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Questions? Need support? Looking to get more out of your membership? Locked out of your account?
Here's where to contact us: 1) POST your social media questions, share ideas, and find referrals for your clients moving out of state/province in our Members-Only Facebook Group (The Social Broker VIP). 2) DM us any time on Instagram! @the.social.broker. 3) EMAIL us your tech support questions at maris@thesocialbroker.com. |
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YOUR CONTENT LIBRARY
NOVEMBER 1 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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It is November 1 which means it's time for an informal poll: when do you start to listen to holiday music? I __________ [wait until after Thanksgiving/have been listening to my Christmas playlist since September/usually wait until at least mid-November to get those holiday vibes on!]. .
Comment below with your favorite holiday songs and maybe I'll include them on the EPIC 'Home for the Holidays' playlist that I'll be sharing with you later this month! |
NOVEMBER 2 - COPY AND PASTE
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Can we just go ahead say that November is one of the best months of the year? Look, I know we're all excited for December but we still have a lot to celebrate this month.
Did you know there was such a thing as National Happy Hour Day? And I'm already planning my Small Business Saturday purchases! Which holiday in November are you most looking forward to? |
NOVEMBER 3 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Today's question is for my current homeowners. What day did you like better:
🔑 Closing Day: there is nothing better than that feeling when you get the keys in your hands and officially become a homeowner! 🚛 Moving Day: Even amidst all of the chaos, you're finally IN and can begin to build your new home. Me? I love stopping by my clients' house once they've moved in to drop off a __________ [closing gift/bottle of champs/gift card to a local restaurant I know they'll love/whatever you typically give as a closing gift] to see how they've occupied the space and made it their own. Tell me your answer in the comments below ⤵️ |
NOVEMBER 4 - COPY AND PASTE
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It's time for another real estate tip 💡 Quitclaim deeds are used to transfer a property from one owner to another, usually without a traditional sale. For example: when parents transfer a home to a child, when two spouses marry and one wants to include the other on a title or between divorcing spouses when one will keep the home.
Quitclaim deeds are a quick and simple way to move property among family members or to place real estate into a trust, but because because the new owner receives no guarantees about the title and how valid it is, they should not be used in modern real estate sales. |
NOVEMBER 5 - COPY AND PASTE
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Nothing says, "congratulations, homeowner!" like a laundry list of all of the things you need to do to make your new house a home.
But here's my philosophy: get the chores out of the way now so that once you get into your new home, you'll have all the time in the world to do the fun things like shop for new bathroom tile, hang curtains, and organize your pantry (what? that's fun for me!). 👇🏼 First, save this checklist of the things you need to do between closing day and moving day. 👇🏼 🧼 Clean the kitchen and bathrooms, put up a new shower curtain and liner, and wipe down the insides of all of the appliances and cabinets. 🧻 Stock up on a fresh supply of paper towels and toilet paper, plus any other cleaning supplies or household essentials.. 🔐 Have your locks changed. No matter how safe the neighborhood, is you just never know who has copies of your new house keys -- dog walkers, neighbors, cleaning services. 📬 Set up mail forwarding with the US Postal Service and update your address with your bank and any other service providers. 💡 Contact your utility companies to alert them of your change in address. Some utilities can be activated within a day or two, but other companies may need to send someone out to test and turn on your service which can take a week or more to schedule. 🍷🧖🏼♀️ Stock up on wine and book a massage for the day after moving day. Send me a DM if you need a spa recommendation -- I will happily share some of my favorites! |
NOVEMBER 6 - COPY AND PASTE
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Is there any other reason to clean your house? 🙃 Comment with an emoji to tell me what I would see if I came over to your house today, unannounced. (don't worry...I won't actually do it!)
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NOVEMBER 7 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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We're all pretty accustomed to pouring an extra cup of coffee and powering through when we're feeling stressed, but sometimes I like to slow down and __________ to recharge. And boy, do we all need to recharge this year!
What do you do when you're starting to feel overwhelmed and need to take a break? BRAND PERSONALITY TIP: Post a photo of yourself having a cup of coffee or doing an activity that helps you recharge: hiking, yoga, getting a manicure, cooking a favorite recipe.
