March

The real estate season has kicked off! Spring home buying has started.

In real estate, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of finding the perfect property, but it’s important to remember that patience pays off. Take your time to find the right fit, and you’ll be much happier in the long run!

What’s your experience with patience in real estate? Share in the comments below!

Did you know that you can buy a home with zero down?

That’s right; you may not have to save for years to become a homeowner.

There are some government-sponsored programs such as USDA and VA that allow qualified buyers to buy a home with no down payment.

These programs are designed to help low-income families, veterans, and rural residents become homeowners.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Contact me to learn more about these programs and start your home-buying journey today!

Before getting your real estate license, know this: 

When you become a real estate agent, you've got to hustle to make sales, which is not as easy as it may look. But, with that, it is also gratifying and fun!

Curious about what a career in real estate looks like? Shoot me a message; I'd love to share my experience.

Are you striving for any particular goal in March???

Fitness?

Business?

New Home, possibly? :)

Share in the comments and let's cheer each other on!!!

So, you're finding it tough to get your offers accepted? 

The truth is sometimes; it Is the nature of the market, but sometimes it is not...

 Here are some of the reasons your offer may not be getting accepted...

1) You're not being flexible on the closing date.

If your seller needs more time to move, be okay with a later closing date. It can make your offer more appealing and makes you at least *seem* like a laid-back, down-to-earth buyer, which, BTW, sellers love.

2) You're not being flexible with contingencies.

I recommend consulting with your agent on this, but a 'cleaner' offer may lead to better results in a hot market.

3) You're not being responsive.

Buying a house can be first come, first served. Don't lose out because you weren't quick to respond. 

4) You're not willing to get your financing in order first. 

A pre-approval tells sellers, 'I'm serious and not here to play.' So get your stuff in order FIRST, then make an offer that's all buttoned up.

You can't control everything, but for the things you can, you absolutely should. And in this market, the game's name is flexibility, compromise, and preparation. So if you need an agent to help you strike that balance, slide into my DMs - I'd love to chat!

Are you an informed landlord who gets customer service and has realistic expectations? 

Wonder if this is you? Do you…

Know the market and target audience?

Have a well-maintained, CLEAN, and appealing property?

Understand how to market your property in a sea of others.

Have a user-friendly and professional rental process?

Take reviews to heart and make adjustments to maximize profitability and guest satisfaction. 

Want to talk more? Please message me to learn how I can help you succeed in the short-term rental game this spring and summer!

I've learned a ton over the years about what it takes to help people go from first-time buyers to profitable, long-term investors. And yes, it's as exciting as it sounds! 

So, if you're thinking about investing in real estate for the very first time, here's what I would tell you: 

• Location, location - Zero in on desirable areas with high rental demand and appreciation potential. 

• Property condition and maintenance - Select well-maintained properties (or ones you can quickly spruce up) that will attract quality tenants and higher rental rates. Bottom line: If you keep it clean and cute, you'll keep it profitable! 

• Cash flow - Look for properties that will generate positive cash flow. A knowledgeable agent can help you run the numbers to find the sweet spot between rental income and expenses.

• Property management - If you have the margin, consider a property management company for the day-to-day operations of your property, freeing up your time and reducing your stress. (Trust me, if you get the right company, it's 100% worth it!)

You CAN build a residential investment portfolio providing a steady income stream and appreciation over the years. I've helped people from all backgrounds do it — and I'd love to help you too. So DM me if you want to talk more, and save this post for later!

This is everything when it comes to selling your home:

Timing. 

Over the years, I've seen how the timing of the market can impact the sale of a home. It's like cooking a masterpiece; you must gather all the right ingredients and wait for the perfect moment to bring everything together. 

That "perfect moment" often comes in late spring — specifically May — when over the past ten years, sellers have seen added 12.6% boost in the sale price, according to ATTOM Data Solutions.

Are you thinking about selling your home? Comment 'SELL,' and I'll DM you my free Guide to Selling Your Home!

REALTOR Note:

1.  Change the image to you or your logo.

2.  Copy and paste one of your testimonies into the graphic.

3.  Add the Clients' First name and last initial.

Save this graphic in your Canva and use it for your client testimonies.  Using the same graphic will look neat and streamlined.

