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MONTHLY (FEED) CONTENT
June 1 - Copy & Paste
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With me as your real estate agent, it will be summer all year round ☀️😎
Here is how to get your house ready for the sunniest season and have a little outdoor fun around town, too 🍉 🍋 Make a pitcher of homemade lemonade 📝 Make your summer bucket list 🎒 Organize and put away school supplies 😎 Swap in your summer doormat ⚾️ Grab a few friends and go see a local baseball game 🍦 Take family to a locally owned ice cream parlor 🍓 Go pick some fresh strawberries ☀️ Spend an entire day outdoors 🧺 Plan an outdoor picnic 🥬 Visit a farmers market 🧳 Plan a staycation in your own city What's on your summer bucket list? ⛱ |
JUNE 2 - Copy & Paste
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You've heard it's a seller's market...but what does that really mean and how is it affecting home buyers?
Simply put, the real estate market will favor home sellers when demand outpaces supply. This drives up home prices. Although we've been experiencing this since 2020, it's still competitive for buyers (...and renters, but we'll talk about that another day). So if you're trying to buy a home in a seller's market, does that mean you're out of luck? Not even a little bit! It just means that when you do find that dream home, we're going to have to get creative with your offer. Here are a few things that I've seen buyers offer during this competitive market: -Paying the closing costs for the seller. -Waiving the home appraisal contingency period. -Including an escalation clause to go way above asking price. -Offering a free lease back period and allowing the seller to stay until they are ready to move into their new home. -Waiving the home inspection contingency or having an inspection "for information only." Now, I wouldn't say all of these offers are advisable in every situation, but you do have options and lots of them! Do you have questions about the market as we head into the summer months? DM me or ask away in the comments! |
JUNE 3 - Copy & Paste / Customize in Canva
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Homeownership is a huge milestone -- there's a lot to celebrate!
I asked a few homeowners what they love most about being being their own landlord and some of the answers were surprising! Swipe to read them and tell me in the comments: what do you love most about owning your home? Want to customize this post? Swap your own photo onto the graphic, Ask your Facebook friends and Instagram followers their favorite thing about homeownership. Paste their answers onto the graphics and tag them in the post!
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JUNE 4 - Fill in the Blank
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What’s on your Summer Bucket List for 2022?
Me? I always say I'm going to _____ and then I never do it! So this year, you're hearing it here first! I want to _____, _____ and _____ (list what you want to accomplish -- can be professional or personal). Tell me yours in the comments! |
JUNE 5 - Copy & Paste
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This is one of my favorite design tips and it's one that most people don't talk about ⬇️
Your throw pillows don't need to match! In fact, you can achieve a more professional, stylish look if they *don't* match! What I do suggest is choosing a "color story" for your space and limiting your selections to three colors. This will help you achieve a consistent, cohesive look without seeming "match-y match-y." So here are a few color combinations that look great together: -Dark blue + deep red + pink -Deep red + orange + deep green -Magenta + violet + mustard yellow -Dark green + gold + magenta Which combination is your favorite? |
JUNE 6 - Copy & Paste
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Is this you? ⬇️
In 2020, you heard that it was a seller's market, so you renewed your lease for one more year. Then, in 2021, you heard that there might be a market crash, so you decided to wait one more year before breaking up with your landlord. Now, we're in 2022 and interest rates are rising and you still don't know if it's the right time to buy. Well, I'll give you the bad news first: the rental market is getting just as competitive for tenants as the housing market has been for buyers! What we saw buyers experience in 2021, renters are experiencing now. The U.S. median rental price hit its 14th straight month of record-highs, at $1,827 in April, and is on track to eclipse $2,000 by August. According to Realtor.com, renters are feeling the squeeze, with 66.1% reporting that higher rents are the biggest strain on their finances; 76.1% are able to save less each month than a year ago. In fact, 72.1% of surveyed landlords planning to raise rents this year, a higher share than in January (65.1%). As those rents rise, remember: every time you pay your landlord, you'll never see that money again. When you pay down a mortgage though, it's an investment in your future and you'll eventually see a return on that investment. Now, I have the good news! Even with interest rates rising, there are great deals to be found on the market that will have you paying less in mortgage than in your monthly rent...as long as you're working with the right real estate agent. I know where to look to find the right off-market and coming soon properties for you before they hit the MLS and can help you get organized and prepared to put forth a strong and competitive offer. If you're feeling intimidated by rising rent prices and want to chat through some options, drop me a message and I'd love to connect you with a lender to help you decide if it's time to start the pre-qualification process. |
JUNE 7 - Copy & Paste (REEL OPTION!)