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NOVEMBER 8 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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This month is all about being thankful and gratitude is something I try to practice every day. Who wants to join me!?
Here are a few things I am thankful for today and every day: 1. __________. 2. __________. 3. __________. 4. __________. 5. Having a job I love and the best clients 🥰 What are you thankful for this year? |
NOVEMBER 9 - COPY AND PASTE
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So you're ready to paint your home, but you're tired of carrying 47 paint samples around with you everywhere you go. Sound familiar?
To help you out, I did a little research and found some of the trendiest wall colors for 2021 according to @benjaminmoore. Tell me: which color would you use in your home and what room would you paint first? |
NOVEMBER 10 - COPY AND PASTE
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When you move into a new home, what is the first thing you do to make it feel more like your own?
A few things that I like to suggest to my clients: -Clean from top-to-bottom -- then it really feels like your own. -Set up the bed asap. You'll want to fall into it that first night! -Change the toilet seats and set up the bathrooms. -Unpack the kitchen (you're going to need the wine glasses!). -Light your favorite scented candles to make the home feel like yours. -Pop the champagne and call the pizza guy -- YOU'RE A HOMEOWNER! Tell me the first thing you did when you moved into your current home 👇🏼 |
NOVEMBER 11 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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What are your plans for Thanksgiving this year? I am __________ [planning a small gathering with my immediate family/hosting a smaller group than usual/meeting the entire extended family for a Zoom dinner party -- it will definitely be unconventional!/say whatever it is you are doing for Thanksgiving].
If you're planning a Thanksgiving at home but still looking forward to the traditional meal, here are a few of my favorite local restaurants who are serving the big meal to-go: 1. @__________ 2. @__________ 3. @__________ 4. @__________ 5. @__________ What other spots would you add to the list? Be sure to save this post to reference later, too! |
NOVEMBER 12 - COPY AND PASTE
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The home buying process is full of unexpected twists and turns, but if we work together I am going to do my best to make sure there are no surprises on closing day.
Although every situation is a little different, here is what you can expect: -First of all, prepare for delays. REALTOR Magazine says 32% of all transactions encounter some type of delay before closing, like inspection issues or financing problems. -The day before or day of closing, expect to do a final walk through of the property to ensure that the home you're buying is in the same condition as it was when you agreed to buy it, and that any additional repairs stipulated in the purchase agreement have been made. -On closing day, bring a copy of your driver's license, a cashier's check for any outstanding closing costs and fees, and a pen for signing! -During COVID-19, your closing may take place at a title office (usually selected by the seller), outside in your car or even in some cases, completely virtually. -The property title will be signed over from the seller to the buyer, transferring ownership. Isn't that easy!? -You are now officially a homeowner. Cue the excitement-panic, a champagne toast, and a lot of packing tape. Do you want me to share what the process looks like for a home seller next? Comment below and let me know! |
NOVEMBER 13 - COPY AND PASTE
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Want to make a great first impression on potential home buyers or holiday guests? It all starts with the entryway in your home.
So today I have three pro tips for you from Kate Miles, founder of full-service interior design firm @katemilesinteriordesign. ✨ DECLUTTER. Entryways can accumulate a lot of stuff! Think: shoes, keys, backpacks and more. Make sure you have storage that's easily accessible to hide these items, like baskets for keys and some hidden cubbies for those shoes and bags. ✨ FURNISH. Your entryway shouldn't be empty! I love using a console table, a chest or a bench in an entryway. Each of these items give us a surface to add some fun decorative accents that create a look which really sets the stage for your entire home. ✨ ACCESSORIZE. Add some fun pillows to that bench, or a lamp to that chest or style the console table with a stack of books and a picture frame. A vase with fresh flowers or some greenery always completes any look. If I were to walk into your home, what would I see in the entryway? POST TIP: Tag @katemilesinteriordesign in your photo and post! Kate primarily serves North and South Carolina so if you live in one of those markets, shoot her a DM to say hi!
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NOVEMBER 14 - COPY AND PASTE
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TRUE OR FALSE: The only way to win in a multiple offer situation is to offer more money.
