect pancakes!
2. Book a couples massage at (**INSERT LOCAL MASSAGE STUDIO/DAY SPA**).
3. Plan a romantic, candlelit dinner at (**INSERT LOCAL STEAKHOUSE OR UPSCALE RESTAURANT**)!
4. Enjoy wine tasting and delectable appetizers at (**INSERT LOCAL WINE TASTING ROOM/WINERY**)
FEBRUARY 6, 2023
Informative | 3 Tips To Avoid House Hunting Heartbreak
A buyer sees a series of homes, similar to going on dates, hoping to find "the one" and settle down.
But here's the thing: finding "the one" doesn't happen overnight.
You'll need to watch out for red flags, determine your non-negotiables, avoid getting attached too quickly, and accept imperfections (there's no such thing as a perfect person and no such thing as a perfect house!).
Here are 3 tips to avoid getting your heart broken during the home buying process:
1. Don't settle
You should be realistic in your search and prepared to compromise to some degree, but don't cave on your non-negotiables! Decide what is important to you and what you're willing to settle on. The perfect house doesn't exist, but the last thing you want is to rush the process and later regret the biggest purchase of your life.
2. Don't fall too hard
It's easy to get caught up in the excitement when you decide to write an offer on a house, but don't count your chickens before they hatch! If your offer gets accepted, you'll still need to get through the inspection period, home appraisal, financing approval, paperwork, and any predetermined contingencies to make it to the closing table. Try not to get discouraged if your deal falls through or your offer doesn't get accepted; if it's meant to be, it will be!
3. Don't be afraid to commit
Buying a house is a major commitment, but it isn't something you should be scared of. If you are financially prepared for homeownership and have found the right place to call home, don't be afraid to take the leap! Homebuyer anxiety is normal, especially for a first-time homebuyer. Listen to your gut and go all in when it feels right!
Interested in homeownership? Send me a message - I'd love to give you more information about the home buying process and answer any questions you might have!
FEBRUARY 7, 2023
Home Tips | Ways To Show Your Home Some Extra Love This Month
FEBRUARY 8, 2023
Informative | 7 Signs You Should Break Up With Your Realtor
FEBRUARY 9, 2023
Local | 3 Of My Favorite Pizza Places In (**INSERT CITY**)
February is the month of love, and your house deserves a little love too!
Here are 10 simple ways to show your home some extra love this month:
1. Open the windows to let fresh air in
2. Get rid of unnecessary clutter
3. Organize your junk drawer
4. Do that DIY project you've been putting off
5. Change your sheets and bedding
6. Light a new candle
7. Rearrange your furniture
8. Give your home a deep clean
9. Put your favorite music on
10. Buy a new houseplant or a vase of your favorite flowers (a gift for both you and your home!)
What do you love most about your home? Share in the comments below👇🏼
Your realtor will be super involved with your real estate transaction, so it's important to work with someone you trust and who will do their job well.
Here are 7 signs you should break up with your agent:
1. They have bad communication skills and it feels like they are too busy for you.
2. They lack tardiness and professionalism, and they don't value your time.
3. You and your real estate agent have incompatible personalities and a hard time getting along.
4. They lack negotiation skills or effective marketing tactics.
5. You catch them telling lies (or half-truths), or they display unethical behavior.
6. They seem to only care about the paycheck, and it doesn't feel like they genuinely care about you.
7. They are pressuring you to make or accept an offer.
Are you interested in buying or selling in 2023? I'd love to chat and answer any questions you have! DM me!
From a thin-crust New York slice to a crispy-edged Chicago deep dish pie and everything in between, (**INSERT CITY**) has plenty of restaurants to satisfy all your pizza cravings!
Swipe for 3 of my favorite pizzerias in (**INSERT CITY**)!
What are your favorite pizza toppings? Comment yours below👇🏼
FEBRUARY 10, 2023
Informative | 6 Things To Do Now If You Are Looking To Buy A House In Spring/Summer 2023
Looking to buy a house in the next 3-6 months? Here are a few things you should do now to prepare for your journey to homeownership:
1. Find a reputable, knowledgeable, experienced real estate agent to guide you through the buying process.
2. Check your credit and improve your score, if necessary.
3. Lower your DTI (debt-to-income ratio) if possible
4. Determine how much you want to spend/what you can afford.
5. Work with a lender to get your financial ducks in a row and get prequalified for a home loan.
6. Narrow down the areas and neighborhoods that you do and don't like.
7. Save as much money as possible for your down payment.
Interested in homeownership? Send me a message! I'd love to get to know you and chat more about the home buying process!
