MAY 1 2022
Informative | May Home Maintenance Checklist
Prepare for the summer months ahead and welcome the new season by putting aside some time this month to take care of the place you call home🏠
Ready to tackle your May home maintenance checklist? Swipe 👉🏼 or keep scrolling, and click the bookmark icon to save this post for later!📌
MAY 2 2022
Personal | 2 Truths & A Lie...
Swipe 👉🏼 and comment below which one you think is a lie (A, B, or C!)!
MAY 3 2022
Informative | Homebuyer Budgeting Breakdown + Average Expenses
Let’s break it down:
The home seller typically pays ALL agent commissions. This means that, as a homebuyer, working with a real estate agent to purchase a home won’t cost you anything!
Your down payment is often 3-20% of the purchase price. VA and USDA loans require 0 down, and if you are a first-time homebuyer, you might be able to get down payment assistance to further reduce upfront costs!
Closing costs are typically 2-5% of the home’s purchase price. This means that, if you buy a $300,000 home, your closing costs will range from $6,000-$15,000.
The average home inspection for a single family home will cost between $300-$500.
Typical title fees range from $150-$500.
The average home appraisal for a single family home will cost between $300-$600. This fee is oftentimes wrapped into your general closing costs.
Home warranties typically range from $350-$600 annually. It’s not required to get a home warranty, but it’s highly recommended.
If your new home has a HOA, the average cost ranges from $200-$400 a month, but this fee depends on your neighborhood and community.
Have questions about the home buying process? Send me a DM and let’s chat!
MAY 4 2022
Interior Design | Ways To Turn Your Backyard Into A Resort-Inspired Retreat
Here are 5 ways to make your backyard feel like a relaxing getaway🌴
1. Set the mood with soft lighting
Add lanterns, string lights, tea candles, and outdoor table lamps to give your backyard a magical evening ambience.
2. Create “zones” for play, relaxation, and dining
Some ideas: hang a hammock on your porch, position some lounge chairs by the pool, add an outdoor dining space, set some chairs around a fire pit... Get intentional and make the most out of your backyard space by creating purposeful “zones” for different activities!
3. Focus on entertainment aspects
If you plan on throwing outdoor parties this summer, entertainment is key! Corn hole, horseshoes, outdoor JENGA, a foosball table... The possibilities are endless!
4. Add plants and greenery
Give your backyard a lush feel by adding succulents, trees, scrubs, and planting your favorite flowers. Landscaping can completely transform your backyard into a beautiful, relaxing space!
5. Create some shady spots
On sweltering summer days, shade is a must. Add a patio umbrella, pergola, or retractable awning to create some shady spots for you & your guests to enjoy during the hot summer months!
MAY 5 2022
Local | Cinco De Mayo & My Favorite Local Taco + Marg Spot
When it comes to good Mexican food, (**INSERT CITY**) does it right. 🌮
It’s hard to choose just one, but my favorite local spot for some killer tacos and a bomb margarita has to be (**INSERT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL MEXICAN FOOD SPOT**).
Whenever I go, I always get (**INSERT YOUR FAVORITE DRINK, FAVORITE ENTREE, AND FAVORITE DESSERT**).
If you’re looking for a fun spot to grab a bite to eat and celebrate Cinco De Mayo, you must give (**INSERT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL MEXICAN FOOD SPOT**) a try!
Be sure to also follow them on Instagram to spread the local love ❤️ @(**INSERT THEIR IG HANDLE**)
#cincodemayo #happycincodemayo #foodie #mexicanfood #staterealtor #margarita #tacotime #tacosincity #cityfood #citygram #cityfoodie #eatcity #cityeats #cityfoodfan #cityguide
MAY 6 2022
Personal | Meet Two Of My Preferred Lenders
If you are looking to purchase a home, you’ve probably thought about financing. To get a mortgage, you’ll need to work with a lender to determine your loan needs and decide which loan would work best for you and your financial situation.
@tagpreferredlender1 & @tagpreferredlender2 are two lenders that I 100% trust to take care of my clients. It’s important to work with a reputable, dependable, and experienced mortgage lender, and these two are some of the best in the business.
@tagpreferredlender1 & @tagpreferredlender2 take pride in making sure you have an excellent home buying experience and are committed to helping you obtain your dream of home ownership.
If you’re looking for a lender, these are two mortgage lenders I would highly recommend!
MAY 7 2022
Personal | My Favorite Summer Cocktail Recipe
MAY 8 2022
Seasonal | Happy Mother’s Day!
