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MONTHLY (FEED) CONTENT
APRIL 1 - COPY & PASTE
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Welcome April 🌷 I like spring, but I'm even more excited that we're one step closer to summer.
Here are a few ways to celebrate the changing seasons: 🪟 Sleep with your windows open to let in fresh air 🌺 Light a spring-scented candle 🌷 Buy yourself a bouquet of fresh tulips 🛏 Swap fur or velvet throw pillows for floral or linen 🎨 Repaint one room with a bright pop of color 🛋 Rearrange furniture 🌳 Invite a friend to take a walk in a local park 🛁 Replace worn out bath mats ☀️ Clean and prep your patio furniture for spring 🪑 Organize one room each weekend day 🧴 Buy a room diffuser and add your favorite essential oils 🧺 Swap out heavy drapes for sheer white curtains Tell me: which of these ideas will you try this month? |
APRIL 2 - COPY & PASTE
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Spring is in the air...and all over my to-do list!
If you take good care of your home now, it's going to be worth more when you're ready to sell it. Here's what to do this month to help keep your home in tip-top shape: 🧺 Celebrate National Get Organized Day (April 26) 💦 Test and tune up your sprinklers 🔧 Have your air conditioning unit inspected 🏚 Repair cracked paint from colder months 🪟 Wash exterior windows 🪴 Refresh planting beds and start your spring garden 🚘 Clean out the garage 🍃 Clean leaves or debris from gutters and downspouts 🚰 Deep clean kitchen sink and garbage disposal 🚪 Check seals on your doors and windows What's on your home to-do list in April? Save this post if you need ideas or share it with a new homeowner friend! 📲 |
APRIL 3 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Move over Pinterest...home decor and interior design influencers are using Instagram to inspire and keep us up on the latest home decor trends. If you scrolled through my Instagram feed, you're going to find ___, ___, and a LOT of home decorating accounts.
Here are some of my favorite sources to get Instagram-worthy home inspo: 🌟 @em_henderson - TV personality and founder of a daily style blog, we 🌟 @_houseofpaige_ - a New England home organizer and designer with crisp, clean and beautiful style. 🌟 @lifeoncedarlane - great home decor finds at every price point. 🌟 @meganpflugdesigns - a blend of modern and vintage style. 🌟 @ihavethisthingwithfloors - beautiful tile and eye-catching footwear. 🌟 @my_homely_decor - curates beautiful photos from other Instagram accounts. 🌟 @benjaminvandiver - sleek design from NYC and the Hamptons. Tell me your favorite interior / home design accounts and tag them in the comments so I can hit follow! |
APRIL 4 - COPY & PASTE
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Inflation is a red-hot topic right now. With everything from gas to groceries becoming more expensive, everyone is wondering how it will affect the housing market.
Here's what some of our industry analysts think... 1️⃣ Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, says that the price of building materials is increasing, driving up home prices. “There is worker shortage. Companies are raising wages to address that, but also consequently raising prices. So if a bathroom sink might normally sell for $100, when you have to pay your workers and drivers more, the manufacturer must raise prices to offset that." 2️⃣ George Ratiu, manager of economic research at Realtor.com, says that as more people jump into the housing market, the greater the demand, the lower the supply, and the higher the prices will go. "The air is already thin on this front, with home sales and median rents reaching record highs this year...Assuming that [home buyers] have a down payment, the mortgage payment will be a main determinant of what they can afford." 3️⃣ Lawrence J. White, economics professor at NYU says that inflation exacerbates the housing demand-supply imbalance, which means even higher prices for housing...for now. "People think, ‘I need a hedge against inflation, housing has traditionally been a long-lived, durable asset.' My prediction would be most places will see higher prices for housing as we untangle supply chain issues, but if things shift...that will help untangle supply chain issues." The bottom line? While inflation will likely favor home sellers this year, there are reasons to be optimistic that the tide will turn in favor of homebuyers, making it easier to buy a home in 2023. |
APRIL 5 - COPY & PASTE (CAROUSEL POST)
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Spilling the tea on what you *really* need to sell your home 🏡
Spoiler alert: you don't need complicated "out-of-the-box" strategies to get maximum return on your home sale. What you need is a real estate agent who has deep knowledge of our local market, understands how to create a strategic price, and can develop a creative marketing plan designed to generate massive demand (yes! that includes social media and digital marketing). I'm a completely open book and want to give you a peek at exactly what my home selling strategies include: Swipe for my strategies and send me a DM or drop a comment below if I can answer any questions for you. |
APRIL 6 - COPY & PASTE (CAROUSEL POST)
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I see this all the time ⬇️
The housing market is competitive, and a lot of my buyers need to put a bit of work into a new home to make it their own. I am a huge fan of this strategy, because then you get to design your home the way you want it! You're not stuck with someone else's backsplash choice or tile selection. But then you move in, you unpack, you're finally settled...and suddenly, it's time to box up all of your stuff and move out for your home renovation projects. So I have a list for you of the home projects you should do before you move in....and the projects you should wait to do until you get to know your home. Swipe to see what they are 🤩 |
APRIL 7 - FILL IN THE BLANK / CUSTOMIZE
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Does this sound like you?
