|
|
|
|
MONTHLY (FEED) CONTENT
August 1 - Copy & Paste
|
August means two things at the same time: summer weather and back-to-school prep are both in full-swing!
🚙 Take one last weekend road trip. 🚶🏼♀️ Bring your workout outside, even for a walk around the neighborhood. 💐 Buy fresh flowers from a local florist. 🎬 Have a movie marathon on a rainy day (with fresh popcorn!). 🍦 Make homemade ice cream or popsicles. 📚 Reorganize and style your bookshelves. 📝 Make your back-to-school shopping lists. 🍒 Stock the fridge with fresh local fruit. 💰 Review and update your household budget. ⏰ Pick one weekend day to turn off the alarm and sleep in. If you have kids at home, when do they head back to school? |
August 2 - Copy & Paste
|
When it comes to home decorating, a little can go a long way. If you only had $100 to upgrade a space, what is the first thing you would do?
|
August 3 - Copy & Paste
|
Wondering what the housing market is going to do in the next few months?
Or maybe you're constantly reading headlines about inflation, recession and the market "cooling off." It's true that the market is no longer what it was a few months ago, but that is completely normal! The only thing that is constant about any real estate market is that it is always changing. Interest rates fluctuate every day, market time changes month to month, and home prices adjust with supply and demand. Here's what I do know for sure about the state of the current market: → Interest rates have been historically low for the past few years; now they are returning to normal. It can make buying a home more challenging, but not impossible. → Inventory is slowly increasing, creating more opportunities for home buyers (and yes, you can negotiate again). → Home values are still increasing -- homeowners have plenty of equity, and are well-positioned to sell when the time is right. We know that the real estate market will always be evolving, so my advice is to stop fixating on "clickbait" headlines and focus on the positives! And if you are considering making a move this year, it's as important as ever to have a trusted agent to represent you throughout the process If you have any questions about how to navigate the market this year, drop me a message anytime. I'm here to help you! |
August 4- Fill in the Blank
|
"This home would be a 10, but _____."
Every homebuyer has experienced: you find the perfect home that checks all of your boxes...except one really big one. What is your #1 dealbreaker during house hunting? (PS: For me, it was _____). |
August 5 - Copy & Paste
|
Summertime and I am feeling fine 🏖
Even though school is starting soon enough, there are plenty of sunny days ahead and lots to do in _______ [CITY NAME]. What are you up to this weekend? |
August 6 - Copy & Paste
|
Confession time: have you ever gone to an open house just to look around?
Truthfully, as a real estate agent, I don't mind it at all when neighbors pop into an open house just to look around. Even if you're just stopping by to see if the layout of the home is the same as yours, to check out the updates the seller made, or to get home decor ideas, I'm always happy to take you on a tour. You just never know when you might encounter someone who is looking for their dream home! Now, this is a judgment free zone, I promise! Drop a 🏡 in the comments if you've ever gone to a neighbor's open house just for fun. |
August 7 - Fill in the Blank / Customize in Canva
|
Summer time in _____ [CITY NAME]: there's nothing else like it! Real estate traditionally slows down during the months of July + August as people head out of town on summer vacations and families prepare to send the kids back to school.
That doesn't mean work comes to a screeching halt, but it does mean I make it a point to get outside and enjoy the sun! Here's where you can find me this summer: [List three of your favorite summertime activities -- be specific (i.e. 'grabbing an iced oat milk latte from @redjunechicago and walking the 606 trail each morning' or 'Spending as much time poolside at @midtownchicago as I can, soaking in alllll of that Vitamin D I don't get during the winter months') and tag your local businesses, too!] - - - Where can I find you this summer? Tell me in the comments! 👇🏼 |
August 8 - Copy & Paste
|
Q: I'm buying a home but I haven't saved up enough for a 20% down payment. Can I get a loan from a relative or friend?
