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Questions? Need support? Looking to get more out of your membership? Locked out of your account?
Here's where to contact us: 1) POST your social media questions, share ideas, and find referrals for your clients moving out of state/province in our Members-Only Facebook Group (The Social Broker VIP). 2) DM us any time on Instagram! @the.social.broker. 3) EMAIL us your tech support questions at maris@thesocialbroker.com. |
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YOUR CONTENT LIBRARY
MAY 1 - COPY & PASTE
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It's not too late to do that spring cleaning you've been putting off 🧼 🧹Stop here for a list of home maintenance ideas that you can implement this month!
-Caulk sinks, showers and bath tubs. -Open the windows and let some fresh air in. -Clean and maintain your lawnmower. -Start your lawn maintenance routine. -Repair and touch up siding and trim. -Clean and refinish wood balconies or decks. -Polish wood furniture, and dust light fixtures -Pick a new podcast to tune into. -Mulch flower and vegetable garden beds. -Replace your front hallway rug or runner. -Clean exterior light fixtures and replace bulbs. -Purchase a few spring scented candles. -Fire up the grill and invite the neighbors over! What's on your to-do list this month? |
MAY 2 - COPY & PASTE
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May is going to be a busy one! We've got Cinco de Mayo 🌮 Mother's Day 🌷 National Moving Month 📦 and Small Business Week.
I'm so excited to share with you some of my favorite small businesses throughout the month of may and celebrate the local entrepreneurs who add so much value to our community. What are you most looking forward to this month? |
MAY 3 - BRAND PERSONALITY / FILL IN THE BLANK
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Repeat after me: “I can do the hard things.”
I know it sounds a little cheesy, but life is full of challenges. This real estate market has been super busy this spring and I'll be honest: it isn't always easy. I feel for my sellers, who are often overwhelmed by multiple offers and fast-paced closings. On the other hand, my buyers have been facing low inventory challenges and sometimes bidding on as many as _____ homes [fill in the max offers you've submitted for one buyer this spring] before getting an accepted offer. What I've learned from this experience though, is that mindset is everything! In any real estate transaction we will always want to be practical, but thinking positive can make a huge difference toward reaching your goals. This week, my goal is to _____ [pick a real estate related goal that you have on your list!]. Do you have a goal that you're working toward? Real estate or otherwise. Let's do this together and cheer each other on! |
MAY 4 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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This spring's real estate market can be described with simple economics: there is more demand than there is supply.
Naturally, this is also driving up home prices. In March 2021 the average sale price was _____ as compared to _____ in March 2020 [fill in numbers from your local MLS if available -- otherwise just delete the sentence]. According to Redfin, almost half of homes now sell within one week of being listed 😲 But, there is good news on the horizon for all of us. According to Zillow’s Monthly Market Report, the inventory crisis may be hitting a turning point. As homes are appreciating in value, the idea of selling is going to be more compelling to homeowners -- opening up even more inventory in coming months. Zillow economists forecast 6.4 million homes will sell in 2021, which is a 13.5 percent from 2020 and the strongest year for sales since 2006. They also expect home values to rise 10.4 percent over the next year. Do you have any questions about the market? It's one of my favorite topics, so drop me a DM or comment bellow any time! |
MAY 5 - LOCAL LIFE / FILL IN THE BLANK
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Raise your hand if you love tacos 🌮 🙋🏼♀️
Today is Cinco de Mayo which seems like as good an excuse as any to head to your favorite Mexican eatery for take-out or to dine in! I love the _____ [your favorite order from local Mexican-style restaurant] and always pair it with a _____ [spicy margarita, classic margarita - extra salt and lime please!, agua fresca - the watermelon flavor is so refreshing!] from _____ [name of the restaurant]. Here are a few local spots where you can get your celebration on: 🌮 _____ 🌮 _____ 🌮 _____ 🌮 _____ 🌮 _____ Tell me if I missed an awesome spot that I should know about! |
MAY 6 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Let's talk about prepping your home for sale. One of the most important things that we'll do as part of your marketing plan is get professional photography for your home.