FEBRUARY 11, 2023
Informative | Love Letters To Your Real Estate Agent
Here are a few things every realtor loves to hear from their client!
1. "We are already pre-approved!"
Getting a pre-approval letter from your mortgage lender shows your real estate agent that you are a serious buyer and are financially capable of purchasing a home.
2. "We are clear to close!"
"Clear to close" is essentially a final approval letter from your lender indicating that all borrower conditions are met and documents are approved. As a buyer, this means you are ready to close on the sale of your home!
3. "My friend is looking to buy/sell!"
Referrals are highly beneficial for any service-based business. If you had a positive experience with your realtor, the best way to thank them and show them appreciation is to refer them to your friends or family!
4. "We trust you 100%."
Real estate agents know the market better than anyone and should always have your best interest in mind. When setting a listing price, negotiating, and reviewing contracts, a good real estate agent often knows best. It's important to work with a realtor you trust, so be sure to choose wisely!
To my clients, thank you for choosing me as your real estate agent! I feel so blessed to do what I love each day, and I'm honored to be part of your real estate journey.
Looking for a real estate agent in **Insert City**? I would love to connect! Send me a DM, let's chat!
FEBRUARY 12, 2023
Informative | 5 Things Winning The Super Bowl And Achieving Homeownership Have In Common
Football and real estate have more similarities than you might think!
Here are 5 things winning the Super Bowl and achieving homeownership have in common:
1. You need a good coach!
Behind every successful sports team is a dedicated, knowledgeable, and supportive coach. Think of your real estate agent as your coach! Your realtor will help you to develop a game plan, handle all schedulings, negotiate on your behalf, connect you with the right people, navigate the market, and guide you through the buying process from start to finish.
2. You have to stay positive + optimistic.
House hunting can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming, especially if it takes longer than you expected to find a place to call home. Look at setbacks as learning lessons, surround yourself with uplifting people, set realistic expectations, and work to maintain a positive attitude. Buying a house should be an exciting, fun process!
3. You need to set goals + believe you can achieve them.
Goal-setting is key to achieving anything you desire, whether you dream of winning the Super Bowl or becoming a homeowner. Picture your dream home and envision all the details. Visualization has long been a part of elite sports, and the same visualization techniques can be applied when buying a home.
4. You need to build a winning team.
As a homebuyer, your most important team players will be your realtor, mortgage lender, home inspector, home appraiser, insurance agent, and title company. Buying a house is a team sport; you don't have to tackle it alone! The process of buying a home is easier and much more enjoyable with a good team behind you!
5. You need to prepare.
Professional football coach George Allen once said that "winning is the science of being totally prepared". Work with a lender to get pre-approved, set a realistic budget, save for a down payment, build your credit, and get all your financial ducks in a row ahead of time. Preparation is the key to a smooth sailing home buying process!
FEBRUARY 13, 2023
Personal | My Love Language
I feel the most loved and appreciated when:
**Insert 4-5 things that your significant other, a friend, or a family member does to make you feel loved and special**
What is your primary love language? Comment below!
If you haven't taken the Love Language Quiz before, I highly recommend checking it out! Go to www.5lovelanguages.com to take the quiz, and come back after to share yours below!
FEBRUARY 14, 2023
Seasonal | Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day, friends! I hope your day is full of love!
FEBRUARY 15, 2023
Informative | 5 Factors Of A "Good" Location
Houses located in a desired area are known to appreciate quicker, yield a better return on investment, and provide better cash flow (as a rental property) than those in a less-than-desirable neighborhood. Location is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a home and is critical for resale value!
What makes a location desirable? Here are 5 factors of a house in a "good location":
1. The schools nearby are highly rated and well-regarded.
2. The home is in a safe neighborhood with a low crime rate.
3. The house is relatively close to amenities (restaurants, grocery stores, shopping., entertainment, etc.) and transportation options.
