SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
Informative | September Home Maintenance Checklist
Neglecting home maintenance can quickly lead to costly repairs and could potentially even ruin the value of your home. Now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the fall and winter months!
Here are a few things to do in September to keep your home in tip-top shape as we transition into a new season🍁🍂
1. Caulk around windows and doors
2. Stock up on firewood
3. Clean your gutters
4. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected
5. Clean out your closet + donate old clothes
6. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
7. Deep clean your oven
8. Check walkways, stairs and driveway for winter safety
9. Test your HVAC systems
10. Pressure wash your driveway and the exterior of your home
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SEPTEMBER 2, 2022
Personal | Which Homebuyer Are You?
Which homebuyer are you? Comment below!🏡
SEPTEMBER 3, 2022
Local | 4 Fun Local Fall Events Happening This Month
Here are 5 must-attend fall events happening in (**INSERT CITY**) this month. 🍁
SEPTEMBER 4, 2022
Informative | 5 Moving Hacks For An Easier, Faster, Less Stressful Move
You'll have to make moving arrangements, pack up your entire house, clean, organize, and then shlep all of your belongings to your new house and unpack what feels like hundreds of boxes to get settled in and make your house feel like a home. Although it’s not the most enjoyable or exciting process, I have some tips for you to make moving suck a little less!
Here are 5 moving hacks for an easier, faster, less stressful move:
1. Start packing as soon as possible! Packing for a move typically takes longer than most people expect. If you pack a few boxes each day leading up to your move date, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and will avoid the mad rush of last minute packing!
2. Keep your clothes on their hangers rather than folding & packing them in a normal moving box. Use a wardrobe box or a garbage bag (cut a hole in the garbage bag for the hangers to poke through) instead to avoid wrinkling your clothes and save time during the unpacking process.
3. Seal your dresser and/or desk drawers with plastic wrap instead of packing and unpacking them. The plastic wrap holds the drawers shut and will keep everything organized and in place!
4. Number your boxes and keep a list of what you packed in each box. Use your phone or laptop for notes to avoid losing your list during the move! It’s also helpful to mark each box with the name of the room it belongs to in your new home.
5. Pack an “open first box” with everything you’ll need within the first few days of moving into your new home (basic bedding, toilet paper, personal care items, clothes, pet essentials, kitchen tools, a first aid kit, unpacking tools, etc!)
SEPTEMBER 5, 2022
Seasonal | Labor Day
Today is the perfect day to clear your mind and enjoy some well-deserved time off. Take a break from your busy routine to fire up the grill, spend time with family, pour up a drink, and relax! Wishing you and your family a safe and wonderful Labor Day!
SEPTEMBER 6, 2022
Informative | National Read A Book Day: 4 Must-Read Books For Those Looking To Invest In Real Estate
To celebrate National Read A Book Day, here are 4 books I you should read if you are interested in learning more about real estate investing!
PRO TIP: As an aspiring real estate investor, I also highly recommend finding a mentor or asking a friend (who has had success in real estate investing) to share their experiences, advice, and knowledge with you!
It’s important to do your own research and learn as much as you can on your own (through books, online articles, etc), but having someone to talk to and bounce ideas off of is super beneficial as well!
Wondering if 2022 is a good year to jump into the world of real estate investing? Send me a DM and I’d love to chat more with you about the current market trends + stats!
SEPTEMBER 7, 2022
Informative | 5 Things To Know About Selling Your Home In The Fall
SEPTEMBER 8, 2022
Personal | Behind The Sold Sign: Get To Know Me!
SEPTEMBER 9, 2022
Informative | 10 Questions To Help You Create Your Home Buying Wishlist
1. Curb appeal matters
You’ve probably heard the phrase “first impressions are important” and this is true when selling a house too. Be sure to rake your yard, clear out debris from your gutters, trim bushes and trees, touch up exterior paint, and keep up with lawn maintenance. Piles of leaves and overgrown shrubs can make your front yard look unkempt, and that may turn potential buyers off from viewing your property.