Did you guess it? This one is FALSE. There are a lot of different reasons why a seller might accept a buyer's offer, and the highest offer isn't always the best one. For example, if you make an offer above the asking price but the only have a 5 percent down payment, the deal could fall apart or have to be renegotiated at a lower price. A slightly lower offer with a bigger down payment could be more appealing to a seller. Other factors that can determine the quality of an offer include the closing date, a cash vs. financed offer, or an escalation clause. Some home buyers may include a personal letter in their offer to humanize and appeal to the seller personally, which can also make a difference in some situations. If you have questions about what to expect when writing an offer, shoot me a DM or inbox me. I'd be glad to chat! |
NOVEMBER 15 - COPY AND PASTE
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🌲 COMMUNITY POLL 🌲
When do you start decorating for the holidays? Do you start before Thanksgiving so that your home feels festive and fancy for Turkey Day? Or do focus on one holiday at a time and wait until the weekend after Thanksgiving? I’m so torn this year! Let me know in the comments 👇🏼 |
NOVEMBER 16 - COPY AND PASTE
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My Monday mantra today! 🌟👏🏼 What is yours!?
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NOVEMBER 17 - COPY AND PASTE
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Stop here for five mortgage tips that every home buyer needs to know
1️⃣ Check your credit early and often to make sure there are no late or missed payments on your credit report that aren't on your radar.. 2️⃣ If you are going to use a gift as part of your down payment, line it up before you start home shopping. Banks will analyze every deposit or withdrawal on your bank account over the past 60 days. 3️⃣ If you are buying a home with a sibling, friend or partner that you aren't married to, be prepared to use the median credit rating of the person with the lower score to determine your interest rate and monthly payment amount. 4️⃣ If you are self-employed -- or if you have any self-employment income -- be prepared to provide your loan officer with an up-to-date P&L statement for your business. 5️⃣ Budget for up to several hundreds of mortgage insurance if you plan to put less than 20% down. You can buy a home with as little as 0% down in some cases, but the bank will require that you pay mortgage insurance until you have built up 20% equity. If you are thinking about buying a home in 2021, shoot me a DM! I'd love to send you my list of preferred lenders and help you begin the pre-approval process for your new home purchase 🥂 |
NOVEMBER 18 - COPY AND PASTE
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There are a lot of closing costs and fees involved in purchasing a home, but sometimes things work out in your favor too.
Property tax proration is a way for home sellers and home buyers to split property taxes fairly to ensure that each side is paying taxes on the specific time that they were owners of the property. If you're budgeting to buy your first home, shoot me a DM and I'd be glad to help you better understand what tax proration is, how it works, and how it is calculated. |
NOVEMBER 19 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving dessert? I always go right for the __________ [pumpkin pie/apple pie with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream/pecan pie/whatever your favorite holiday dessert is]. Tell me your favorite in the comments!
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NOVEMBER 20 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Happy Friday! Or, should I say, Happy Monday 😉 to my friends in real estate! This weekend I'll be __________ [hosting two open houses, writing an offer for my buyer client, and preparing for a new listing presentation/fill in whatever work you'll be doing this weekend]. You might think it's a drag to work weekends, but I love getting out there to show homes, see my clients, and make dreams happen.
Tell me your weekend plans! |
NOVEMBER 21 - COPY AND PASTE
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Are you a homebody? This time of year is perfect for nesting and that means it is time to bring the cozy factor into your home.
Here are three tips from Kate Miles, founder of full-service interior design firm @katemilesinteriordesign, to help you make your home as cozy as the season. ✨ Add throw pillows and blankets. Adding layers to what you already have creates that cozy look that we love for this time of year. A chunky knit throw blanket along with some new holiday pillows can go a long way! And, if your home happens to be for sale, it's a tasteful way to decorate. ✨ Use lighting and candles. I like to add some string lights, seasonal candles, maybe even some mercury glass candleholders to add a little bit of the sparkle that reminds us of the holidays. ✨ When in doubt, add a plant! Incorporating more fall and winter colors into your florals can make a huge impact. For fall, try blooms that are orange and winter white (fresh or faux) and as the holidays approach, add more red and green for a subtle but festive look. How do you make your home feel ultra-cozy during this time of year? POST TIP: Tag @katemilesinteriordesign in your photo and post! Kate primarily serves North and South Carolina so if you live in one of those markets, shoot her a DM to say hi!
