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MONTHLY (FEED) CONTENT
SEPTEMBER 1 - COPY & PASTE
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September is here...can you feel the pumpkin spice in the air? 🍂 It might be 92 degrees outside but I'm excited for college football Saturday with a pot of chili on the stove. But before we do that, let's prep for the new season with a few home maintenance tips.
-Swap out lighter-weight bedding for flannel sheets -Set up or improve your kids' homework station -Order firewood if you have a fireplace -Refresh your wardrobe for fall -Stock up on fresh fall candle scents -Schedule chimney and furnace maintenance -Clean and repair leaky faucets -Make sure windows are tightly sealed -Clean and maintain summer lawn tools -Clean ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents -Test the smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors -Drain and store your garden hose -Find a few new shows to binge on Netflix What projects are you planning to do this month? And more importantly, what is your favorite fall candle scent? |
SEPTEMBER 2 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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I don't know about you but I'm pretty excited for a few of these fun holidays! Leave me a comment on which national day is your favorite. Mine is _______.
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SEPTEMBER 3 - COPY & PASTE
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There are some things every homeowner should know how to do...because chances are, you're going to have to learn them eventually and a lot of us learn them the hard way!
Take a peek at this list -- how many of these can you do, right now? What would you like to learn? -Change your own HVAC filters. -Unclog a drain without using chemicals. -File a property tax appeal. -Shut off your water main line. -Clean out the dryer vent. -Find the studs in your walls. -Protect hardwood floors from furniture. -Clear out the gutters. -Reset a circuit breaker after a blown fuse. -Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. |
SEPTEMBER 4 - COPY & PASTE
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Be honest, have you already broken out the fall decor? [Immediately puts down phone, chugs pumpkin spice latte]
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SEPTEMBER 5 - COPY & PASTE
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Q: What is a homeowner's association (HOA) and how does it work?
If you're thinking about buying a condo, townhome, or home in a subdivision, you need to know how an HOA works. Officially, HOAs are governing bodies that enforce regulations designed to preserve and maintain shared spaces or structures in a community. HOAs are governed by a set of bylaws that spell out what the HOA is responsible for and what each unit is responsible for. Unofficially...an HOA can feel a little bit like high school politics, but with real money -- YOUR money. HOAs are typically responsible for green space, gyms, rooftop decks, garages, lobbies, and hallways. Beyond communal amenities, the condo association is also responsible for shared structural components such as the building’s façade roof, windows, plumbing, electric and more. As a condo owner, you are responsible for paying a percentage of the total cost of upkeep, which is where things can get a little complicated. There are two ways that, as a homeowner, you'll contribute to your HOA: 💰 Regular dues: Most HOAs require all owners to pay a monthly maintenance fee (typically referred to as dues or assessments). HOA fees can range anywhere from $100-1000 or more, depending on the property. 💰 Special assessments: In the event of an emergency, your HOA may require a special assessment, where the total bill for a service is divided up between all property owners. Special assessments are not always a given, so before you buy a home in an HOA, it's important to review its books and budget to ensure that there are enough cash reserves to pay for an emergency like a roof replacement or burst pipes. If you're considering buying a home with an HOA, I will always help you review the HOA bylaws, recent meeting minutes, budget and any other necessary documents to be sure that there are no red flags. If you have any questions about HOAs, drop them below or send me a DM. |
SEPTEMBER 6 - COPY & PASTE
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"There is no substitute for hard work." Happy Labor Day!
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SEPTEMBER 7 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Hear me out: I actually like back-to-school shopping! September is the perfect month to hit reset and wind down after a busy summer, before the madness of the holidays begins. Back-to-school shopping represents that fresh start, whether you're stocking up on school supplies or secretly "adding to cart" that new outfit you definitely need before you head back to the office.
Here's where to go in _____ [your city] for the best back-to-school shopping: -@_____ -@_____ -@_____ -@_____ -@_____ What did I miss? Tag your favorite spots in the comments so I can head over and follow them! |
SEPTEMBER 8 - COPY & PASTE
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Mudrooms and entryways can be key for keeping your home organized, especially during the colder months when coats, boots and backpacks pile up. But, that doesn't mean your mudroom needs to become a catch-all for chaos.