2. The more light, the better
During the fall months, the days start to shorten and the sun will start settting earlier. Add some extra floor or table lamps and install landscape lighting to bring more light into your home. For daytime showings, open up your blinds and curtains to let as much natural light in as possible! For nighttime showings, be sure to turn on all the lights to make your home feel bright.
3. Too much seasonal decor can be a turn-off
No one wants to buy a haunted house! Staging with fall decor is a great way to make your home feel welcoming and cozy, but just stick with few pumpkins, a festive wreath, and some pretty autumn flowers. Be sure to stay away from Halloween decor (fake cobwebbs, inflatables, graveyards, smoke machines, etc), and don’t go overboard, as you don’t want your autumn decor to be the main focus of your home.
4. Create a cozy atmosphere
Light some candles, add fuzzy throw blankets and pillows, bake some chocolate chip cookies, turn on your fireplaces, and keep your home at comfortable temperature. Make your home feel warm and inviting to make potential buyers instantly feel at home!
5. Set yourself up to sell before the holidays
As we get close to Thanksgiving and Christmas, it may be more difficult to sell your home. The holiday season is a busy time, and the market oftentimes cools down in November and December. Listing your home in September or early October is a great way to get prospective buyers moved in right before the holidays.
Have questions about the home selling process? I’d love to chat with you — send me a DM and I’ll be in touch!
My name is (**INSERT YOUR FIRST NAME**) and I’ve been a realtor in (**INSERT CITY, STATE**) for (**INSERT HOW MANY YEARS YOU’VE BEEN IN REAL ESTATE**) 👋🏼
I grew up in (**INSERT CITY, STATE YOU GREW UP IN**) and when I was young, I wanted to be (**INSERT YOUR DREAM JOB AS A CHILD**)!
I started my career in real estate because (**INSERT WHY YOU BECAME A REALTOR/HOW YOU FOUND REAL ESTATE**).
My favorite thing about being a real estate agent is (**INSERT WHY YOU LOVE BEING A REALTOR**)!
In my free time, I love (**INSERT 2-3 THINGS YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME**).
My birthday is (**INSERT YOUR BIRTHDAY**) + my zodiac sign is (**INSERT YOUR ZODIAC SIGN**)!
The greatest advice I’ve ever been given is (**INSERT THE GREATEST ADVICE SOMEONE HAS GIVEN YOU**).
I can’t imagine my life without (**INSERT 3-4 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT**).
Something that may surprise you about me is that (**INSERT A SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF**)!
Enough about me, I want to get to know you better! Comment if we have anything in common or share a fun fact about you below!👇🏼
Here are 10 questions to help you create your home buying wishlist:
1. What do you like/dislike about your current home?
2. Do you need to be in a certain school district, close to work, or near family? Does safety matter to you?
3. Are you willing to buy a fixer-upper or is it important for your new home to be move-in ready?
4. Do you need outdoor space for pets, kids, gardening, entertaining, or privacy?
5. How much can you afford to spend monthly on your mortgage payment?
6. How much space do you need (bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces)?
7. What does your future look like? (Do you have a family or are you planning to start one soon? Are you looking to retire in the next 5 years? How much space will you need in the next 5-10 years?)
8. What type of layout best suits your lifestyle? (One story or two story? If a two story, do you prefer the master bedroom to be upstairs or downstairs? Do you like an open-concept floorplan?)
9. Do you like being close to amentities and shopping centers or would you rather live in a more rural area?
10. What do you absolutely need in a home and what are you willing to compromise on? (an important question to figure out your wants VS needs)
Interested in homeownership? Send me a message and I’d love to chat more with you about the home buying process!