First things first, you don't need to have 20% to put down to buy a home. According to NerdWallet, only about 43.2% of U.S. homebuyers make a 20% down payment. But, if you want to qualify for the best interest rate and avoid paying monthly mortgage insurance, you'll want to 20% down. And if you don't have the cash but you have a friend or relative willing to pitch in, here's the deal: Typically, it's not advisable to accept a personal loan towards your down payment for three reasons: -Increases your debt-to-income ratio, possibly beyond a lender's allowable limits. -Signals to a lender that you're a risky borrower. -Fannie Mae, a government-sponsored company that guarantees conventional loans, does not allow it. So what is acceptable? Gift funds from a family member are generally doable, providing that they can provide a gift letter stating there is no obligation for the recipient to pay back amount. For example, if you have a parent or grandparent who would like to gift you part of all of your down payment, they can do so with the proper documentation. This also works if you are buying a home with a longtime domestic partner and one qualifies for a better rate, but the other would like to contribute to the down payment. If you're considering buying a home and want to see how much home you can afford, drop me a message and I'd love to connect you with a lender who can help you get pre-qualified to start your home search. |
August 9 - Copy & Paste
|
How to style your shelves like a pro 🌟
If you want to refresh a room, rearrange your shelves with these quick tips: 1) Clear everything off your shelves and start with a blank slate. 2) Choose a color palette -- and when in doubt, go with neutrals. 3) Don't be afraid to accessorize. Cluster stacks of books together at varying depths and heights, and incorporate framed art or photos, plants and other decorative items. 4) Style from bottom to top. Place the largest and bulkiest items on the bottom shelf of the unit, and stack lighter items on higher shelves. 5) Rinse and repeat. It can take time to create that effortlessly fresh and cohesive look on your shelves, so continue to edit the shelves as needed -- and be sure to have fun with it! Share this post with a friend who might need some design inspo 📲 |
August 10 - Copy & Paste
|
How to future-proof your life: invest in real estate 🏡
There’s a lot of talk (and concern) about the possibility of a recession. And it's a valid concern. One of the clearest indicators of a recession is high inflation, and there's no question that we're currently experiencing a high inflationary period, likely to continue into the fall. But there is good news for homeowners: just by living in your home and keeping up with its maintenance, you're building equity and wealth for your future. Hypothetically, a big recession might cause your home to temporarily decrease in value, but it won't last forever. In today’s context, a housing market slowdown is likely to look a lot more like a “correction,” where price growth levels off or declines— after more than two years of pandemic-fueled buyer demand. So, if you're considering buying a new home? Don't wait! Drop me a message if you have questions about the process and I am happy to help! |
August 11- Fill in the Blank / Customize in Canva
|
Grab a glass of _____ [YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGE], and let's chat for a second.
There are hundreds (thousands?!) of real estate agents here in _____ [CITY] and every single one is going to offer you a completely different experience. If I'm not your glass of _____ [YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGE]? That's perfectly OK! I like to be completely transparent with my clients up front, so you know exactly what it's going to be like when we work together. Here are a few things you can expect: 1️⃣ My communication is always top-notch! Real estate is not a 9-5 kind of job...and I am not a 9-5 kind of agent. If you have a question, call or text me anytime, even if it's after hours. Whenever possible, I always do my best to get back to you within a few minutes. 2️⃣ I'm not afraid to get creative. Whether we're buying or selling, it pays to think outside the box to create more demand for your home or to make your offer stand out. 3️⃣ I always use the most up-to-date modern marketing strategies. A for sale sign in your yard is not enough to sell your home (even in a seller's market). I always use a blend of traditional and digital marketing strategies to help bring more visibility to my clients and listings. Questions about my process? Drop me a message anytime and I'd love to buy you a _____ [YOUR FAVORITE BEVERAGE] and chat about your real estate goals. |
August 12 - Fill in the Blank
|
My favorite meal is anything delivered by Uber Eats 🍣🍕🥡
And on moving day, yours should be too! Here are my favorite local spots to grab takeout on moving day...or those days you just don't feel turning on the oven: [Tag a few of your favorite local spots in the comments & be sure to share a couple of dishes you like or insider tips] - - - - - Tag your favorite takeout place in the comments! |
August 13 - Copy & Paste
|
What do you get for that friend who has everything...including their brand new dream home?