Here's how to make your mudroom the most practical space in your home: 1) Your mudroom doesn't have to live up to its name. Integrate your home's style and personality and add decorative accents like painting -- or even wallpaper -- to an otherwise functional space. Ruggable is a great option for floor coverings -- they're machine-washable! 2) One word: hooks! If your family members are more likely to hang their coats on a hook than open a closet door and pull down a hanger, opt for a mudroom with a row of exposed hooks (and if you have kids, be sure to hang some of the hooks within reach). 3) Many mudrooms are considered to be an afterthought in a home, but no matter what, make sure your floors, benches and cabinets are durable and able to withstand wet boots, winter coats and heavy foot traffic. Consider a luxury vinyl tile floor that will stand up well to the elements. 4) If you have a big family, assign a personal area for each member of your household. These can built-ins or simply designated hanging spaces and will make getting out of the house and organization much easier. 5) Clean your mudroom seasonally and move out-of-season clothes, sports equipment, and toys to the top of shelves or into storage. You can also do a "toss, sort, and donate" to make space for new items. |
SEPTEMBER 9 - COPY & PASTE
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The housing market has been red-hot all summer, so what can we expect as the season changes? Think Indian summer ☀️🍂
Historically, the fall means in less competition and better deals for home buyers, with kids headed back to school and the holidays around the corner. But the pandemic has altered some of the seasonal real estate trends and this year we saw competition (and home prices) and home prices continue to soar. So what does that mean in 2021? Here are my predictions. FOR HOME BUYERS: Rates are still looking good and experts predict that they'll stay pretty low through the end of the year and into 2022. Although you'll still likely find yourself up against some competition, high home prices, and possibly even a bidding war, there are also signs are showing that low inventory (bottoming out in April at 33% down year over year according to Zillow) is on the upswing, meaning that things are starting to balance out a bit. FOR HOME SELLERS: If you're considering a move in the next year, you might want to do it sooner rather than later while inventory is still low. There are plenty of buyers on the market, but experts are predicting more people will sell within the next year, meaning there is going to be more competition. The good news? If you work with an experienced agent (like me!), I can help you navigate the low inventory, showing madness and competitive negotiations to sell or secure your dream home during the fall real estate market. Drop me a DM if you have any questions or if you'd like to set up a complimentary consultation. |
SEPTEMBER 10 - COPY & PASTE
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Want to welcome autumn with a bright pop of color in your yard? Think beyond simple pumpkins and mums this fall and try one of these beautiful, fall-weather friendly flowers or plants for your front or back yard (some require more of a green thumb than others!):
-Chrysanthemums -Dianthus -Flowering Kale -New England Aster -Dahlias -Sunflowers -Purple Fountain Grass -Celosia -Croton What are your favorite fall blooms? |
SEPTEMBER 11- COPY & PASTE
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Good news: whether you're thinking about buying or selling, there is still plenty of time to take advantage of the low interest rates and high buyer demand. While sellers are positioned slightly better than buyers with the demand for homes higher than the supply, there are still some complexities involved in getting to the closing table.
Here are a few things that I want you to keep in mind to help you make the most of the fall real estate market, whether you're entering it as a buyer or seller: ✨ Start the process as early as you can to allot for the unpredictable. For buyers, that means having a pre-approval letter in hand before you start house hunting. For sellers, be sure to meet with a real estate agent a few months before you want to sell so that you can develop a game plan. ✨ Speaking of game plans, it's important to have one if you're buying or selling. If you're buying a new home, decide what you are willing to compromise on. If a backyard, attached garage and fireplace are non negotiable, will you settle for a smaller kitchen and no basement? If you want to sell your home and buy a new one, remember that the market is competitive for buyers. I've seen home sellers list their home, only to be unable to find a new one. Do you have a contingency plan in mind, whether it's a short-term rental or staying with family? ✨ Finally, think about what you will do if you find yourself in a multiple offer situation. As a buyer, are you comfortable offering over asking? Including an escalation clause? How much earnest money are you prepared to offer? As a seller, think about whether you're going to take the highest offer or if you'll consider other benefits like a fast closing or lease-back until you find a new home? These are all questions I can help you answer during an initial consultation. If you'd like to start planning your fall real estate goals, DM me and I'll be happy to help you get started. |
SEPTEMBER 12 - COPY & PASTE
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Why would you need to stage your home in a seller's market? It's simple: according to a 2021 study on home staging by the National Association of Realtors, 82% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.
