JANUARY 1, 2023
Home Tips | January Home Maintenance Checklist
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 holidays🎄
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! 📌
JANUARY 2, 2023
Personal | My Biggest Takeaways From 2022
Here are my biggest takeaways from 2022:
Something I learned in 2022 is that (**INSERT SOMETHING YOU'VE LEARNED OVER THE PAST YEAR. GET AS VULNERABLE AS POSSIBLE AND BE REAL!**).
In 2023, I want to leave (**INSERT 2-3 THINGS YOU WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND IN 2022**) behind.
From 2022, I want to bring (**INSERT 2-3 THINGS YOU WANT TO BRING INTO 2023 FROM 2022**) with me into 2023.
In 2022, I felt (**INSERT 2-3 THINGS YOU FELT IN 2022**). This year, I want to feel (**INSERT 2-3 THINGS YOU WANT TO FEEL IN 2023**).
Overall, 2022 was a fantastic year, and I'm excited to see what 2023 holds for me + you!
What's your biggest takeaway/the most important thing you learned in 2022? If you feel comfortable sharing, comment below!
JANUARY 3, 2023
Home Tips | January Home Must Haves
Here are some January home must-haves to make your space extra cozy this season!
1. An Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
2. The Drew Barrymore White Slow Cooker
3. A Barefoot Dreams Throw Blanket
4. The LiveFine Towel Warmer
5. A Nespresso Espresso Machine
6. A Vanilla Scented Candle
JANUARY 4, 2023
Selling | How To Avoid Giving Potential Buyers "The Ick"
According to Style Caster, "The Ick" is a modern dating term used to describe the feeling you get when the person you're dating does something, says something, or has something about them that makes you cringe. Think of the term "Ick" as being similar to a turn-off!
To sell your home quickly and for top dollar, address these issues to avoid giving buyers "The Ick"!
1. Unpleasant odors
2. Too much clutter
3. Funky or dark paint colors
4. An overgrown yard
5. Popcorn ceilings
6. Pet hair
7. Damp stains on walls and/or ceilings
8. Deferred maintenance
9. Dated light fixtures
10. Dirty windows
11. Deceiving listing photos
12. Dust, dirt, and grime
Looking to sell your home in 2023? I'd be happy to chat more with you + answer all your questions! Send me a DM, and I'd love to connect!
JANUARY 5, 2023
Personal | My Word Of The Year
[MESSAGE TO OUR MEMBERS: The following is an example of how to explain your word of the year. Be sure to delete the words with ** and add your own answers!]
The word I chose for 2023 is **intention**.
Why is **intention** my word of the year?
A. I want to **live each day with clarity, purpose, and focus.**
B. I want to **be more present and live in the moment.**
C. I want to **take control of my life and achieve bigger and better goals in business and life.**
This year, I want to:
1. Be more **intentional with my family.**
2. Be more **intentional with my time.**
3. Be more **intentional with my health.**
4. Be more **intentional with the media I consume.**
5. Be more **intentional with my habits and goals.**
6. Be more **intentional with my clients.**
7. Be more **intentional with the way I run my business.**
I'd love to hear the word you chose for 2023! Feel free to share in the comments below!👇🏼
JANUARY 6, 2023
Local | "What Should I Do In (*INSERT CITY*) This Weekend?"
There's always something fun and exciting happening in (**INSERT CITY, STATE**). Here are 3 local events to help you make the most of your weekend:
(**SHARE 2-3 LOCAL EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR CITY OVER THE WEEKEND: THINK CONCERTS, FESTIVALS, ART SHOWS, COMEDY SHOWS, 5K RACES, ETC**)
Interested in learning more about why I love living in (**INSERT CITY**)? Send me a message, and I'd love to connect!
JANUARY 7, 2023
Buying | How To Create A 2023 New Home Vision Board
JANUARY 8, 2023
7 Days To Getting Your Finances In Order For 2023 | Day 1
JANUARY 9, 2023
7 Days To Getting Your Finances In Order For 2023 | Day 2
If homeownership is one of your 2023 goals, creating a vision board is a great way to get clarity on what you want your new home to look and feel like!
First, start by creating your home buying wishlist. Then, bring your wishlist to life with a new home vision board!
Here are some tips for creating your new home vision board:
1. Find pictures that represent what you want your new home to look AND feel like.
2. Print images from Pinterest or cut out pictures from magazines for design inspiration.
3. Add quotes and affirmations that inspire + motivate you.
4. Make a list of rooms you want in your new home.
5. Hang your vision board where you'll see it often.
6. Share your new home vision board with your real estate agent!
If you are looking for a real estate agent to guide you through the home buying process, I’d love to connect! Send me a DM and let’s chat!