Here are a few ideas! Swipe or read on below for a few of my favorite housewarming gifts perfect for any new homeowner 🎁 -New Home candle or diffuser (Homesick) -Cozy throw blanket (Barefoot Dreams) -Monogram spoon rest (Anthropologie) -Casamigos cocktail set (Williams-Sonoma) -Monogrammed keychain (Leatherology) -Spa bundle set (Aesop) -Custom Wine Labels (Etsy) -'Homebody' mug (Sweet Water Decor) -Custom address stamp (Etsy) -The Always Pan (Our Place) What is your go-to housewarming gift to give? |
August 14 - Copy & Paste / Carousel Post
|
Spilling the tea 🫖 today on how to make your home feel bigger and brighter.
If you want your small space to feel more cozy than claustrophobic, swipe for a few tips to incorporate into any living space. |
August 15 - Copy & Paste
|
Today I am going to tell you a hypothetical (or is it!?) story about a client: they closed on a beautiful townhome on a Monday, moved in on Thursday, and on the following Tuesday, sent the text that no real estate agent ever wants to get:
"Hi! We just noticed that our roof is leaking pretty significantly. What should we do?" A few days and two visits from a contractor later, it became clear that the roof had been leaking for quite some time and the damage had been painted over. The clients' next question was: "wasn't the seller supposed to disclose this?" And this is why I'm telling you about the seller's disclosure. A seller’s disclosure is a legal document sellers must fill during the sale process that states any home defects that may affect its value -- like flooding or flood risk, water damage or mold issues, structural or safety concerns or property line boundary disputes. However, there are certain exceptions -- for example, if there was a problem but the seller believes they took the necessary steps to fix it, they might not have to disclose it. As a seller, it's important to be transparent to avoid costly and complicated legal situations down the road. As a buyer, you'll want to review the seller's disclosure carefully because no house is perfect (even a new construction!). When you buy a home, you're buying it and all its potential baggage, and certain disclosures could be red flags signaling bigger problems down the line. As your real estate agent...I'll always be there to walk you through every step of the process! If you're thinking about buying, drop me a message and I'd love to help you. |
August 16 - Copy & Paste
|
Selling your home is not as easy as Google makes it out to be!
According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, homes sold by a realtor sell for up to 26% more than homes sold by owner. Even if you've read up on the market and feel confident that your home will sell quickly, there's still a lot of work that goes into the process. Today I'm sharing a snapshot of what I do to help you get my clients' homes SOLD: 📈 Read up on the local trends, patterns and market activity to determine the best price for your home. 💬 Talk to other agents to understand what buyers are looking for so we can create maximum demand. 🏡 Tour your house with you and recommend exactly what you need to do to get top dollar for your home: clean, declutter, prep and stage. 📲 Employ my out-of-the-box marketing strategies to help attract more buyers to your home. More demand = more competition = a higher offer! 🤝 Negotiate on your behalf through the transaction. Even if you're selling your home to the neighbors, you'll want to have someone who can b your advocate and look out for your best interests. The bottom line? Hiring a real estate agent to sell your home will save you time *and* money. Drop me a note if you're interested in an initial, no-strings-attached conversation! |
August 17 - Copy & Paste
|
Here's how to increase the value of your home (without a construction permit!) 🏗
Homeowners spent an average of $10,341 on home improvements in 2021, a 25 percent increase over the previous year. In fact, homeowners ranked increasing the home’s value as the second-most important goal for home improvement, behind fixing safety or structural issues. Here are six easy ways you can increase the value of your home before you sell it. -Freshen up your curb appeal -- a fresh coat of paint on your front door can work wonders! -Update your finishes...and put your money into the kitchen and bathrooms. -Finish any unfinished spaces, like the basement or closets. -Clean and declutter. It seems obvious, but it will make your home look and feel larger. -Invest in efficiency -- a smart thermostat and energy efficient appliances can be a strong selling point. -Hire a professional stager. According to the Real Estate Staging Association, 73% percent of staged homes sold for over list price — an average of $40,000 higher — and nine days faster than the average. Questions about your home's value? Reach out anytime and I'd be glad to run a market analysis for you to see what your home is worth. |
August 18 - Copy & Paste
|
A little preventative maintenance goes a long way and HVAC is not an area of your home where you want to cut corners.