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NOVEMBER 22 - COPY AND PASTE
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This year has challenged us to do a lot of things differently and the holiday season will be no exception.
I know a lot of people are limiting travel this year, but if you do find yourself hosting close friends or family who live nearby, I have some tips to help you keep your guests safe and healthy. Here's how to prep your home for guests, pandemic-style: 🧼 Wash sheets and bedding, including the duvet color, before your guests arrive (even if the bed hasn't been slept on!). 🧼 Make up a welcome basket with snacks, bottled water, hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes. 🧼 Place plenty of fresh, clean towels in the guest bathroom (which should also be sanitized!). 🧼 Have few extra disposable face masks on hand (it seems like you can never have too many of those these days!) 🧼 If weather permits, it isn't a bad idea to keep the windows open to increase air circulation in the house. Are you hosting guests this year? Tell me what healthy home tips you plan to follow throughout the holiday season! |
NOVEMBER 23 - COPY AND PASTE
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TRUE OR FALSE: Your home will sell faster if you have all of the latest upgrades.
This one is FALSE. To sell quickly, you must have a proper pricing strategy and a modern marketing plan that includes digital and, social media. Of course, some homes do require upgrades, cosmetic and otherwise, before they go on the market, but upgrades alone will not necessarily result in a faster sale. If your home isn't priced correctly, it will never reach the right pool of buyers to begin with so it won't matter if you installed Shaker cabinets or refinished the hardwood floors. If you want to talk about listing your home next year, drop me a DM! I would be glad to run some comps for you and give you an estimate of what your home is worth! |
NOVEMBER 24 - COPY AND PASTE
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Wallpaper: love it or hate it, it's a trend that is not going anywhere any time soon. What do you think about this black and white floral print for a powder room?
Give me a 👍🏼 or 👎🏼 in the comments to tell me what you think! |
NOVEMBER 25 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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I have a confession to make: I don't like __________ [cranberries/mashed potatoes/dressing/turkey/pumpkin pie/whichever popular holiday dish that you don't like]. I know, I hope we can still be friends 🙃
What is YOUR least favorite Thanksgiving dish? Don't worry, this is a judgment-free zone! |
NOVEMBER 26 - COPY AND PASTE
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Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Even though this year has been..something different...I have a lot to be thankful for this year.
I hope you have the opportunity to connect with family and loved ones (even if it's through Zoom!) and enjoy all of the mashed potatoes you can eat 💛🦃🧡 |
NOVEMBER 27 - COPY AND PASTE
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It's official: it's time to listen to holiday music 🎄🎶 Here is a glimpse at one of my my favorite holiday playlists that combines the best songs about home with the best songs about the holidays.
Want me to share it with you on Spotify? DM me and I'll shoot you the link! What is your favorite holiday song? POST TIP: Use the Home for the Holidays Spotify playlist as conversation starter -- invite them to ask you for the link to the playlist, share it, and then ask them how they are and what's new.
It's an easy way to stay top of mind during the holiday season when people are seeing friends & family who might need a realtor!
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NOVEMBER 28 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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It's #SmallBusinessSaturday and our local businesses need us more than ever 🛍
If you're planning to do some holiday shopping this weekend (online or in-person) here are a few of my favorite spots to shop local: 1. @__________ 2. @__________ 3. @__________ 4. @__________ 5. @__________ Tell me your favorite local shops and businesses so I can follow them and we can all support one another. |
NOVEMBER 29 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Thanksgiving is over, so you know what that means, right?! It's Christmas movie season! My favorite holiday movies are __________ and __________ [name a few favorites or pick two from the list
NOVEMBER 30 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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How many unread emails do you have in your inbox right now? 😉
I have __________ [insert your number] after the long holiday weekend but usually I __________ [keep a clean inbox zero - I always respond to my clients right away!/have hundreds unread at a time...I subscribe to so many e-newsletters that I never read!]. 'Fess up in the comments! |
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