SEPTEMBER 10, 2022
Interior Design | Target Home Decor Must Haves For Fall
Here’s everything you need from Target’s new fall home collection. 🍁
1. Chunky Cable Knit Tassels Throw Blanket Heathered Oatmeal - the perfect knit blanket to cuddle up on the couch with!
2. Oven-to-Table Stoneware 9" x 13" Baking Dish with Metal Stand Sour Cream - a great baking dish for lasagna or an apple crumble!
3. 24" Faux Bleached Wheat Wreath - if you love neutral fall decor, this is the perfect way to spruce up your front porch for the fall.
4. Salt & Pepper Marble Pinch Pot Set Gray/White - such a cute way to display salt + pepper on your kitchen counter!
5. 4pc Pumpkin Carving Kit - could pumpkin carving tools be any more chic?
6. Rustic Hexagon Candle Lantern Brass Finish - such a gorgeous way to add more light to your patio or back porch.
7. Harvest Spice Fluted Amber Glass Candle - the perfect warm spice scent for fall!
What’s your favorite thing about fall? Comment below!
SEPTEMBER 11, 2022
Seasonal | 9/11 Remembrance
Today we remember the victims and family members affected by the attacks that took place on September 11, 2001
“If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate” — Sandy Dahl, wife of Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl
🇺🇸 Never forget 9/11 🇺🇸
SEPTEMBER 12, 2022
Personal | Two Truths & A Lie About Me
Swipe 👉🏼 and guess which one you think is a lie!
SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
Informative | 3 Common Ways To Tap Into Home Equity (Without Selling)
When you sell a home in which you have equity, a chunk will go towards closing costs and the rest will be yours to keep.
But selling your home isn’t the only way to tap into home equity! Here are three of the most common ways to get equity out of your home without selling:
1. Cash-out refinance
A cash-out refinance replaces your existing home loan with a larger mortgage loan (by using the bigger loan to pay off your old one). The difference between the balance on your previous mortgage and your new mortgage amount and is how you’ll be able to access home equity and essentially “cash-out”.
2. Home equity line of credit
A HELOC (short for home equity line of credit) is a way to borrow against the available equity in your home whenever you want (up to a set limit) while making low payments. With a HELOC, the house is used as collateral for the line of credit. Similar to a credit card, a HELOC gives you the flexibility to borrow against your home equity, repay, and repeat. Most HELOCS allow up to 10 years to withdraw funds, and up to 20 years to repay.
3. Home equity loan
A home equity loan is a type of mortgage that allows you to borrow money using the equity in your home as collateral. With a home equity loan, you’ll get access to a lump sum of money all at once and will repay the home equity loan (with principal and interest) each month at a fixed rate over 5-30 years. Keep in mind, a home equity loan is considered to be a second mortgage, so you’ll have to make monthly payments for your home equity loan in addition to paying your current mortgage each month.
SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
Local | Fall Farmers Market Guide: Where To Go & What To Buy
When you think fall flavors, your mind probably goes to all things pumpkin, but fall has so many other flavors that you must try!
The (**INSERT LOCAL FARMERS MARKET NAME**) is still up and running until (**INSERT DATE THE FARMERS MARKET CLOSES**), so be sure to stop by and pick up some seasonal produce + yummy baked goods while you can!
Swipe for the address & add some of these seasonal fall fruits and vegetables to your shopping list!
SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
Interior Design | 6 Ways To Decorate For Fall Without Breaking The Bank
Looking for budget-friendly ways to welcome fall into your home?
Here are 6 ways to decorate for the season without breaking the bank 🍁💸
SEPTEMBER 16, 2022
Informative | FAQ Friday: Who Pays The Buyers Agent Commission?
SEPTEMBER 17, 2022
Informative | 10 Things To Avoid Before Closing On Your New Home
SEPTEMBER 18, 2022
Informative | How To Set The Right Listing Price When Selling Your Home
An experienced, qualified real estate agent will be able to answer your questions, negotiate on your behalf, guide you through the contracts, and will ultimately make the buying process much easier to navigate.
Did you know that, as a homebuyer, working with a real estate agent won’t cost you anything?