Today, most buyers have their very first showing online and if your show doesn't present well in photographs, it can be a total dealbreaker before they even set foot in your home! Not only that, but the better your home shows, the better the price we can get and increase return on your investment! When I work with my sellers, I always start with a walk-through of your home and make my recommendation on cleaning and staging to-dos that will help you prepare for the photographer. I've even been known to _____ [tell a story here...if you're known for home staging etc. list it here - i.e. roll up my sleeves and make sure the kitchen counters are gleaming/help clean my sellers' home from top to bottom when the cleaning service didn't show up/show up with a car full of staging accessories to help you present your home perfectly!]. Save this post to reference and let me know in the comments or DMs if you have any questions! |
MAY 7 - COPY & PASTE
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Thinking of buying flowers for the special mom in your life? Be sure to pick up a bouquet that will last longer than the weekend.
Here are a few of my favorite, long-lasting flowers to give and receive: 🌻 Zinnias - 3-4 weeks 🌸Orchids - 3 weeks 🌻Carnations - 2-3 weeks 🌸Lillies - 2 weeks 🌻Sunflowers - 1-2 weeks 🌸Dahlias - 1-2 weeks And don't forget my favorite pro tip: before you put your flowers in water, trim 1-2 inches off the end of each stem and prune any extra leaves to make them last longer! |
MAY 8 - CAROUSEL POST / COPY & PASTE
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Here's what kind of real estate agent I'm *not*: I'm not the real estate agent who is going to try to convince you to sell your home before you're ready!
Even though the market is incredibly good for sellers right now, selling your home is a huge decision that you might not necessarily be ready, willing or able to take on this spring. ⬅️ Swipe to read a few of the reasons why this year actually might not be the best time to sell. If you're on the fence now, but want to talk about your options or make a game plan for later in the year, don't hesitate to reach out to me any time! |
MAY 9 - COPY & PASTE OR PERSONALIZE
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There are some things every homeowner should know how to do...how many of these items can you check off the list? (If anyone says they haven't checked behind the shower curtain...I'm not sure that I believe you!).
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MAY 10 - BRAND PERSONALITY / FILL IN THE BLANK
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It's a brand new week and I realized something this weekend -- it's been a minute since I've said how thankful I am that you’re here!
So, I want to take a moment to introduce myself to those of you who are new here (and reintroduce myself to those of you who have been around for awhile!) I’m ______ (name), ______ and ______ (Insert two things about yourself -- i.e. real estate agent and mom, real estate agent and wine enthusiast, real estate agent and dog lover etc] from _______ [your town]. In this little corner of the internet, you can typically find me sharing things like market updates, real estate tips and tricks, and definitely a hefty dose of _______ [list something you love and like to share about on IG - mom life/cute pets/fitness tips -- I teach fitness classes in my spare time and working out is my passion/etc]. I was drawn to real estate because _____ [I am a razor sharp negotiator and I didn't want to spend three years in law school!/I love people and there is nothing better than connecting a family with their dream home/etc-share why you love real estate] and after ____ years in _____ I had the _____, _____, and _____ that is so important in this industry! [example: 5 years in corporate marketing, I had the publicity, communication and attention to detail.] Most days you can find me ______ [describe a day in your life - in the car heading to appointments and showings with my clients], always with _____ [something you're known for, i.e. a Starbucks coffee in hand/my huge water bottle -- I make a point to drink 100 ounces a day/snacks at the ready - everyone knows me for the stash of granola bars and snack packs I keep in a basket in the backseat for hungry kiddos and clients]. Oh, and if we work together, I hope you like _____ [pick something you love that people know you for i.e. listening to music - the radio in my car is always turned to the Sirius XM 80's Channel/tacos - I love to take my clients to lunch at Antique Taco because it's my absolute favorite/dogs - I talk about my pup Henry probably too often]. Now I'd love to hear about YOU! Do we have anything in common? Comment with where you live and something you're never without! |
MAY 11 - COPY & PASTE
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Q: With inventory low and prices soaring higher, are we in a housing bubble?