"We're thinking about selling our home and we're wondering if we need to renovate first. Our kitchen and bathrooms are so outdated!" Guess what? Most buyers will want to choose their own home designs -- so you don't need to go overboard before you list. Instead, focus on these basics as you prepare your home for sale: ➡️ Is your home clean? Wipe down counters and surfaces, have carpets and linens professionally cleaned, and declutter, declutter, declutter! ➡️ How does your home smell good? Scent is one of the first thing home buyers notice, so take out the trash regularly, remove any pet odors and keep windows open to let in fresh air. ➡️ Does your home feel spacious? Clutter can make a home feel small, and if a buyer perceives your home as small, they'll be less likely to offer asking price (yes, even in a seller's market!). ➡️ Are you up-to-date on home maintenance? Deferred maintenance is a huge red flag to a potential home buyer. It signals that you haven't taken appropriate care of your home. If you own an older property, consider a pre-inspection before listing to identify potential issues and correct them before your prospective buyers do. ➡️ Is your home priced correctly? I always run a comparative market analysis on my clients' homes to analyze their home data against properties in the neighborhood that are for sale or recently sold. I can do this free of charge if you're wondering where your home stands -- DM me and I'm glad to help. Questions about any other home-selling basics? Drop me a message or comment below. I can't wait to hear from you! |
APRIL 8 - FILL IN THE BLANK (CUSTOMIZE)
OPEN THE CONTENT IN CANVA FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PHOTO BACKGROUND.
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Time for one of my favorite games 👏🏼 I'm going to tell you three things about myself and I want you to guess which of the three statements is a lie 👀
Here we go... [pick two fun facts about yourself, and then either make up a lie or choose one from the list below]. 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ Guess in the comments: which one is the truth and which one is the lie? I'll spill the truth _____ [you choose: in stories/by updating this post/in the comments] later today! LIES: -I dropped out of college when I was 19. -I'm really good at cooking Italian food. -I was extremely shy as a kid. -I never learned how to ride a bicycle. -I've met Tom Cruise. -I've never gotten a speeding ticket. -I am the youngest of five siblings. -I'm allergic to strawberries. -I've never broken a bone. -I can’t stand anything with cilantro on it. |
APRIL 9 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Let's talk about Trader Joe's. _____ has a lot of amazing, independent grocery stores and I love to shop at all of them!
But sometimes, TJ's has just what you need. Like chocolate covered almonds, cookie butter and alllll of the cheese. I love to buy _____, _____ and _____. Add these fun finds to your shopping list -- and tell me what you'd add to this list in the comments! |
APRIL 10 - COPY & PASTE
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Yes, there's an app for that!
