Happy Holidays!

 

'Tis the season for family, friends, and togetherness. I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Take this time and spend it with the ones you cherish the most.  

Christmas is the season of giving, I hope that you will help or give to someone in need this holiday season.  I am grateful for you and thank you for trusting me as your local real estate expert.

I'm here if you there’s anything that I can help with next year, feel free to call, text, or email.

Have a very Merry Christmas and blessed holiday season!  

The Best Surprises are Often Unexpected

 

A few years ago, a young couple went backpacking through Europe and found themselves in a small town in the mountains during the holiday season. The town was beautifully decorated, with twinkling lights adorning every tree and building. One evening, as they were walking back to their hostel, they noticed a small, unassuming shop that they hadn't seen before. Intrigued, they decided to step inside.

The shop was filled with handmade crafts, each one more beautiful than the last. The shopkeeper, an elderly woman with a warm smile, told them that every item in the shop was made by the people in the town. They would spend all year creating these crafts, pouring their heart and soul into each piece, and then sell them during the holiday season. They were touched by the sense of community and the love that was put into each craft. They ended up buying several items to bring back home as gifts.

This experience reminded them of the true spirit of the holiday season. It's not about the hustle and bustle, the endless shopping lists, or the stress of getting everything done. It's about community, love, and the joy of giving.

This holiday season, take a moment to appreciate the magic around you. Remember, it's not about the quantity of gifts, but the quality of the love in our hearts.

Is Thanksgiving About a Meal or a Mindset?

 

Be Thankful  

These words from an unknown poet remind us to be thankful on Thanksgiving and all the other days, too.

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,

for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times, you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,

because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,

because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,

because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

I love the thought that Thanksgiving is less of a meal and more of a mindset. May your Thanksgiving be filled with friends, family, love and all that is important to you.

5 Profitable Home Projects

 

Here are five things you can do to increase the value and profit of your home.

​

​Are you thinking about selling?

Whether you're ready to sell now or after the holiday season, the goal is always to get the most profit from your home. I can help you find the right buyer, but several things can increase your home's value and get more money when you decide to sell.

Update Your Kitchen

Your kitchen is the most important room in your house. It's the hub of any home. So, before you sell, you want it to look its best. You don't have to go crazy to remodel. Small investments like paint, hardware, floors, or cabinet updates can pay off big.

Stand Out with a Touch of Technology

Adding smart technology like locks, thermostats, lights, and security systems allows your home to stand out. It's a relatively inexpensive addition that can sound good to buyers and increase the value of your home.

Don't Sleep on Normal Maintenance

Keeping your home maintenance up to date is vital to avoid expensive repairs, but keeping a record that everything is in check will give your buyers peace of mind when they inspect the house. You can create an online home history through sites like HomeZada so potential buyers can see your maintenance records.

Boost Your Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is always an essential factor when you're selling. Your home's exterior is the first impression buyers have when driving up to your home. Give your front door a new coat of paint. It might be worth investing in a new door if it's damaged. Trim your hedges and trees in front of your house. If you have a walkway, pressure wash it to look clean.

Have a Clutter Free Home

One of the first things any seller must do is to declutter their home. A cluttered home looks like you haven't cared for the house. Also, if there's a lot of clutter, rooms will look smaller than they really are.

When it comes to selling, you want to make the most money. Use these five tricks to help you get started. If you're ready to sell this quarter or wait, I can help you get the most for your home. Let's talk about the value of your home, give me a call to set up a meeting time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Happy Turkey Day!  

Flex Your DIY Muscles

 

I hope you're enjoying the first few weeks of the new season. Fall is the perfect time to get stuff done around the house. It's this quiet time before the hustle of the holiday season. Whether it's simple seasonal changes, regular maintenance, or taking on a new project, take this time to check items off your list. If you plan on holiday guests this year, it's the perfect time to take on a simple project that will make a big impression. Here are five simple weekend projects that will have your family and friends praising your skills.

Give Your Kitchen an Upgrade

Where do your guests gather? The kitchen. Make smaller updates to your kitchen without doing a complete remodel, which can be costly. Try upgrading your cabinet and drawer handles, or add a backsplash. New lighting can also make a big impression.

