NOVEMBER 1, 2022
Informative | November Home Maintenance Checklist
On the first of each month, I post a home maintenance checklist to help you keep your home in tip-top shape year-round.
Before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, put aside some time to tackle your home maintenance! Here are some tasks to do this month to keep your home looking its best👇🏼
1. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
2. Change HVAC filters
3. Unclog and clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, etc
4. Use a carpet cleaner to deep clean your carpet and/or rugs
5. Deep clean all appliances in kitchen
6. Reverse your ceiling fans
7. Drain hot water heater
8. Organize your main coat closet/mudroom
9. Wash out garbage cans
10. Stock up on salt and firewood for the winter months (if necessary)
NOVEMBER 2, 2022
Seasonal | National Stress Awareness Day: 5 Tips To Stress Less During The Holiday Season
In honor of National Stress Awareness Day, swipe for 5 ways to stress less during the holiday season 👉🏼
NOVEMBER 3, 2022
Interior Design | 5 Host/Hostess Gift Ideas For Your Next Holiday Soiree
Get creative this holiday season and make it memorable with a thoughtful, unique gift that your host/hostess will enjoy and use for years to come.
Here are a few inexpensive yet unique holiday gift ideas for inspiration!
1. A S'more Roasting Board Set
Where to purchase: MudPie
Add marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate to the board, and you'll be all set!
2. Whiskey Tumbler Glasses & Ice Stones Set
Where to purchase: Gentlemen's Hardware
If your host/hostess is a whiskey drinker, they will love this gift!
3. Hot Cocoa Kits + A Set Of Holiday Mugs
Where to purchase: Giften Market & Pottery Barn
A great gift for the entire family!
4. Kennebunk Rattan Cheese Knives
Bring a few of your favorite cheeses & crackers for an appetizer!
Where to purchase: Cailini Costal
5. A Festive Scented Candle + Match Cloche
Where to purchase: Amazon & Anthropologie
Who wouldn't love a creamy, buttery, pumpkin-scented candle?
NOVEMBER 4, 2022
Local | Fall Weekend To-Do List + Local Recommendations
Here are some of my favorite fall weekend activities to give you some ideas!
(**INSERT CITY**) locals, I added some local recommendations that pair with the activities both on the graphic above and below👇🏼
1. Visit a winery or brewery🍷
📍 (**INSERT LOCAL WINERY OR BREWERY**)
2. Go on a scenic hike and bring a picnic lunch🧺
📍 (**INSERT LOCAL HIKING TRAIL/PICNIC SPOT**)
3. Take yourself on a solo bookstore + donut date
📍 (**INSERT LOCAL BOOKSTORE AND DONUT SPOT**)
4. Go horseback riding🐎
📍 (**INSERT LOCAL HORSEBACK RIDING STABLES**)
5. Meet a friend for coffee and a fall treat
📍 (**INSERT LOCAL COFFEE SHOP/BAKERY**)
6. Take a trip to the farmers market
📍 (**INSERT LOCAL FARMERS MARKET**)
Be sure to click the bookmark icon to save this post for later!📌
NOVEMBER 5, 2022
Informative | (**INSERT CITY**) Market Update
BUYERS: Now is the time to lock in a mortgage, as mortgage rates are predicted to rise even more in 2023. As bidding wars ease, you may face less competition as a buyer, and sellers are eager and motivated to sell before the holiday season. If you've been waiting for the housing market to cool off a bit before buying, now is the time to make your move!
SELLERS: Be sure to work with a real estate agent who knows the area and is well-experienced. Work with them to price your home competitively, as overpricing or underpricing a home can hurt the home's chances of selling. Housing inventory is rising but has yet to return to pre-2020 levels. Most of the country is still a seller's market, so if you are considering selling your home, now is still a great time.
There’s no “right” or “wrong” time to buy or sell. You cannot time the market, and there’s never a “perfect” time — the “right” time to buy or sell is whenever you are ready!
Here's what’s happening in the market right now in (**INSERT CITY**):
Inventory: ↑ (**INSERT YOUR LOCAL MARKET STATS AND CORRECT ARROW HERE**)
Average Price: ↓ (**INSERT YOUR LOCAL MARKET STATS AND CORRECT ARROW HERE**)
Number of Homes Sold: ↓ (**INSERT YOUR LOCAL MARKET STATS AND CORRECT ARROW HERE**)
Average Days on Market: ↓ (**INSERT YOUR LOCAL MARKET STATS AND CORRECT ARROW HERE**)
Number of New Listings: ↓ (**INSERT YOUR LOCAL MARKET STATS AND CORRECT ARROW HERE**)
Have questions about buying or selling? Send me a DM and let's chat!