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I hate to break this to you, but I'm going to say it...
...home inspectors rarely catch everything going on in your house. Even the most thorough home inspector isn't going to catch every single flaw because homes are complex and it simply isn't possible for them to see beyond the walls or underneath the floors during a visual inspection. Here are some of the most common home problems that you should ask about on home inspection day: 1. THE ROOF: Unless your home inspector gets up on the roof of the home, it is difficult to identify major problems. From the ground level, Inspectors will take note of missing shingles or panels but may not see a deeper problem, like a leak or damage from a storm. 2. HVAC ISSUES Depending on the time of year, it might not be feasible for your inspector to run the air conditioning or heat. Have an HVAC technician inspect your systems at the beginning of the season before you start using them. 3. PLUMBING PROBLEMS: Although your inspector will likely flush toilets, run faucets and check water pressure, Ithey may overlook clogs or drainage issues, which may be minor at first but can become costly if they are not promptly addressed. 4. FENCES & GARAGES Make sure your home inspector doesn't miss outdoor structures, especially if it's off-season. Walk the perimeter of the property and double check fences, garages, outdoor sheds, etc for any damage that could be costly to repair. 5. MOLD & WATER DAMAGE Water damage to the ceiling can be painted over, and mold can be hidden under the floorboards. If you're buying an older home, consider having a mold inspection in addition to the standard home inspection. Even though home inspections aren't a perfect science, don't skip them! Home inspectors might miss things, but they also frequently identify huge problems that could be major cost drivers down the line. Let me know if you have any questions about the home inspection process! |
JUNE 8 - Fill in the Blank / Customize
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It's time for another life hack by _____ [your name]. As much as I LOVE social media for connecting friends like you, sometimes the best way to stay focused is by unplugging from time to time!
Today I’m taking my own advice and __________ [going for a hike/bike ride through my favorite park/to the beach without my cell phone -- just a book, the old fashioned way!/heading out to dinner with my husband, device-free!]. How about you? What are your favorite screen-free activities to do when you need a reset? |
JUNE 9 - Copy & Paste
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Summer home buyers, this one is for you ☀️
If you didn't find your dream home this spring, that's OK! There are some nice advantages to home shopping in the summer. Here are three of them: 1) Homes look their best during the summer! You get to see your potential new home in all of its glory -- garden blooming, trees full and lush, deck or backyard staged and styled. Home shopping during the summer can be more fun and exciting when you get to see the backyard pool and dream about lounging on a hot day with a cold lemonade vs. thinking about all the snow you'll have to shovel. 2) Usually summer means fewer buyers on the market -- between the kids being home from school, busy summer vacations, and "rosé all day" luring you away from house hunting in favor of celebrating patio season. All of that means less competition -- a much welcomed relief after three consecutive competitive spring markets. 3) More daylight means more time for home shopping. When you need to squeeze in those showing appointments after the work day, you're going be able to see homes in the natural daylight, when homes always look more welcoming and appealing. Since we're talking house hunting, what is one feature that you'd LOVE to have in your next home? |
JUNE 10 - Fill in the Blank
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Sharing a few tools of the trade with you today! 👇
Everyone knows that real estate agents spend a lot of time on the phone, and browsing the MLS looking for properties to show clients and comps to help us price our listings. But there are also a lot of resources that I use every day that are completely invaluable to me. Here's a few of them: [share a short list of what you need to make sure your day runs smoothly -- we filled in the first couple for you to use or modify!] 1. Coffee. I can't even start my day without a _____ [your go-to order]. 2. Social media. I use social media to connect with other agents in _____ [your town], get ideas and inspiration (thank you Pinterest & Instagram!) and yes, stay in touch with my amazing clients! 3. 4. 5. What about you? What do you need to make sure your day runs smoothly at home or at work? |
JUNE 11- Fill in the Blank / Customize
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If you attend one event in _____ [your city] this summer, make sure you don't miss the _____.