Update Your Guest Bathrooms

Like the kitchen, guests notice bathrooms. Fall is a great time to get new lighting, sink, or upgrade bathroom fixtures. If you have tile, do a deep cleaning on your grout. If your bathroom is smaller, try painting an accent wall to add a pop that will impress.

Replace Old Light Fixtures

Light fixtures can bring a modern look to your home. Updating your lights so everything matches is an investment that can go a long way.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the easiest DIY projects to impress your guests is to give your interior rooms a fresh coat of paint. Your home will have a new, clean look. If you're looking for a wow factor, paint accent walls.

Update Your Flooring

Replacing your floors can be a huge undertaking and can be costly. Give them a fresh look with a deep carpet clean. If you have hardwood scratches or damages, you don't want guests to notice. An area rug can be a great way to cover those scratches and make a nice impression.

The Benefits of Giving

Imagine a world where your small acts of kindness warm your heart, improve your health, strengthen your community bonds and even extend your lifespan.

This is not a utopian dream; it’s the reality for everyday philanthropists—individuals who discover that giving, regardless of the size of their bank accounts, creates a ripple effect of positivity in their lives and the lives of others.

Although we usually correlate philanthropy with wealthy people, anybody, regardless of their income, can enjoy the benefits of giving. Here's a case that proves anyone can be a philanthropist within their means:

While serving in the Navy during World War II, Thomas Cannon survived several accidents that killed more than 300 of his shipmates. Cannon credits his escape from these accidents as the reason for his philanthropy. "Such escapes made me believe that I was being preserved for something,” he says.

Cannon, who began donating money in 1972, frequently chose people whom he heard about in the news. Throughout 33 years, Cannon gifted more than $156,000, often by mailing $1,000 checks to the staff of the local newspaper, with instructions about who should receive the money. His charity helped support a local group that volunteered in the elementary school, a woman who started a youth center in her low-income neighborhood and an orphaned teen who was active in his community.

Cannon managed these donations on a $20,000-a-year postal worker salary. In time, he was forced to quit his job and become a full-time caretaker for his wife. That's when much of his philanthropy came back to him, as the community came together to provide him and his wife with a house and medical care.

Before he died, Cannon suggested the best way to honor his memory would be for others to just “Help somebody.”

On the fence about Buying?

One question that I always get asked is, "Is it better to rent or buy?" The answer is it's always better to own your home. So if you're on the fence, I wanted to share a few benefits of home ownership. 

Positive Financial Investment

When you buy a home, it's a long-term investment. Your home will appreciate, and its value will go up over time. When it's time to sell, you’ll make money on the sale. When you rent, you're paying for someone else's home to increase in value.

Tax Benefits

Yes! Owning your home can have tax benefits. For example, you can deduct items like the interest you pay on your mortgage and property taxes, and when you buy a new home, you can deduct the fees you pay that year.

Credit Score Boost

Buying a home and paying your mortgage on time can help you boost your credit score.

Consistent Mortgage Payments

If you have a fixed-rate mortgage, your monthly payments will stay the same, making it easier to budget. Over the years, you're paying down on your mortgage, not someone else's.

Freedom to Make Changes

When you buy a home, you can make any changes you want because, well, IT'S YOURS! So make the home improvements that you want.

These are five reasons it's better to buy a home than rent if you can afford to buy now. I would love to discuss the many other perks with you. 

If you need to sell in order to buy, let's talk about our 

"BUY BEFORE YOU SELL PROGRAM"

If and when you're ready, I'd be happy to discuss finding your next home. Call me to schedule a talk.

Selling Your Home for the First Time?

 

Summer is a busy time for those thinking about selling a home. Sellers have a lot to think about when preparing to put their home on the market. The market has shifted from the crazy pandemic market that you might have heard about. Houses are no longer getting multiple offers the moment they hit the market. If you’re considering a move and want to sell your home for the first time, here are a few things you should do and expect.

Create a Move-In Ready Home

If you want your home to sell, it must be in pristine condition. Make those pesky repairs that you’ve held off on. Clean and clean again. And bring your curb appeal to a new level. A first impression is critical for attracting buyers. You want your home to be “move-in ready.” 

Pro Tip: Hire an experienced agent that has all the resources to help you prepare your home for sale.

Depersonalize

Take down any family pictures and any sports memorabilia. You don’t want to lose buyers because of a sports rivalry. You want your potential buyers to imagine their pictures and decor on the walls. 