It's a good question, but according to National Association of Realtors chief economist Lawrence Yun, this "is not a bubble. It is simply a lack of supply." Currently, buyers motivated by a variety of factors, including low mortgage rates, a pandemic-era construction slowdown and a growing a desire for more space as people work and learn from home. On the flip side, some sellers are holding off on putting their homes on the market until after the pandemic. Yun says that there is reason to be optimistic. Even if we were in a housing bubble, not all bubbles burst. Unlike 2008, lending standards are tight, making it hard to buy a house you can't afford. To all my buyers: please don't be discouraged! I know the market might seem insane (it is!), but with a little patience and some creativity, I'll help you create that successful bid and get to closing day 🤞🏻😉 |
MAY 12 - COPY & PASTE
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Did you know that if you make bi-weekly mortgage payments 🗓 instead of the more traditional monthly payment, you could actually save thousands of dollars on interest over the years? 💰
Here's how it works: Let’s say your mortgage payment is $2,000. If you paid that once a month, you’d pay $24,000 over the course of a year. With a biweekly mortgage payment plan, you’d make half your mortgage payment, or $1000, every two weeks, for a total of 26 payments. At that rate, by the end of the year, you’d have paid $26,000 — $2,000 more than what you would have paid if you had made payments once a month. By taking this route, you’d essentially make an extra payment for the year. While this might not make sense based on your payment schedule or finances, it could be worth asking your lender if they offer a bi-weekly payment option so that you can pay down your principal faster and save money on interest in the long run. |
MAY 13 - COPY & PASTE
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Open shelving is one of my very things in any home. Not only are open shelves super fun to style, but they look chic and give you an easy way to display the decor and mementos that you've picked up over the years.
First, start by removing everything from your shelves and wiping them down to start with a fresh and clean slate. As you're clearing off the shelves, evaluate which items you want to keep on display and if there's anything you're ready to put in a trash/donate pile. Next: separate everything you want to keep into broad categories (books, plants, candles, glassware, etc.). This will help you take visual inventory and start mentally planning where to place items. Then you'll want to start by styling the largest items first to anchor the entire look. If you have a lot of small items, you might want to edit a little further to avoid looking cluttered. Treat your open shelving like your own little gallery -- create small vignettes on each shelf so you can edit and style accordingly. Don't be afraid to move things around and break a few conventions -- like stacking books horizontally instead of vertically. Finally, have fun with it! Styling shelves might not be a one-day project. You may keep moving things around and editing until it looks just right! Definitely hit up Pinterest for inspo and if you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments and I'd love to help you! |
MAY 14 - COPY AND PASTE
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But seriously, living through a home renovation is not for the faint of heart! When we're touring homes, it always sounds easy, right? "We'll just replace the floors in a few years." "Lets paint the kitchen cabinets, it will be easy!"
Home renovations are a lot of work, but they are always worth it in the end! Here are a few tips that I've learned over the years that might save you time and sanity next time you embark on a major home renovation project. 1) Invest in a bunch of plastic storage tubs from Target or Home Depot to pack your belongings away into. If you're redoing your floors or taking on any projects that involve cutting into drywall, you're going to want to avoid getting construction dust on everything. 2) Two words: paper plates. If you are doing any kitchen renovations or repairs, the one thing you will not want to do is dishes. Most stores have some environmentally friendly compostable options now, too! 3) Treat your renovation like a move: start purging and decluttering before you start so that there is less to do on the back end. Pack up one room at a time so that you know where everything is and make sure your boxes/bins are clearly labeled. 4) Before you start, pack a bag of essentials that you know you're definitely going to need during the renovation -- paper plates and utensils, paper towels, toiletries, clothes, wine opener - ha ha). 5) Hire a professional cleaning service who specializes in post-construction cleaning after the project is finished. Your regular house cleaning service might not have the equipment required to clean after a major project (like a Shop Vac). Have you ever done a major home renovation? Share your tips for staying sane in the comments below! |
MAY 15 - BRAND PERSONALITY / FILL IN THE BLANK
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Let's have a little fun today...and get to know each other in the process! Swipe for some _____ [your name] trivia and tell me in the comments what we have in common!