MAY 9 2022
Interior Design | Tips To A More Organized Home
Treat your mom to a stack of buttermilk pancakes and one of the best mimosas in (**INSERT CITY**) at (**INSERT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL BRUNCH SPOT**) 🥞 🍳
This brunch spot is worth waking up for, trust me! If you go, be sure to get (**INSERT YOUR BRUNCH ORDER**). You won’t regret it!
To all the moms, step moms, foster moms, the new moms, the should be moms, the moms-to-be, & those without moms… Wishing you a wonderful Mothers Day, and hoping your day is filled with lots of laugher and happiness!
1. Follow the “touch it once” rule
Instead of dropping everything on the kitchen counter when you get home from a long day, take two minutes to put your things back where they belong. This will help you to keep track of your stuff and minimizes the piles of clutter around your home. It sounds simple, but once you get into this habit, you’ll see how life changing it can be!
2. Declutter on a regular basis
Even if your home has a lot of room for storage, a cluttered space is a cluttered mind! If you haven’t used something in over a year, consider donating or throwing it away. Decluttering once a month (or even once a quarter) is key to achieving and maintaining an organized home!
3. Be realistic with yourself
If you are a busy mom working a full time job, you might not have time to keep up with a “Pinterest worthy” pantry. Instead, find functional ways to keep your home organized without having to restock containers each week. If you have the time and desire to create a perfectly organized pantry, go for it! Just do what works best for you + your lifestyle and come up with systems that you can be consistent with.
Cheers to a more organized home! 🥂🍾
MAY 10 2022
Seasonal | Tips For Outdoor Entertaining This Summer
1. Create a “serve yourself” drink station with a fully stocked bar cart
Just add your favorite alcoholic beverages, a few juice mixers, sparkling and flat water, and some fun garnishes (lime wedges, straws, cherries, herbs)! A bar cart is functional, stylish, and is a great way to encourage your guests to help themselves to a drink (AKA, you won’t have to play bartender all night!).
2. Create a cozy and relaxed outdoor space with:
- Outdoor string lights, lanterns, and candles
- Fresh flower arrangements (grab some flowers at Trader Joes and make your own!)
- Rugs, pillows, and outdoor throw blankets
- Potted plants and succulents
- A fire pit and outdoor seating
3. Keep the bugs away
Provide bug spray to your guests, light some citronella candles, or add bug repelling tech to your backyard to keep the bugs at bay!
4. Make it a pot luck
Don’t be shy about asking for everyone to bring a dish! Assign people to an appetizer, side dish, salad, or dessert, and just provide the location, drinks, and
MAY 11 2022
Informative | Credit Repair Toolbox: 5 Tips To Improve Your Credit Score
Perfect credit isn’t necessary to get a mortgage, but buying a house with a good credit score has many benefits including eligibility for lower interest rates, more loan options to choose from, cheaper mortgage insurance, easier underwriting approvals, better homeowners insurance rates, and more!
You might be asking yourself, “Is my credit good enough to purchase a home?”... Use the chart below to evaluate your score👇🏼
800-850: EXCELLENT
740-799: VERY GOOD
670-739: GOOD
500-669: FAIR
300-499: NEEDS SOME HELP
Swipe left to take a look at my credit repair “toolbox”: 5 tips to improve your credit score! 🪚
MAY 12 2022
Local | (**INSERT CITY**) Staycation Guide
When you have your favorite spots in town, it can be hard to break out of routine and try something new. A "staycation" will allow you to venture out and see more of your city without breaking the bank!
Here is my (**INSERT CITY**) staycation guide: restaurants, activities, where to stay, and more!
#yourcitytravelguide #yourcityguide #yourrealestateagent #yourrealtor #findarealtorincity #cityrealtor #staterealtor #staterealestateagent #statehome #staterealestate #movingtostate #movingtocity #discovercity #discoverstate #realtorinstate #staterealty #cityrealestate
MAY 13 2022
Interior Design | Spring + Summer Home Favorites
MAY 14 2022
Informative | 7 Terms You Should Know When Selling Your Home
1. CMA (COMPETITIVE MARKET ANALYSIS)
A competitive market analysis (or CMA) is a tool used to estimate the value of your home by looking at recently sold, similar properties in your area. Your real estate agent will be able to put together a CMA report to help you set your listing price correctly and competitively!
2. CAPITOL GAINS
A high capital gain is something to be excited about! This means that you’ve made a “profit” from your home sale because your house sale was above the initial purchase price (what you paid for the house when you bought it, which means your home value went up)!