4. Both the location and size of the lot are desirable (minimal road noise, scenic views, and a decent-sized yard are all things that buyers look for in a home)
5. The neighborhood is well-maintained and located in a central area, preferably with easy access to the city's major transit routes.
Buying a home is one of the best long-term investments you can make. Send me a DM if you have questions about the buying process — I'm here to help and would love to chat!
FEBRUARY 16, 2023
Informative | How To Improve Your Credit Score In 2023
FEBRUARY 17, 2023
Local | 5 Things I Love Most About Living In (**INSERT CITY, STATE**)
FEBRUARY 18, 2023
Informative | Did You Know That 90% Of FSBO’s Fail?
Not only does it dictate whether or not you can qualify for a mortgage, but it also may affect your loan options, interest rate, and the down payment you'll be required to pay.
If your goal is to buy a house in the next 12-18 months years, credit repair is something you can do to prepare for the process. Even if homeownership isn't something you are interested in, the benefits of checking and building your credit will pay off regardless!
Swipe for 7 steps to improve your credit score in 2023👉🏼
I could go on and on about why I love living in **Insert City**, but we'd be here all day!
For that reason, I narrowed down my list to share with you the 5 things I love MOST about life in **Insert City, State**:
**List 5 reasons why you love living in your city. Get as detailed and specific as possible! (EXAMPLES: the friendly and welcoming community, rich history, high quality of life, weather, diverse population, thriving arts scene, etc.)**
Know someone moving to the area? Send 'em my way -- I'd love to connect and help them to find the perfect place to call home!
In addition to the failure rate, FSBO homes typically sell for 25% less than homes listed with an agent.
Here are just a few reasons why the majority of FSBO homes don't sell: 1. Lack of marketing experience
2. Unprofessional listing photos
3. Lack of exposure
4. Poor negotiation skills
5. Not pricing the home correctly
6. Lack of showings/open houses (due to the seller's limited availability/busy schedule)
FSBO is never a good idea! Hiring a realtor to guide you through the selling process is the best way to make the most profit from your home sale in the shortest amount of time.
Thinking about selling your home in 2023? I'd love to connect! Send me a message, and I'll be in touch!
FEBRUARY 19, 2023
Home Tips | Shelf Styling Home Essentials
Here are a few shelf-styling must-haves for open shelving that makes a statement!
FEBRUARY 20, 2023
Seasonal | Presidents' Day
Today is a time set apart each year to honor all the great leaders who have ruled our country. Thank you to the presidents who have served our country! Happy Presidents' Day!
What have you been up to this weekend? Share in the comments below!
FEBRUARY 21, 2023
Informative | Home Selling Timeline
The home selling process is no easy feat, but the good news is you still have plenty of time to prepare and set yourself up for a successful spring home sale!
Here's a quick outline of the selling process from beginning to end (with the average amount of time each step takes) so you can get an idea of what to expect when selling your home!
1. Schedule a listing appointment with a reputable real estate agent: 1 -2 weeks
2. Make repairs suggested by your realtor + declutter, deep clean, and stage your home: 2-4 weeks
3. Meet with your agent to decide on a listing price and listing date + schedule listing photos: 1-2 weeks
4. List your home on the MLS: 1-3 days
5. Wait for an offer: 56 days (the average amount of days on the market in the U.S, as of late 2022 (according to https://fred.stlouisfed.org/)
6. Negotiations: 3-5 days
7. Closing (home inspection and appraisal preparation, final walkthrough): 30 – 45 days
8. Closing day: 1 day
Have questions about the home selling process? Send me a message - I'd love to connect!
FEBRUARY 22, 2023
Informative | When Does It Make Sense To Refinance Your Home?
Here are a few signs indicating it could make sense for you to refinance:
1. You can lower the interest rate on your existing loan by at least 0.5%
2. You want to shorten your loan term (to pay off your mortgage loan sooner) or lengthen it (to lower your monthly mortgage payment)
3. You want to tap into your home equity (by doing a cash-out refi) to pay for home improvements, renovation projects, or maintenance.
4. Mortgage rates are on the rise, so you want to switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate mortgage to avoid potentially higher monthly mortgage payments.
