JULY 1 2022
Informative | July Home Maintenance Checklist
Here are a few things to do this month to keep your home in tip-top shape for summer ☀️ Swipe 👉🏼 or keep scrolling + save this post for later by clicking the bookmark icon above!
🐞 Hire a pest control service to spray for bugs
💦 Power wash driveway
🧼 Shampoo carpets
🔥 Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
🚿 Service sprinklers
📝 Create a family command center
🔦 Organize your junk drawer
🔐 Check all locks on doors & windows
⛑ Update your first aid kit
💡 Replace lightbulbs
🧹 Change HVAC filters
JULY 2 2022
Interior Design | Home Staging Dos & Don’ts
Considering selling your home in the near future? Save this post to reference later by clicking the bookmark button above!
JULY 3 2022
Local | 7 Local Businesses To Follow On Instagram
Along with shopping small, following a local business on Instagram or tagging them in your IG story is a great way to spread local love and strengthen our small businesses.
Here are 7 of my favorite local businesses to follow and shop from in (**INSERT CITY**):
1. @(**INSERT FAVORITE LOCAL HOME DECOR STORE IF HANDLE*)
2. @(**INSERT FAVORITE LOCAL CLOTHING STORE**)
3. @(**INSERT FAVORITE LOCAL BAKERY**)
4. @(**INSERT FAVORITE LOCAL RESTURAUNT**)
5. @(**INSERT FAVORITE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP**)
6. @(**INSERT FAVORITE LOCAL COCKTAIL BAR**)
7. @(**INSERT FAVORITE LOCAL ICE CREAM OR DONUT SHOP**)
If you support any of these local businesses this month, post a pic on your Instagram story and tag me so we can support our community together!
JULY 4 2022
Seasonal | Happy 4th Of July
Happy Fourth of July! Wishing you and your family a safe and wonderful 4th!
JULY 5 2022
Informative | First Time Homebuyer FAQs
Buying a house is one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your life. It’s a big deal to take on the responsibilities of being a homeowner, and feeling overwhelmed or stressed about the process is completely normal!
Doing your research ahead of time and knowing what to expect will help you to prepare for the home buying process ahead.
Here are some answers to my most frequently asked questions from first time buyers:
Q: Should I buy instead of rent?
A: There are many benefits that come with purchasing a house. These include tax breaks, equity, security, financial gains, value appreciation, freedom, capital gains, and more.
Q: Am I ready to buy?
A: If you can answer “yes” to at least 2 or 3 of the questions below, there’s a good chance you’re ready to purchase your first home
1. Do you have a steady job?
2. Do you plan to stay in the same area for a long period of time (3-5 years)?
3. Is your current income reliable?
4. Have you saved for a downpayment and other moving costs?
5. Can you afford a monthly mortgage payment?
6. Is your credit score decent?
Q: Do I need to work with a real estate agent?
A: It’s not required to purchase a home with a real estate agent, but it's highly recommended! The home seller typically pays all agent commissions, so as a homebuyer, you can work with a realtor for zero cost!
Q: How do I find a lender?
A: Search online for someone in your area or ask your real estate agent for a recommendation. You may want to consider talking with couple of lenders to figure out who you work best with and who can offer you the best rates!
Q: Does my credit score really matter?
A: Your credit score plays a big role in the process of applying for a mortgage. You can figure out your credit score by using sites like [myfico.com](http://myfico.com/), [equifax.com](http://equifax.com/), or [experian.com](http://experian.com/). Typically, you'll need a credit score of at least 590 to purchase a home, and anything above 760 is preferred.
Have questions about the home buying process? Send me a DM! I’d love to chat more with you + give you some answers!
JULY 6 2022
Personal | Client Testimonial
Each and every day I feel grateful to have such AMAZING clients! A big congratulations to (**@TAGYOURCLIENTS**) on your beautiful new house! Thank you for the kind words and for allowing me to be a part of your journey to find the home of your dreams! 🎉
JULY 7 2022
Local | Family Friendly Local Events
JULY 8 2022
Informative | What Is Your Biggest Dealbreaker?
JULY 9 2022
Local | 3 Of My Favorite Local Bakeries
If you are looking to purchase a home in the near future, you need to know what you are looking for. Something I always recommend doing as a homebuyer is making a list of your needs, wants, deal-makers, and deal-breakers.
This list will be a great reference to both you + your real estate agent when considering homes to tour and making a decision to put in an offer.
What’s your biggest deal-breaker from the list above? Comment below!
The next time you have a hankering for something sugary and delicious, try one of my favorite local bakeries in (**INSERT CITY**) to satisfy your craving!
Here are my top 3 favorite local bakeries + my favorite menu items!