When you're presenting your home for sale, you're not selling what it is, you're selling what it could be. Any new homebuyer is going to be looking for a place to make their own. The best way to help them see that potential is to keep it clean, uncluttered, and at its most charming. While professionally staged homes can sell faster and fetch higher offers than homes that are vacant (or worse...we've all seen the creepy listing photos with a room full of mannequins or one lone chair sitting in the middle of an empty living room), that doesn't mean you need to pay big bucks for a professional stager. Here are a few ways to bring your home to life, with or without the pros: ☕️ Create a coffee corner: Do you love curling up in your breakfast nook to catch up on email with your AM coffee before the rest of your household wakes up? Your buyer will love it, too! Create a welcoming space on a sideboard table in the kitchen with your coffee maker, coffee beans in pretty canisters, your favorite mugs and even a cute sign or accessory. 🍽 Set the dining room table: pretend you're having a casual dinner party and set your dining room table for guests. You don't need to break out the good china, but a simply set table with some seasonal cloth napkins and a pretty centerpiece will help your potential buyers imagine entertaining their own family and hosting holidays at the table. 🛏 Make your primary bedroom extra cozy: replace über feminine or masculine bedding with a neutral beige or white duvet and matching sheets, blankets, and throw pillows. Remove any furniture aside from your bed and bedside table. This makes your room look more spacious and will give it a barely-lived-in luxury hotel room vibe. |
SEPTEMBER 13 - COPY & PASTE
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It's that time of year: time to talk fall home buying! I know that the market is competitive and complicated right now, so I want to simplify it for you as much as I possibly can.
Although buying a home can be challenging, a little bit of advanced planning and preparation can make the process smooth and seamless. Drop a 🏡 emoji in the comments if you want me to DM or email you with a copy of my Fall Home Buying Checklist to help you get started. |
SEPTEMBER 14 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Be honest: how many times did you hear your first realtor say "MLS" before you understood what it was?
Well, we have all been there because there is a lot of jargon and acronyms in real estate! A lot of us agents forget that some of the words we say every day aren't common knowledge, which is why I like to share these definitions with you! The MLS -- which stands for Multiple Listing Service -- is a tool to help listing agents advertise properties to cooperative brokers working with buyers. But the MLS is more than just a search engine -- without the collaborative incentive of the existing MLS, brokers would each create their own separate systems of cooperation, fragmenting rather than consolidating information about properties for sale. I can set up an MLS search for my home buyer clients any time, so if you're thinking about buying anytime soon, drop me a DM -- we can start with a buyer consultation and I can set up your very own custom home search. |
SEPTEMBER 15 - COPY & PASTE
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REAL TALK: The Container Store is about to take a bite out of your wallet.
