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MONTHLY (FEED) CONTENT
JUNE 1 - COPY & PASTE
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Happy June! 🍉⛱☀️ I am totally feeling those summer vibes even though it technically doesn't begin until June 21.
That means we have about three weeks to prep and refresh our homes for summertime. Pour yourself a cold glass of lemonade and check out your monthly to-do list: remember, you don't have to do it all but a little home maintenance each month goes a long way! 🏖 Create your summer bucket list 🧽 Clean between the windows and screens 👙 Switch your closets from winter to summer 🌸 Plant flowers in your yard or outdoor space 🍹 Whip up a batch of your favorite summer sangria 💦 Change the water dispenser filter in your fridge 💡 Clean ceiling fan blades and replace lightbulbs 🧴 Stock your guest bathroom with extra toiletries 🧊 Replace your air conditioner filter 🛠 Organize your garage or tool shed 🌡 Invest in a smart thermostat to save on energy bills 🍴 Dine alfresco in your backyard or a local restaurant patio 🏡 Celebrate National Homeownership Month |
JUNE 2 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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There is a lot to love about June. 🍩 National Donut Day, 🔨 Father's Day, ☀️ the first day of summer, and it is 🏡 National Homeownership Month (I'll be sharing more on that a little later).
Here's your list of June holidays and important dates to save for reference, and below is a snapshot of what you can expect from me this month! Are you ready!? 👇🏼 • I’m launching a series designed to provide future homeowners with all of the resources you need to buy a home this year (including a fab free resource that I can't wait to tell you about!) • I'll be hosting a summer bucket list challenging and sharing with you all of my favorite local summer spots to hit up this year. • We'll be celebrating _____ [insert a national holiday you plan to post about -- National Donut Day, Juneteenth, Father's Day, Loving Day, Pride Month - pick something that you will actually be recognizing in some way]. I'm spilling tons of juicy 🍊 tips this month, so if you want to make sure you never miss a post, tap my picture to head to my profile page, then tap the little bell 🔔 icon in the top right corner to turn on page notifications! |
JUNE 3 - COPY & PASTE (NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH)
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So you're ready to become a homeowner 🏡🎉
I am sure you've heard that it's a seller's market and it is true that inventory is low right now, but if your goals for 2021 include homeownership, there is still plenty of time to get there! In fact, the sooner we start planning and preparing for your home purchase, the better equipped you will be to make a winning offer. With my Ultimate Home Buying Guide, you'll have all of the expert tips and tricks you need to start saving for a down payment, get a pre-approval list, choose your real estate agent and start house hunting.I've even included a few tips to help you navigate your home inspection and what to expect on closing day. Throughout the month of June, I’ll also be sharing different resources for future home buyers that will help you understand more about the process and set you up for success! If you want the guide, comment YES! below and I’ll send it to you asap! ALTERNATE PHOTO IDEA:
Print out the guide and share a photo of you holding it, or the guide on your desk, in your car, or you giving it to a friend/client! |
JUNE 4 - FILLL IN THE BLANK (BUY YOUR FOLLOWERS A COFFEE)
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Coffee + donuts: name a more iconic duo. I'll wait. Today is National Donut Day so I want to help you celebrate: you grab the donuts, and I'm picking up your coffee!