NOVEMBER 6, 2022
Local | Where To Pre-Order Your Thanksgiving Pies In (**INSERT CITY, STATE**)
The holiday season tends to be the busiest time of year. If you want to make your life easier this Thanksgiving (but still impress your guests with a delicious, picture-perfect dessert), pre-ordering a pie is the way to go!
Simply order your pies, grab some ice cream and whipped cream to put on top, and show up on the scheduled pick-up date. Easy as… should I say, pie? 😅
Here are 3 places you can pre-order the perfect Thanksgiving pie from — be sure to get your order placed before the deadline!
1. (**INSERT LOCAL BAKERY/PIE SHOP 1**)
Pre-order deadline: (**INSERT PRE-ORDER DEADLINE**)
Known for: (**INSERT 1-2 OF THEIR BEST-SELLING PIE(S)**)
2. (**INSERT LOCAL BAKERY/PIE SHOP 2**)
Pre-order deadline: (**INSERT PRE-ORDER DEADLINE**)
Known for: (**INSERT 1-2 OF THEIR BEST-SELLING PIE(S)**)
3. (**INSERT LOCAL BAKERY/PIE SHOP 3**)
Pre-order deadline: (**INSERT PRE-ORDER DEADLINE**)
Known for: (**INSERT 1-2 OF THEIR BEST-SELLING PIE(S)**)
NOVEMBER 7, 2022
Informative | Buying A House 8 Months Ago VS Buying A House Now
NOVEMBER 8, 2022
Informative | Documents Needed To Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage
NOVEMBER 9, 2022
Informative | 5 Things To Do Now If You Are Looking To Buy A Home In 2023
If you are thinking, “dang, I should’ve bought a house a few months ago when interest rates were lower“, let's take a look at the numbers.
Before you let high interest rates discourage you from homeownership, let me give you some good news! Housing prices are starting to fall, making the cost of a buying a home 8 months ago pretty comparable to what it would cost now (see above for an example)!
If you are interested in learning more about the buying process in this market, send me a messgae — I’d love to chat more with you and answer any of the questions you have!
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage by a lender is very beneficial when shopping for a home. Not only will it allow you to get your finances in order and determine how much you can afford, but a pre-approval letter also shows sellers that you are serious about purchasing their home. Without a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter, the seller has no idea if you can qualify for a mortgage or not.
During the pre-approval process, your lender will assess your finances to determine how much you can borrow, your loan type, interest rate, fees, and delinquency risk. For pre-approval, you will need to send your lender some paperwork for your mortgage application that proves things such as consistent income, good credit, employment verification, etc.
Here are some of the documents your lender might need to help you get pre-approved for a mortgage!
Looking for a good mortgage lender in (**INSERT CITY**)? I would be more than happy to put you in contact with a couple of my preferred lenders — just send me a DM!
If you are looking to buy a house next year, here are ✋🏼 things you need to do to set yourself up for success:
1. Work on your credit score. The higher your credit is, the better options you'll have for loan programs, interest rates, mortgage terms, how much house you can afford, etc.
2. Narrow down your ideal location. Drive around to explore different areas and start a list of neighborhoods you do and don't like.
3. Find the right agent! It's important to work with an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent. It helps if you and your realtor also have similar communication styles and compatible personalities, as this makes the buying process so much smoother.
4. Work with a reputable lender. Your real estate agent will likely give you a list of their preferred lenders, or you can work with someone you already know. You'll want to shop around to determine who you work best with and can offer you the best rate!
5. Get your finances in order. If you haven't already, start putting money away for a down payment and find creative ways to save more.
Have questions about the home buying process? Send me a DM and I’d love to chat!
NOVEMBER 10, 2022
Local | 3 Places To Get Thanksgiving Dinner In (**INSERT CITY**)
If you aren’t in the mood to cook an entire Thanksgiving feast this year, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a turkey dinner with all the classic fixings!
Here are 3 places to get a traditional Thanksgiving dinner in (**I**NSERT CITY****): no dishes, no cooking, no hosting, no stress, and no hassle!
