Have you Started Holiday Shopping?

 

Happy Thursday!

Can you believe that we are only 1 week away from Thanksgiving?

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If not, it's probably time to get started. When shopping for anything, it's only natural that we price shop, especially when it comes to holiday gifts. So I thought I'd share a few apps to help you compare prices on the gifts on your list.

ScanLife.com

If you're in a store and want to find your item cheaper at another store, ScanLife is your tool. Just scan the product code and find real-time price matches. Then, you can go straight to the competitor's website and buy it or save that price and purchase it later.

ShopSavvy.com

This app gives you comparison pricing along with expert product reviews and testing—download and scan either a QR code or barcode to get unbiased price comparisons from hundreds of retailers. You can also get the gift of cashback opportunities when using ShopSavvy.

Price.com

​Use the app, browser plug-in, or retail site to find the best deals on the items you're buying. You can quickly browse or scan items and compare prices. If you're shopping in a store and find a gift, take a picture of the gift, and the app will find competitive prices at other retailers. You can also earn cashback opportunities when you use price.com.

As you launch into the holiday shopping season, I hope that these apps help you save a little cash. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.

If you're thinking about making a move before the end of the year, it's a great time to buy and sell. Give me a call to talk about your next move. Thank you for choosing me as your local real estate expert.

Are You Grateful School Is Starting?

 

Thank A Teacher

Did you know that September 21st is International Gratitude Day?

I know that I’m certainly grateful for having autumn arrive with cool winds. The nights aren’t quite as warm as they were even a few weeks ago, and stores have already begun stocking everything pumpkin related.

I’m also grateful for something much more traditional as so many people go back to school in the fall: teachers. 

I am appreciative of all the teachers who turn up throughout the course of our lives. Those unexpected teachers come out of nowhere and change us forever. They are the elderly ladies with time to chat, the child who surprises us with insight that most adults overlook, and the average person who takes the time to explain a process, that is specific to their field of expertise, in common terms.

Who are the unexpected teachers in your life? Have you told them that they positively changed you, irrevocably, by teaching you something new? Perhaps this would be a good week to share your gratitude.

A simple card, an unexpected phone call, or even an email would likely be much appreciated by a teacher who made a difference at some time in your life. It might just lead to a larger conversation and a deeper friendship. If nothing else, you made someone’s day with a positive comment by simply expressing your gratitude. After all, one of the first things that we are taught in preschool or kindergarten is to say, “thank you”.

Looking for an Outdoor Oasis?

 

If there’s anything we’ve learned over the last year, it’s that outdoor space is nice and necessary. We all dream of that perfect backyard oasis we see in magazines or on Pinterest, but let’s be honest, most of us don’t live in a magazine and don’t have the square footage or budget to create the perfect escape. That’s why I wanted to share a few ideas on how to create a budget-friendly outdoor space when you may be short on square footage.

Decorate Vertically

Just because your outdoor escape is challenged from a square footage perspective doesn’t mean you can’t decorate vertically. Adding decor to the walls will help your space feel cozy and larger.

Add Outdoor Curtains for Privacy

If your neighbors are close and you’re seeking more privacy, try adding outdoor curtains. It’s an inexpensive way to create a private space.

A Shady Sail Creates A Better Place

We’ve all been there, you have a perfect space for a patio table, but it gets blasted by the sun. Create a sail shade to provide cover.

Lighting is Key

The perfect light can create an inviting atmosphere for an outdoor patio. Before you call the electrician, take a look at your favorite holiday lights. String them around your space to create the atmosphere you crave.

Add Multi-Use Furniture

You’re not going to entertain all of the time, so why do you need extra furniture. An easy, budget-friendly solution is to purchase or create furniture that pulls double duty. Use a bench that can offer plenty of seating and storage. An ottoman can work as a footrest, extra seating, or if you need a table, add a tray, and you’ve got your centerpiece.

I hope that you’re having a great summer and can enjoy the space you have. You can learn more about these tips and a few others here. If you’re looking for a new space to call home, I’m here to help. Just give me a call to talk about your next move.

Throw a Gold Medal Winning Party

 

Summer means time to get outside and have a party. Whether it’s with friends, neighbors, or a family reunion, there’s always an excuse to have a good time safely. Every good party needs a theme, and with the Summer Olympics set to begin at the end of the month, I thought I’d share a few ideas on how you can host your own backyard Olympic-themed party.

A little friendly competition won’t hurt anyone. Set up several games for teams to compete in throughout the party. Swap out the real Olympic sports for fun classic yard games like horseshoes, cornhole, frisbee golf, yard darts, and giant Jenga are a few classics.

​Create your own Olympic rings and have them featured throughout your yard and house. String up flags representing different countries, and to top it off, you can build a small winners podium for the winners to collect their medals at the end of the day. You can create Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for the winners.

Every competitor needs to satisfy their appetite, so here are a few snack ideas for your Olympic party. Try making edible torches, a gelatin swimming pool, or medal cookies.
You can check out the recipes and other ideas here.