I'm so grateful that you are part of my community -- both online and IRL! So I'm taking the opportunity to say thank you in the form of my favorite love language: FREE COFFEE! Here's how it works: Swipe for a barcode to show your local Starbucks barista so they can scan it and whip you up your favorite beverage! And to continue the fun, I'd love it if you snapped a photo and tag me at @_____ [insert your handle] in a post on your feed or stories so I can send you a virtual cheers with my ______ [insert your own coffee/tea order here]. ☕️ Note: available while supplies last. I'll update this post when the card runs out ☕️ |
JUNE 5 - COPY & PASTE
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Is there anything better than a backyard cookout in the summer? 🍔🌭
Today I'm sharing a few tips for the perfect cookout to save next time you're entertaining your family, friends or neighbors. ✨ Festive lighting: garden lights & decor always helps to set the mood and get your guests into the summer spirit. 🥂 Beverages: Welcome guests with light beer or summer ales, and a crisp rosé or white wine. For non-drinkers, have sparkling water with lemon or lime on hand and whip up a pitcher of lemonade. If you want to get fancy, puree some watermelon in a blender and serve fresh watermelon lemonade -- it doesn't get more "summer" than that! 🧊 Buy plenty of party supplies: compostable paper plates, utensils, napkins and ice -- you never want to run out of ice! 🥑 Serve simple appetizers -- think chips and guacamole or crostini and bruschetta. 🍴 Be sure you have the proper grilling tools: depending on what you're making, you'll probably need spatula, tongs, marinade brush, etc 🍔 Finally, my favorite cookout tip: set up a backyard burger bar. Serve up a few different burger and bun options (including a veggie burger for the non-meat eaters in your group) and serve all of the condiments, like lettuce, tomato, cheese, grilled onions for people to build their own burgers. It makes for easy cleanup and a perfect, casual summer vibe. Are you planning to entertain this summer? Tell me your favorite cookout food in the comments! |
JUNE 6 - COPY & PASTE
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It's graduation season! If you've been wondering what to get the high school or college grad in your life, here are a few gift suggestions that are more personal than an envelope full of cash.
1. Away Luggage 2. FitBit Inspire HR 3. Hatch Restore 4. Atomic Habits by James Clear 5. Minted "The Years Flew By" Collage 6. Longchamp Large Le Pilage Tote 7. Our Place Pan 8. Airpods 9. Keurig One-Cup Mini What is the best graduation gift you've ever given or received? |
JUNE 7 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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This month we're talking homeownership and unless you plan to pay for your home in cash, you're going to need the help of a local lender.
Today, let me introduce you to a few of my favorite lenders: -@ -@ -@ -@ -@ Here is why I like to recommend a local lender to my clients: mortgage lenders rely on your referrals to grow their businesses. Their incentive to provide you with excellent service us because they want you to be their client for life -- just like real estate agents! If you're thinking of starting the home buying process, I would be glad to put you in touch with one of my preferred lender contacts. Drop me a DM any time! |
JUNE 8 - CAROUSEL POST / COPY & PASTE
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My job is not just to help open doors for you (although I'll open as many as you want!).
It's to be your partner through each step in your journey to homeownership, whether it's your first time or you're ready for a refresher before you move up or downsize your home. Even though there are way more than 10 steps along the path to homeownership, I'm giving you a snapshot of some of the most important ones. 1️⃣ Save for your down payment 🏦 2️⃣ Know your credit score 💳 3️⃣ Contact me! I can help you through the process ☎️ 4️⃣ Get pre-approved for a mortgage ✅ 5️⃣ We will find the perfect home ✨ 6️⃣ Make and negotiate an offer 💰 7️⃣ Have a home inspection 🔍 8️⃣ Have a home appraisal 📝 9️⃣ Close on your new home 🙌🏼 🔟 Move in and toast to your new home 🥂 Swipe for my tips and let me know if you have any questions along the way! |
JUNE 9 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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You scream, I scream...you know the rest. Nothing says summer like going out for ice cream after dinner and we are so lucky to have some amazing ice cream shops here in _____ [your city].
@__________, @__________ and @__________ [your favorite spots] are a few of my favorites! What is your favorite ice cream flavor? I'm Team _____ [your favorite] all the way! |
JUNE 10 - COPY & PASTE
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Every realtor says it, right? "Get pre-approved before you start house hunting."