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MAY 16 - COPY & PASTE
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If I peeked at your Pinterest boards, what would I learn about you? Here's what I'm going to guess you're pinning:
-Baked goods that you'll never actually bake. -Studio McGee home decor (but you would never buy that white sofa for your living room). -Home renovation projects -- you're thinking about refreshing your bedroom. -Dinner ideas that are quick, healthy and the kids will actually eat. -Beach house decor...except, that you don't have a beach house. -What exactly to do with the InstantPot you got for Christmas. Did I get anything right? Tell me what I would see if I looked at your Pinterest boards right now! And if you're on Pinterest, drop your username below so I can follow you! [NOTE: If you don't use Pinterest, delete the last sentence!] |
MAY 17 - BRAND PERSONALITY / FILL IN THE BLANK
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"Done is better than perfect." I don't always get this one right, but I'm working on it! Now, it's a new week so we have the opportunity to start off with a clean slate!
Things will never be perfect. But remember that every step forward is a huge accomplishment, whether you're working on paying down debt, saving for that down payment, contemplating moving up to a bigger home...or anything else! What’s something you’ve been working on lately? I want to cheer you on! |
MAY 18 - COPY AND PASTE
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Q: How will my mortgage lender calculate my interest rate? If you're thinking about taking advantage of the low interest rates to buy or refinance a home, you might be wondering how exactly your lender will determine your rate.
Rates may be hovering around 3%, but that doesn't mean you'll qualify for the lowest rate possible. Lenders assess mortgage rates depending on how risky they judge the loan to be. A riskier loan has a higher interest rate. They determine the risk by evaluating a few factors: 💳 Credit score - The higher your score, the lower your rate is likely to be. Generally, the lowest rates go to borrowers with scores of 740 or higher. If your score is lower, you can still qualify for a loan but you may pay more interest. 💰 Down payment - You do not need 20% down, but if you put less than 20% down, your lender may require PMI, or mortgage insurance, and require a slightly higher rate. ⏳ Loan term - In general, shorter term loans (15-year vs. 30-year) have lower interest rates and lower overall costs, but higher monthly payment 📑 Loan type - Types of loans include conventional, FHA, and VA, to name a few. Different lenders offer different loan types, so it's a good idea to shop around with different lenders to understand the options available. 🏦 Interest rate type - Fixed interest rates are locked in, and adjustable rates fluctuate based on the market after an initial period. With an adjustable-rate loan, you might qualify for a lower rate earlier on, but then over time your rate could gradually increase. Of course, there are other factors involved that determine interest rates: the location of your home and overall economic factors. If you have Q's about what rate you might qualify for, let me know and I'd be happy to connect you with one of my awesome lender partners! |
MAY 19 - LOCAL LIFE / FILL IN THE BLANK
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Double tap if you're so excited for the farmers' markets to open for the season! I love the _____ [insert your favorite farmers market] and never leave without buying _____ [your favorite items/vendors].