Whether you've just moved into your home or you're considering a design refresh, there's an app to help you. Here are a few of my favorites: 📲 Havenly: Talk to a designer from Havenly and get design tips, get an informative shopping list, choose the décor. A consultancy package and upgrading to custom design systems cost $79. 📲 Chairish: An app to purchase new and old furniture, Chairish offers a blend of modern and vintage finds. You might, for instance, find high-value antique items or pre-loved products that makers designed and made. 📲 Planner 5D: Planner 5D is the largest free room architecture application in the industry. Planner 5D is user-friendly, makes the 2D and 3D view of templates, offers personalized textures, fabrics and editing of posts. What is the next home project you're planning? |
APRIL 11- COPY & PASTE
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PSA: If you're reading this, it's time to start your spring cleaning.
But, before you can really start scrubbing and deep cleaning, you need to declutter! This week, I'm going to give you a few of my favorite decluttering and organizing tips that I give to my seller clients when you're preparing to list your home for sale. First up: the entryway closet, which is typically the first place buyers look when they enter your house. To start, remove EVERYTHING from the closet. You'll be surprised how much dust and debris hides underneath your shoes! Vacuum and wipe down every inch of your closet, floor, shelves and organizers. 2) Replace plastic hangers with slim velvet hangers to save space. If you're ready to switch your closets from winter to spring, use space saving vacuum bags to pack away heavy coats and winter gear. 3) Organize boots and shoes with a shoe shelf or hanging shoe organizers to keep clutter off the floor. 4) Install hooks on the walls for handbags, reusable grocery bags or even pet leashes. Again, keep as much off the floor as possible! 5) If you are planning a home sale, pack away your heaviest gear and make sure that your closet is at least halfway empty -- they'll look more spacious to prospective buyers. When was the last time you cleaned out your coat closet? |
APRIL 12 - COPY & PASTE
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A well-organized pantry is a game changer in any home.
A disorganized pantry, though? Grand central for clutter and chaos. Here are my favorite ways to keep your pantry from turning into a catch-all for half-empty snack containers and spare plastic bags. ➡️ Enhance functionality by adding pull-out drawers, cabinets and drawer separators to maximize every inch of space. ➡️ Use the storage containers that work best for your lifestyle. There are tons of options and there is no right or wrong way! Clear plastic, woven baskets, bamboo bins or wire shelf baskets all get the job done. Or, use a combo and mix it up! ➡️ Replace builder-grade wire shelving with wood, or particle board. Not only can you paint it a fun color, your cans will sit flush against them. ➡️ Hang everything! Keep clutter off your shelves by putting hooks or pegs on the wall for aprons, oven mitts, reusable grocery bags and more. ➡️ Invest in a label maker. Keep the whole family organized by labeling each bin or container with its contents. What room in the home should we organize next? 👀 |
APRIL 13 - COPY & PASTE
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It's time to spring clean the kids' rooms 🧸
Spring cleaning with kids at home isn't always easy, but it certainly doesn't have to be painful. Here's my top tip: get the kids involved. As soon as your kids are old enough, let them help decide what they want to keep and what they are ready to donate to a charity or a shelter. This way you avoid giving away something your kids actually love, and as an added bonus you're teaching your kids about sharing and generosity. Speaking of donating: what local non-profits do you love to support? |
APRIL 14 - FILL IN THE BLANK / CUSTOMIZE
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The ultimate spring cleaning task is here: your bedroom closet.
Cleaning out your bedroom closet can be tedious, time-consuming and involve a lot of hard decisions. Here's what you need: -A playlist that energizes and motivates you. On my favorite playlist you'll find a lot of _____). -A clean space. Make your bed and light a scented candle to set the ambiance. -Pour yourself an iced coffee or a glass of bubbly to help you get in the zone. Then, create three boxes or piles: keep, donate/toss and storage for anything out of season. (Pro Tip: use the "one year" rule -- if you haven't worn it in a year, it's out). Once you've decided what to keep, it's time to get organized! Here are a few of my favorite organizational items for a bedroom closet: ✔️ Velvet Non Slip Hangers (Amazon) ✔️ Shelf Dividers (Container Store) ✔️ 5 Shelves Hanging Closet Organizer (Amazon) ✔️ Drop Front Sweater Boxes (Container Store) ✔️ Con-Tact Brand Grip Prints Non-Adhesive Shelf Liner (Target) Now, let's get back to the serious stuff. What songs would go on your ultimate spring cleaning playlist? 🎶 |
APRIL 15 - COPY & PASTE
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Your linen closet is probably one of the smallest closets in your home and yet, the most difficult to keep organized.
