July 2020

YOUR JULY CONTENT LIBRARY

Welcome to your July content calendar! ✨ This month, I'm excited to bring you more variety and a ton of customization for your social media feeds. Before you jump in, here are a few notes to review:

CUSTOMIZE YOUR CONTENT

As always, I've given you a recommended posting order, but please feel free to switch things up however you like.
On most days there are multiple images that correspond with the day's post topic or in some cases, images and customizable graphics. Choose the image or graphic that best suits your brand!
If a particular day's post doesn't feel like a match for your brand, share a listing, a client testimonial, or a brand personality post (click here for suggestions!).
Each image is accompanied by a suggested caption. Some can be copy and pasted right into your social media posts, others require some customization/personalization. Next to the date are some instructions so that you'll know which captions need to be edited and which ones are good to go. Of course, you are always encouraged to personalize the captions in your own voice!

Be sure to supplement the content with your own personal posts: photos of you, of your family, your pets, hobbies, behind-the-scenes real estate photos, listings, deals, client success stories.

TECHNICAL NOTES

You can open the templates in Canva, click "Use Template" and modify the graphic designs in your brand colors, fonts, logo, etc.
To save each image individually, right click and save to your desktop. Then, copy and paste the captions into FB or Instagram.
- From your phone, tap and hold to save the photo to your camera roll.
To download all of the content at once, click "Download Your Images" and the gallery will download in a Zip folder.
- Important Note! Some operating systems are not compatible with ZIP folders. If you open the folder and it is empty, it is recommended that you save each image individually.
- It is recommended that you work from the website whenever possible as some of the formatting (like emojis and line breaks) may not translate from the PDF/Excel page.

Questions? Visit our FAQs! If you can't find your answer, email your questions to maris@thesocialbroker.com.

NEW! IG STORY CANVA TEMPLATES

JULY 1 - FILL IN THE BLANK

MARKET UPDATE

The summer market is the new spring market and July is going to be hot! 🔥

In June, __________ [look up the number on your local MLS] homes went under contract in __________ [your city/neighborhood] and __________ homes were sold.

While I am happy that business is good, I'm even happier for my clients who have been able to move forward on their home goals even in the midst of this crazy new world we are living in 🤪

If you are ready for more space or thinking of moving closer to family, give me a call and we can make a game plan.

JULY EVENTS

There is a lot to be excited about this month. Here are a few fun holidays and dates coming up! What are you most looking forward to?

POST TIP: Update the Canva graphic with events in your neighborhood or dates of significance to your community.

JULY 2 - COPY/PASTE OR PARAPHRASE

Thinking of buying? There are a few things I want you to know about working with a real estate agent as a buyer.

1️⃣ It costs you absolutely nothing, as a home buyer, to work with a real estate agent. The buyer's agent splits the commission fee with the seller's agent so our services are completely free to buyers.

2️⃣ Throughout the entire process, we will guide you every step of the way. Once you have a pre-approval letter from a qualified lender, we will begin your search with an in-person or virtual consultation to identify your wants and needs in a home, and then I'll set up a custom home search to help find you the perfect property.

3️⃣ Once we find that home, we'll work together to submit an offer most likely to be accepted by the seller. I will act in your best interest throughout the negotiation process, which is especially important should we find ourselves in a multiple offer situation.

4️⃣ If your offer is accepted (🤞🏻), then we will get a home inspection. I have trusted vendors to help give you peace of mind and make your home buying process as stress-free as possible.

5️⃣ Did I mention champagne at closing!? 🥂 DM me if you'd like to get the process started!

POST TIP: If you have a slightly different process, update the steps to let your prospective buyer clients know exactly what it is like to work with you!

To personalize, go into your Canva file and swap the photos out for pictures of you or your listings.

JULY 3 - FILL IN THE BLANK

It's true. But I wouldn't have it any other way!

OR

It's true that real estate is NOT a 9-5 job but I always try to make time for __________, __________ and __________ [name a few of your hobbies].

What is something that you ALWAYS make time to do now matter how busy you get?

JULY 4 - COPY/PASTE OR PARAPHRASE

Happy Fourth of July! ❤️🤍💙

JULY 5 - COPY/PASTE

Leaving the house...isn't what it used to be anymore! While there are definitely a few more tools of the trade involved in showing real estate this year, it is all worth it for my clients!

When I show homes or go out with buyers, I'm always masked up and have plenty of hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with me. I might leave the hazmat suit at home 😉 but safety is always my top priority!

POST TIPS: Tweak the caption with whatever you do to ensure safety for your buyers and sellers during COVID.

To personalize this, swap the graphic for a photo of you in your mask!