Whether you have a walk-in pantry or a kitchen cabinet devoted to food storage, keeping it organized will go a long way. With back-to-school season in full swing and winter hibernation right around the corner, it will be worth the effort to make meal prep and clean-up faster and easier. Here are a few of my tried-and-true pantry tips: 1) Remove everything -- and I mean everything -- from your pantry. Use your kitchen table or island as a staging area. As you clear items out, check expiration dates and discard anything expired. If you are still hanging on to canned goods that you panic-shopped at the onset of the pandemic, consider making a food pantry donation pile, too. 2) Measure your shelves and line them with a heavy-duty shelf liner so that if something breaks or spills, clean-up will be a breeze! 3) Think bins, baskets and organizers. The fewer items you have piled up on shelves, the neater and more organized they will look. Transfer as many items as possible into air-tight, see-though stackable canisters. Fill them with staples such as sugar, flour and rice, or with individually packaged items like snack bars, that would otherwise come in oddly shaped bags or boxes likely to fall behind a shelf. If you have a lot of height in between shelves, consider a tiered shelf organizer to stack cans and jars. 4) Group like items and baking supplies together in small bins and LABEL EVERYTHING. For example, group containers of baking supplies into a single bin or basket, and label it "baking." Put all of your pasta into an another, and label it. Bonus points if your bins are stackable so you can make use of every inch of space. 5) Utilize door space: the inside of your cabinet doors is valuable real estate. Hang organizers over the door to free up shelf space and store canned goods, spices, oils, or even dry goods like aluminum foil, baggies, or parchment paper. |
SEPTEMBER 16 - COPY & PASTE
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📣 Sellers, listen up 📣
Whether you're planning to make a move in the next few months or you're watching HGTV and fantasizing about moving up to your dream home, I want you to have an idea of what happens before we put that For Sale sign in your front yard. After we meet in person and decide to work together, we'll sign a listing agreement and it's official! 🏡 Here's what has to happen before we list your home: 1) Start with strategy: I will research comparable properties and create a strong, data-driven pricing strategy (online estimates are rarely accurate!). 2) Modern marketing plan: gone are the days of relying on open houses. My marketing strategies include digital media, social media, professional photography and even videography or 3D tours. 3) Before we invite buyers into your home, I'm going to help you clean, declutter and organize. Let me know if you want my Home Seller's To-Do List so you can get started now! 4) Sometimes I recommend a pre-market inspection so that you can get a head start on home repairs. This isn't always necessary, but is a good idea if you have an older home. 5) We determine if we need to bring in a professional home stager. If you're still living in your home, we can often make the edits we need on our own, but if you're fully or partially moved out, staging can help future buyers envision their lifestyle in their new home. If you're thinking about selling in 2022, now is the perfect time to start the conversation, so feel free to ask away if you have any questions! |
SEPTEMBER 17 - COPY & PASTE
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Some people basically make over their whole home’s decor for fall—cheeky doormats, autumn candle scents, and pumpkin everything. As much as I do love a good fall candle, I tend to embrace the more subtle seasonal home makeover.
If you want to make a few small tweaks to your home decor for the season, here are five simple seasonal swaps from Apartment Therapy that you can try at home. THROW PILLOW UPDATE: One of the most versatile ways to breathe fresh life into any space is to change your throw pillows. Go bold with tones and textures for the new season. SHOWER CURTAIN SWITCH Give your bathroom a seasonal makeover and swap your floral or tropical shower curtain for something heavier or textured. ALL THE FALL FRAGRANCES Try a new scent for a new season, like a musky candle or an essential oil blend for your diffuser. Think pumpkin, apple, fall baking spices, balsam and cedar. BEDDING BLISS If you have all-white bedding, swap those sheets for something more colorful in the fall, like a terra cotta shade to make your bedroom feel bright and welcoming as it starts to get darker earlier. PLANT SWAP If your potted plants have been living outside, bring them inside to a bright and sunny place before cooler weather sets in. You can also swap summer planters for pretty mums on your front porch. |
SEPTEMBER 18 - COPY & PASTE
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I love a good Netflix binge...especially if I can binge the MLS at the same time. What are your current favorite shows? And they don't need to be Netflix...hit me with your recommendations on Amazon Prime, HBO Max...let's hear it!! What show should I be bingeing on Netflix right now?
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SEPTEMBER 19 - COPY & PASTE
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Q: When I put an offer on a home, what do we actually include in the offer letter?