1. (**INSERT LOCAL RESTAURAUNT 1 SERVING THANKSGIVING DINNER**)
(**INSERT PRE-ORDER INFORMATION, PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS, IF A RESERVATION IS REQUIRED/RECOMMENDED, ETC**)
Price per person: (**INSERT PRICE PER PERSON**)
Available for take-out: (**INSERT ✔️ OR ❌**)
Open for dine-in: (**INSERT ✔️ OR ❌**)
2. (**INSERT LOCAL RESTAURAUNT 2 SERVING THANKSGIVING DINNER**)
(**INSERT PRE-ORDER INFORMATION, PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS, IF A RESERVATION IS REQUIRED/RECOMMENDED, ETC**)
Price per person: (**INSERT PRICE PER PERSON**)
Available for take-out: (**INSERT ✔️ OR ❌**)
Open for dine-in: (**INSERT ✔️ OR ❌**)
3. (**INSERT LOCAL RESTAURAUNT 3 SERVING THANKSGIVING DINNER**)
(**INSERT PRE-ORDER INFORMATION, PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS, IF A RESERVATION IS REQUIRED/RECOMMENDED, ETC**)
Price per person: (**INSERT PRICE PER PERSON**)
Available for take-out: (**INSERT ✔️ OR ❌**)
Open for dine-in: (**INSERT ✔️ OR ❌**)
NOVEMBER 11, 2022
Seasonal | Veterans Day
Thank you for your courage and dedication to protecting and serving our country. Thank you for putting your lives on the line fighting for our freedom. Your service and sacrifice do not go unnoticed!
Happy Veterans Day!
NOVEMBER 12, 2022
Interior Design | Fall Backyard Essentials
The sun is already starting to set later in the day, and you can still enjoy crisp fall evenings on your back porch if you are equipped with the essentials to stay warm and comfortable!
Here are some backyard essentials to prepare your backyard ******for fall entertaining. 🍁
NOVEMBER 13, 2022
Seasonal | World Kindness Day/Random Acts Of Kindness
Here is your reminder to be kind to each other and yourself, not just today but every day.
Spread some love and celebrate today with a random act of kindness! Here are a few RAOK ideas to get you inspired❤️
NOVEMBER 14, 2022
Interior Design | The Perfect Turkey Day Tunes For Your Thanksgiving Dinner Playlist
Nothing kicks off a holiday dinner like a great playlist! It wouldn’t be a celebration without the perfect soundtrack — add these songs to your Thanksgiving playlist for a jazzy take on some classic Turkey Day tunes! 🦃🎶
NOVEMBER 15, 2022
Informative | 5 Reasons To Consider Selling Your Home During The Holidays
1. Less competition
A lot of sellers will wait until springtime, or at least until the new year, to put their house up for sale. Sellers will face less competition during the holiday season. Your home will instantly stand out on the market, as buyers will have fewer houses to choose from around the holidays.
2. More serious buyers
Anyone shopping for a home between Halloween and the New Year is likely to be a serious buyer. If your house is up for sale in November or December and someone is looking at it, chances are they are a very motivated buyer and aren't just house hunting for the fun of it
3. A potentially quicker sale
Not only are buyers likely motivated and looking to move quickly around the holiday season, but lenders, realtors, title agents, brokers, and even inspectors are often determined to get a deal done before the holiday festivities begin. As a seller, this could speed up the sale of your home and make things move faster!
4. Your home looks its best during the holidays
Holiday decorations instantly make a house feel like home. Use the cold, dreary weather outside to your advantage by creating a warm, inviting, cozy environment to make potential buyers feel right at home. Overpowering your home with holiday cheer could overwhelm buyers or turn them off, so keep it tasteful. A wreath hung on the front door, garland around the staircase, a minimally decorated tree, and some freshly baked cookies on the counter would be a great place to start!
5. Showing times could be more convenient
A majority of people take time off around the holidays or have more downtime at work, so it’ll most likely be easier to coordinate showings that work for both parties.
Looking to get the selling process started? Send me a message — I’d love to answer your questions and chat more with you!
NOVEMBER 16, 2022
Interior Design | How To Create A Hotel-Inspired Guest Room
NOVEMBER 17, 2022
Personal | Choose Your Favorite Thanksgiving Food
NOVEMBER 18, 2022
Seasonal | National Apple Cider Day: Celebrate With An Apple Cider Margarita
Here are 7 ways to give your guest bedroom a 5-star, luxe hotel feel:
1. Be sure that the nightstands, dressers, and closets are empty so your guests can unpack their things. Provide a luggage stand and plenty of hangers as well.
2. Leave fresh flowers and a welcome note on the day of their arrival.
3. Create a refreshment station with individually packaged snacks, homemade treats, bottled water, and glasses.
4. Turndown the bed and place chocolates on the pillows
5. Stock your bathroom with plenty of folded towels, washcloths, spa-like robes, and sample-sized toiletries.
6. Use high-quality linens and focus on lots of layers.
7. Provide cordless chargers and reading lights
8. Write down all the passwords your guests may need during their stay (wifi, gates, doors, garage, etc.)
9. Remember a signature scent! Light some candles before your guests arrive, or fill a diffuser with essential oils.
10. Hang blackout curtains to give your guests the real hotel experience.
Sure, I love cornbread stuffing and green bean casserole, but (**INSERT FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD FROM THE LIST ABOVE**) takes the cake in my book!