JULY 6 - COPY/PASTE

This is one of my favorite staging tips: set the table as though you were hosting a casual dinner party. It will make your space look more inviting and help prospective buyers envision entertaining and hosting their special occasions in the space.

JULY 7 - FILL IN THE BLANK

Dual agency is not something that happens often, but it does happen. It means that the same agent is representing the home buyer and the home seller.

For example, if you are working with me as a buyer and fall in love with a home that I happen to be the listing agent on, that would be a dual agency situation.

In some states, dual agency is not allowed. In __________ [your state] dual agency __________ [is/is not] permitted, __________ [so let me tell you a bit about it/but I'm going to tell you some of the pros and cons for future reference].

Dual agency can definitely streamline the buying process as it can make coordinating schedules a bit easier. On the flip side, it can create some challenging situations when the buyers' and seller's have opposing interests.

The bottom line is that communication and transparency are key in dual agency situations -- and that is what I'm all about!

JULY 8 - FILL IN THE BLANK

Is there anything better than a cold beverage on a hot summer day!? __________ [I love a nice crisp glass of white wine/my spouse mixes up the best margaritas/I'm not a big drinker but we do keep our home bar stocked for guests].

If you're stocking your home bar (or restocking it after those long weeks of quarantine!) here are a few of my favorite tips for styling your home bar or bar cart:

🍋 Use ingredients as decor - a bowl of citrus will look pretty and refreshing.
🍋 A well-stocked bar means lots of spirits on hand. Have bourbon, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, vermouth and whiskey on hand to mix your favorite cocktails.
🍋 Group like items together on decorative trays (glasses, bottles, bar accessories, and so on).
🍋 Less is more -- you don't need to fill every inch of space on your bar or bar cart.
🍋 Keep a few pretty bottles of your favorite mixers -- flavored water or sparkling lemonade, on display.

Tell me your favorite tips for mixing cocktails at home!

JULY 9 - FILL IN THE BLANK

When I am working with buyers, some of the most common questions I get are about the neighborhood. Is it walkable? What are the neighbors like? Is it safe? Will we be comfortable here?

Because of fair housing guidelines, I'm not always able to answer these exact questions. What I suggest my buyers do is spend some time in the neighborhood: grab a latte at the local coffee shop, have lunch or dinner at a favorite neighborhood restaurant, do a trial run of your commute, and take a drive or walk through the neighborhood at different times throughout the day.

The truth is, sometimes you have to go with your instinct. I can tell you about property values, the school districts and my favorite local cafés, but at the end of the day only you will know if a neighborhood feels like it will be the right fit.

If there is a neighborhood in __________ that you're interested in, DM me and I would love to show you around!

JULY 10 - COPY/PASTE

Almost every would-be home buyer has been faced with this decision: should I add to my savings for a down payment, or should I pay off my debt?

At first, it seems like the answer would be obvious: pay down your debt! But, it really all depends on the type of debt and your interest rate. For example, if you have a low-interest student loan, you can probably start saving for that down payment. But if you're paying off a high-interest credit card, then you'll probably want to tackle that before you save money.

I highly recommend talking to a lender to better understand your specific situation. The right answer for you will totally depend on your goals and priorities.

Let me know if you'd like an intro -- I know some of the best mortgage lenders and would be happy to connect you!

JULY 11 - COPY/PASTE

Summer is a great time to catch up on that stack of books on your bedside table! What is next on your summer reading list? Have you read any of these titles?

Tell me what I should read next in the comments!

JULY 12 - COPY/PASTE (& FOR A SWIPE POST - USE THESE GRAPHICS)

Which of these bathroom sinks do you like the best? Tell me in the comments!

OR

Double tap if you know someone who is renovating their kitchen or bathroom this summer. Because I know there are a lot of you out there!

If you're going all Chip Gaines on your bathroom this summer, here are a few bathroom sink trends I've spotted that you might think about incorporating:

-Wall-Mounted Faucets and Sinks
-Stainless Steel Sinks
-Farmhouse Sinks
-Small Pedestal Sinks
-Trough Sinks

Which style would you be most likely to include in your own bathroom?

Post Tip: Choose your own adventure! Use the first caption with a single bathroom sink photograph. Or, use the second caption with the collage graphic. The third option is to use each of the graphics in this Canva file together as a "swipe" post (fee my apply for photo usage).

JULY 13 - COPY/PASTE

If you are selling your home with me, guess what I'm going to tell you to do for home showings and open houses? You guessed it: making your beds can help your home feel neater, calmer and more appealing to buyers.