Each day for the next 7 days, I will be sharing a tip or task to help you reevaluate your budget, assess your spending habits and expenses, review how you manage your money, and set new goals to build a better financial future.
To kick off our "7 Days To Getting Your Finances In Order For 2023" Challenge, let's start with day 1!
DAY 1: SET A SAVINGS GOAL 💸
We all know that saving money is important, yet very few of us put money into our savings account each month.
If saving money has been a challenge for you in the past, here is my suggestion.
Make a realistic savings goal for 2023. Your savings goal needs to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (known as the SMART goal method). Here's an example of A SMART savings goal:
Specific: Instead of setting a goal to "save more," get specific, like "put $5,000 into my emergency fund".
Measurable: With your goal of saving $5,000, you can track your progress and celebrate small milestones along the way.
Achievable: Think of your goal in smaller chunks! To save 5k in a year, you'll need to deposit about $417 each month into your savings account. Is that realistic and attainable for you?
Relevant: Are you saving for homeownership? Do you have a big vacation planned for 2024? Choose a savings goal that is relevant to you, your lifestyle, and your dreams.
Time-Bound: Choose a deadline for your savings goal to help you stay motivated and on track!
The SMART goal method is an effective and straightforward way to create an action plan and determine the steps you need to take to achieve your goal!
Don't forget to check in tomorrow for Day #2 of the "7 Days To Getting Your Finances In Order For 2023" Challenge!
If you plan to buy a house in the next year, checking your credit score is something you should consider doing now. Credit plays a huge role in qualifying for a mortgage. As a homebuyer, your credit score will positively or negatively affect your loan options, interest rates, mortgage terms, and how much house you can afford.
Even if you aren't looking to purchase a home anytime soon, annually checking your credit score is a good financial habit to build. Doing so will allow you to:
1. Regularly dispute any errors to your credit bureau.
2. Build and maintain good credit by consistently assessing your current credit position.
3. Stop identity theft and credit card fraud early on.
4. Manage your finances and plan for the future.
5. Make a game plan to improve your credit and start taking action!
Whether or not homeownership is a goal for you in 2023, it never hurts to check and work on improving your credit score!
JANUARY 10, 2023
7 Days To Getting Your Finances In Order For 2023 | Day 3
I'll be the first to admit that budgeting isn't the most fun or exciting task, but it's crucial if you want to improve your financial health.
Here is a straightforward, step-by-step guide to creating a budget:
1. Calculate your net income (your take-home pay)
2. List your monthly fixed expenses (rent or mortgage, car payment, insurance premium, utilities, etc).
3. List your monthly variable expenses (like groceries, gas, travel, shopping, eating out, hair appointments, etc).
4. To estimate how much you spend each month on variable expenses, comb through your bank/credit card statements from the last 2-3 months to accurately track your spending.
5. Add up your fixed and variable expenses to calculate the average amount of money you spend each month.
6. Subtract that total from your monthly net income. If you get a negative number, you'll need to make some changes and build different habits to prevent spending more than you earn.
7. Get rid of unnecessary expenses and find ways to cut corners (stay tuned for some ideas to reduce expenses on Day #7!)
8. Schedule a check-in at the end of each month to ensure you stay on track with your budget and financial goals.
Budgeting might seem overwhelming or stressful, but it doesn't have to be! Follow the steps above to make budgeting a breeze!
JANUARY 11, 2023
7 Days To Getting Your Finances In Order For 2023 | Day 4
Automating your finances will save you both money and time! Setting up automatic systems to manage your money is a great way to reach your financial goals, mitigate mistakes, reduce spending temptation, and check mundane items off your to-do list with minimal stress or effort.
Here are a few ways to automate your finances and make your life 10x easier in 2023:
1. To build a habit of saving money, set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account each month.
2. Set up automatic bill pay for your monthly and recurring payments to regularly pay your bills on time and avoid late fees.
3. Build a solid financial future and prepare for retirement by setting up automatic deposits into your investment accounts.
4. Use an app (like TrueBill or Bobby) to manage your subscriptions and track how you spend your money.
5. Use these tools to outsource some of the most painful tax season tasks:
- MileIQ for mileage tracking
- FreshBooks for invoicing
- QuickBooks for bookkeeping
- Shoeboxed for receipt management
Automating your finances might seem like a hassle, but investing a few hours of your time today will save you a LOT of time and headache in the future!