When you find a home that you're ready to buy, the next step is to submit an official offer letter to the home seller. Along with the purchase price, the total price you're offering to pay to purchase the home from the seller, we're going to need to include some other important information in the offer. Take a look at the list below ⬇️ and let me know if any of these surprise you! -Offer Expiration Date: As the buyer, you suggest the amount of time the seller has to consider your offer before it expires, which could be hours, days or weeks. I can help you decide how long to give the seller to consider your offer, but in most cases it's a few days. -Earnest Money: Think of earnest money as a good faith deposit that goes into an escrow account while we negotiate the sale terms with the seller. -Down Payment Amount: It matters to the seller how much you're putting down. The seller wants to know that you can afford to buy their property and the more you put as a down payment, the more likely they are to feel confident in your offer. -Financing Terms: We'll need to submit a pre-approval letter with your rate and loan terms you have to receive from a lender if you’re financing the sale. -Contingencies: In every offer letter, we'll spell out events that would void your offer to purchase – for example, if you are unable to secure financing or if the inspection reveals serious structural problems that the seller is unable to fix. -Warranties: We'll confirm that the seller is able to provide proof of ownership (a title) and request any home warranties that we want to have included in the sale. -Closing Costs: Your offer letter will clarify how whether you or the seller will pay closing costs. In some cases, the seller will pay part or all of the closing costs for the buyer -- this is on a case-by-case basis. |
SEPTEMBER 20 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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You know what's coming -- _____ [insert whatever fall/winter weather conditions you're expecting in the next couple of months, i.e. snow, cold, mud, rain, bare trees, and generally un-photogenic landscapes].
So, if you're thinking of listing your home in the winter, spring or even early summer in 2022, you must get your home photography taken now. Homes show so much better when there is natural light beaming through the windows, leaves on the trees and lush landscaping in the yard. If you still have some cleaning and decluttering to do inside your home, or if you want to wait until after the holiday season to depersonalize your home, let me know. We can get your photography scheduled and be ready to make the best first impression 🤩 on your future buyers. |
SEPTEMBER 21 - FILL IN THE BANK
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Here's where to go in _____ [your city] for the best apple picking and fun fall festivals:
-@_____ -@_____ -@_____ -@_____ -@_____ What is your favorite thing to do in the fall? I always love _____ [my neighborhood's chili cook-off, the apple cider fest at the local farm - be as specific as you can and tag any relevant businesses on the photo and in the caption]. |
SEPTEMBER 22 - COPY & PASTE
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How to make doing laundry *almost* enjoyable 🧺
Hint: it starts with a tidy and organized laundry room! The laundry room is one of those spaces in the house that most people don't notice, but it's one of the most-used (and therefore, cluttered!). No matter where your laundry room is in your home, a simple reorganization will not only make it easier and faster to do laundry, but make it a space you actually like to spend time in. 1) Upgrade to front-loading washers and dryers: If you have a small laundry room, this is going to save you space. Additionally, front-loading washing machines tend to help reduce energy consumption. 2) Use the walls. Whether you have shelves or hooks, store as much on the wall as possible to keep accessories organized. 3) Have a folding station: another benefit of front-loading machines is that if you don't opt to stack them, you can set up a folding station on top -- making your space pull double duty. Then, add a rack or hook on the wall for clothes that need to be line-dried. Tell me: do you love doing laundry, or do you dread it? |
SEPTEMBER 23 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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Like real estate itself, real estate marketing is constantly changing. Which means that in order to bring my clients the most modern and up-to-date marketing strategies, I am always be evolving my approach. When we work together to sell your home, here are some of the latest and greatest marketing strategies you can expect to see:
📲 Social Media: My goal on social media is to make connections with my community (yes, you!) and generate organic demand for my services and for my listings. My social media strategy for your home might include posting photos, videos, behind-the-scenes tours, and highlighting the parts of your home that you love because chances are, that is what your buyer will love too! I'm constantly looking for ways to grow my network online and use social media to connect with agents all over the country who share referrals and support one another. 📲 Digital Marketing: In addition to social media, I use strategies like Facebook advertising, SEO, and digital advertising to help my clients connect with and reach more prospective home buyers. 📲 Professional Photography: The majority of buyers are going to have their first showing online, especially during the pandemic. Outdated or DIY photos won't cut it, even in a seller's market. I will always bring in a pro photographer to position your home in the best possible light. 📲 Videography/3D Tours: If a picture is worth 1,000 words, a video is priceless. Even a simple Instagram video can tell a beautiful story about your home, but in some cases I'll recommend a professional video or 3D tour to up the ante. 📲 Email Marketing: No one likes having their inbox spammed with "Just Listed" properties, but I do like to keep in touch via email! If you're interested in joining my email list and receiving _____ [list our whatever type of content you send via email here just comment below or drop me a DM with your email address and I'll add you to the list. |
SEPTEMBER 24 - FILL IN THE BLANK
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It's no secret that I'm a little obsessed with shopping for home decor. So I thought I'd share a few of my favorite fall home finds from _____ [my favorite store(s)] so that you can stock up on all of the fall decor. Tell me your favorite thing on this list!