Well, in this market it is especially important to plan and prepare in advance so that we can give you the best shot at submitting a winning offer! So the first step to purchasing a home is to get a pre-approval letter from a trusted lender (and don't forget - I can recommend a few!). Here's what you're going to need in order to get a pre-approval letter: -Proof of income - you'll need to provide this so your lender can gauge how much house you can afford. -Proof of employment - is required to ensure that you have the consistent income to pay your mortgage. -Credit score over 620 - allows the lender to assess your debt-to-income ratio. -Proof of funds - your lender will ask to see proof of down payment funds by way of your bank statements. -Proof of assets - this is only applicable if you own existing land or property. It's worthwhile to go through the pre-approval process with several lenders as a way of shopping interest rates and finding the best deal. Be sure to do this within 45 days, so all credit checks count as one hard inquiry and won't have a negative impact on your credit score. If you're just beginning to think about buying, drop me a DM anytime and I'd be glad to help you through the process! |
JUNE 11- COPY & PASTE
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Let's talk #backyardgoals this summer. Whether your backyard is your personal oasis for relaxation or a hotspot for summer entertaining, here are a few things to add to your space to make it picture perfect.
-No matter the size of your space, have a few comfortable chairs to help the buyer envision the ultimate space for relaxation. -Add lighting. You can find cost-efficient garden lights on Amazon and they add so much ambiance. -Accessorize with pillows. You know the rule, right? You can never have too many throw pillows 😉 -When in doubt, always add greenery. Plants are a must! You can DIY this or hire a professional to beautify your space. -Finally, if your outdoor space is large enough and sees direct sun, be sure to have a pergola or even a sturdy umbrella to provide ample shade and help with temperature control. Not only is a beautiful outdoor space a major luxury during the summer, it can actually increase the ROI when you sell your home. These are my DIY tips, but if you're considering a bigger backyard renovation, send me a DM and I'd be glad to refer you to a contractor landscape architect who can help you get started! |
JUNE 12 - COPY & PASTE
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TEAM PAINTING VS. TEAM WALLPAPER: It's easy to transforming your space with a few coats of paint, but we are currently loving the dramatic impact that wallpaper can make in a room.
Here are a few things to consider when deciding what to do in your home: PREPARATION: If you have to remove existing wallpaper, be sure to consult a professional. If you don't strip the wallpaper with the right tools, you can risk damaging the wall. If you're removing wallpaper to paint, keep in mind that you'll need to apply spackle and prime before actually applying the paint. DURABILITY: While wallpaper can stand up to wear and tear (like if you have kids or pets) it might not be the best option for high moisture rooms like bathroom or kitchen. If you're painting, be sure to choose the right finish (satin, eggshell, semi-gloss, high-gloss, flat) for your space. COST: Both paint and wallpaper can range in price and accommodate most budgets. On average, wallpaper tends to be more expensive between the paper, supplies and installation. Whether you choose wallpaper or paint, I am sure it will bring color and character to the walls of your home! 💬 How about you: are you Team Wallpaper or Team Paint? |
JUNE 13 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Buying a home is about, as the saying goes, "location, location, location."
With the real estate market being so competitive, it is as important as ever to know what you are looking for in a neighborhood. The best path to an accepted offer these days is to be a little creative and think outside the box. For example: you might have your heart set on a home in _____ [name a popular town or neighborhood in your area], but it might turn out that _____ [name another popular town or neighborhood in your area] actually has all of the amenities that you're looking for! Here are some things I advise my clients to consider when choosing a neighborhood: 1️⃣ Do you want a quiet, tree-lined street or are you looking for a more urban downtown setting? 2️⃣ Would you like a more contemporary home or do you want something with a historic/vintage charm? 3️⃣ Are you open to an up-and-coming neighborhood or do you want to be in an established community? 4️⃣ Do you want to be in a single-family home or is a townhome or condo right for your lifestyle? 5️⃣ Are you commuting and if so, do you need to be near a highway or public transportation? 6️⃣ How important is proximity to neighborhood amenities, like a great local coffee shop and Whole Foods? No matter what, I can help you find your home in _____ [your city] whenever you're ready! |