If you think you want to sell but have NO IDEA where you would go (mainly if your home sells quickly), please read this post!

Having a place to go is essential, but it shouldn’t keep you from forging ahead and making a move that’s right for you. 

Here’s the thing: Selling your home isn’t about the details of selling. It’s about keeping the big picture in mind long after leaving the closing table. And that is you in a unique new home that fits your needs, wants, and lifestyle for the next chapter of your life. 

The takeaway? Don’t let short-term decisions keep you from your long-term goals! 

Want to talk more? Let’s chat so you can hear straight from me. Don’t wait. Reach out, and let’s connect this week!

This or that?

Do you prefer a cool, contemporary bathroom or a warm, darker bath?

Spring Trends 2023

Curious about what @housebeautiful shares as the newest spring trends?

 As we look ahead to the warmer months, here's what to expect regarding color, pattern, and home design. 

Copy/paste the link:

 Spring Home Decor Trends Your About to See Everywhere (housebeautiful.com) 

Did you know owning a home can have some fantastic potential tax benefits?

Introducing the Homestead Exemption! 

It’s a way for homeowners to reduce their property tax on their primary residence potentially. It means you can keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket! 

How does it work? 

The exemption applies to the assessed value of your home, usually up to $25,000, and can vary depending on your state or local government. But the vital thing to remember is that it’s only available for your primary residence. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or starting, talk with your local property appraiser’s office and tax collector’s office to check if you qualify for a Homestead Exemption. Your wallet might thank you!

What’s one big dream you have for your real estate goals? Share it below and let’s bring those dreams to life!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 Want to make the most out of your home? Check out these 6 home hacks that we just can’t keep to ourselves!

1. Use furniture for multiple purposes – A coffee table with storage, a bed with built-in drawers, and a couch with a pull-out bed can save you space and keep your home clutter-free.

2. Maximize vertical space – Install floating shelves, wall-mounted planters, and vertical storage solutions to make the most of your vertical space.

3. Get creative with lighting – Use string lights, lanterns, and candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your home.

4. Repurpose old items – Turn an old ladder into a bookshelf, an old door into a coffee table, and old wine crates into storage solutions.

5. Use mirrors to create an illusion of space – Mirrors can reflect light and make any room appear larger.

6. Utilize natural light – Open your curtains and blinds during the day to let in natural light and keep your energy bill low.

Try these hacks and transform your home into a more functional and stylish space!

REALTOR NOTE:

Gather images of all your recently sold properties and add up to ten images. Share a note about how you enjoy helping people, etc. 

MYTH: Curb appeal doesn't matter

. 

TRUTH: Wrong! It does matter. NOW. In this market. 

Here's why: Homes with high curb appeal sell for an average of 7% more than similar houses with a "blah" exterior. If there are lots of homes on the market, that percentage DOUBLES to 14%.

Bottom line: If you want top dollar for your home, mow the lawn, spread fresh mulch, plant some seasonal color, and power up the pressure washer. 

You can breathe easy if you're worried about cash flow when prepping your home to sell. According to the NAR, 100% of landscape maintenance and tree care costs make their way back to your pocket at the time of sale. 

Ready to sell? Please send me a DM. I'll be here when you're ready.

If you're still renting, it may be because buying a home seems pointless with the high cost of living and the crazy competitive housing market. 

I get it. There's no way to sugarcoat it; the cost of living is high.

But what if buying, even now, could bring a sense of stability and long-term financial security to your life? 

Here's the thing: Buying may not be right - but you owe it to yourself to at least explore your options and see real numbers before deciding it isn't for you. 

If you want to sit down and talk it through, message me. I'll be as accurate as I know how so you can do what's right for you. 

I've pulled together three questions you really should ask every agent you're considering: 

1) What is your experience and expertise in the local real estate market?

2) How do you plan to communicate with me during the home-buying?

3) Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients who have successfully purchased a home through your representation?

Experience. Communication. Happy Clients. You want all three on your side when buying a home. If you're ready to buy, DM me - I'd love to share my experience with you!