3. DISCLOSURES
When selling your house, it’s your legal obligation to be honest and reveal any known issues about the property during the time you owned the home. This is helpful to set expectations and will lighten your legal liability since the buyers will be aware of any current issues or possible problems.
4. BIDDING WAR
As a seller, this is a great thing! A bidding war means that there are multiple buyers competing for your property. Each buyer will put in their best offer and will often go above the set asking price in hopes to beat out the competition and win the home.
5. RENT-BACK
If you need time to move after closing, a rent-back agreement is the perfect solution! This allows you to pay rent to the buyer (since after closing, they are the official owners of the home) until a certain date (which is specified in the contract). If your buyers agrees to it, rent-backs are great to buy some extra time before moving out!
6. MARKET VALUE
A home’s market value is an estimate of how much your home could sell for TODAY with the current market conditions (the amount active buyers would be willing to pay for your home). An appraiser will determine your home market value by looking at comparable home sales in your area (comps), your home’s location and features, interest rates, home maintenance, etc.
7. APPRAISED VALUE
The appraised value of a home is a professional opinion of an appraiser. An appraised value determines the value of your home and protects the buyer from paying more than what the house is worth.
Have questions about selling or looking for a real estate agent to guide you through the process? Send me a DM and I’d love to chat more with you!
MAY 15 2022
Personal | Real Estate Love Languages
One of my favorite ways to get to know someone is by learning about their love languages! Taking the love language test is a great way to understand your clients emotional needs and learn what’s important to them!
My two top love languages are **TAKE THE TEST HERE AND ADD YOUR TOP TWO RESULTS - [https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/](https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/) **
What is your love language? I’d love to know! Go to [www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes](http://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes) to take the quiz and comment your results below!
MAY 16 2022
Informative | 4 Types Of Mortgages For Homebuyers
MAY 17 2022
Local | Summer Activities In (**INSERT CITY, STATE**)
MAY 18 2022
Interior Design | Build Your Dream Home
A mortgage loan is a type of loan used to purchase a home. Your repay this loan, along with interest, over a set number of years (typically 15 or 30 years).
You’ll need to work with a mortgage lender to figure out the loan(s) you can qualify for and which would be best for you and your financial situation. To feel a little more prepared for that conversation, let's talk about four of the most common mortgages:
1. FHA Loans
Great for first time homebuyers
Low down payment and closing costs
Easy to qualify for
Credit requirement: 580+ or 500 with 10% down
Down payment: 3.5% or 10% with 500 credit score
2. VA Loans
For service members, veterans, and select military spouses
No mortgage insurance and low closing costs
Government guarantee
Credit requirement: 580+
Down payment: 0% down
3. USDA Loans
Great for low-to-medium income households
Has certain income and area requirements
Lower PMI than FHA Loans
Credit requirement: 640+
Down payment: 0% down
4. Conventional Loans
Great for buyers with good credit, a steady income, and low debt More flexibility and fixed rate
Diverse options for down payment
Credit requirement: 620+
Down payment: 5% down
Looking to purchase a home in 2022? I’d love to answer any questions might you have and connect you with my preferred lender to get the process started. Send me a message and let’s chat!
School is almost out, the weather is getting warmer, the grass is getting greener, and you know what that means… Summer break is right around the corner!
Here are 5 family-friendly things to do in (**INSERT CITY**) this summer:
Looking to cool off and splash around for the afternoon? (**INSERT LOCAL WATER ACTIVITY**) is the perfect place for you!
Looking for a day full of adventure? Check out (**INSERT LOCAL ADVENTURE PARK**) for fun rides, yummy snacks, and entertainment!
Looking to enjoy some live music this summer? (**INSERT LOCAL VENUE**) has a calendar full of great concerts all summer long!
Looking to get outside and soak up some sun? Head to (**INSERT LOCAL HIKING OR WALKING TRAILS**) for a picnic or a hike!
Looking to escape the heat and get your kids out of the house? Go to (**INSERT INDOOR PLAYGROUND, MOVIE THEATER, MUSEUM, ETC**) for an air-conditioned afternoon activity!
What is something on your summer 2022 bucket list? Comment below!
Build your DREAM home and comment your combination below!
#yourrealestateagent #yourrealtor #findarealtorincity #cityrealtor #staterealtor #staterealestateagent #statehome #staterealestate #movingtostate #movingtocity #discovercity #discoverstate #realtorinstate #staterealty #cityrealestate
MAY 19 2022
Informative | 4 Signs You Need A Bigger Home
Here are 4 signs that you need a bigger home:
1. Your family is growing
One of the most common reasons people move into a bigger home is due to a baby on the way. As your family grows, you’ll need more space! Wether it's more bedrooms for kids, or a bigger backyard for your fur babies, this is a common reason why people need to purchase a larger home!