Now, I'm not saying you have to run out and spend hundreds of dollars on new bedding, but you do need to do more than toss the blankets over the pillows.

Here are my tips for a perfectly made bed:

🔸 If your mattress sits atop exposed metal, use a bed skirt to conceal unattractive frame and casters. The skirt should barely graze the floor.
🔸 Remove your sheets from the dryer immediately so that they will stay smooth -- no ironing necessary!
🔸 Make your bed with the "top" side of your flat sheet face down so that when you fold the top over the bedspread, you can see the decorative pattern.
🔸 Keep the top of the comforter or duvet a pillow-width below the top of the mattress. Fold the exposed top sheet over the comforter and tuck the sides in tightly.
🔸 Fluff your pillows and prop them up against the headboard with the open side of the pillowcase facing outward. Euro shams come next, then regular shams, and no more than three throw pillows.
🔸 Add a cozy touch with a a thin quilt or extra throw blanket and layer it across the foot of the bed.

Do you make your bed every morning? Be honest, I won't judge

JULY 14 - COPY/PASTE

There is nothing better than a quick dip in the pool on a hot day (especially if cocktails are involved!). Where do you love to swim? And is your pool open yet?

JULY 15 - COPY/PASTE

Here is a quick tip for something I always struggled with: how to hang artwork! Here is how to style your artwork:

-Hang the artwork between six and eight inches above furniture.
-The center of the artwork should be 57-60 inches from the floor.
-If hanging paintings side by side, the artwork should be about three or four inches apart and fill 2/3 the width of the furniture.

Is this something you've struggled with? Tell me I'm not alone!

JULY 16 - FILL IN THE BLANK

If you're selling a home for the first time, it might seem a little overwhelming! So I am going to tell you a bit about what it is like to work with me as a home seller.

1️⃣ The first thing we'll do is a listing consultation. We will meet in person (or virtually, these days!) and I'll tour your property and we will talk about your goals for selling.
2️⃣ I'll run a comparative market analysis for your home. This will help us create a competitive pricing and marketing strategy based on comparable homes in your neighborhood.
3️⃣ We'll prep your home for sale! This means cleaning, decluttering, and maybe even professional staging. Sometimes I will recommend a preliminary home inspection so there are no surprises at the end.
4️⃣ Professional photography -- and maybe video -- is a must these days since most "first showings" now take place online or virtually.
5️⃣ Once we go to market, I'll market your property with __________ [email marketing, direct mail, social media, open houses, whatever you do!]. As soon as we get an offer, I will act in your best interest to get the best price and deal possible based on your goals.

Questions? Drop me a message any time and I'm happy to help!

JULY 17 - FILL IN THE BLANK

We're getting way too used to "that quarantine life" over here. __________ [It feels good to be getting out and about a bit more and yes, putting on real clothes/I can't wait until this is over and I can actually get dressed up to go out again!]

How about you? Are you starting to venture out or are you still hunkered down at home?

JULY 18 - FILL IN THE BLANK

Do you have a favorite room in your house? I love my __________ [back deck/reading nook/family room/kitchen] because __________ [it's so quiet and peaceful in the mornings for my coffee/I love to curl up with a good book and cup of tea after the kids go to bed/it's where our guests gather and we love entertaining].

Tell me yours! I want to hear all about your home 🏡

JULY 19 - COPY/PASTE

2020 is the year of the quarantine, but that doesn't mean we can't have some summer fun. Here are a few socially-distanced summer activity ideas.

Tell me which one(s) you're going to try...or maybe have already tried!

POST TIP: Do you love any of these activities? Personalize your caption with your favorite summer ideas!

JULY 20 - FILL IN THE BLANK

Home is where the heart is...but it's also where the art is. One of the perks of my job is that when I tour homes, I get to see their beautiful art on my clients' walls and learn more about their tastes, personalities and travels.

One of my personal favorite artists is __________. Who is your favorite? I'd love to see your favorite pieces next time I'm in the neighborhood!

Post Tip: tag your favorite artist's Instagram page so that they can see and share your post!

JULY 21 - COPY/PASTE

Most people learn about titles and title insurance when they when they buy or sell their first home. It is almost always required as part of your closing costs on a home and covers research into public records to ensure that the title of the home is free and clear of any liens or conflicts (i.e. a long-lost relative with ownership claims on the property).

Yes, it seems like a tedious step in the process (more paperwork!) but it is really an incredibly important step.

JULY 22 - COPY/PASTE OR PARAPHRASE

I read this tip the other day and it sounds totally crazy, but I'm still intrigued! When you're painting your home, a few drops of vanilla extract in the paint is said to neutralize the chemical smell.

