Local Market Reports, Trends, & Maintenance 

 

You will find my blog gives you a wealth of information, covering local market statistics of the entire MLS, and Tips to taking care of what could be your most valuable asset. 

 

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact me for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, I hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

 

 

 

Blog Posts

March 19, 2020

How to Work From Home & Stay Productive

Whether you're a freelancer, a business owner or a current employee without access to your normal work space - following these 8 tips from our experienced Realtors will help you stay organized and productive while working from home. 

Tip #1: Get up, dress up & show up

Being able to wear whatever you like can be an advantage of working from home, but it can also be a hindrance when it comes to getting in the right frame of mind. We’re not suggesting you put on a blazer but there’s a lot to be said for changing into something other than your PJ's as a physical reminder that you’re at work. 

Fixing your hair and make-up can also be a great way to start your day. In knowing that your are ready to face whatever the day may bring, you'll be much more apt to accepting virtual meetings and posting on social media letting your clients know that you're still in business.

Tip #2: Learn to time block

Having a plan for the day is crucial to staying productive. Start by rising at the same time each day and follow a rejuvenating morning routine. Bonus points if you’re able to get outside and get a little exercise in while you’re at it. Get dressed and ready for the day and plan out your day. Write a to-do list, schedule yourself a lunch break, a start and finish time, and stick to it!

Tip #3: Dress up your work space

If you don’t have a clear distinction between where you work and where you relax, it can start to feel like you never leave the office. Choose a space with natural light and ventilation, and invest in a comfortable desk chair. Clear any clutter and keep only what is inspiring and practical. Set up your laptop & printer, plug in your favorite fragrance, start Alexa on your favorite playlist and get to workin!

Tip #4: Minimize your distractions

Anyone who has spent a day working from home knows the temptation is real to tackle the home to-do list. If it can’t be done in your lunch break, leave it until after hours. Also consider scheduling breaks, putting your phone on silent and setting boundaries for visitors.

Tip #5: Snack Right

A downside to working from home is having access to the fridge 24/7. The easiest way to avoid binge eating on snacks is simple—don’t have them in the house or prep your lunch & snacks with healthy options. Stock up on nutritious foods instead of processed snacks and prep your food the night before to prevent eating out of procrastination.

Tip #6: Stay Grateful

When things feel tiresome or uncertain, remind yourself how good your gig is. Realize that you are blessed to still have a job and believe in your abilities to get the job done. While keeping bigger goals in mind is vital, acknowledging the smaller day-to-day successes is what will keep you going. We are all in this together!

Posted in
Oct. 31, 2019

Fall Maintenance Check List

 

Fall Maintenance Check List

 

Halloween is quickly approaching and depending on where you live, there is a good chance fall weather is coming right along with it. Before the season is in full swing, get a head start on your seasonal maintenance. By preparing for fall weather, you can address any issues that may get worse with colder temperatures or just keep your home in the best condition to make sure your property is in top shape no matter the season. Here is a great reference checklist to make sure you’re doing the basics to get your home ready for fall!

1. Rake it up.

Everyone loves the changing leaves, except your grass. Leaving fallen leaves in your yard can kill you grass and prevent growth in the spring. Make sure you keep those leaves raked up!

2. Check your gutters.

Those same leaves that can kill your grass can also clog your gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to plenty of other issues, so be sure to periodically check your gutters to prevent buildup.

3. Don’t forget your roof.

You don’t want fall to pass and winter to arrive only to find out you’re missing a few shingles. While you’re checking your gutters, make sure to check on your roof too.

4. Store summer decor.

If you are set to get cold temperatures this fall, take the time to pack away your summer items. If your patio furniture isn’t equipped for a surprise snow storm, you’ll be glad you took the time to store it away now.

5. Prevent frozen pipes.

No one wants frozen, bursting pipes. Remember to shut off water to your exterior faucets before the weather hits freezing temperatures.

6. Venting is healthy.

As the temperatures drop, static electricity increases.  If you have lint build up in your dryer, this static electricity makes it easier to ignite.

7. Do your own inspection.

Take a walk around the interior and exterior of your home and try to look at it with fresh eyes. Keep an eye out for any damage to walls, floors, or cement outdoors. Be sure to fill any cracks or fix loose gravel that could cause a fall when colder weather is added to the mix.

8. Check your insurance.

Is your home insurance up to date? Make sure your insurance will stand up in a storm and that you will be covered no matter what fall will bring.

Posted in
Oct. 23, 2019

What To Expect After You List Your Home!

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU LIST YOUR HOME

     

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU

LIST YOUR HOME

 

After all of the preparation required to list your home, you are probably ready to relax and wait for offers. While most of the hard work is done, it is important to keep in mind things that you may run into during the sale process. As you begin to welcome potential buyers into your home, here are a few things to expect now that your home is listed!