JANUARY 12, 2023
7 Days To Getting Your Finances In Order For 2023 | Day 5
A "no-spend month" is exactly what it sounds like: for an entire month, you commit to only spending money on essentials (like groceries, housing expenses, bills, gas, etc)
If you decide to do a "no-spend month", you'll have to cut out ALL non-essential expenses (such as eating out, shopping, Amazon purchases, Starbucks lattes, food delivery, etc). These are small expenses, but you might be shocked by how quickly they add up!
This no-spend challenge is a great way to reduce unnecessary expenses, become more aware of your spending habits, and put more money into savings!
Here are some tips for a successful "no-spend month":
1. Avoid scheduling your "no-spend month" near holidays, birthdays, etc.
2. Learn how to make your favorite coffee or alcoholic beverages at home!
3. Use the gift cards collecting dust in your wallet.
4. Pack lunch to bring to work.
5. Get an accountability partner.
6. Spend less time online!
7. Make a savings goal and use it as motivation.
8. Unsubscribe from emails and texts to avoid the temptation of sales/new arrivals at your favorite store.
9. Meal plan and grocery shop weekly!
10. Learn how to do your own manicure or pedicure.
If you want to tighten up your budget and save some serious money, consider scheduling a "no-spend month" into your 2023 calendar!
JANUARY 13, 2023
7 Days To Getting Your Finances In Order For 2023 | Day 6
One of the best ways to achieve better financial health is to learn how money works, how to invest, how debt works, and how to efficiently and effectively manage your money.
The good news is that you don't have to go back to school to learn more about finance! With a plethora of information at your fingertips, you can become a self-taught financial expert from the comfort of your home.
Here are a few resources to explore to learn more about finance in 2023!
Do you have a favorite finance podcast or book? Share in the comments below!
JANUARY 14, 2023
7 Days To Getting Your Finances In Order For 2023 | Day 7
If you want to put more money towards savings, pay off debt, or tighten up your budget in 2023, cutting back on expenses could be majorly beneficial to help you reach your goals both quicker and easier.
Here are a few creative ways to reduce your expenses, shop smart, and practice mindful spending in 2023:
1. Take 72 hours to consider purchases over $100-$150
2. Quit your Starbucks habit ($7 per day adds up to $2,555 a year!)
3. Sell items you no longer want, need, or use
4. Cancel subscriptions you don't use or have forgotten about
5. Bring a packed lunch and snacks to work to avoid eating out every day ($15 a day adds up to $5,475 per year!)
6. Buy groceries at the beginning of the week and follow a meal plan to avoid making multiple trips to the store
7. Quit bad habits (smoking, partying, drinking, vaping, etc.)
8. Unsubscribe from emails to avoid shopping temptations
9. Use coupon codes when making online purchases
10. Buy non-perishable items in bulk
11. Make meals at home instead of going out to eat
12. Pay your credit card in full to avoid finance charges.
That's a wrap on our "7 Days To Getting Your Finances In Order For 2023" Challenge! Wishing you lots of success, prosperity, growth, bliss, and happiness this year! Cheers to better financial health in 2023!
JANUARY 15, 2023
Local | National Bagel Day: My Favorite Bagel Shop In (**INSERT CITY**)
Whether you prefer a bagel slathered with cream cheese, a bagel sandwich filled with eggs, bacon, and cheese, or a traditional lox bagel, (**INSERT CITY**) has plenty of options to satisfy your bagel craving.
In honor of #nationalbagelday, here are 3 places to get your bagel fix in (**INSERT CITY**):
(**LIST 3 POPULAR LOCAL BAGEL SHOPS IN YOUR CITY**)
If you are looking to move to the (**INSERT CITY**) area, I would love to share more about why I love living here. Send me a message, and let's chat in the DM's!
JANUARY 16, 2023
Home Tips | 3 Ways To Refresh Your Home For The New Year
JANUARY 17, 2023
Seasonal | Martin Luther King Jr Day
JANUARY 18, 2023
Buying + Selling | 2023 Real Estate Market Predictions
If your home feels a little bland and bare after taking the holiday decor down, a home refresh is just what you need!
Here are 3 ways to spruce up your space for the new year and keep that comfy cozy feeling in your home all winter long:
1. Change the layout of your furniture! Rearranging your furniture is an easy, cost-free way to change the entire vibe of any room.