There are so many things to do in the summer here: street festivals, art shows, movies in the park. I love them all! But today I'm sharing a few of my favorite ways to celebrate summer in _____ [city]. -Event name/date/location -Event name/date/location -Event name/date/location -Event name/date/location -Event name/date/location -Event name/date/location Save this post and let me know what you're most looking forward to doing this summer! |
JUNE 12 - Copy & Paste
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Let's plan your summer vacation 🏖
With flight and hotel prices climbing higher and higher, a long weekend at the beach might be the perfect getaway. But how do you know if that luxury Airbnb is going to be as nice as it looks in the listing? Here's how to choose the perfect Airbnb: Read the reviews for the property -- and the host. Make sure you read reviews not only on the property where you're staying, but on any other listings that your host manages. They may have high ratings on one property that has had fewer stays, but lower ratings on another, which can give you an indication of the kind of experience to expect. Look carefully at the photos. Some hosts manage more than one vacation rental, so make sure the photos in your listing are photos of the actual property where you're staying. Look at the photos from different angles to assess room size and make sure you'll have enough space. Consider using Airbnb Plus. Airbnb Plus is a curated collection of Airbnbs that have been chosen for their exceptional design and great hospitality. If you're really looking for an experience, Airbnb Plus will help you find the more stylish and design-forward places to stay. Do you like to stay in vacation rentals or do you prefer hotels when you travel? |
JUNE 13 - Copy & Paste (REEL OPTION!)
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This tip could save you thousands of dollars 💰
Did you know that you can actually pay down your mortgage before the 15-, 20- or 30-year term of your loan? Here are three ways to do it: 1) Split your monthly payment into two installments. When you make bi-weekly payments instead of monthly payments, you will actually make one extra payment each year. 2) Put at least 20% down on your purchase to avoid paying PMI, or mortgage insurance. Instead of paying several hundreds of dollars a month in mortgage insurance, you can put more toward paying down your principal. 3) Pay more whenever you're able. If you received a tax refund, put that toward your mortgage’s principal balance and be debt-free a lot sooner. If you're thinking about buying or refinancing, drop me a message and I'd love to connect you with one of my lender partners to get started! |
JUNE 14 - COPY & PASTE
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Did you forget to buy that perfect beachfront cottage this year? (I did too). 🌊
The good news is, we can still bring those dreamy coastal vibes home for summer vacay. Here are a few quick ways to "zshush" up your home decor for summer and make it feel like you're spending the night at Grace & Frankie's beach house. 🪴 Get a statement plant. Think a bright bold orchid or a fun palm. 🧺 Replace any brightly colored linens with whites for a crisp, beachy-clean look. ⛱ Turn your outdoor space into a vacation oasis. Think twinkle lights or lanterns, tropical patterned cushions or throw pillows and greenery. You'll forget that you're in your own backyard! ⚓️ Opt for a nautical color palette with shades of blue and white. 🪑 Add some natural materials like wicker furniture, a rattan ottoman, or jute rug for a coastal vibe. While we're on the topic, what's your favorite beach to visit in the summers!? |
JUNE 15 - Fill in the Blank / Customize
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We're halfway through another week 🙌🏼 and I'm busy preparing __________ [to list a gorgeous new townhome right downtown/for a weekend of showings/to review highest and best offers with my client/whatever you're working on today] by __________ and __________ [name two things you're doing to get ready].
Now tell me: what are you up to today? |
JUNE 16 - Copy & Paste
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The heart of the home 💛 The only thing better than touring beautiful kitchen is scrolling through them on Instagram 🤩 Swipe and 'fess up, which one is your favorite?
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JUNE 17 - Copy & Paste (REEL OPTION!)