1. (**INSERT FAVORITE LOCAL BAKERY 1**)
FAVORITE MENU ITEM: (**INSERT FAVORITE MENU ITEM**)
2. (**INSERT FAVORITE LOCAL BAKERY 2**)
FAVORITE MENU ITEM: (**INSERT FAVORITE MENU ITEM**)
3. (**INSERT FAVORITE LOCAL BAKERY 3**)
FAVORITE MENU ITEM: (**INSERT FAVORITE MENU ITEM**)
JULY 10 2022
Interior Design | 6 Design Tips To Make Your Home Feel Bigger Than It Is
Open up your space and make your home feel bigger than it actually is with these 6 design tips ↑
Be sure to save this post if you are looking to sell your home in the near future!📌
JULY 11 2022
Informative | 6 Things You Should Do Before House Hunting
JULY 12 2022
Interior Design | Summer Bedroom Essentials From Amazon
Looking to give your bedroom a glow-up this summer? Here are 7 Amazon summer essentials you need for your bedroom this season!
Here is what to search on Amazon↓
A. Slip Silk King Pillowcase, White (20" x 36") - 100% Pure 22 Momme Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
B. hOmeLabs Cool Mist Ultrasonic Mini Humidifier for Tabletop
C. YOUEON 4 Pieces Bedside Water Carafe Set with Tumbler Glass, 17 Oz Besides Carafe
D. Workstead: Interiors of Beauty and Necessity
E. Diptyque Baies Room Spray, 5.1 Ounce, No color
F. Tissue Box Cover Holder, Square with Bottom Belt by Carrot's Den - PU Leather Decorative Organizer
G. Smudge Kit Refill - White Sage & Palo Santo for Smudging, Healing, Purifying, Meditating & Incense
JULY 13 2022
Local | My Local Restaurant Guide
Swipe for my (**INSERT CITY, STATE**) restaurant guide: brunch spots, dinner favs, coffee, lunch places, ice cream, smoothies, and more!
JULY 14 2022
Seasonal | 6 Tips To A Bug Free Backyard
If you are plan on spending a lot of time in your backyard this summer, you’ll want to plan ahead to ensure your next pool party isn’t ruined by mosquitos, bees, ticks, or some other type of crawly creature!
Here are my 6 tips to a bug free backyard!
JULY 15 2022
Informative | Is Buying Better Than Renting?
First, let’s take a look at the real cost of renting. Say your rent is $2,000 a month, and you rent for 5 years. $2,000 a month adds up to $24,000 a year, and $120,000 in just 5 years!
This doesn’t even include your rental deposit, agency fees, and removal fees.
The average home value increases around 3.5-3.8% per year. Say you purchase a home for $500,000 with 10% down and your home value goes up by 3.6% each year. In 5 years, you’d make over $80,000!
Wouldn’t you rather build equity and grow your overall net worth instead of paying your landlord’s mortgage? Rental prices will continue to rise, but a fixed-rate mortgage will always stay the same. Sometimes, it can be cheaper to buy a home than to pay rent!
If you have questions about the home buying process or want to know the next steps to becoming a homeowner, send me a message and I’d love to chat more with you!
JULY 16 2022
Interior Design | Build Your Dream Backyard
JULY 17 2022
Personal | How I Became A Real Estate Agent
JULY 18 2022
Interior Design | Amazon Finds For Shelf Styling
Mine looks a little something like: C2E5 ☀️ Build your DREAM backyard and comment your combination below!
Hi! My name is (**INSERT FIRST NAME**), and I’m a real estate agent in (**INSERT CITY, STATE**).
My entire life changed in (**INSERT YEAR YOU GOT YOUR REAL ESTATE LICENSE**), when I decided to take a leap of faith and get my real estate license.
(**INSERT HOW MANY MONTHS/YEARS IT HAS BEEN SINCE YOU GOT YOUR LICENSE**) ago, I (**DESCRIBE YOUR LIFE BEFORE GETTING YOUR REAL ESTATE LICENSE AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO GET INTO REAL ESTATE**)
I love being a real estate agent because (**INSERT WHY YOU LOVE BEING A REAL ESTATE AGENT**).
To my clients… THANK YOU for trusting me with one of the biggest purchases of your life. THANK YOU for trusting me to guide you through the sale of your home. THANK YOU for helping me grow my real estate business!I feel so grateful to do what I love each and every day!