JUNE 14 - BRAND PERSONALITY / FILL IN THE BLANK
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Here are three things you might not know about me:
1) [Talk about how you arrived in the town you are currently living/working in]. Example: I was born and raised in _____ and now I am raising my family here! I grew up on _____ Street and attended the _____ school district, so I pretty much consider myself an expert in all things _____ [your town]. If you ever have questions about the schools, the best places to dine out with kids or even choosing a dentist or pediatrician, hit me up. I love sharing my resources with you all! Example: I moved to _____ [your city] _____ years ago _____ [for my spouse's job] and although we initially missed _____ [wherever you are from], I absolutely fell in love with the skyline, the summers and the total Mayberry vibe that our neighborhood has. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else! 2) [Talk about what you would do if you didn't work in real estate] Example: If I didn't work in real estate, I would probably _____ [be a teacher/be an interior designer/work in marketing] . I have always loved _____ [to help others succeed and mentoring is a big part of my life/art and architecture and I love how naturally they play into home design/connecting people and that is essentially what good marketing is -- connecting people with brands or services to improve their life]. I'm lucky I still get to do a little bit of that as a real estate agent! 3) [Share a personal fun fact and talk about how it ties into real estate] Example: I am completely obsessed with _____ [shopping at Target]. I _____[buy a lot of the items for my clients' closing gifts there and if you see me wearing a cute summer dress, that is probably where it's from]! I love that _____ [you can always just pop right in and buy something you don't need 😂 ]. I personally think the best _____ [store in Chicago is on Division & Larabee -- which Target do you shop at?] Example: I am completely obsessed with Grey's Anatomy. I _____[know that it's totally insane after 17 years but I just can't quit now]! I love _____ [watching the reruns from Season 2 and Season 3...the early McDreamy days were my jam!]. Tell me something about you in the comments: what would you be if you weren't doing your current job? Or what is something you absolutely love!? |
JUNE 15 - COPY & PASTE
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When you're thinking about buying a home, one of the most important things you can do is hire a real estate agent to act in your best interests.
When I work with buyer clients, I am more than a real estate agent, I'm your advocate: guiding you through home showings, helping you see the pros/cons of each property, keeping you consistently apprised on market trends, writing and submitting offers, negotiating the best possible deal for you, and working with your lender and attorney to get you to closing day. When we work together, we're probably going to spend a lot of time together in person and communicating over phone or email, so it's important that we have a good rapport. While I'm sure we'd work well together, I always advise people to thoroughly interview their real estate agent before committing to make sure you're going to be a great fit. Here are some questions that you should ask your agent at a buyer consultation: -How many homes do you help buyers purchase each year? -How many homes, total, do you help close each year? -How many homes do you help buyers purchase each year in my neighborhood? In my price range? -Will I be working with you directly or do you have a team? -How do you help buyers compete in this market? -Can you explain the home buying process from start to finish? -When is your best time to contact you during the day and week, typically? |
JUNE 16 - COPY & PASTE
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Here's the difference between home value and home equity 💰
The value of your home is based on assessment of your property's value, based on the location, condition and multiple other factors. Home equity is the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and what your home is currently worth. For example, if you owe $400,000 on your mortgage loan and your home is worth $450,000, you have $50,000 of equity in your home. Home equity increases in two ways: 1) As you pay your mortgage down, the amount of equity in your home will rise. 2) Your equity will also increase if the value of your home jumps. However, this also works inversely. If your home value drops at a rate faster than the rate at which you're paying your mortgage, you could lose equity. If you're serious about building equity in your home, contact me and I'd be glad to share some additional tips or connect you with one of my awesome lender partners to help! |
JUNE 17 - COPY & PASTE / CUSTOMIZE YOUR FREEBIE!
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Recently, I was telling a buyer client not to worry about the cosmetic aspects of a home, like the carpet or paint colors and he asked me a great question: "what should I be looking for?"