2. You entertain often
If you often host family gatherings and events, a bigger home is necessary to keep people from stepping on each other’s toes! Bigger homes can sometimes have other features like indoor/outdoor living, a pool and a hot tub, a wet bar, and bonus rooms, all of which are beneficial for someone who entertains regularly.
3. You work from home
It can be difficult (or even impossible) to work from home without a dedicated office space, especially if you have pets and/or small children. If you work from home, having the space for a home office is crucial.
4. You have hobbies that can’t fit into your current home
A bonus room or spare bedroom can easily be turned into a game room, pool room, golf simulator room, workout room, or music room. If you have hobbies that take up a lot of room, a bigger home allows for much more flexibility and space!
Ready to purchase a bigger home? Send me a message and let’s chat more about the home buying process. I’d love to help you find the perfect home for you in this stage of life!
MAY 20 2022
Personal | My Top 3 Favorite Things About Being A Real Estate Agent
Here are my top 3 favorite things about being a real estate agent:
1. I love people
By guiding my clients through one of the biggest transactions they’ll ever make, I’m able to make such an impact on their lives. I can’t even begin to explain the joy I feel when I’m able to help my clients find and buy the home of their dreams. My clients become close friends and to this day, I stay in touch with each and every one of them!
2. Each day is something new
Each day I meet new people, make new friends, see new places, experience new things, and face new challenges. My schedule is flexible, I’m always learning new things, and no two days are ever the same!
3. I’m passionate + have an interest in real estate
I love touring model homes, designing my home on Pinterest, watching HGTV, reading books about investing in real estate, driving through new neighborhoods... I have turned my passion into a full time career and I couldn’t be more blessed!
To my past, future, and current clients… THANK YOU for allowing me to do what I love every single day! I appreciate your business and feel so grateful to have the most amazing clients!
MAY 21 2022
Personal | Gifts Ideas For New Homeowners
Here are a few fun gift ideas for new homeowners (that everyone will use and appreciate).
Save this post for later by clicking the bookmark button above! 📌
MAY 22 2022
Local | Local Moving Company Recommendations
A successful move takes a lot of planning and coordination, and it can easily get overwhelming or even feel impossible to get everything done.
Take some of the stress and anxiety off your plate by hiring movers! If you are looking to make your moving experience a more enjoyable one, hiring a professional moving company is key.
That being said, you shouldn’t hire just anyone. It’s important to hire a moving company that is reputable, responsible, and dependable.
Here are 4 moving companies I highly recommend if you are moving to the (**INSERT CITY**) area!
MAY 23 2022
Informative | Home Safety Tips For Your Upcoming Summer Vacation
Why? Maybe because when the weather warms up, doors and windows are left open more frequently, homeowners spend less time at home, kids are out of school, families go on summer vacation, and the number of daylight hours increases (due to daylight savings).
Whatever the reason may be, it’s crucial to take precautionary safety measures to protect your home, especially when you go out of town.
Swipe for a few things you can do to keep your home safe and secure this summer:
MAY 24 2022
Personal | Client Testimonial
I’m able to do what I love because of you!
Thank you @(**TAG YOUR CLIENTS**) for trusting me and allowing me to guide you through the homebuying process! I’m so happy we met and I can’t wait to work together again in the future. Congrats on your new home!🥂🍾
MAY 25 2022
Seasonal | Amazon Outdoor Kitchen Accessories You Need This Summer
Now is the time to get your backyard ready for outdoor cooking and entertaining 🍔⛱
Take your outdoor kitchen/bar to the next level this summer with some of my favorite Amazon outdoor kitchen accessories! 🙌🏼
Here is what to search on Amazon**↓**
A. Egg ring molds - Egg Rings, 4 Pack Egg Cooking Rings Set, Round Pancake Omelette Mold for Frying Egg Breakfast English Muffins Breakfast Sandwich Burger
B. Rocker style pizza cutter - 14” Black Non-Stick Pizza Cutter by KitchenStar | Sharp Stainless Steel Slicer Knife - Rocker Style w Blade Cover | Chop and Slices Perfect Portions + Dishwasher Safe – Premium Pizza Oven Accessories
C. Smash burger press - Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press, Cast Iron CISB-111
D. Wood corn cob holders - 4 Pack Wooden Handle Stainless Steel BBQ Meat Fruit Forks Barbecue Corn Cob Holder for Home Cooking and BBQ
E. Grill baskets for veggies, fruit, seafood, and meat - Yukon Glory 3-Piece Mini Grilling Basket Set, Stainless Steel Perforated Grill Baskets for Grilling Veggies, Seafood, and Meats, Includes Grill Pan, Square Basket, and Circular Basket
F. Pancake batter dispenser - OXO Good Grips Precision Batter Dispenser
G. Stainless steel spatula set with wooden handles - Professional Spatula Set - Stainless Steel Pancake Turner and Griddle Scraper 4x8 inch Oversized Hamburger Turner Great for Griddle BBQ Grill and Flat Top Cooking - Commercial Quality
MAY 26 2022
Informative | 6 Ways To Save Money When Building A New Home
Here are 6 ways to save money and cut down on costs when buying a new build home:
1. Set a budget. Determine how much you can afford to spend on a new build home, communicate your budget with your builder, and stick to it!