Pro Tip: Hire a professional stager.

Set a Price That Will Sell

The last few years have been crazy for sellers. But the market has changed from what it was even a few months ago. So, be realistic about the current market conditions. Yes! Your friend or neighbor sold fast and for more than expected a few months ago. But that might not be the case now. 

Pro Tip: A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) can give you an accurate update on home sales prices. I can help.

With interest rates rising and the market conditions leveling out, it’s good to ensure your home is in perfect selling condition. Use these tips to prep your home, whether it’s your first or last time selling. I’m ready to help you. Please call or text to schedule a meeting. I would love to discuss the value of your home.

Is Your Home Show Ready?

If you've ever sold a home or are thinking about selling your home, you'll always hear about staging and ensuring your home is "show-ready." These are very important, but unless you move out of your home while it's for sale, having a show-ready home is easier said than done. After all, life still must go on. So here are a few tips to ease stress and help you maintain a home that will wow potential buyers.

Keep Your Home Fresh

When your home is on the market, it's good to let it breathe. Open the windows and let air flow through your home frequently so that any smells you may be accustomed to won't turn off potential buyers.

Keep Toys Organized

Keeping toys organized is essential when showing, whether it's your kids or your pets. Keep a box or basket handy to put things away as soon as they're done playing.

Perform a Daily Cleaning

It's always nice to have clean countertops and floors, but when showing, it's important. Create a habit of performing a daily counter wipe-down and vacuuming when your home is on the market.

Keep Toiletries at Bay

It's easy just to lay your toiletries on the counter each day. But when you're showing, you need to put those items away. Seeing personal things on the bathroom counter or bedroom dresser is a turnoff.

Hide the Clutter

It's a fact of life; we all have clutter. But, unfortunately, when you're showing, you can't. So to combat the daily clutter battle, have a basket that you can quickly and easily pick up clutter before a showing. Gather it all in a basket and hide the basket in a closet.

​There's no doubt a bit of stress comes with selling your home. When your home is on the market, use these tips to help create a daily schedule that will keep your home show-ready. If you have questions about staging your home or are ready to move, I can help. Give me a call to set up a time to meet.

Plans for Father's Day?

 

Warm nights are great for camping. Have you ever thought about sleeping under the stars in your backyard? Whether you have kids or are a first-time camper or a hardcore backpacker, it's nice to go on an adventure just a few steps out your door. Father's Day weekend is the perfect weekend to try. Here are three tips for a backyard camping adventure.​

Perfect Sleeping Arrangements

Pretend your backyard is an actual campsite in the wilderness. If you have a tent, set it up, include lanterns or string lights for ambiance. Use air mattresses,  and sleeping bags to keep everyone warm and cozy. The more comfortable you are, you'll likely enjoy a night under the stars again.

Make Camping Tasty

The smell of hot dogs, burgers and marshmallows roasting over a fire pit or sizzling on the grill is synonymous with any campout. Up your camping menu by incorporating some foil pack meals and campfire pies.

Make a Night of it With Games

The camping experience is a lot more than sleeping outside. Make a night of it. Incorporate some games and nighttime stargazing into your experience. Go on a community scavenger hunt, play cornhole, or do flashlight foraging.

With Father's Day just around the corner, there isn't a better time to spend a night in the backyard with the family. These tips will help you enjoy your backyard camping experience. If you're looking for a new backyard to play in, I'd be happy to help you find your perfect new home. 

Call, or text me about your next home.

Celebrating Fatherhood Superpowers

 

As we celebrate Father's Day, I've been reflecting on the important role that dads and father figures play in our lives. I wanted to start a fun and meaningful conversation to help us appreciate and cherish the incredible fathers in our world.

Today, I pose the question: What are your favorite Dad Superpowers?

Here is a list of twelve "superpowers" that many dads possess. Take a moment to read through these examples, and feel free to share your thoughts, personal experiences, or even stories of your own father or father figures who've had a significant impact on your life.

Dad reflexes: The incredible ability to catch a falling child, toy, or object with lightning-fast reflexes, often saving the day.

Super strength: The power to lift heavy objects, carry kids on their shoulders, and open tightly sealed jars with ease.

Grill master: The uncanny ability to cook the perfect barbecue, ensuring every burger and hot dog is cooked to perfection.