If you've never been through the house hunting process, it can be SO easy to get distracted by the seller's living room that looks like Pottery Barn or the huge waterfall island in the kitchen -- and miss potential red flags that could end up costing you down the road. Because it's National Homeownership Month, I put together a FREE resource for you – The Ultimate Home Buying Guide -- which takes you through each step of the home buying process, including the often incredibly daunting house hunting process! I know you've already heard that you should open the doors and turn on lights at a showing, but did you ever think to look underneath the sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms for evidence of water damage? Or check where the floor vents and thermostats are so you can plan your furniture placement? I'm spilling all of my insider tips, so DM me or comment below with a 🏡 emoji if you'd like to get your hands on a copy of the guide ASAP! |
JUNE 18 - LOCAL LIFE / FILL IN THE BLANK
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How do you like to spend Friday night in _____ [your city?] There are so many things that I love to do here so I thought I'd pull together a post for you!
[List 6-9 things you love to do in your town and be specific!] Here's a sample post for you. Be sure to tag any local accounts or businesses that you include in your post, both ON the photo and in your post captions to make sure they see it and engage with you!]. Sample post (feel free to use these prompts or come up with your own! How do you like to spend Friday night in Chicago? There are so many things that I love to do right in my own Bucktown neighborhood, so I thought I'd pull together a post for you! 🥂 Start date night with drinks at @theleavittstreettavern's tented patio or the beer garden at @bucktown_pub 🥩 For dinner dates, @lebouchonchicago has the best steak frites and @mablestablechi has a delicious prosciutto-wrapped salmon. 🎬 During the summer. we love hitting up @chicagoparks Movies in the Park with a picnic full of goodies from @goddessgrocer. 🍦 Take a long walk on @the606chicago - if you get off near the Churchill Dog Park it's only a quick trip over to @jenisicecreams on Milwaukee 😉 🌴 Reserve a shuffleboard court and sip cocktails 🍹 in between games at @royalpalmschicago What do you love to do on weekend nights in Chicago? |
JUNE 19 - LOCAL LIFE / FILL IN THE BLANK
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What's on your summer bucket list? For me, I want to enjoy as much of _____ [your city] as possible now that events are returning and things are opening up. Tomorrow is the first day of summer and to celebrate, I'm sharing a few things on my summer bucket list.
Throughout the next month (or more!) I will be sharing some of my favorite local spots and things to do so you can build your own summer bucket list, too! Tell me in the comments what's on your list -- maybe I will share it in a future post! And swipe 👈🏽 to take a sneak peek at a few of the things on the top of my list! |
JUNE 20 - COPY & PASTE
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[Share a Father's Day graphic and wish your community a Happy Father's Day or try a carousel post and do a graphic AND a picture of you and your dad or father figure/you with your kids].
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JUNE 21 - COPY & PASTE
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I can't talk about home buying all month without addressing the elephant in the room: it's very likely that when we do put an offer down on a home, we're going to wind up in a multiple offer situation. Demand is high and homes are selling fast, but when I'm an agent, I use a modern approach to submitting your offer to give you the best chance to stand out from the competition.
Here are a few tips to keep top of mind: 1) Real estate is about relationships -- including the relationships I have with my fellow agents! I will always do my best to find out as much detail as possible from the listing agent of a property my buyers are interested in. For example, if we know how long the seller has lived in the house, why they're moving, how quickly they want to move, we can craft an offer most likely to appeal to them. 2) In this market, it's important that we be strategic with our offers. Some sellers are more motivated by timeline, while others may be emotionally invested in the transaction (in which case we might write them a 'love' letter explaining why you love their home). 3) Let's be prepared to think outside the box: that might mean considering a home that needs some cosmetic renovation, or broadening your geographic parameters to a different neighborhood you might not have considered. 4) Be flexible! We know what the seller is looking for, we need to meet them where they are. Meet or exceed the seller's earnest money requirements, timeline, closing date, and consider offering to limit how much you'll ask the seller to fix if inspections reveal minor issues with the home. 5) Your lender plays an extremely important role in your home search process. A cash offer is usually more appealing to a seller because without a financing contingency, it's a lot less likely that the deal will fall apart. Reassure your seller that your financing is secure with an enthusiastic endorsement from a loan officer (via email or even in a video message to the seller's agent). |
JUNE 22 - COPY & PASTE
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Move-in ready or fixer-upper? It's a question a lot of homebuyers are asking these days as low inventory has buyers getting creative and finding different paths to homeownership. The idea of buying a fixer upper can seem glamorous if you've watched enough HGTV, but the process of renovating a home can be lengthy and overwhelming.