What's your favorite farmers market find? Tell me what to look for next time I go! |
MAY 20 - COPY AND PASTE
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Here's why working with a real estate agent could actually save you money 💸
One of the reasons home buyers should always (always!) work with a real estate agent is because when we're touring potential homes with you, we can look beyond the excitement of having a cozy fireplace in the primary bedroom or the dinner party potential on the rooftop deck. We can help you assess whether your home is going to be a sound investment. Real estate agents have seen it all 🏚 Here are a few red flags that I keep an eye out for during our showings and home inspections: -Water spots on the ceiling or anywhere else in the property. If we see any signs of water damage, that's an immediate red flag! -In homes built before 1978, we'll always want to find out if there is any lead based paint in the home. If it's in good shape, it's not always an issue but lead paint was banned in 1978 and could potentially cause environmental problems in the home. -Wood siding and trim. Wood siding on the exterior of your home can cause problems and be costly over time. Wood siding is known for durability issues and associated maintenance costs. -Mold. If there has ever been water damage in your home, we may consider hiring a mold inspector to look for signs of mold. In some cases, mold exposure can make you sick, especially if you're prone to asthma or allergies. -Signs of dry rot and efflorescence (moisture bubbling up through concrete, brick, stucco, or natural stone surfaces). Both can be extremely expensive to repair -- costs you won't likely recoup over time. If you're thinking about buying and would like a second set of eyes with you on those showings, drop me a DM. Remember - it's completely free to you as a buyer to work with a realtor and I'm always happy to help! |
MAY 21 - COPY AND PASTE
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Here's how to infuse fresh design into your powder room 🧼🌱
Powder rooms are not known for being especially spacious, but there is plenty of opportunity to make a statement in your half-bath. -Add color to the space with a deep rich paint or some fun, playful wallpaper -Play up the ambiance with a pretty scented candle or room freshening spray. -Splurge on statement tile. If you're going to spend on one thing for your powder room, consider a bright and beautiful tile for your floors. -Ditch your boring and basic mirror. Instead buy an artistic frame and pop a mirror into it! -Up the ante on your half-bath accessories: think fluffy towels with a unique design, a plant or orchid, or a wastebasket and coordinating soap dispenser. |
MAY 22 - COPY & PASTE
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It's spring...time to open those windows and refresh your home with a new coat of paint. Paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make a room look completely new...no hardhats or demo required!
Try one of these cozy neutrals if you're ready to give your home a spring refresh. Do you have a favorite neutral paint color we should know about? |
MAY 23 - COPY AND PASTE (CUSTOMIZE IN CANVA)
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In honor of May being National Moving Month 📦📦
I'm going to share a few tips and resources with you this week including one of my favorites: my Stress-Free Guide to Selling & Moving, packed with great advice and tips from moving expert and author of "The Art of Happy Moving" @aliwenzke. If you're looking for tips about curb appeal, decluttering, packing, staging and moving without losing your sanity, drop your favorite emoji in the comments or shoot me a DM with your email address and I will send you the guide! Now, tell me in the comments: what is your biggest challenge when preparing for a move? Maybe we'll address it in a future post! |
MAY 24 - BRAND PERSONALITY / FILL IN THE BLANK
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Whenever I feel stuck or frustrated, I like to think about how far I've come since I _____ [started my career in real estate]. So today, I'm throwing it back! Here's how I started .... and how it's going!
[NOTE: if you have your photos flipped, do "Here's how it's going....swipe to see how it started!"] Even though there are some days where real estate can be a tough business (like representing a buyer client in multiple, multiple offer situations!) I would not trade this life for any other! When I first started in real estate, I was so overwhelmed by _____ [something you found challenging at first] and it seemed like everyone knew more than I did! But in the _____ years that I've been a licensed agent, I've learned so much from my colleagues and clients and have really honed my skills in _____, _____, and yes _____! [end your list with the thing you found challenging in the beginning]. I am so grateful to my clients because without you, I wouldn't have the opportunity to do what I love. So, thank you! |
MAY 25 - COPY AND PASTE
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Q: How do you come up with the list price for a home?