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SEPTEMBER 25 - COPY & PASTE
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Do you ever have the recurring nightmare that your realtor is showing your house and you forgot that you left your underwear on the floor?
Well, these are worse! Here are some of the biggest turn-offs for home buyers (the good news is, they're all easily avoidable as a seller!). ➡️ An outdated kitchen and bathroom: Though you don't need to do a full rehab in order to sell your home, a few minor renovations can go a long way, like new light fixtures or cabinet hardware. ➡️ A broken doorbell or cracked screen door: First impressions matter! Curb appeal starts the second your buyers pull up to your front door, so make sure the front door is clean and functional, your doorbell and doorknobs work, and your porch light is clean and bright. ➡️ Dirty carpets, walls, or windows: A deep cleaning prior to listing your home is always a good idea. Have carpets shampooed, walls painted or touched up, and windows washed from the inside and out before inviting buyers into your home. ➡️ Scuffed hardwood floors: If your hardwood floors are in bad shape, your buyers are going to look at them and see dollar signs -- replacing flooring can be a big investment. Make sure your floors are clean and polished so your buyers will want to refinish, instead of replace them. ➡️ Having a shower but not a bathtub: This can be a huge turnoff to buyers with children, or plans to start a family. It's not easy to bathe a toddler in a stand-up shower! Even if you're not one for relaxing in a bubble bath, a tub is an instant value-add to your bathroom. |
SEPTEMBER 26 - COPY & PASTE
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Q: Why does the seller leave home for a showing?
When you're selling your home, it can be totally inconvenient to have to leave the house for showings that pop-up at the last minute, especially during the times of remote work and hybrid or remote learning. But the truth is, you really shouldn't be home for showings or open houses while we're trying to sell your home, The home is an intimate place and you have a lot of emotions invested -- you're not going to want to hear the potential buyers say they plan to tear out the kitchen backsplash you love or turn your nursery into a sterile home office. If the buyers feel awkward in your home for any reason, they're not going to feel good about making an offer. Not only can being home for a showing make a potential home buyer uncomfortable, it can also be a huge distraction. Even if you love your home and want to sing its praises to potential buyers, leave that part to me! My job is to help make buyers fall in love with your home, so when I do showings I am not just pointing out the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and the date you last replaced the roof. I'm going to point out the breakfast nook perfect for back-to-school morning breakfasts and the terrace off the primary bedroom perfect for waking up with coffee. The good news is: we can set the schedule so that showings take place while you're at work or school, or whenever they will be least disruptive to your household. If you have questions about the selling -- or showing process -- don't hesitate to reach out to me at any time. |
SEPTEMBER 27 - COPY & PASTE
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Eventually, you're going to get to know every nook and cranny of the house you buy, but for now, you're expected to know whether you want to commit to 30 years worth of mortgage payments based on a couple hours of walk-throughs. Sounds kind of crazy when you put it that way, right?