Here are a few things to ask yourself to determine if you're ready to buy a fixer-upper: ➡️ How much am I willing to do to get my home where I want it? Let's say you find a great space in a great community but you hate the kitchen, bathroom finishes and paint colors. Decide how much you're willing to spend to get your home updated enough to live in while you consider bigger renovation projects. ➡️ What is my total budget for home renovation? There are almost always hidden costs for home renovations. For example: if you're putting in new floors, you're going to want to budget to have all of your trim painted or replaced. And what if you do a minor kitchen renovation only to discover that additional work is needed to install the brand new range you ordered? Be sure to budget for the unforeseen things that inevitably come up with construction -- especially if you're a first-time buyer. ➡️ Am I willing to live through a home renovation? If you're buying a new home that needs renovations, be sure to have a plan in place for where you will live during the renovations. For example, if you're having your floors done and you can't walk on them for a few days, do you have a place to stay? If you're buying your first home, what happens if your lease ends before your home is ready? ➡️ How fast do I need to move? Renovations always take longer than expected - HGTV makes it look like a major home renovation only takes a few days, but in reality, construction delays are incredibly common! What is the next project you'd like to do in your home? |
JUNE 23 - LOCAL LIFE / FILL IN THE BLANK
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Is there anything better than dinner (or cocktails!) with a view? Rooftop season is here and I plan to take full advantage of it this summer!
Here are a few of my picks: -@_____ -@_____ -@_____ -@_____ -@_____ What did I miss? Tag your favorite rooftops or patios in the comments! |
JUNE 24 - COPY & PASTE
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🔍 What to inspect on home inspection day 🔍
Hooray -- your offer was accepted! In this competitive market, that is no small feat, but before we pop the champagne and celebrate your new title: HOMEOWNER, we have to get through a few more steps, including the home inspection. If you're new to the home inspection process (or if it's been awhile since you've purchased a home!), here is what to expect: 👉🏼 First, as the home buyer, it is your job to hire the home inspector -- something you should NEVER skip. A home inspection is typically no more than $500 and that fee can save you thousands in home maintenance and repairs down the road. 👉🏼 At the inspection, your inspector will examine every corner of your new home for safety and functionality. They'll open and inspect doors, windows, turn on faucets, flush toilets, test appliances, HVAC and plumbing, open cabinets, under the sink, floors, walls and ceilings. They may even climb up on the roof to look for any evidence of damage. It is inevitable that they will find minor flaws, so be sure to attend in person so they can point things out to you. 👉🏼 After the inspection, you'll receive a home inspection report. It's probably going to be long, but in most cases the repairs and recommendations will be minor -- like replacing lightbulbs or carbon monoxide detector batteries. We won't ask the seller to fix everything on the inspection report, but we will review it thoroughly to determine what issues are most important to you before we go back to the seller. 👉🏼 As the final step, we'll work with your attorney to negotiate repairs with the seller. I typically advise my clients to focus only on issues that pertain to safety and functionality: do all of the doors and windows close and lock, are all of the systems fully functional? Remember: no home is perfect (even new construction). If you have questions about anything related to your home inspection, I'll be involved and available to help you from start to finish! |
JUNE 25 - COPY & PASTE
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Be honest: double tap if you've done this one 🙃 If you want to save some time hitting that "refresh" button just DM me and I'd be glad to run a free comparative market analysis for you to see what your home is worth and help you decide whether or not now is the right time to sell.