5. You want to remove mortgage insurance (PMI) to cut your monthly costs.
Have questions about refinancing? Send me a message here on the 'gram — I'd love to chat and help however I can!
FEBRUARY 23, 2023
Engagement | What Are 3 Must-Haves For Your Next Home?
For my next house, my 3 must-haves are:
1. (**INSERT YOUR NEXT HOME MUST-HAVE 1**)
2. (**INSERT YOUR NEXT HOME MUST-HAVE 2**)
3. (**INSERT YOUR NEXT HOME MUST-HAVE 3**)
What's at the top of your next home wishlist? Tell me in the comments below which 3 features you would choose!
FEBRUARY 24, 2023
Informative | 6 Signs You Are Ready to Be A Homeowner
Here are 6 signs you might be ready to ditch your landlord and take the plunge into homeownership.
1. You've saved enough money for a down payment (3-5% of the home's purchase price to qualify for a mortgage)
2. You have a stable job and your income is consistent.
3. You are tired of renting and paying someone else's mortgage.
4. You have decent credit and aren't drowning in debt.
5. You plan on staying in an area for 3-5 years.
6. You are ready to take on the responsibilities of homeownership.
Does this sound like you? If so, send me a DM for more information on how to start the home buying process!
FEBRUARY 25, 2023
Home Tips | 8 Ways To Update Your Home Without Major Renovations
Here are 8 budget-friendly, easy home improvement DIY projects to completely transform your space.
1. Update your kitchen cabinet hardware
2. Paint your bathroom cabinets
3. Update dated light fixtures
4. Create a feature wall using temporary peel-and-stick wallpaper
5. Use under-cabinet LED strip lights to brighten up your kitchen
6. Update window treatments
7. Refinish an old dresser or media cabinet by adding paint and hardware
8. Try the spackle canvas art trend (search "spackle art" on Pinterest to get some ideas!)
A weekend is all you need to complete any of these quick and affordable home projects! Which one are you tackling first? Comment below!
FEBRUARY 26, 2023
Personal | Why & How I Got Into Real Estate
Growing up, I thought I wanted a career in **Insert the industry/field you wanted to be in as a child/young adult**. My dream was to become a **Insert your childhood dream job**!
But sometimes, dreams change, and I say that from personal experience!
Here's what happened:
**Share when and how you became interested in becoming a realtor. Get as detailed and specific as possible!**.
It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance, but after being a realtor for **Insert number of months/years you've been in real estate**, I can honestly say that I wouldn't change my job for the world!
Working as a real estate agent is such a fulfilling and deeply rewarding career. I'm so grateful to have found what makes me tick, and that is real estate!
Want to learn more about what it's like to be a realtor? Send me a DM, I'd love to chat!
FEBRUARY 27, 2023
Personal | Things I Wish I Would've Known Before I Became A Realtor
Becoming a successful realtor takes hard work, dedication, time, and perseverance. I have learned so much over the past **Insert how many months/years you've been in real estate** and have gained so much knowledge and experience thus far. It's been quite the journey, but I feel exponentially grateful to do what I love each and every day!
As a new agent, it's often challenging as you learn to navigate the industry, generate business, and find your footing.
Here are some things I wish I had known before becoming a real estate agent:
**Insert 3 things you wish you would've known before becoming a realtor. Could be positive and/or negative lessons that you've learned!**
Thinking about becoming an agent? If you have questions, send them my way - I'd love to chat more with you about why I love being in real estate!
FEBRUARY 28, 2023
Local | (**INSERT CITY**) Market Update
Before we dive into a new month, let me fill you in on what's happening right now in the **Insert City** housing market.
Here's a quick rundown:
- The median home price for a single-family residence in **Insert City** is **Insert Median Home Price**.
- On average, homes in **Insert City, State** sell after **Insert Average Days On Market** on the market.
- **Insert Number Of Homes Sold In Your City** single-family homes sold this month in **Insert City**
- There are currently **Insert Number Of Homes Currently For Sale** homes for sale in **Insert City, State**
When the weather heats up, so does the real estate market! Now is the time to get the ball rolling if you are interested in buying or selling in the springtime.
Have questions about where the **Insert City** real estate market is headed? Send me a message — I'd love to connect!