Both the agent representing the seller and the agent representing the buyer will be paid out of the seller’s proceeds. The commission is typically 5-6% of the homes purchase price and is split between the two agents at closing.
Looking to purchase a home in the next 6-12 months? I’d love to help you get the process started — send me a message and let’s chat!
To avoid raising any red flags or adding complications to the closing process, here are 10 things you should avoid doing before closing on your new home.
If you overprice your home, it may take significantly longer to sell and you could possibly scare off potential buyers. If you underprice your home, you may sell within a couple of days and start to wonder if you could’ve gotten a better offer if you listed at a higher price.
A few factors that will determine the right listing price for your home include location, neighborhood comps, the condition of your home, the size of your home, and current market trends.
Working with a trusted and reputable real estate agent is key to avoiding overpricing or underpricing your home.
As your real estate agent, I will do a CMA (competitive market analysis) report to look at comparable sales (the price homes have recently sold for in your neighborhood/area) to help you set a competitive and fair listing price.
I have the knowledge to educate you on the current market trends, answer your questions, and help you to set a listing price that will allow you to sell your home quickly and for top dollar!
Have questions about the selling process? Send me a message and let’s chat!
SEPTEMBER 19, 2022
Interior Design | 5 Tips To Transition Your Patio From Summer To Fall
Here are 5 tips to prepare your patio for the fall season!
SEPTEMBER 20, 2022
Local | National Pepperoni Pizza Day: My Guide To Pizza In (**INSERT CITY**)
Since today is National Pepperoni Pizza Day, I thought it would be a great time to share some of my favorite local pizza places!
Grab a slice (or two) today to celebrate #nationalpepperonipizzaday! Here is my guide to the best pizza in (**INSERT CITY, STATE**)!
SEPTEMBER 21, 2022
Informative | 5 Things To Consider Before Accepting An Offer On Your Home
Here are 5 key things you should consider before accepting an offer on your home:
1. Buyer's qualifications
Serious buyers will submit a pre-approval letter with their offer to show you they are financially capable of purchasing your home. Accepting an offer without a pre-approval letter is risky, as you have no idea if the buyer can qualify for a mortgage or not.
2. Timeline
It typically takes about 30-45 days to close on a home. Does the tentative closing date on the offer work for your schedule? Do you need to enter a "rent-back" agreement with the buyers to give yourself more time to make moving arrangements? If so, does the buyer have the flexibility to do so? Your timeline must match up with the buyers for a smooth sailing closing.
3. Earnest money
Earnest money is a deposit made to you (the seller) with the purchase agreement representing a buyer's good faith to buy a home. An earnest money deposit is generally 1-3% of the purchase price. If the buyer backs out due to a change of heart, you (as the seller) will get to keep the earnest money. Earnest money is not technically required; however, an offer with an earnest money deposit is definitely considered to be a safer and more legitimate offer.
4. Contingencies
Appraisal and inspection contingencies are two of the most common contingencies you’ll find in a real estate contract. Home sale and settlement contingencies are riskier to sellers, as there’s no guarantee the buyer’s home will sell or that you will successfully make it to closing. If you are considering accepting an offer with high-risk contingencies, be sure the offer is strong in other areas (financing, earnest money, timeline, settlement date, etc).
5. Price
You shouldn't just focus on the price tag when deciding which offer to accept, but the offer price on a contract is still an important factor to look at. Consider how long your home has been on the market, the condition of your home, the current real estate market, and how many offers you've received before deciding what you consider to be a fair sale price.
Looking to sell your home in the next 3-6 months? Send me a message and I’d love to chat more with you + answer all of your questions!
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
Local | Selling **YOUR CITY**: The Counties I Specialize In
As a licensed real estate agent in the state of (**INSERT STATE**), I specialize in (**COUNTY 1**), (**COUNTY 2**), & (**COUNTY 3**). Some of the popular cities in these counties include (**INSERT 5-6 OF THE MOST POPULAR CITIES**).