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? Comment below!🦃🍁
Put a twist on a classic cocktail with this spiced apple cider margarita (complete with a cinnamon sugar rim!)
This drink is just as tasty as a mocktail if you prefer — just replace the orange-flavored liqueur with orange juice or a few drops of orange extract, and skip the tequila!
Here is the recipe! 🍎🍁
Ingredients for the drink and garnish:
1. 4oz apple cider
2. 1/2 oz orange-flavored liqueur
3. 1 1/2 oz silver tequila
4. 1/2 oz lime juice
5. 1/2 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
6. Apple slices
7. Cinnamon sticks
8. Sage
Ingredients for the cinnamon sugar rim:
1. 1 tablespoon white sugar
2. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
3. Maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Mix white sugar and cinnamon together on a flat plate. Pour some maple syrup onto another separate plate. Dip the rim of your glass into the maple syrup, then coat in the cinnamon sugar mixture
2. Put some ice into a cocktail shaker, add the apple cider margarita ingredients, shake for 30-60 seconds, then strain into your glass.
3. Garnish with apple slices, a cinnamon stick, and a sprig of sage. Cheers!
If you try this drink, add a picture to your Instagram story and tag me!
NOVEMBER 19, 2022
Informative | The Real Estate Market Is Shifting: What Does That Mean For Buyers & Sellers?
What does it mean to experience a market shift? Let me give you some insight:
The real estate market was on fire in 2021. Home prices skyrocketed, yet houses were still flying off the MLS in minutes. Housing supply reached record lows in 2021, but buyers weren’t phased by rapid home price appreciation, going above and beyond to seal the deal.
2022 is not 2021. The housing market is not collapsing but is heading toward more balanced conditions.
With the market shifting, a mindset shift is necessary for both buyers and sellers. It's crucial to work with a real estate agent that will guide you through the current market conditions, help you to manage your expectations, and prepare you for buying or selling in this shifting market.
If you have questions about real estate market trends or the buying/selling process, I'd love to give you some guidance and help however I can! Send me a message, and let's chat!
NOVEMBER 20, 2022
Interior Design | 5 Tips For Setting A Gorgeous Thanksgiving Table
Impress your guests with more than just the food by following these 5 tips for setting a gorgeous Thanksgiving Table 🍁
1. Set your table before Thanksgiving day! I think it's safe to assume that if you are setting a table for Thanksgiving, you will be hosting Turkey Day dinner. Hosting comes with many responsibilities, and having your table done ahead of time will take some stress off your plate on Thanksgiving Day.
2. Make a centerpiece with flowers, fruit, and other natural elements! You can find everything you need for a fall centerpiece around your home or in your yard. Think apples, oranges, leaves, pinecones, acorns, flowers, pumpkins, gourds, eucalyptus, etc.
3. Set the mood with candles! Use candlesticks of different heights to add dimension and sprinkle tea lights throughout the table. Creating the perfect ambiance is crucial when setting a Thanksgiving table, and candles will make your tablescape come alive.
4. Get creative with personal touches! Use name cards to assign seating, create a menu card to place on each plate, set some table games out, or print blank gratitude lists for everyone to write what they are thankful for this year. Make it your own, and don't be afraid to be unique!
5. Set each place setting as a 5-star restaurant would. Chargers or placemats first, then your largest plate, salad plate, and napkin. Your forks should be placed on the left, and your knife and spoon on the right (your knife should be closest to the plate). All drinkware should be put above the knife and spoon on the right side! If you have a bread plate, position it above the forks on the left side.
NOVEMBER 21, 2022
Interior Design | The Do’s & Don’ts Of Holiday Home Staging
You don't have to act like the Grinch to make sure your home is showing ready for the holiday season, but you shouldn't go full-on Clark Griswald style either😅
Before you deck the halls and turn your home into a majestical winter wonderland, here are a few do's and don'ts when it comes to holiday staging🎄
NOVEMBER 22, 2022
Personal | Thanksgiving Wouldn’t Be Thanksgiving Without…
Perhaps without your grandma accidentally burning the dinner rolls or a routine family fight about politics…
Or maybe it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a slice of homemade pumpkin pie, the dessert you look forward to year-round. 🥧
For me, it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without (**INSERT YOUR ANSWER: SOME IDEAS COULD BE YOUR FAVORITE THANKSGIVING FOOD, A ROUTINE FAMILY FIGHT OR FUNNY FAMILY JOKE, A TRADITION YOUR FAMILY HAS ON THANKSGIVING, SOMETHING YOU ARE THANKFUL FOR, ETC. EXPLAIN WHY IT WOULDN'T BE THANKSGIVING WITHOUT YOUR ANSWER**)!