When was the last time you changed your filter? |
August 19 - Copy & Paste
|
Manifesting having the day off to do whatever you want today 🍹 Choose one item from each row to create your dream summer Friday and drop your answers in the comments below 👇
|
August 20 - Copy & Paste
|
3 things every home buyer needs to know that nobody talks about ⤵️
Buying a home is one of the most exciting experiences you'll ever have ... but it's not all sunshine and rainbows. I know a lot of people only talk about the fun parts -- champagne at closing, getting the keys, designing your dream home...but in reality, homeownership is a huge responsibility. Here are three things I want you to know before you move into your new home: 1. Home inspections don't catch everything. Your inspector can't see underneath the floors or behind the walls. Unless they happen to be a medium, they are not going to catch every flaw. Which leads us to the next point... 2. Something is going to go wrong. No matter how well the previous owners maintained the home, it is inevitable that the basement will flood, an appliance break down, or the roof will start leaking the first time it rains. Be prepared to be flexible and expect the unexpected. It's a good idea to have some savings set aside for these things, too. 3. It might take time before your home feels like your own. Buyer's remorse is real...but the good news is, it's almost always temporary! When you first move into a new home and have boxes to unpack, furniture to buy, utility companies to call and a new neighborhood to learn (and moving-related expenses to pay!), you might get hit with that all-too-familiar feeling of: OMG, WHAT DID I JUST DO? Totally normal and will pass as you settle in. What advice would you give to a brand new homeowner? |
JULY 21 - Fill in the Blank
|
One of my favorite questions to answer is this one:
"I have a friend coming in from out of town. Where should we go?" Here's my _____ [CITY NAME] MUST-TRY list for anyone who comes in for a visit: [List three to five of your favorite places to take friends or family visiting from out of town. Remember to be super specific, too, i.e. ""I always take my out-of-town friends to rooftops with a beautiful view of Chicago, like Cindy's and LondonHouse. Get the beef tenderloin skewers and a guava margarita 🍹] - - - - What's on your MUST-DO list for visitors? Tell me in the comments! 👇🏼 |
August 22 - Copy & Paste
|
Finding the best mortgage loan is about more than just securing the lowest interest rate -- it's about finding a lender that you feel comfortable partnering with for the next 15 or 30 years!
Here's how to find the right mortgage lender: 💸 Have your financial house in order. A good credit score and a low debt-to-income ratio will help you qualify for the lowest rates. 💸 Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This shows home sellers and their real estate agents that you're a serious buyer. 💸 Understand the different types of mortgages. Conventional loans, jumbo loans, FHA loans and VA loans offer different options for different buyers. 💸 Compare rates and loan terms from multiple mortgage lenders. You can search for the best rates online, but ultimately I always recommend using a reputable local lender. 💸 Be sure to ask plenty of questions during the process -- your lender should be able to tell you an estimate of how long the process will take, which steps will take place online vs. in-person and how long of an interest rate lock they can offer in the event that closing is delayed. Thinking about beginning the process? Drop me a message anytime and I can recommend a few of my trusted lenders so you can get started! |
August 23 - Copy & Paste
|
Here is the one thing you must do before listing you home 👇🏼
Grab a notebook or open up the notes app on your phone and head outside. Then, walk through the front door as though you are a potential buyer. Go from room to room and take notes of things that you think you need to change or update (you can snap photos and send them to me, too!). Most of my home sellers only need to make small edits -- like touching up paint, adding a pretty scented candle or some fresh greenery and having carpets professionally cleaned. Once you're done, we'll review the list ands photos together and decide what the priorities are. Remember, even though you don't need to make drastic changes like rehabbing your kitchen or refinishing floors (buyers will want to make their own choices!), you still want to make that great first impression on prospective buyers. |
August 24 - Copy & Paste
|
It's a good time to be a home buyer 🏡
As the housing market moves past the post-pandemic real estate frenzy, new opportunities are arising for both sellers and buyers. But because buyers have been at a disadvantage for the past year of record low inventory, there are a lot of reasons to get excited about finding your next home. Housing inventory is increasing, giving buyers four choices today for every three they had a year ago. Increasing inventory means fewer homes are receiving multiple offers and winding up in bidding wars. Without bidding wars to drive up home prices, fewer homes selling above asking and price appreciation is slowing down. Sellers are in a good position too with record-high levels of home equity, so if you're thinking about making a move, drop me a message and I'd love to chat. |
August 25 - Fill in the Blank
|
Who here loves ________ [fill in something you absolutely love that has nothing to do with real estate!]?