2. Choosing a smaller floor plan is a great way to save money (or to give you the flexibility to spend a little extra on design upgrades).
3. Save where you can! For instance, high quality luxury vinyl flooring is a great way to get the look of hardwood floors without the expensive price tag. You can always go cheap and upgrade later!
4. Know when to splurge. Outdoor living spaces, energy efficient appliances, home offices, and updated kitchens are some of the features homebuyers look for in a home, so these upgrades will be a great return on investment (ROI)
5. Look at different builder options to find one that is reputable and respected, yet still affordable. Compare a few different homebuilders in your area and choose the right one for you!
6. Avoid making change orders, as they can quickly add thousands of dollars to your final cost!
Interested in purchasing a new build home? I’d love to chat more with you about the new build process. Shoot me a message and let’s talk!
MAY 27 2022
Local | 5 Fun Date Night Ideas In (**INSERT CITY**)
Here are 5 date night ideas to check out in (**INSERT CITY, STATE**).
#yourrealestateagent #datenightinyourcity #yourcitydatenight #yourstatedatenight #datenightinyourstate#yourrealtor #findarealtorincity #cityrealtor #staterealtor #staterealestateagent #statehome #staterealestate #movingtostate #visitcity #happyhourinyourcity #yourcityhappyhour #cityeats #foodincity #drinksinyourcity #yourcityfood
MAY 28 2022
Interior Design | 7 Tips To A More Organized Bathroom
Transform your bathroom space and get organized with some of my favorite bathroom organization tips **↓**
Save this post for later by clicking the bookmark button above! 🙌🏼
1. Use drawer organizers to tidy up your make-up, jewelry, and hair accessory drawers
2. Create a “quick grab” tray on your bathroom counter with glass canisters filled with your everyday items (cotton balls, q-tips, sponges, etc)
3. Label your bins, baskets, and drawers to easily put items away in the right spot
4. For extra storage, use a bathroom cart to organize towels, washcloths, body products, bath salts, perfumes, etc
5. Use stackable bins or acrylic stackable drawers to keep your bathroom cabinets organized
6. Use a hanging shower caddy or sticky shelves to organize your shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other shower products
7. Hang floating shelves above the toilet or countertop for extra storage and space
MAY 29 2022
Personal | 5 Qualities To Look For In A Real Estate Agent
A home is one of the biggest purchase of your life, so choosing the right real estate agent to walk you through the process is crucial.
Although real estate agents are required to follow the same rules and pass the same tests, this doesn’t mean they are all identical! Most realtors have very different teaching styles, negotiating techniques, personalities, and communication styles, so it’s important to work with someone you mesh and connect with.
Swipe for five qualities you MUST look for in a real estate agent:
MAY 30 2022
Seasonal | Happy Memorial Day
To our veterans and active service members, thank you for your service. The sacrifices you have made for America and the bravery you’ve displayed will forever be remembered! 🇺🇸
Wishing you a wonderful and safe rest of your Memorial Day weekend!
MAY 31 2022
Local | 5 Reasons Why I Love Living In (**INSERT CITY**)
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I absolutely LOVE living in (**INSERT CITY**). You know why I love it so much?
(**LIST 5+ REASONS WHY YOU LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE. GET SPECIFIC! SHARE YOUR PAST EXPERIENCES, FAVORITE PLACES, MEMORIES, WHY YOU MOVED, THINGS YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT, YOUR FAVORITE PLACES, ETC**)
Considering moving to (**INSERT CITY**)? I’d love to chat more with you about the local real estate market and trends. Send me a message and let’s connect!
#localfavorites #citystate #city #state #cityrealtor #staterealtor #discovercity #discoverstate #statehomes #cityhomes #movingtocity #movingtostate #staterealestate #movetocity #movetostate