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Let's talk house hunting 🏡
If you've never been through the house hunting process, it can be totally overwhelming. There are so many questions to ask and so much information to cram into that 10 or 15 minute showing. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you tour homes this summer: -You're buying the home, not the decor. It's okay if you don't like the sellers' taste in furniture, bedding, window coverings, etc. If the house has a good foundation, is in the right location for you and has the features and amenities you want, you can redecorate it. -The seller might have cameras in their home. In our digital age, it's entirely likely that the sellers have security cameras installed so as you tour a home, so assume they can hear everything you're saying! -You can make changes before you move in. If you don't like the stain on the floors or the paint color in the bedrooms, I can recommend a contractor who can help you make updates to make the space feel more like yours. -You're not the only person looking at this home. Remember that the current market is competitive and most homes right now are receiving multiple offers. If you want to put an offer in on a property, we need to do it right after the showing or we may lose the opportunity. Questions about home-buying? Drop me a message anytime! I'd love to help you. |
JUNE 18 - 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. Now I have a controversial question for you: do you call your parties cookouts, picnics, or barbecues? |
JUNE 19 - Copy & Paste / Customize
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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 20 - Copy & Paste
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One of THE most common questions I've been asked recently is: "should we wait to buy until interest rates fall again?"
First, a little background: an interest rate is the cost of borrowing money from a bank. Banks set interest rates according to the rates set by the Federal Reserve but on a specific loan, they also take into consideration the borrower's creditworthiness, which includes their credit score, income, savings, and other financial metrics. It's true that mortgage rates are currently on the rise. According to Freddie Mac, rates hit a low of 2.68% in December 2020. This year alone, rates have increased by more than two percentage points. But, here's the good news: although rates are higher than they have been in recent years, the average 30-year, fixed mortgage rate of 5.5% is still well below the nearly 8% historical average. Nadia Evangelou, a senior economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says that now the time is now to start looking for your next home. “With even higher interest rates on the horizon, I don’t see any reason to hold off from purchasing a home right now. If you feel financially secure, you should start looking for a home.” If you'd like to talk to a lender to see how much home you can afford, drop me a message and I'd love to make an introduction. |
JUNE 21 - Copy & Paste
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A busy spring real estate market means lots of your friends and loved ones may be heading toward the closing table.
If your summer calendar is filling up with housewarming parties, here are three fun gift ideas for the new homeowner in your life ⬇️ 1. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw. The softest blanket you'll ever cozy up to, I can't think of one person who wouldn't love to receive this. It comes in lots of different colors and patterns and is seriously just the most luxurious fabric. 2. Custom Welcome Doormat. I love a doormat personalized with a name and a meaningful date, or even a fun seasonal one with a cute greeting on it like "it's always happy hour here" or "come in and cozy up." Little touches like this go a long way toward creating curb appeal, too! 3. Le Creuset Cast Iron Dutch Oven or Skillet. If you want to go a little bigger, opt for a piece of kitchen equipment that is both practical and luxury. You can use a good dutch oven to cook just about anything -- soups, stews, roasts, one pot dinners. It's a bit of a splurge, but it will last forever. What's your favorite housewarming gift to give? |
JUNE 22 - Copy & Paste
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This post might help you add value to your home 🛁
A bathroom remodel is one of the most popular home improvement projects -- and for good reason! Remodeling magazine reported tha on average, midrange renovations recoup 67.2% of their costs, while upscale renovations recoup 60.2% So if you're thinking about a bathroom remodel, how much should you budget? The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) says that bathroom remodels cost about $10,000 on average and suggest budgeting between 5% and 10% of your home's value for a bathroom remodel. The most budget-friendly remodel can be done for $2,500, while high-end projects can be upwards of $30,000. Here's a breakdown of what types of materials costs you can expect when remodeling your bathroom: Shower: $500 - $5,000 Countertops: $200 - $1,000 Cabinets: $270 - $400 Toilet: $80 - $5,000 (can you imagine buying a $5,000 toilet!?) Vanity: $100 - $2,800 Flooring: $45 - $200 Paint: $30 - $60 Plumbing: $250 - $1,500 Of course, these are estimates and can vary dramatically based on your selections. If you are thinking about doing a home project, let me know and I'd be glad to connect you with a contractor to provide you with a more specific estimate. |
JUNE 23 - Fill in the Blank / Customize (Reel Option!)