I don't know who needs to hear this, but not all home improvements will help you build equity in your home.

By all means, put your touch on your home. You've worked hard to get where you are and should make it your own! Just know that not all improvements are going to add value. While a doggie door is SO convenient and a front yard fountain is 100% calming, things like a new HVAC, updated appliances, or a replacement roof will always be more reliable investments that boost your home's bottom line.

If you're planning home improvement projects this fall and would like my thoughts on how they'll impact your home's value, DM me and let's jump on a call. I can let you know exactly what's in demand in your neighborhood. 

Can I be honest for a second? I've shown A LOT of homes, and can I say that one of the BEST things you can do as a seller is oh-so-simply but incredibly underrated. It's this:

Clean. Yep.  You'd be shocked at the number of homes I show that aren’t clean. So, if you're getting your home ready for the market and stressing about showing, my Ipiece of advice is this: Do a top-to-bottom deep clean of your house before it hits the market. Even if you have to hire it out, do it. It's worth every penny!

After cleaning, here are a few other things to I'veremember as you prepare for a showing...

Showings can be stressful (especially on short notice!), but when your house is clean, it's not nearly as hard to get it looking its best! If you'd like more tips on how to get your home ready to sell, I'm here! Please shoot me a DM, and let's talk. 

Imagine how amazing it would feel to finally pull together a plan to invest in real estate. If this sounds like something that sparks joy for you, then imagine no more because I can make this a reality! Plus, there’s no time like the present to get started! 

Here’s one of the easiest ways to start your investment journey:

- Step 1: Buy a house, condo, or townhome in an up-and-coming or in-demand neighborhood or school district. (PS - I can help!)

- Step 2: Move in, and live life! As you do, get the home looking better than it did when you bought it by making small cosmetic changes.

- Step 3: After a year or two, buy a new home, and rent out the first one. (But remember, rental income is taxed as ordinary income, so make sure to plan ahead for tax season!)

- Step 4: Wash, rinse, and repeat!

By living in a house before renting it out, you can finance it as a residence, which will land you far better terms on a loan. 

Sound like a plan you’re ready to execute? DM me, and let’s get the pieces in place. It’ll take a few years, but this is one of the safest ways to invest in real estate and see some great returns!

Breaking the bank on your dream home purchase? With these simple tips, you can avoid busting your budget and still get the home of your dreams! 

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage to determine your price range.

2. Make a wish list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves in a home.

3. Research the local real estate market to have a better understanding of the current prices.

4. Be flexible with the location, size, or age of the home.

5. Consider hiring a real estate agent to negotiate with the seller and find the best deals.

Don’t forget to factor in the additional costs, such as closing fees, repairs, and property taxes. Following these tips will help you avoid breaking the bank on your home purchase and allow you to live your best life in your dream home! 

 Stop dreaming about your next home and start living it – the door is just waiting for you to walk through! What are you waiting for? 

Giving your bathroom a facelift doesn’t mean shelling out the big bucks. There are tons of ways to upgrade without breaking the bank! So if you’re toying around with a little transformation, here are a few ideas for a budget-friendly bathroom refresh. 

- Repaint the vanity, and consider a bold, on-trend color.

- Switch up the textiles. Nothing says, 'I feel pretty!' like fresh towels, new hardware, updated window coverings, and a plush new bath mat. 

- Get a new shower head. Three words: Rain shower head.

- Upgrade light fixtures. A careful swap will make a huge impact.

- Add funky artwork — an instant mood-enhancer. 

Are you an expert at the low-cost bathroom refresh? Share your best tip or hack in the comments below. 

House Hunting in the Digital Age!

Are you tired of scrolling through endless pages of homes online with no luck? 

Well, we’ve got some expert tips to help you find your dream home in no time!

 Know what you want! Before you start searching, make a list of your must-haves, like location, number of bedrooms, and square footage.

Utilize online tools! Use home search websites and apps to filter your search results by your desired criteria.

 Research, research, research! Look into the neighborhoods and areas that interest you to get a better understanding of the local real estate market.

Get an expert opinion! Work with a real estate agent who can guide you through the process and help you find the best home for you.