​I hope these ideas inspire your Olympic spirit and you conquer your backyard Olympics. I’d love to hear about your favorite backyard games. If you’re looking for a new home for your backyard fun, I’d be happy to help you with all of your real estate needs. Give me a call to set up a time to talk.

Keep Your Home Safe

 

I hope that you and your loved ones are doing well as summer is now upon us.  As things start to open up again here in California and we start to venture out I wanted to send you this home safety check list before you leave your home for vacation.

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Whether it’s a weekend, week, or just a quick overnight stay, you want to ensure that your home and your belongings are safe whenever you leave. Follow these tips to get a little peace of mind while on your summer vacation.

The market is still RED HOT with low interest rates and low inventories.  If you’re looking for a new home in a new community, let’s talk. Text or give me a call to set up a time to meet. 

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​Have a great time celebrating FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND! 

God Bless you and your family. 

Need a Bathroom Update?

 

Did you know that your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your home when it comes to selling? It's true. People love to look at kitchens and bathrooms. That's why it's so important to keep your bathroom updated, but even if you're not selling, the right upgrades can add value. Check out three bathroom upgrades that add value to your home.

Think about everything you store in the bathroom. From towels to toothpaste and everything else, space can get tight. Add extra shelving or a larger vanity to create more storage.

If you have tile and it's starting to look a little dated, or don't have tile in your bathroom. You'll want to update your floor. An excellent tile floor looks great, can brighten up your space, add a touch of luxury to your bathroom.

Along with tile, if your lighting is out of date, you'll want to update. New light fixtures can bring a modern look to your bathroom. As a bonus, it doesn't have to be an expensive upgrade.

Whether you’re planning to sell or not this year, don’t look past your bathroom when thinking about upgrades. An upgraded bathroom can add value to your home. Do you know the value of your home? If not, I’d be happy to offer you a free home evaluation. Just give me a call to set up a time to talk. 

Z Team Supports the Ocean Institute in honor of Earth Day 2021

Making a difference on this planet and Celebrating Earth Day is today's tip.  This April 22nd, 2021 will mark the 51st year for celebrating Earth Day. I just wanted to discuss a few ideas with you on how you can help make a difference.

My team and I support many organizations locally and Nationally.  By those of you choosing to work with our team, we are able to give back to many of the local charities including the Ocean Institute, Second Harvest Food Bank in Irvine, Promise for Paws (Dog and Cat Rescue), Saddleback Church, Marines Toy's for Tots, Wounded Warrior Project assisting wounded veterans, Make a Wish Foundation and more.   

My team and I wanted to share how we gave back to the local Ocean Institute here in Dana Point, CA (See linked video). https://oceaninstitute.org/give/

There are many ways you too, can help give back to the Earth and we encourage you to do so. It can be as simple as picking up trash on your local beach, buying more Earth-Friendly products, or even choosing to ride your bike or walk to work or the store versus driving your vehicle all makes a difference.  You can donate your time versus money, there are so many ways to help and give back. 

However you may choose to give back, it will be greatly appreciated by those in need and can be very self-rewarding at the same time.  My team, my family, and I are all grateful for your support!

Is your home heart healthy?

Did you know that it's National Heart Awareness month? In honor of that, I thought I'd share a few ways you can turn your home into a heart-healthy living space.

One of the best ways to improve your heart health is to get regular exercise. Find a spot in your home to get a little exercise. Either create an actual gym with equipment or find a small corner in your home to put some small weights or workout bands so you can get a quick workout in.

Fill your pantry and refrigerator with plenty of heart-healthy foods. Make sure you have plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. Stock your pantry with whole-grain foods, low-fat or fat-free pasta sauces, lentils, brown rice, and dried fruit, to name a few. Check out this article to learn more about creating a healthy kitchen.

Getting enough sleep is also an incredible way to remain heart-healthy. Paint your bedroom with warm, relaxing colors. Clutter creates stress, which doesn't help with catching up on sleep, so tidy up before bedtime. Also, pay attention to the amount of light in your bedroom. When it's time to sleep, you'll want it to be as dark as possible.

I hope these ideas will help you create a heart-healthy living area. A fresh start can also be healthy. If you're in the market for your next home, I can help. Give me a call for all of your real estate needs.

 

Home Improvement Planning Guide

 

As we dive into the new year, we all are probably thinking about our budgets for the year. 

For homeowners, that means mapping out the year’s home improvement projects. Planning, budgeting, and researching can help you save a lot of money when making improvements to your home. I’ve put together a roadmap to help you plan your remodeling project. 

Click below to find your home improvement plan.

I hope you find these tips helpful as you plan for your 2021 project. If you’re planning to buy or sell this year, I’m here to help. Give me a call to set up a time to meet.

Sources:

https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/ultimate-home-remodeling-project-plan/

https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/slideshows/the-best-time-of-year-for-every-home-improvement-project?slide=8