I blame fitted sheets. Who's with me!? Swipe for my seven-step process to the perfect linen closet... Now answer this controversial question for me in the comments: when you make your bed, are you team Top Sheet or No Top Sheet? |
APRIL 16 - COPY & PASTE
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How well do you know your neighbors?
One of the perks of owning your home is that you can put down roots in your community. That may mean finding volunteer opportunities, running for the board of your homeowner's association or simply getting to know your neighbors better. Whether you are the new kid on the block or you’re watching the neighbors unload their moving truck, here are a few friendly ways to say hello: 🍿 Bring over a fun snack and cute card. ☕️ Drop by with a bag of local coffee. 📦 Offer to help unpack or settle in -- even the smallest gesture can be a huge help! 🥡 Bring dinner from a favorite local spot - as an added bonus, you get to support a local business. 🥂 Host a casual get-together - invite the neighbors over for coffee and bagels or evening cocktails. Tag a favorite neighbor in the comments below 🥰 |
APRIL 17 - COPY & PASTE
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Your future beach house called, and it's ready for you 🏝
According to Redfin, demand for second-home mortgages is up 87% from pre-pandemic levels in January, outpacing demand for primary residences, which was up 42%. Second homes purchases began to increase in mid-2020 as people took advantage of remote work opportunities and low mortgage rates to escape to and invest in vacation destinations. If you're thinking about adding a vacation home to your investment portfolio, here's why now might be a great time to buy: ☀️ You'll be able to move in by summer. If you're buying a property in a beachside or lakefront community, a spring purchase means you'll be able to move in just in time to enjoy the beaches, outdoor concerts, and festivals that take place over the summer.. 🔥 The market is hot right now. With a strong transaction climate, there are plenty of opportunities for home buyers and sellers as long as you come to the table prepared (and pre-approved). 📉 Interest rates are still low. Even though rates are on the rise, compared to historical data they are still very competitive. Even if you lock in a rate around 4%, you'll be in better shape than someone who waits until home prices even out but winds up paying a higher rate. If you were going to buy a second home anywhere in the world, where would it be? |
APRIL 18 - COPY & PASTE
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A question on every homeowner's mind right now: as mortgage interest rates go up, will home price appreciation finally slow down?
Although most home buyers are keeping their fingers crossed for a break from those multiple bid situations, the answer is uncertain. The latest forecast by the Mortgage Bankers Association predicts that U.S. existing home prices will jump only 4.8% in 2022. If that is the case, it means the housing market would have normalized back to its historic rate of growth. But, it all boils down to simple economics: supply and demand. Demand is currently outpacing supply -- and has been for more than a year. But as mortgage rates rise, it's possible that some buyers will lose their loan eligibility or be deterred by climbing rates. That hasn't happened yet, but industry analysts predict that when it does, the market will straighten out. Why am I telling you all of this? Because if you're reading the headlines about mortgage rates increasing, do not let that scare you away! Even though rates are rising, they're still hovering around 4% compared to 7-8% in the '90s and double digits before that. Even in a competitive market there is a ton of opportunity if you're ready to find your next home. Drop me a message if you have questions or if you'd like to speak with one of my trusted lenders to start the pre-qualification process 🏡 |
APRIL 19 - COPY & PASTE
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Thinking about selling your home FSBO? You could actually be leaving money on the table.
Here's why: The National Association of Realtors has reported that FSBO homes sell for over 25% less on average than agented properties. On a $400,000 home, that could mean losing over $100,000 on your sale — way more than you'd pay in realtor commissions. When I represent a seller, I want to help you get top dollar for your home. I create a customized pricing strategy for every listing based on local market data, trends, and comparable homes in your neighborhood (I've probably even been inside most of them!). The first step is to run a comparative market analysis where I compare your home to recently-sold homes nearby as well as similar currently on the market. I'll also factor in what upgrades and improvements you've made to your home, such as adding a new HVAC system or remodeling the kitchen. If you're wondering what your home is worth and would like me to run a (no strings attached!) comparative market analysis for you. Drop me a DM and we can schedule an initial conversation! |
APRIL 20 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Welcome to my home sweet Instagram home! I'm ______, your ______ [host/hostess] and real estate agent with _____ in _____.