Home repair hero: The talent for fixing almost anything around the house, from leaky faucets to assembling furniture.

Infinite patience: The capacity to remain calm and composed while dealing with temper tantrums, sibling rivalries, and other challenging situations.

Endless energy: The power to keep up with their children's boundless energy, whether it's playing sports, chasing them around the yard, or taking them on adventures.

Storyteller extraordinaire: The gift of spinning captivating tales and bedtime stories, sparking their children's imaginations.

Wisdom dispenser: The ability to provide sage advice and guidance, helping their children navigate life's challenges.

Dad jokes: The unique humor that may induce eye-rolls but brings laughter and joy to their family.

Protector: The innate sense to keep their family safe and secure from harm, both emotionally and physically.

Master negotiator: The skill to peacefully resolve disputes between siblings and enforce fair compromises.

Unconditional love: The most important superpower of all - the capacity to love their children deeply and unconditionally, providing support, encouragement, and understanding throughout their lives.

We all have unique perspectives, and our individual experiences with fatherhood or father figures may vary.

I invite you to respond to this email with your thoughts on the best kind of dad, any anecdotes that you feel comfortable sharing or even your favorite dad jokes.

Let's celebrate the amazing dads and father figures in our lives, learn from each other's stories, and appreciate the qualities that make them so special.

Wishing you a Happy Father's Day and I look forward to hearing your heartwarming perspectives on this special occasion.

Happy Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, we’re thankful for those who gave their lives while serving. And we’re thinking of those who have lost someone they love.

May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Enjoy Memorial Day weekend with your loved ones!

Get Ready For Summer With These Easy Landscaping Projects

 

Throughout the year I like to do a little something special for my friends, family and amazing clients. It’s just my way of continuing to say thank you for helping me build my business and serve my community.

Now is the perfect time of year to tackle your outdoor projects, so I created a handout called 11 Landscaping Projects Anyone Can Do that I'd love to share with you.

This handout is filled with simple and effective ways to enhance your outdoor space and increase the value of your home. And I’ve included projects for all budgets!

Download your handout here.

Let’s catch up soon – I can’t wait to hear about which projects you tackled!

Does your Home Have an Outdated Exterior?

As summer quickly approaches, the home project list tends to build. If you sell this summer, you'll want your home to look its best. Ensuring your home’s exterior is updated should move to the top of your list. If your home looks outdated on the outside, it could lead to a bad impression of the inside. Here are three ideas to give your home a modern look.​

Update Your Concrete

If you have uneven concrete that has cracks, it can be a sign to buyers that your home is dated. Refresh the concrete on any pathways or driveway for an updated, modern look. Decorative concrete will be a bonus for your buyers.

Paint Your Front Door

Your front door is often the first impression a buyer may have. So updating the paint on your door to subtly tie into the rest of your home can make a great first impression.

Add Exterior Path Lighting

Exterior lighting is a great way to give your home a modern look. Place them to highlight the path to your home or trees and shrubs. This type of lighting can be used for more than looks. You can also use it as a safety feature, which can make buyers feel confident in your home.

Let Your Prospects Guide the Conversation

You can do many things to help make your home more attractive to buyers, but ensuring your home looks up-to-date should top your list. If you want to sell your home, I'd be happy to talk about your home's value and how to market it in today's market. Call or text to schedule a time to talk.

A Mother's Gift

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let us remember to acknowledge the remarkable gift that mothers possess - the ability to hear what is not said and notice what is not obvious. This gift is often overlooked, yet it is a defining characteristic of motherhood that deserves our attention and admiration.

Moms have a sixth sense that enables them to detect even the most subtle shifts in mood or hidden pain. Their intuition and empathy allow them to pick up on the signals that others might miss, and they are often there to offer a listening ear, a warm embrace, or a word of encouragement.

So, on this special day, let us take a moment to show appreciation for all the amazing moms who have made a difference in our lives. Let us thank them for their unwavering love and support, and let us cherish the invaluable lessons they have taught us through their remarkable gift of hearing what is not said and noticing what is not obvious.

To all the wonderful mothers out there, we salute you! Your love and dedication are truly inspiring, and we are in awe of your extraordinary gift.

Happy Mother's Day!

Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approved

 

Are you thinking about buying a home this spring or summer? If so, one of the first steps is getting pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage. However, there are significant differences between the two. Here's a quick breakdown of the differences and how one option can give you more security when buying your home. I hope this helps you understand the mortgage process better. Mortgage Pre-Qualification​​ ​This is an approximation, not a promise. When you're pre-qualified for a mortgage, it means that a lender has reviewed your credit and that you most likely will qualify for a loan up to a certain amount. A pre-qualification helps you narrow down your price range and gives you an idea of what you can afford based on the information you provided your lender. Mortgage Pre-Approval​​ You're ready to go when you're pre-approved for a loan. This means that you've been approved for a specific amount, and an underwriter has approved the amount. It's more secure than pre-qualification. If you're seriously in the market, a pre-approval letter will give sellers far more confidence in your offer than a pre-qualification letter. I hope this breakdown helps you when you're looking for a home. If you need help finding a lender or are ready to start  your home search, I'm here to help.

What Are You Composing These Days?

April is Jazz Appreciation Month, culminating with a grand finale on April 30: International Jazz Day, formally declared by the United Nations back in 2012. Even if jazz isn’t among your favorite genres, I’ll bet some of those celebratory sounds speak to your soul.

Although there is some debate over the exact year jazz was born, most everyone can agree what makes it unique is all the different components which, when braided together, form one cohesive sound. The idea is not unlike being in a group of people who bring completely different ideas to the table, but ultimately collaborate to produce a great final product — jazz, in human form.

When you think about it that way, what are you composing these days?

If you’re not working on anything besides everyday life, consider this: April is the perfect month to start conceptualizing your next act, something you truly want to compose and revise until it sounds just right.

If we are to believe Arthur Schopenhauer, the German philosopher, who said, “Music is the food of soul,” then April is your time to feast on all the possibilities life has to offer.

Whether you choose to embark on a new branch in your career or revise your plan for the year, this beautiful month of blue skies, sandwiched between chilly March and May’s goodbye to spring, is ideal for planning. With three-quarters of the year left ahead of you, a world that is remembering how to thrive, and opportunities everywhere… April is practically beckoning you to craft harmonious, collaborative plans into your life.

Play on!

What is Your Favorite Season?

Spring is a great time to plan. This story is a reminder that planning and persistence take us to more places than imagination alone.

A small seed was planted in the ground just as spring arrived. Although the seed was excited to grow and see the world, as the days passed, it realized that growing was a difficult process. The soil was tough, the sun was hot, the seed was often parched and felt like quitting, but it remembered its goal of growing into a beautiful flower and spreading its petals to the world.

Yet, the seed persevered and pushed through the tough soil and scorching sun. It didn't give up even when it felt like giving in. Finally, after many days of hard work and determination, the seed emerged from the ground as a sprout. As the sprout grew taller and stronger, it realized the obstacles it faced were merely preparing it for the challenges of life. And when spring was in full bloom, the sprout blossomed into a beautiful flower, spreading its petals wide and basking in the sun's warmth.

To the flower's surprise, though, it soon discovered that it was not just any flower. It was a small sapling, destined to grow into a magnificent tree. The flower was amazed at how far it had come and how its perseverance had helped it reach its true potential.

Just like the seed, we might face challenges in life, but if we push through and persevere, we will probably be surprised by the amazing things we can achieve.

Does Your Credit Need a Boost?

 

Spring is the time for a fresh start. If that means buying a new home, your credit score is one of the most important numbers to watch. A good credit score only gives you a better chance of getting approved for the home you want. So before you start your home search, here are a few reminders you can do to give your credit score a boost.

\Let me know how I can help or answer any questions you have

Repair Any Credit Bumps

Before buying a home, you must know your credit score and fix any credit issues.

Don't Be Late

This is one of the easiest things you can do to help your credit boost. Make all of your payments on time. Avoid any late payments on your bills.

Don't Add To Your Credit

You shouldn't take out new credit if you're getting ready to buy a home. Instead, hold off on big purchases until after you close on your new home.

Use Credit Tools That Help

​There are many tools out there that can help you track and help you boost your credit score. Credit Karma and Credit Sesame are a couple of examples.

If you're moving this spring or summer, give your credit a boost. Good credit means a better interest rate and lower payments on the house you want. If you need to find a lender, I work with a network of great mortgage professionals. If you’re ready to start your search, I’m here for you. Call me to set up a time to meet.