Here is what to search for:
1. Minimalista: Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Better Home, Wardrobe, and Life
2. Artisane, Havana Fruit Bowl,Paulownia Wood,Wooden Bowls for Decor,Parmesean brown
3. Dry Flower Vases, Ceramic Vase, Living Room Decoration,Flower Arrangement Decoration Shooting Props,Best Gift (White 5.1 Inch)
4. TSG Modern Black Candlestick Holders Set of 3 - Metal Candle Holders for Taper Candles, Tall Matte Black Taper Candle Holder
5. Bloomingville White & Black Marble, Set of 2 Bookends, White
6. Diptyque Scented Candle (Berries)
7. WORHE Candle Holders True Natural Travertine Stone 0.4" Thick, Set of 2 Premium Marble Candlestick Holder
8. CXCC Wooden Beads Garland with Tassels 58in Farmhouse Beads Boho Beads Decor Entry Table Decor Christmas Tree Decor
JULY 19 2022
Seasonal | 5 Tips To Keep Your House Cool This Summer
Here are 5 tips to keep your home cool this summer without racking up utility costs!
1. Keep your blinds, shutters, and curtains closed during the day
2. Avoid using your oven as much as possible
3. Swap heavy bedding and knit blankets for cotton sheets and lightweight throws
4. Adjust your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise
5. Check your windows and doors for air leaks + replace weather stripping if needed
JULY 20 2022
Informative | 5 Common Money Mistakes To Avoid As A First Time Homebuyer
Swipe for 5 common money mistakes to avoid as a first time homebuyer →
JULY 21 2022
Informative | What’s Happening Right Now In The Real Estate Market?
After nearly 2 years of record-breaking interest rates, sky-high home prices, and record-low inventory, the market finally seems to be cooling off a bit.
Right now, we are seeing a slight increase in inventory and a slight decrease in current buyer demand (less competitive for buyers compared to last year, but still relatively high demand). Now is a great time for buyers, as demand has lowered and you’ll be more likely to get an offer accepted without waving contingencies or offering over asking price.
While price growth is likely to slow down, that doesn’t mean prices will drastically drop. Home prices are projected to rise along with interest rates in 2022, so if you are interested in purchasing a home in the near future, now is the time to do so.
If you are looking to sell, don’t wait! It’s still a strong sellers market, just not as crazy as summer of 2021. Since inventory is still low and buyer demand is likely to stay strong, now is a good time to sell. Just be sure to avoid overpricing your home, as bidding wars are less likely to happen in this market (compared to last year) and you don’t want to sit on the market for too long.
Here are the latest (**INSERT CITY, STATE**) market statistics for July 2022:
Median Sales Price: ↓ (**INSERT YOUR LOCAL MARKET PERCENTAGE AND CORRECT ARROW HERE**)
Number of Homes Sold: ↓ (**INSERT YOUR LOCAL MARKET PERCENTAGE AND CORRECT ARROW HERE**)
Average Days on Market: ↑ (**INSERT YOUR LOCAL MARKET PERCENTAGE AND CORRECT ARROW HERE**)
Number of New Listings: ↓ (**INSERT YOUR LOCAL MARKET PERCENTAGE AND CORRECT ARROW HERE**)
Price By Square Feet Ratio: ↓ (**INSERT YOUR LOCAL MARKET PERCENTAGE AND CORRECT ARROW HERE**)
Have questions about where the market is headed? Send me a message — I’d love to chat more with you about the current real estate market stats & trends!
JULY 22 2022
Interior Design | Pool Party Musts For Summer 22
Here are 5 things you need this summer to throw the best pool-parties in the neighborhood☀️🕶
JULY 23 2022
Personal | How To Work With Me
The first step to us working together is to meet face-to-face to discuss your real estate goals. It’s important to start getting your ducks in a row a few months before you sell or buy. I’d love to schedule a time with you to share more about the buying and/or selling process and answer any questions you might have!
Curious about the current real estate market trends & statistics? Send me a DM and I’ll be in touch!
JULY 24 2022
Local | National Tequila Day/Local Cocktail Spots
Here are some of my go-to places for a cocktail in (**INSERT CITY**)📍
1. (**Insert favorite local cocktail spot 1**)
What to order: (**Insert favorite drink & appetizer on the happy hour menu**)
2. (**Insert favorite local cocktail spot 2**)
What to order: (**Insert favorite drink & appetizer on the happy hour menu**)
3. (**Insert favorite local cocktail spot 3**)
What to order: (**Insert favorite drink & appetizer on the happy hour menu**)
Did I miss your favorite spot? Share yours in the comments - cheers! 🍻🍸
JULY 25 2022
Informative | Should I Buy Right Now Or Wait It Out?
Stop waiting on the market to buy a house.
We can’t predict what the real estate market will look like over the next 2-3 years, so if you are financially prepared and ready to purchase a home, you should start the process now.