If you are looking to further explore one of these areas, I’d be happy to schedule a call with you to give you information about the current housing market and get to know you better! Send me a DM and let’s chat!
SEPTEMBER 23, 2022
Seasonal | Fall Simmer Pot Recipe
Just put 1 orange, 2-4 cinnamon sticks, 1 apple, and 1/2 a lemon into a medium sized saucepan on your stove. Add some whole cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla, then cover the ingredients with water and simmer all day long!
Just add more water as needed throughout the day to keep your ingredients from burning to the bottom of the pan. Refridgerate your ingredients in a large mason jar (when not simmering) and reheat for up to 3-4 days!
SEPTEMBER 24, 2022
Informative | “How Much Will I Make When I Sell?
To calculate the net proceeds of your home sale, you’ll need to deduct all of your closing costs and the mortgage balance from the final sale price of your home. On average, seller closing costs add up to 3-6% of the sale price.
Here is an example of how to calculate how much you’ll make from a home sale (net proceeds):
Let’s say you sold your home for $700,000. You have a mortgage balance of $400,000 that you’ll need to pay off, and your total closing costs add up to a total of $28,000. After deducting these costs from the final sale price, you’ll be left with net proceeds of $272,000.
If you are interested in selling your home, I’d love to walk you through the process and answer any questions you might have! Send me a DM!
SEPTEMBER 25, 2022
Interior Design | 7 Must-Have Home Organization Items From The Container Store
Whether you’re sending kids back to school, switching out light linens for heavy knits, or preparing for the soon-to-be-hectic holiday season, fall is the perfect time to get organized!
Here are 7 must-have home organization items you need from The Container Store to completely transform your space and get your home in order this season!
SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
Interior Design | Budget Friendly Home Decor Stores To Shop At
Here are 4 home decor stores to shop from that are budget-friendly but still chic + trendy AF!
1. H&M Home
H&M is not only a retailer for fashion and beauty essentials; they also have a home decor line offering contemporary decor and home accessories for an affordable price!
2. CB2
CB2 is Crate and Barrel’s less expensive offshoot brand.
3. Ikea
Known for ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchenware, and home accessories, Ikea is a great place to shop if you want to furnish and decorate your home affordably!
4. Wayfair
Wayfair is a budget-friendly, online-only home decor store specializing in furniture, decor, appliances, and bedding!
I also love shopping locally for home decor, as you save money on shipping costs and can sometimes avoid long wait times for furniture!
Two of my favorite local home decor stores to shop at in (**INSERT CITY**) are (**@TAGHOMEDECORSTORE1**) and (**@TAGHOMEDECORSTORE2**). Tag your local favorites in the comments below!
SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
Local | 3 Places To Go Apple Picking This Fall In (**INSERT CITY**)
The leaves are changing colors, the weather is cool and crisp, and the apples are in prime condition for picking.
The best part about apple picking? When you come home with a bushel or two of crisp apples, your baking opportunities are endless. Who doesn’t love homemade applesauce, apple cider donuts, or a freshly baked apple pie? 🍎
Pack a picnic lunch and head to one of my favorite apple orchards for a fun afternoon of apple picking!
Here are 3 of my favorite local apple picking places in (**INSERT CITY, STATE**)!
SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
Seasonal | Fall Bingo
Send me a DM when you get BINGO! 🍁🎃
SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
Local | 5 Day Drives From (**INSERT CITY**) To See Fall Foliage This Season
Here are 5 short day drives from (**INSERT CITY**) to see fall foliage and take in all the colors of the season 🍁🍂
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
Personal | My Q3 In Review
Thank you to my clients for making this year such a success so far and for allowing me to do what I love every day! I appreciate your business and am blessed to have the most wonderful clients! Without you, my job wouldn’t be possible, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
I’m so proud of what I accomplished in Q3 of 2022 and I can’t wait to see what Q4 has in store!