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JUNE 26 - FILL IN THE BLANK (2 CHOICES)
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One of my favorite things to do in the summer is work in my garden. I'm known for planting _____ every year and my friends know me as the crazy plant _____ [lady/guy]. If you're thinking about dipping your toe into gardening, here are some of the essentials that you should be sure to stock up on. 🧤 A pair of sturdy gardening gloves to prevent injury -- plus, you're going to get your hands dirty! 🌷 Plenty of seeds for whatever you'd like to grow -- read up on which plants need sunlight and which can go without depending on the orientation of your home. You can also Google "seed starting calendar" to time your garden to seasonality. 💦 ✂️ Basic gardening tools: think: a garden hoe, scuffle hoe, dirt rake, leaf rake, garden shovel and a good pair of pruning shears. 👟 Make sure you have a pair of gardening clogs -- or tennis shoes that you don't mind getting dirty! 💦 Be prepared to water your garden regularly! A rule of thumb for watering is that plants need around one inch of water per week during the growing season (so if it's a rainy season, you might not need to water as much!). Every year, I wind up with a surplus of _____ [something you grow]. If you'd like me to drop some off after harvest, drop me a DM and I'm happy to share 🍅🥒 OR Every year, I tell myself that this is going to be the year that I finally start that garden I've always dreamed of, but since I can barely keep a houseplant alive, I haven't taken the plunge. I've always wished I could grow a beautiful vegetable garden, so I've been doing some research and wanted to share with you my "I'm-going-to-finally-start-that-garden" kit. 🧤 A pair of sturdy gardening gloves to prevent injury -- plus, you're going to get your hands dirty! 🌷 Plenty of seeds for whatever you'd like to grow -- read up on which plants need sunlight and which can go without depending on the orientation of your home. You can also Google "seed starting calendar" to time your garden with seasonality. ✂️ Basic gardening tools: think: a garden hoe, scuffle hoe, dirt rake, leaf rake, garden shovel and a good pair of pruning shears. 👟 Make sure you have a pair of gardening clogs -- or tennis shoes that you don't mind getting dirty! 💦 Be prepared to water your garden regularly! A rule of thumb for watering is that plants need around one inch of water per week during the growing season (so if it's a rainy season, you might not need to water as much!). Tell me: do you have a green thumb? What else should beginners know about starting a garden? |
JUNE 27 - LOCAL LIFE / FILL IN THE BLANK
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If you were visiting _____ [your city] for 48 hours, what would you absolutely have to do?
Whether I have buyer clients in from out of town or friends and family visiting, I love playing tourist and showing everyone my favorite spots -- _____ for the best tacos, chips and queso, my favorite-ever chocolate cream pie at _____ and the unlimited mimosa brunch at _____. Here is my proposed agenda for anyone visiting _____ this summer! When you get into town, check into one of my favorite hotels -- _____ has the plushest bathrobes and a rooftop pool and _____ has a gorgeous view of downtown. If you want something upscale, try _____ and be sure to make time for a dip in their tranquility pool. My current favorite spot for drinks and dinner is _____ - they have the best paella and pitchers of sangria. Such a fun night out! While you're in _____, grab dessert to-go from _____ -- they have the best cookies and pastries! In the morning, I suggest taking a long walk to _____ and grabbing breakfast at _____. I've been there approximately 100 times and I always get the _____. Must-visit spots: check out ______. ______. or _____. When you get hungry again, I suggest heading down to the _____ neighborhood for dinner. _____ has a great _____ menu, and _____ is super accommodating with dietary restrictions and even has a separate gluten-free menu if anyone in your party needs one. Tell me your favorite spots to recommend to your out of town guests so I can add them to my list! SAMPLE POST: If you were visiting Chicago for 48 hours, what would you absolutely have to do? Whether I have buyer clients in from out of town or friends and family visiting, I love playing tourist and showing everyone my favorite spots -- @bigstarchicago for the best tacos, chips and queso, my favorite-ever chocolate cream pie at @bavetteschicago and the unlimited mimosa brunch at @angelinaristorante. Here is my proposed agenda for anyone visiting Chicago this summer! 🏩 When you get into town, check into one of my favorite hotels -- The Robey has the plushest bathrobes and a rooftop pool and LondonHouse has a gorgeous view of the Chicago River. If you want something upscale, try Nobu in the West Loop and be sure to make time for a dip in their tranquility pool. 