Fill in the blank and comment below! I can’t wait to hear your answer!
NOVEMBER 23, 2022
Personal || 6 Things I’m Thankful For This Year
Thanksgiving is a great reminder us to give thanks, count our blessings, and appreciate all the good in life. With the hustle and bustle and craziness of the holiday season among us, now is a great time to reflect on what’s really important.
Here are a few things I’m thankful for this year — share 1-2 things you are grateful for in the comments below!
NOVEMBER 24, 2022
Seasonal | Happy Thanksgiving!
May today be filled with love, laughter, joy, and all the delicious food that Thanksgiving day brings! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! 🦃
NOVEMBER 25, 2022
Interior Design | 6 Home Items Worth Buying On Black Friday
However, not every item "on sale" for Black Friday is a smart buy — just because an item is discounted doesn't mean it's at the best price.
Black Friday has a focus on high ticket items, so electronics, large appliances, kitchen tools, vacuum cleaners, and cookware are all items you should be able to purchase at a great discount today.
Here are a few home items worth buying on Black Friday, with prices you likely won't come across any other time of the year!
NOVEMBER 26, 2022
Local | Small Business Saturday: Local Businesses To Support Today
Don't get me wrong, I love a good deal, but I love supporting my favorite local businesses even more. You've probably heard me say it a thousand times already, but shopping small is how we, as a community, can strengthen the local economy, support our neighbors, and make a positive impact on the lives of others!
Besides helping the community, local businesses tend to have more one-of-a-kind products to choose from and often provide better customer service than major retailers and big-box stores. Shopping local is a no-brainer!
If you plan on shopping locally today to celebrate #smallbusinesssaturday, here are a few of my favorite small businesses in (**INSERT CITY**) that you mustn't miss!
(**SHARE 3-4 LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES, WHY YOU LIKE THEM, AND ANY OF THE SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY DEALS THEY ARE RUNNING**)
Did I miss one of your favorite (**INSERT CITY**) small businesses? Tag them in the comments below!
NOVEMBER 27, 2022
Interior Design | Home Organization Items You Need To Get Organized In 2023
All I want for Christmas is a shopping spree at The Container Store 😅
Seriously though, the holiday season is the perfect time to tackle some home projects and set yourself up for an organized 2023!
Here are 7 items you need from The Container Store to make your home look like The Home Edit's Instagram feed:
1. 2-3/8" Expandable Drawer Dividers Pkg/2
2. THE HOME EDIT Modular All-Purpose Bin Clear
3. The Container Store Best Value Case Of 6 X-Large Drop-Front Shoe Box
4. The Container Store Wide Maddox Wire Grid Bin Black
5. Sugar Paper Market List Meal Planning Notepad
6. IDesign Large Linus Battery Organizer
NOVEMBER 28, 2022
Personal | Holiday Movie Night Based On Your Zodiac Sign
Now that the Thanksgiving festivities are over, I'm ready to get into the holiday spirit. Nothing puts me in a holly jolly mood like a Christmas movie classic!
What movie are you watching based on your zodiac sign? Share below!
NOVEMBER 29, 2022
Personal | When Is The “Right Time” To Put Up Your Christmas Tree?
I would love to hear your answer! Are you…
A. Team before Thanksgiving
B. Team anytime after Thanksgiving
C. Team first week of December
D. Team December 22nd-24th
Comment below!
NOVEMBER 30, 2022
Informative | Holiday Home Safety Tips
The holiday season is typically the busiest time of year. With all the baking, shopping, decorations, and festivities that come with Christmas, it's easy to forget to lock the doors or turn on the lights before you leave.
Nothing can ruin the Christmas spirit faster than a home robbery — here are a few tips and tricks to help keep your home jolly and safe during the holidays.
1. Put your indoor and outdoor lights on a timer
2. Don't announce your holiday plans all over social media
3. Ask your neighbor to collect mail and packages if you go out of town
4. Install security cameras
5. Keep your doors and windows locked
6. Avoid displaying your Christmas tree and gifts in the window
7. Be aware of "porch pirates" by scheduling preferred delivery times for when you are home
8. Don't leave a spare key under the doormat, in a plant, or in any other hiding spot
9. Keep blinds/curtains closed whenever possible
10. Store expensive items in a safe or in a suitable hiding place
11. Install an alarm system
12. Cut boxes into pieces from your expensive gifts before throwing them in your trash can