This is a great question and one that I often get from first-time sellers. I always start by touring my clients' homes with them to understand things like amenities, condition of your home and any upgrades you've made since you bought it. Then, I run comparative market analysis, or “comps” to determine fair market value. The report analyzes similar homes in your area and what they've sold for, homes in your area that are under contract but haven't closed and competing properties that are currently for sale. When I recommend a pricing strategy, I typically take into consideration: -Size/square footage of the home. -Number of bedrooms and bathrooms. -Condition of the property -- has it been well-maintained and does it have a good foundation? -Amenities such as central air/hvac, smart home technology and so on. -The age of the house, along with the age of mechanical and structural components such as roof, heating, and cooling systems. -Location, location, location! We look at the appeal of the neighborhood or school district and desirability of the lot. If you're thinking about selling (its's still a great time to list!) let me know if you'd like me to run some comps for you just to see what your home might be worth. No cost, no strings attached and I'd be happy to have an initial conversation! |
MAY 26 - COPY & PASTE
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Here's why this is term is so relevant right now:
Typically, if you're buying a home with financing we submit a standard appraisal contingency with your offer. If you agree to buy a property for more than what it appraises for, you'll have a more difficult time getting a mortgage unless you can renegotiate a new sales price. With a contingency, you can walk away from the deal with your earnest money deposit if the appraisal comes in too low. In today's hot market, buyers are bidding big to win multiple offer situations and in some cases, waiving the appraisal contingency. For a seller, they want as few contingencies as possible so that there is less risk of a deal falling through. As a buyer, this is a risky move. Let's say you agree to buy a home for $250,000 and the appraisal comes in at $230,000. The lender is not likely to give you a loan to pay $250,000, so you'd have to pay the difference in order to get to the closing table. Because the appraisal contingency exists to protect you as the buyer, it is not something we should do lightly and only in the event if it's very unlikely for the appraisal to come in low. Even in that case, you'll definitely want to be sure you have some extra savings on hand in case you need to bring more money to the table in order to see a deal through. |
MAY 27 - CAROUSEL POST / FILL IN THE BLANK
NOTE: Choose from one of the FOUR provided cover options (all customizable in Canva, too! and then create a carousel post with all seven (or just your favorite few) moving tips. Thank you to my most Monica friend, Marcy Twete, for this post! www.marcytwete.com/
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Seven moving tips to impress your most "Monica" friend 📦 Every friend group has a Monica, right? As for me. I'm definitely more of a _____ [NOTE: insert your favorite FRIENDS character if you're a fan of the show, or just delete].
But when it comes to moving day, it's definitely the Monica friend that you want to call for advice to help keep you sane and organized. -Buy a set of color-coded room labels for all of your boxes and totes. Don’t rely on your movers to read your handwriting (search "color coded room labels" on Amazon). -Set up an Excel spreadsheet and create a numbered inventory of what is in each box as you pack. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re looking for a wine opener and realize that all of your boxes are just labeled “kitchen.” -When you start packing, create a small box with packing tape, markers, labels, scissors, and always keep your supplies in that small box. It’s much easier to find a small box full of stuff than it is to find a single misplaced Sharpie. -Coffee and donuts for your movers the morning they arrive will do wonders in creating a good relationship with them. -It’s tempting to just use the cheapest movers, but think about how much you love your things. Take the time to meet with and talk to multiple moving companies and get references from real clients. It can save you a world of broken items and insurance claims on the back. -Think about what you will need immediately upon moving: coffee maker, computer monitor, cell phone chargers, a set of bedsheets. Pack these items in a special box labeled “immediate.” -When unpacking, resist the urge to unpack haphazardly. Unpack one full room at a time if you can. The sooner you can make one room, like your bedroom or living room, cozy and neat, the sooner you will be able to relax and begin to feel like you are at home.
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MAY 28 - COPY AND PASTE
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Rosé all day anyone!? I'll take the Venti, please 😉 Have a great and safe Memorial Day Weekend!
OR When it comes to real estate, there is no such thing as a small coffee. Happy Friday, my friends! |
MAY 29 - COPY AND PASTE
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"Life is better at the beach." That's why vacation home purchases have skyrocketed in recent years.
@Vacasa rounded up some of the best beach house destinations in the US. It's no surprise that Hawaii made the list three times 🏝 but no matter where you're thinking of purchasing your vacation home, let me know how I can help. My referral network extends to agents in some of the best beach towns in the country...that is, as long as there's a guest room 😉😎 |
MAY 30 - COPY AND PASTE
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Summer is so close, I can practically taste the ice cold margaritas (or lemonade if that's your jam!). As a real estate agent, I don't exactly travel light -- I usually have _____, _____ and _____ on hand at any given time. Here's a snapshot of what you'll always find in my _____ [handbag/purse/briefcase/car/whatever type of bag you carry with you]. -_____ -_____ -_____ -_____ -_____ What's something you always have on hand in the summer? Comment below! 😎
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MAY 31 - COPY & PASTE
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Today we remember the fallen 🇺🇸 Happy Memorial Day 🤍
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INSTAGRAM STORIES
REEL #1
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APRIL 16-31
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MARKET RESEARCH |
STAGING Q+A |