🥘 My current favorite spot for drinks and dinner is @boqueria - they have the best paella and pitchers of sangria. Such a fun night out! While you're in Fulton Market, grab dessert to-go from Beatrix -- they have the best cookies and pastries! In the morning, 🌳 I suggest taking a long walk along the 606 in Bucktown and Logan Square - it's a great way to see more of the city (and you'll see so many cute pups, too). 🍳 Grab breakfast at @eatyolk -- they have a huge menu and I've been there approximately 100 times. I always get the California scramble, but the chicken and waffles are also so good. 👩🏼🌾 Must-visit spots: head up to Wrigley Field to catch a Cubs game or check out the Green City Farmers Market on Saturday mornings in Lincoln Park (while you're there, you can swing by the famous Lincoln Park Zoo, also). 🛥 No trip to Chicago is complete without visiting the Lakefront and taking a Chicago Architectural boat tour! When you get hungry again, I suggest heading to River North and eating dinner at @sienatavern or @sundanewasian, depending on what you're in the mood for! Siena Tavern has a great, hearty pizza and pasta menu and is super accommodating with dietary restrictions and even has a separate gluten-free menu if anyone in your party needs one. Sunda is a trendy sushi spot (try the signature rice with spicy tuna and a yuzu margarita). Tell me your favorite spots to recommend to your out of town guests so I can add them to my list!
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JUNE 28 - COPY & PASTE
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Here is something you might not know about real estate agents: we can help you no matter where you're planning to move. I am connected to a network of real estate agents all across the country (some of whom I've met right here on social media!) who I can connect you with whether you're thinking of relocating or purchasing an investment property out of state.
If you're ever looking for a real estate agent referral - no matter where you live or where you're going - feel free to reach out and I'd be happy to help you! |
JUNE 29 - COPY & PASTE (CAROUSEL)
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What to expect on closing day 👇🏼
In real estate, we put so much of our effort and preparation into getting to closing day that sometimes we forget to think about what actually happens when you close on a property. When I work with my buyers and sellers, I want you to feel completely comfortable with the process from start to finish. Although there are many variables that are beyond anyone's control - appraisal problems, title issues, financing hiccups - we can still make sure you are as educated as possible when it comes to the things that we can control. Swipe for a high-level list of what you can expect on closing day and DM me if you have questions about any of the specific steps in the process! |
JUNE 30 - COPY & PASTE
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Here's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval: during the mortgage application process, you will speak with a lender (or maybe several as you shop around for the best loan options). During your initial conversation, your lender is going to ask you a series of questions about your financial situation. During that conversation, they will let you know approximately how much mortgage they think that you'll qualify for and what the top of your price range should be during the house-hunting process. This is your pre-qualification, not pre-approval.
Your pre-approval will take place once your lender runs your credit score, checks bank statements, verifies employment and reviews proof of assets or investments (every situation is a little bit different). It is important to know the distinction because unless you have an official pre-approval letter signed by your lender in-hand, you are not pre-approved. In this competitive market, it's crucial to submit a pre-approval letter with your offer and the last thing I would want is for you to miss out on your home because of a little confusion. If you are ready to get pre-qualified or pre-approved, just DM me and I'll refer you to one of my lender partners for initial conversation. [POST TIP: If you featured your local lender partners in a post earlier this month, share it to stories and call back to it in this caption. Add the sentence: "Or, you can head to my stories to meet a few of the local lenders that I featured here earlier this month!"]. |
BONUS - COPY & PASTE
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Juneteenth PostsHappy Juneteenth Day!
Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth, also know as Emancipation Day, honors the end to slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday. Do you know of Juneteenth celebrations in our area? Please share them below so we can all honor the importance of this historic day 🖤 Pride CelebrationLove always wins 🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈
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