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.