Today, I thought I'd show you around my little corner of the internet and tell you a little bit about what you can expect when you follow me here. 1. Real estate tips + trends: I know you're busy, friend. You don't have time to learn everything there is to know about home buying and selling. So, I do my best to simplify it all for you here, to help make your process as seamless as possible when you're ready. 2. My client experience. That's right, I want you to see exactly what it's like to work with me! Whether you're thinking about buying or selling, I want you to know exactly what to expect and feel confident that you're choosing the right agent for you (I get it, I'm not pizza, I can't make everyone happy!). If you have questions, feel free to reach out any time! 3. _____ [name something you love and always share on social media --pick something that is part of your brand personality, a hobby or mom/dad life and be specific about why you share it and how it adds value to your audience]. And by the way, is there anything else you'd like me to share more of here? Feel free to comment or DM me if there's something specific that would be helpful for you! |
APRIL 21 - COPY & PASTE
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Spilling my best advice today for getting your home maximum exposure when it's on the market 📣
Simply put, your home can't sell if people don't know it's for sale. I'm not an agent who will put a for sale sign in your front yard, list your house on the MLS, and call it a day. Here's what you can expect: 📲 Social Media: I use social to make connections with my community (yes, you!) and generate organic demand for my services and listings. My strategy for your home might include posting photos, videos, behind-the-scenes tours, and highlighting the parts of your home that you love because chances are, that is what your buyer will love too! I'm always looking for ways to grow my network and use social media to connect with agents all over the country who share referrals and support one another. 📲 Digital Marketing: In addition to social media, I use strategies like Facebook advertising, SEO, and digital advertising to help my connect my listings with the widest pool of buyers. 📲 Professional Photography: Most buyers have their first showing online. Outdated or DIY photos won't cut it, even in a seller's market. I will always bring in a pro photographer to position your home in the best possible light. 📲 Videography/3D Tours: If a picture is worth 1,000 words, a video is priceless. Even a simple Instagram video can tell a beautiful story about your home, but in some cases I recommend bringing in the pros! 📲 Email Marketing: No one likes having their inbox spammed with "Just Listed" properties, but I do like to keep in touch via email! If you're interested in joining my email list to stay in the loop, drop me a DM with your email address and I'll add you to the list. |
APRIL 22 - COPY & PASTE
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Save the earth...it's the only place that has tacos 🌮🌮🌮 [or whatever you love...pizza, wine, tacos, coffee, or margaritas!].
Here are a few ways we can all do our part to creating a greener planet 🌎 Happy Earth Day! |
APRIL 23 - COPY & PASTE
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Your bedroom should be a calm and comforting space but with so many modern distractions, it's no wonder so many of us are sleep deprived.
With these ideas, you can turn your bedroom back into the relaxing oasis of your dreams. 😴 Choose a calming color scheme. Blue, gray, blush and lavender can instantly make a space feel more tranquil. Darker colors, like gray or navy, can also trigger better sleep. 😴 Cover your floor with a cozy rug. No one likes to step onto cold hardwood floor in the morning! 😴 Keep decor minimal. Your sleep hygiene will benefit from a peaceful environment and you'll start each day feeling more refreshed. 😴 Instill a sense of relaxation with extra pillows and blankets. No, you don't have too many throw pillows! Pile high-quality, soft, plush blankets onto your bed to make your space comfortable and more inviting. 😴 I'm not so good at this one, but keep your space free of screens. Not only do screens interfere with sleep, but who needs all those tangled and unsightly cords? Also, because always looking for new ideas: where do you buy your bedding? |
APRIL 24 - COPY & PASTE
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Sunday Funday: who would your fictional Hollywood realtor be if you could hire any one of these on-screen real estate pros to help you buy or sell?
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APRIL 25 - COPY & PASTE
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Great Resignation or Great Relocation?