You cannot time the market, and there’s never a “perfect” time to buy. A home should be a long-term investment, and if you continue to push off buying until the “right” time comes, you may never achieve homeownership.
Home prices continue to climb and interest rates have gone up, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to purchase a home. Even in this market, buying a house is still worth it for many.
Here are five reasons you should consider homeownership in 2022:
1. Rising home prices = more home equity as a homeowner.
2. Rents are rising nationwide, and buying a house with a fixed-rate mortgage means your monthly mortgage payment will stay the same forever.
3. Buyer demand has lowered some (compared to 2021), which means you’ll face less competition. You’ll also be more likely to get an offer accepted without waving contingencies or offering over asking price.
4. Less competition = more room for negotiation.
5. Start building equity and long-term wealth + stop paying your landlord’s mortgage.
JULY 26 2022
Interior Design | Tips To Designing The Perfect Entryway
The foyer is the first impression of your home, so it’s important to create a welcoming and inviting feel that carries throughout the rest of your house.
Here are 5 tips to designing the perfect entryway:
1. Use baskets to store shoes, jackets, umbrellas, and other outdoor gear.
2. Add a mirror to open up the space and make the room feel more spacious.
3. Use a cute tray to throw your keys, sunglasses, jewelry, or other items you might need before leaving the house.
4. Give your entryway a warm and welcoming feel with an accent rug or runner.
5. Add a bench or small chair for guests to rest or take their shoes off.
JULY 27 2022
Personal | Real Estate Reality TV vs Real Estate In Real Life
Here is a look at what real estate agents do behind the scenes. It’s not always full of glitz and glamour, but the job sure is rewarding and I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love each and every day!
JULY 28 2022
Informative | 5 Signs You Are Ready For Homeownership
If you’ve been thinking about taking the first steps to becoming a homeowner, you might wonder, “am I really ready to purchase a home?”.
Here are a few telltale signs you are ready for homeownership:
1. You don’t have a lot of debt
Your mortgage lender will look at your DTI (debt-to-income ratio) when you go through the pre-approval process. Lenders prefer borrowers with a lower DTI, as this shows you manage monthly payments successfully and repay the money you borrow.
2. You have good credit
Your credit has a huge impact on whether or not you’re able to qualify for a mortgage, what kind of home loan you can qualify for, and what kind of interest rate you’ll have to pay. The minimum credit requirement to purchase a home is typically a 590 minimum FICO score, but a 740+ score is ideal.
3. You have a solid emergency fund
Being a homeowner means you’ll need to invest some money into your home to keep up with maintenance and life challenges. What happens if you lose your job and don’t have steady income for 3 months? Building an emergency savings fund ensures you have a safety net to fall back on if something unexpected happens in your life or to your home.
4. You have a stable job
Most lenders prefer that you have worked consistently in your current field for at least two years, as job stability is essential to get approved for a home loan. If you have consistent income coming in each month, you’ll be able to make monthly mortgage payments without a problem!
5. You are ready to settle down
Are you ready to plant some roots and settle down? To avoid capital gains tax, you’ll need to live in your home for at least 2 years before selling. If you don’t plan on moving anytime soon and you’d like to start building equity rather than paying a landlord, homeownership seems like the right move!
Curious about the home buying process? I’d love to talk more with you and answer any questions you might have — send me a DM!
JULY 29 2022
Informative | FAQ: “Can I Shop Around For A Mortgage?”
Shopping around for a mortgage can save you several thousand dollars over the lifetime of the loan. Without shopping around, there’s no way to know whether you’re getting a good deal on a mortgage.
I provide my clients with a list of my preferred lenders to reach out to, but I also encourage them to ask around or talk to someone they already know to explore all of their options and get the best rate possible.
To compare mortgage quotes, look over the loan estimate documents from each lender and pay close attention to the loan type, interest rate, rate lock, APR, discount points, and fees. Online loan comparison calculators are also helpful for comparing different loan options.
To avoid multiple hard inquiries on your credit, be sure to limit your mortgage shopping to a 30-day time frame. All mortgage quotes will be counted as a single hard inquiry as long as they’re done within 30 days!
JULY 30 2022
Informative | Self-Employed Mortgage Requirements
Self-employed and looking to purchase a home?
You may need to jump through more hoops than a traditional W-2 employee (and you might be asked to provide additional documentation) but it’s still totally doable to qualify for a mortgage!
Income stability is important when it comes to getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed. Most lenders will require at least 2 years of steady self-employment income to approve you for a mortgage.
Here’s what you’ll need to be able to qualify for a mortgage!
JULY 31 2022
Personal | Get To Know Me: Summer Edition
Here are some of my summer favorites ☀️ Do we have anything in common?
Share your go-to summer drink below!👇🏼