2. Switch up your decor! Re-style your shelves and coffee table, get some new throw blankets + pillows, or replace an outdated light fixture.
3. Greenery is not just for the holiday season! Hang some fresh eucalyptus in the shower, make a floral arrangement using grocery store flowers, or bring home a new houseplant. Incorporating greenery will brighten up and breathe life into any space!
May we never forget his acts of courage, commitment to justice, fight for civil rights, and dedication to making our world a better place!
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! 🇺🇸
JANUARY 19, 2023
Personal | The (**INSERT FIRST AND LAST NAME**) Starter Pack
(**ADD 5 THINGS YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT, OR USE THE EXAMPLES BELOW**)
1. The Stanley Adventure Quencher Travel Tumbler - perfect for hydration on-the-go
2. Frozen Yogurt - my favorite late night treat
3. Nike Workout Shoes - super comfortable, an essential for a long day of showings
4. My Kindle - great for reading whenever, wherever
5. A Chic Throw Blanket - a necessity for chilly winter days
Comment something you can't live without below!
JANUARY 20, 2023
Local | 48 Hours In (**INSERT CITY**)
If you love (**INSERT 2-3 THINGS YOUR CITY IS KNOWN FOR, EX: COUNTRY MUSIC AND HOT FRIED CHICKEN**), a trip to (**INSERT CITY OR CITY NICKNAME, EX: MUSIC CITY**) is something you should most definitely consider.
Swipe for my guide to 48 hours in (**INSERT CITY, STATE**), including where to stay, what to do, what to eat, what to see, where to grab a drink, and more:
JANUARY 21, 2023
Home Tips | Everything You Need To Create An Instagram Worthy Pantry
Is there anything worse than a messy pantry? The good news is you can organize your pantry to be just as practical as it is pretty by using the right products and putting a functional system in place!
Here are 6 things you need to organize your pantry and make it look Instagram-ready in no time.
Shop all the products on the graphic above through the mDesign Store on Amazon!
JANUARY 22, 2023
Personal | My Ideal Sunday & The Ultimate Sunday Reset Checklist
Fill in the blanks! What does your ideal Sunday look like? Comment below!
In my opinion, Sundays are for:
1. (**INSERT SOMETHING YOU THINK SUNDAYS ARE GOOD FOR**)
2. Setting myself up for a successful week!
Here are a few things you can do today to prepare for the week ahead:
1. Plan your meals for the week + stock up on groceries
2. Clean out your fridge and pantry
3. Look over your calendar and plan ahead as much as possible
4. Catch up on laundry or other chores
5. Organize a messy drawer, cabinet, or closet in your home
6. Make time for self-care - you could take a bubble bath, do a face mask, go on a walk outside, read a book, or meditate (whatever self-care looks like to you!)
7. Wash your sheets + bedding
8. Set new goals for the week ahead!
JANUARY 23, 2023
Local | 5 Hidden Gems In (*INSERT CITY*) That Only Locals Know About
Ditch the tourist crowds by exploring some of the city's hidden gems!
Shhh... I'm about to share some insider "secret" spots that only locals know!
Here are 5 lesser-known places to visit in (**INSERT CITY**) to experience the city like a local:
1. (**INSERT LOCAL HIDDEN GEM 1**)
2. (**INSERT LOCAL HIDDEN GEM 2**)
3. (**INSERT LOCAL HIDDEN GEM 3**)
4. (**INSERT LOCAL HIDDEN GEM 4**)
5. (**INSERT LOCAL HIDDEN GEM 5**)
(**INSERT CITY**) locals, did I miss one of your favorites? Share below!
JANUARY 24, 2023
Home Tips | The Secret To Keeping A Clutter Free Home
This one habit takes no more than a couple of minutes but will save you hours of time cleaning and decluttering each week.
An easy way to maintain a neat & tidy home is a practice called "the room reset".
Resetting a room is simple: before you move to a different room in your house (for example, from the office to the kitchen), you "reset the room" to make it look like you were never there.
Similar to putting things back where they belong, "resetting the room" is a great way to keep your home organized and avoid messes from piling up.
Some examples of "resetting a room":
A. When you finish watching TV, you fluff the couch pillows and put the remote away.
B. When you wake up in the morning, you make the bed and put your empty water glass in the dishwasher.
C. When you finish eating dinner, you clean up the dishes, wipe down the kitchen counters, and sweep the floor.
Have you tried this practice before? If not, give it a shot and let me know what you think!