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Did you know this about me? ⤵️
__________ (insert a fun fact or something that your audience may not know about you). It’s true! ________ (insert anecdote or elaborate on what you mentioned above). And because summer is officially in full swing (thank goodness) I'm going to have some fun today and tell you a few more things about me! ☀️ Give me a _______, _______, and ________ (pick three things you love in the summer: beach chair, iced coffee, good book, sunshine, etc) and I'm a happy camper. ☀️ My favorite place to be in the summer is ________ (location/with family/etc). ☀️ If this year has taught me anything it's ________ (something you've learned this year). ☀️ Finally, I love social media because it gives me the opportunity to meet so many new people and make new friends. So drop me a DM if you ever want to chat or say hi! Tell me something about you: what are your summer plans? |
JUNE 24 - Copy & Paste
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First impressions count 🤩
Whether you're refreshing your home to sell it or giving your property an update, curb appeal is key. Here are a few ways to update your curb appeal for summer: 🧼 Power wash your deck and siding. Dirt, grime and mold builds up on the outside of your home, but a pressure washer will make siding, driveways, walkways, patios and decks look like new. 🌿 Add some greenery: if you don't have a lot of landscaping, a few potted or hanging plants can work wonders and make your home more inviting. 💡 Update fixtures: this is an inexpensive fix (and quick trip to Home Depot!) that will give your entrance more appeal. Replace your light fixture, door knocker, knob, mail box and house numbers. 🚪 Refresh your door: it's the "gateway" to your home. Add a fresh coat of paint, wash any glass, and make sure there are no squeaks, creaks or dents. Wondering how your curb appeal measures up? DM me a photo of your front yard or entryway and I would be glad to give you some suggestions! |
JUNE 25 - Fill in the Blank / Customize
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Summer time and the living is easy 😎🍹
If you want to enjoy the gorgeous summer weather, here are a few of my favorite patio in ____ for an iced coffee, alfresco lunch, or dinner and drinks 🥂 -Restaurant name/location -Restaurant name/location -Restaurant name/location -Restaurant name/location -Restaurant name/location -Restaurant name/location Save this post for reference -- and let me know your favorite patio to hit up during the summer! |
JUNE 26 - Copy & Paste
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I love this quote. Your home should always be your haven 💛 What do you love most about your home?
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JUNE 27 - Fill in the Blank / Customize
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Want to know what it's like to work with me? Keep reading ⬇️
I have never been good at bragging about myself, so today I'm going to share some of the kind words that my clients have used, like __________, __________, and __________ [3 words or phrases your clients use to describe you - grab from your favorite testimonials]. I am always on a quest to find ways to bring you the best real estate experience, so I couldn’t be more grateful to hear from my happy clients! Swipe ➡️ to read more about what you can expect when we work together and drop any questions that you have in the comments below! |
JUNE 28 - Copy & Paste
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Most people skip this step when they put their home on the market 👇🏼
If you have an "extra" room in your home, make sure you stage it with one clearly defined purpose. Even if you like using your guest room as both an exercise room and home office, it could give buyers the impression that the home is too small. Instead, think about what your potential buyers are most likely to want to see. A home office? A kids' playroom? Whether you bring in a professional stager or get creative with the furnishings you have, turning your "bonus" room into a stylish and functional space will have a big payoff. |
JUNE 29 - Copy & Paste / Customize (REEL OPTION!)
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Real estate is not a 9-5 job...sometimes it is more like 24/7, even in the summer! Late night phone calls, early morning inspections or appraisals, and weekends full of showings and staging. Even so, I couldn't imagine doing anything else! 😊
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JUNE 30 - Copy & Paste
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Before you switch into holiday weekend mode, you're going to want to read this market outlook for the second half of 2022 🔮
While peak spring real estate season is behind us, there is still a lot of activity happening...and though it's not showing signs of slowing down, there are some reasons to believe that the market conditions might be shifting. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, “the gap between this year’s homes for sale and last year’s is one-fifth the size that it was at the beginning of the year. The catch up is likely to continue." This is welcome news for home buyers, who will have more options than they've had in awhile (though Hale says inventory is still low compared to pre-pandemic). Of course, it's still important to have that pre-approval ready to go and be prepared to move quickly if you find a home you love. As a seller, your home may soon face more competition as other sellers list their homes. Ultimately though, if you've held off on selling because you weren't sure where you'd go, having more inventory open up is going to make it easier for you to make a move. Swipe for some of the high level trends that we're seeing on the market and drop me a message if you have any questions about how our local market stacks up! |