If you’re new around here, I want to take a second to (re)introduce myself! I'm _____, your _____ [CITY NAME] real estate agent. This is where I share updates about the local real estate market, tips to help you navigate buying or selling and local resources for everyone who lives in _____. When I’m not working, you can typically find me _____ and/or _____ [insert hobby/thing you love that you mentioned in the headline]. I’m a huge fan of _____ [hobby/interest] because it ________ (why you love it). A few other things about me: 🌟 Before I meet with a client/hop on Zoom/etc., I always _____ [share what you do to get in the zone] to ____ [why it helps you]. 🎧 This summer I’ve been listening to ________ [a new or old song/album you love] on repeat in my car between appointments. I never get sick of it! 🥂 When I'm celebrating something with a client, my go-to beverage order is _____. Now, tell me in the comments. What do we have in common? |
August 26 - Copy & Paste / Customize in Canva
|
It's National Dog Day and I know a lot of you are celebrating 🐾
There are approximately 70 million pet dogs in the U.S., according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, and 88% of American pet owners say they consider their pets to be members of their family. But selling a home with pets, especially dogs, can present some challenges -- not everyone wants to live in a home that's been occupied by your furry family members. Just like I'll tell you to remove your family photos and personal items from your home, we'll need to hide the evidence of pets when your home is on the market. You can do this by: 🦴 Having your carpets and furniture steam cleaned before showings or open houses. 🦴 Designate a box or bin to store your pet dishes, leashes, and a few favorite toys. Then pop it into a closet or your car for showings. 🦴 Consider getting a robot vacuum to keep up with dog hair in between showings. 🦴 Have a plan for getting your pup out of dodge for showings (let me know if you need me to recommend a doggy daycare!). I've sold plenty of homes with pets 🐾 so drop me a message if you have any questions. |
August 27 - Copy & Paste
|
The best part about summer winding down?
Four words: end of summer sales. With Labor Day right around the corner and summer gear on sale everywhere, this is the perfect time to stock up on everything you need for next summer. I mean...Target is going to have their Christmas displays up any minute! Here are a few things you can add to cart this week: -Outdoor furniture. -An outdoor firepit (I've heard great things about the Solo Stove!). -A grill or outdoor kitchen accessories. -Planters and gardening supplies. -Beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas. -Sunscreen, bug spray, citronella candles. -A fun summer door mat for next season. What's something on your wishlist? |
August 28 - Copy & Paste
|
Everybody needs a comfortable bedroom to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. Which of these primary bedrooms would you most like to cozy up in?
|
August 29 - Fill in the Blank
|
Keep reading if you've ever wondered this about the _____ [CITY NAME] real estate market!
Why does "days on market," often abbreviated DOM, matter to home buyers and sellers? First, some background: @nardotrealtors defines 'days on market' as the number of days from the date on which the property is listed for sale to the date when the seller signs a contract to accept an offer on the property. Longer market time can signal red flags to potential buyers and real estate agents. It's also a metric used to describe how hot the market is in a particular area. When average market time decreases, it can indicate a seller's market (more buyers than sellers), and when average market time increases, it can indicate that the market is shifting in favor of buyers. Drop me a message if you're curious about the average market time in _____ [CITY NAME] and I'd be glad to send you a free market analysis. |
August 30 - Copy & Paste / Customize
|
Here on social media you probably only see the bright side of Instagram -- the happy clients, the beautiful homes and the flexible work schedule.
But remember, Instagram only shows you a slice of what I'm up to. Behind the scenes, I'm up on ladders washing windows, down in basements fixing sump pumps, and staying up way past bedtime to make sure my clients' offer is the first one in the seller's agent's inbox in the morning. Real estate can be messy! That's why you need an agent who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty, if that's what it takes to get you into your dream home. |
August 31- Copy & Paste
|
If you're ready to skip the dog days of summer and head straight to fall (Starbucks is doing it, why can't we!?) then swipe for my tips on how to transition your home from summer to fall.
|