That's why we have a home inspection. The home inspection is your best opportunity to really look under the hood of the home you're planning to buy and identify any problems -- or potential problems -- that might be costly down the road. Hire someone that you trust, and be critical. While most issues are minor, here are some red flags likely to turn into big-money issues down the road. EVIDENCE OF MOLD While most types of household mold are unlikely to harm you, it's typically an indication of water damage, which can be a bigger problem. If you're buying an older home, consider having a mold inspection to ensure that there are no hidden leaks or water damage to your home. FOUNDATION CRACKS Make sure your home inspector has assessed the foundation of your home to look for drainage issues, pilling issues or structural issues (especially if you live in an area susceptible to flooding). TERMITE PROBLEMS Although you never want to see evidence of pests on an inspection report, termites can be particularly devastating to your home -- and they are not as uncommon as you might think. Ask your home inspector to use infrared technology to look deep into the structure of the home to ensure that there are no issues. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS If you have an older home, this one is especially important. Homes are becoming smarter and more tech savvy (think smart thermostats and home entertainment) and some electrical systems can't keep up. Electrical repairs are expensive, so if your inspector finds any issues with your home's electrical system, be sure to take them seriously. Questions about the home inspection process? Ask away in the comments below.
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SEPTEMBER 28 - COPY & PASTE
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📣 Attention, first-time homebuyers: be sure to build closing costs into your total home budget.
Closing costs are the fees associated with closing a real estate deal, and both the buyer and seller are typically responsible for some of them, although in some cases a closing cost credit may be used in price negotiations. Although in some cases you might be able to bake closing costs into your mortgage loan, home buyers generally pay between 2 to 5 percent of the purchase of their home in closing fees. Closing costs may include: -Loan origination fees -Discount points -Appraisal fees -Title searches -Title insurance -Surveys -Property taxes -Deed recording fees -Credit report charges -HOA fees If you're starting to plan to buy your first home, drop me a note and I'd be happy to connect you with a lender who can help you determine your budget and get you pre-approved. |
SEPTEMBER 29 - FILL IN THE BLANK / CUSTOMIZE
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Let's talk linen closets: today we're going to organize one of the most commonly neglected closets in the home.
Here are my tips to create a dreamy space for your cozy bedding and bath towels: Maximize your shelf space: If you're sick of buying baskets and bins for your closets, install adjustable shelf dividers to separate sheets, towels and other linens for easy organization. Stash sheets inside your pillowcases: I love this hack for keeping your bedding sets together. Fold your sheets and stash them all in one of the corresponding pillow cases. Not only will it be easier to find your favorite sheets when it's time to change the linens, but you'll be less likely to lose a rogue pillow case, too. Fold sheets into thirds to make the best use of space. Keep your linens fresh: try placing a box of baking soda or a lavender sachet in the closet. Not only does it keep your laundry smelling fresh, it may help extend the life of delicate fabrics, too. Use vacuum-sealed bags to create more space: bulky comforters or quilts take up a lot of precious shelf space. Vacuum bags also prevent damage from moths or moisture that creeps into the closet. Make it multi-functional: if your linen closet has to pull double duty and store multiple types of household items, get creative with bins and baskets and arrange items by use: extra toilet paper or paper towels on the top shelf, while towels that you use every day should be front and center. |
SEPTEMBER 30 - COPY & PASTE
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A DAY IN THE (REALTOR) LIFE:
Let's talk about a day in the life of a real estate agent: in short, there is no typical day! But there is a lot that goes on beyond the for sale sign, including: ✨ Meeting with buyers and sellers to understand their goals and priorities ✨ Writing offers for my buyer clients! ✨ Showing homes for my sellers -- I'm kind of an expert at opening doors! 😉 ✨ Searching the MLS -- whether it's to find comps for my sellers or potential homes for my buyers, I spend A LOT of time logged in. ✨ Shopping for closing gifts - one of my favorite parts is visiting my clients in their new home and dropping off my signature __________ [bottle of champagne/housewarming gift basket/whatever you give your clients]. Tell me: what is the most helpful thing your agent did for you during your last home sale or purchase? |