1. You might feel like you live in a museum.

You may have spent a great deal of time cleaning and decluttering, but now you are going to need to maintain that cleanliness. Potential buyers are going to expect a home that was as neat as the listing photos they saw, so it is important to meet their expectations. Now that you have officially listed your home, maintenance is necessary. There may be showings where you don't have time to do a full deep-clean, so choosing to keep your home 'show-ready' will help reduce any stress about the appearance of your home for a showing.

2. There will be some inconveniences. 

Now that you've realized your home needs to be 'show-ready' at all times, you might be starting to think that there could be an inconvenience or two during this part of home-selling. While your real estate agent will be helpful in this process, you may need to switch around plans during the evenings or weekends when you are typically home so that your home can be shown.

3.  Expect to hear critiques and criticism.

This is often the main thing that first-time home sellers struggle with. It is not always easy to hear the issues a potential buyer may have with the home you have created. While some criticism can feel insulting, it is important to remember that it is not personal. Potential buyers are not trying to hurt your feelings, they just want to picture your home as their own. Your agent can be a key part in buffering criticism. They will be able to take suggestions from potential buyers and relay it to you in a way that is helpful and constructive.

4. Home maintenance will be crucial.

While maintaining home cleanliness is important, you will also need to keep up with maintenance tasks. Your lawn will need to be mowed, your heating and cooling systems need to be operating properly, as well as any appliances that will be staying when your home sells. 

5. There can be some additional expenses.

After you've accepted an offer, the closing process will begin. There will be inspections and final walk-throughs, and this can bring about issues that may need resolved before the sale is closed. Depending on the issue, you may need to pay out-of-pocket for repairs so that you don't need to negotiate your sale price. 

If you're ready to sell your home and need someone by your side to guide you as you prepare to list, give me a call today!

Posted in
Sept. 6, 2019

Brighten Your Space

Brightening Your Space

Brightening Your Space

Lightening up your space isn’t just for visual appeal. As the end of summer approaches, that means that the days will begin to shorten. Brightening your space will help maximize the light you get every day, no matter how much daylight you have. Having a bright space not only looks better, but it can help you feel better too. Here are some ways to brighten your space.

Paint it!

You don’t need white walls to have a bright space. If you pick paint colors that are saturated but still light, your walls will still reflect light. Consider using a bright, soft sage  or similar colors that can bring new life and extra light to your space. 

Use Mirrors

If you have a room that gets natural light but just not enough, add mirrors! Strategically placing mirrors to reflect natural light will make that room come alive.

Keep Contrast

Don’t just paint every wall white. If every surface in your kitchen is white, it will get a little dull - and hard to maintain. Add a colorful backsplash or update your kitchen accessories to complement your white cabinets or walls.

Update Window Treatments

Your curtains may be stopping that natural light from entering your home. Consider replacing your window treatments with something sheer or semi-sheer, that will still provide privacy while allowing light in.

Replace Doors

If you house isn’t full of windows and you aren’t ready to install new windows in your home, consider a door replacement. Many doors offer privacy glass that will allow you to let natural light in and keep neighbor eyes out.

Posted in
Sept. 2, 2019

Choosing The Perfect Area Rug

area rug

Choosing The Perfect Area Rug

 

If you’ve ever seen a perfectly styled room, you probably noticed that the area rug was used to tie the room together. Because they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, it can be overwhelming to decide what area rug is perfect for the room you are trying to decorate. Here is a short guide to help you find the perfect fit.

1. Determine your price range.

In order to shrink your option pool, the best first step is deciding how much you want to spend. Area rugs can get expensive, and they tend to grow in price as they grow in size. Other factors, such as material type and pile (the height of your rug fibers) will impact the price too. If you set a range before you go shopping, you can save yourself the heartbreak over a rug that is way out of your budget.

2. Decide on a size.

Ultimately, the size of the rug is up to you. There are recommendations depending on the room type, but it is YOUR home so the final call is yours. For living rooms, it is recommended that you center the rug and make sure it is large enough to cover all furniture space. Low-pile rugs will last longer if you have a heavily trafficked living room. For your dining room, consider a rug that will hide stains from accidental spills and will have about 2 feet of empty rug space outside of your table - that way, dining chairs won’t scratch your floor. For bedrooms, choose a carpet that has 3 or more feet on each side of your bed. Usually high-pile rugs are best for bedrooms to add a cozy vibe. 

3. Choose a style & color.

You’ve made it to the best part! Now that you’ve slimmed down your choices with price and size, you have options based on your color and style preference. When choosing your color, keep in mind that the rug can either be the dominant color in the room or it can accent colors you already have. Designs are all about personal preference. If you want the rug to have a bright pattern, it can be the center point of your room. Otherwise, you can pick a calming rug that balances out the room if it is otherwise busy. Keep in mind that patterns will hide stains and traffic.

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