JANUARY 25, 2023
New Build | Advantages Of Working With A Realtor When Buying A New Build
Here are a few reasons why you should:
1. When buying a new construction home, the builder is considered the seller, and the builder's sales agent (the realtor working in the sales office or model home) works FOR the builder, meaning their bottom line isn't to help you. The builder's agent will always have the builder's best interest in mind. When you use your own real estate agent, they represent YOU and you alone.
2. Your realtor will know which builders have a good reputation (and which ones don't), and they'll be able to steer you in the right direction and help you to find the right builder for you.
3. Buyers don't pay realtor commissions! The seller (or, in this case, the builder) pays for all real estate agent fees, so working with a realtor won't cost you anything as a buyer!
4. Your realtor will help guide you when it comes to choosing the lot, location, and neighborhood of your new home. These factors are make-or-break for resale value!
5. Your real estate agent will know the right questions to ask and will negotiate on your behalf to help you meet your specific goals, needs, and objectives.
6. Some upgrades are worth it, but some aren't! Your realtor will help you to stay within your budget by giving you their professional opinion of what is and isn't worth the money.
Looking for a real estate agent to guide you through the new construction process in 2023? Send me a DM, and I'd love to connect + answer any questions you might have!
JANUARY 26, 2023
Local | The Bests Of (**Your City**)
Over time, I've discovered some of the best spots in this city - my favorite coffee shop, brewery, ice cream spot, restaurants, activities, hikes, and more.
Based on my personal preferences, swipe for the bests of (**INSERT CITY, STATE**)!
Did I miss your favorite local place? I'd love to try something new! Share your (**INSERT CITY**) favs below👇🏼
JANUARY 27, 2023
Home Tips | 6 Home Tips To Help You Beat The Winter Blues
Here are 6 home tips to help you fight seasonal depression and beat the winter blues:
1. Fill your home with upbeat, feel-good music (try the Morning Motivation Spotify playlist!).
2. Brighten up your environment with additional artificial lighting, or invest in a light therapy lamp.
3. Keep your thermostat between 64F and 70F degrees.
4. Use an oil diffuser for aromatherapy (try lavender, bergamot, orange, or peppermint oil to help ease the symptoms of seasonal depression).
5. Add a new indoor plant to your home, or buy some fresh flowers.
6. Tackle a small, manageable home task for a sense of accomplishment and a serotonin boost (try cleaning out your junk drawer or organizing your refrigerator).
What helps you to lift your spirits and cope with the winter blues? Comment below!
JANUARY 28, 2023
Personal | My "Why"
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 — send me a message and let’s chat!
JANUARY 29, 2023
Home Tips | 8 Tips For Organizing Your Kitchen In 2023
Get your kitchen in tip-top shape just in time for the new year! Here are 8 tips for organizing your kitchen in 2023👇🏼
1. Declutter your utensil drawer and get rid of unnecessary tools.
2. Tackle your Tupperware drawer.
3. Organize your fridge and pantry into zones by grouping like items together (think party supplies, grab-and-go snacks, baking, canned goods, easy meals, etc).
4. Use stacking shelves to double your cabinet storage.
5. Throw away any expired or stale items in your pantry.
6. Clean out your junk drawer.
7. Use bins and baskets to organize smaller items (think pantry items, extra dish towels, reusable water bottles, etc).
8. Free up refrigerator door space by using acrylic turntables to organize your condiments and salad dressings.
JANUARY 30, 2023
Personal | It’s Nice To Meet You: Get To Know Me!
My name is (**INSERT YOUR FIRST NAME**), and I'm a real estate agent in (**INSERT THE CITY AND STATE YOU LIVE IN**).
I've noticed a few new faces around here and thought it would be a good time to reintroduce myself!
Swipe to learn more about me 👉🏼 and share a fun fact about you in the comments below!
JANUARY 31, 2023
Buying | 6 Ways To Settle Into A New Neighborhood
Settling into a new neighborhood takes time, and you may feel like an outsider for a few months before you start to feel at home in your new community.
Although the transition might not be the easiest, here are a few things you can do to settle into your home and adapt to your new neighborhood.
1. Get to know your new neighbors.
2. Join the neighborhood community Facebook page (if they don't have one, start one!).
3. Throw a housewarming party.
4. Join the HOA board.
5. Attend neighborhood events.
6. Explore the local restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.
Starting fresh can feel overwhelming, so be patient and give yourself time to get comfortable. After you get through the adjustment period, you'll feel right at home!