Have you ever done this? Tell me if it really worked!

JULY 23 - COPY/PASTE OR PARAPHRASE

This is a common question that I get from first-time sellers. The good news is, we have lots of options!

First of all, we can make a contingent offer on your new home. A contingent offer means that the final sale is contingent upon certain criteria that have to be met (like the sale of your current home).

Another option is a bridge loan, a short-term loan used to cover the gap between the sales price of your new home and your new mortgage if your home hasn't sold before closing. This isn't right for everyone, but it is an option!

You could also consider renting or subletting a home. Yes, putting your stuff in storage or moving twice might be a pain, but it could be well worth it to get you one step closer to your dream home.

If you want to talk more about any of these options, you know where to find me! 😊

JULY 24 - COPY/PASTE OR PARAPHRASE

There are a few words that you don't want to hear as a new homeowner. "You need a new...." is at the top of the list.

My tip for making sure that you have plenty of money saved for home improvements is to have at least 1-5% of the total cost of your home saved for emergencies. If your home is new construction, you will probably be okay with less than if you are buying a fixer-upper.

That new furnace, roof repair or plumbing work will be a lot easier to digest if you have enough money in a savings account specifically designed for household emergencies!

JULY 25 - FILL IN THE BLANK

I know a lot of people who are taking quick day trips in place of longer vacations this summer. My family and I are heading to __________ [beach/lake/splash pad/wherever you're going for some summer fun].

Whenever we go, we never leave without __________ [a picnic lunch, plenty of water games for the kids/lots of sunscreen/whatever you load up your summer bag with].

What are your travel essentials for quick summer road trips?

JULY 26 - COPY/PASTE OR PARAPHRASE

Here's a summer tip that you're going to love. On those hot summer nights, pop your pillowcases into a plastic bag and stick them in the freezer for 20-30 minutes before bed. You'll have a perfectly cool pillow and can fall asleep forgetting all about that summer humidity.

If you try this one, let me know how it goes!

JULY 27 - FILL IN THE BLANK

Let's play a quick game of: "if you could upgrade one item in your kitchen, what would it be?"

For me, I'd upgrade __________ [my boring old coffee maker to a fancy Nespresso/refrigerator to one of those new smart fridges/to a walk-in wine cellar/a larger pantry/whatever you would upgrade].

Tell me yours in the comments!

JULY 28 - FILL IN THE BLANK

I know it's only Tuesday, but who is ready to pour a cocktail? 🍹 I wouldn't mind a __________ [dirty martini/red wine/sparkling Kombucha/green juice/whatever you like to drink] from __________ right about now.

Tell me your favorite place to go have cocktails in the summer...and then let's make plans to get together to have them!

JULY 29 - COPY/PASTE OR PARAPHRASE

I've read that wallpaper is the new "accent wall." What would you rather have in your home: wallpaper or a painted accent wall?

JULY 30 - COPY/PASTE OR PARAPHRASE

So you know what a real estate agent does for a home buyer and a home seller, but did you know that I can also help you lease your investment property?

As a real estate agent, I'm skilled at marketing properties, follow-up and communication and can help you screen potential tenants. Because my schedule is flexible, I can accommodate last minute showings (yes, even on nights and weekends!). I can also help take some of the paperwork -- like running a credit report and drafting lease agreements -- off your plate.

If you have any questions about rental properties or investment properties in general, reach out any time!

JULY 31 - FILL IN THE BLANK

Nope, not a control freak at all 😉 What is one thing in your household that you are a total control freak over? We all have one, right? Mine is __________ [rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher/folding fitted sheets/keeping clothes ironed/organizing the holiday decorations].

Now I want to hear yours!

BRAND PERSONALITY PROMPTS

Post a photo of yourself in your hometown and tell your followers where you grew up. Talk about the town where you were born or raised and include a few fun facts about your early life -- you might find a fun hometown connection!

Jump on Instagram stories and take viewers on a casual tour of your own home. Show your audience a few of the things you love about where you live, whether it's the view from your porch or balcony, or a the chair where you always have your morning coffee.

Share the first house you sold. Tell your followers about the very first home you sold -- how did it feel to get that deal done?

Do a round-up of your favorite delivery pizza spots. Everyone loves pizza, and it's the go-to dinner your first night in a new home! Share your favorite spots (and encourage your followers to save the post to refer later). Bonus points if you have a picture of yourself/your family at your favorite pizzeria, or at home enjoying a slice!

Promote a local interior designer or staging company. Share a photo from a local designer or staging company and tell your audience why you love it. Bonus points: if it's a business you have done work with, give them a shout-out/testimonial. Double bonus points if you're in the photo1