There's been a lot of buzz this year about "The Great Resignation," referring to the roughly 33 million Americans who have quit their jobs since the spring of 2021. But how has this impacted the housing market? 🏗 The labor shortage could hindered the construction industry, which could aggravate new home construction delays and put additional pressure on the housing inventory shortage. 💻 With home buyer demand driving up housing prices, some people are trading their downtown commutes for fully remote roles, allowing them to move to less urban areas with a lower cost of living. 🏡 People are seeking more space. When you're working from home, you need a full-time home office. The pandemic also showed people the importance of amenities like a home gym or private backyard. If you had to choose between a) living in your dream city in a smaller home, or b) moving to a more affordable place to live in your dream home, what would you do? |
APRIL 26 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Here's what every home renovation has in common:
1) No two renovation projects are exactly the same. 2) It will probably take longer -- and cost more money -- than you initially anticipated. Once you know that, you're pretty much ready to become a professional flipper 😆 In all seriousness, here are a few things I always tell my clients who are considering buying a fixer-upper: -Your home inspector can't see beyond the walls. A good home inspector can detect structural or safety issues, but they may not be able to detect every crack, leak or prior damage that a previous owner didn't fix correctly. -That said, be sure to budget for the unexpected. When your contractor gives you an estimate, that's based on what they know the scope of work to be. But once they open up your walls, ceilings and systems, they may find that there is actually more work to be done. -Make as many of your decisions upfront as you possibly can. Just like construction timelines can get delayed, they can also speed up and you want to have all of your finishes picked out and supplies ordered to keep the project moving quickly. What is something you wish you knew before you started a home reno project? |
APRIL 27 - COPY & PASTE
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Here are your living room decor MUST-HAVES ⬇️
As we transition from winter to spring, here's how to keep the comfy factor in your living room. 1) Styled bookshelves. This is where you can really have fun swapping out home decor for the season change. Think clean, crisp, minimalist and yes, fresh flowers! 2) Throw pillows and a cozy blanket -- swap chunky blankets for lighter knits or linen. 3) House plants or some sort of faux flowers/greenery always freshen the air and make a room feel more homey. 4) Plenty of lighting -- natural light or complement built-in/overhead lighting with strategically placed lamps. 5) Comfy seating -- a plush sofa, an accent chair and maybe a few poufs. As long as we're on the topic of cozy nights at home, tell me: what have you been reading or watching lately? |
APRIL 28 - COPY & PASTE
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This might surprise you, but...
...it's perfectly OK if we haven't found your dream home yet! The market is competitive and buyers with perfect credit, zero contingencies and very attractive offers are being turned down left and right. But some frustration is understandable, so if you feel like you're hitting a wall on your home search, here are some tips I give my clients: 1️⃣ Be clear on your budget and what home features are non-negotiable for you. If you can live with a one-car garage instead of two or skip the finished basement, that might give us more options. 2️⃣ Reevaluate your list of wants/needs. Is there something you can adjust? If you're planning to use that fourth bedroom as a home office, maybe a three bedroom with a bonus room would fit the bill. 3️⃣ Consider expanding the geographic parameters on your search. Even expanding your search radius by a few blocks can open up more inventory and options you might not have seen otherwise. 4️⃣ Be patient. This is a challenging market but your home is out there! Drop me a message if you have questions about home buying in this current market. |
APRIL 29 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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I think you can really learn a lot about someone by peeking into their spice rack 🌶
(...with permission, of course) 😆 For example, I _____ [love spicy food] so I always have ___ [tons of fresh chili powder, cayenne pepper and smoked paprika on hand]. If I were to open up your spice rack, what would I ALWAYS find? |
APRIL 30 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Want to brighten someone's day?
Send a friend or loved one flowers for absolutely no reason at all! Not only does everyone love flowers, but you can support a local business while you're at it, too. Here are some of the best local florists to call next time you want to make someone's day with a special bouquet: 🌷@_____ 🌷@_____ 🌷@_____ 🌷@_____ 🌷@_____ And don't forget -- Mother's Day is just next weekend, so get those orders in now! 💐 |
