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  • How Should I Decorate if I am Selling During the Holidays?

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    If you are like me, you probably love to decorate for the holidays. However, if you are selling during the holidays, some decor can seem cluttered.

    If you are wanting to decorate while selling, it is best to keep the decor as neutral and simple as possible. So here a few easy and inexpensive tips to help bring the beauty of the season to your home while seamlessly fitting in with your current home design. 

    White Pumpkins, White Trees, and Snowflakes – White or other monochrome accents are a neutral item that can pair with any home décor. You can usually find these accents anywhere, or you can always head over to your local dollar store and find cheap nicknacks to spray paint over. They are perfect addition to shelves or mantles without being too gaudy.

    Fall leaves and Pinecones – You usually don’t see many of these in home design until the fall and winter holidays roll around, but red, orange, and yellow definitely don’t go with the rest of my house. So back to the dollar store we go! You can pick up leave picks and pinecones at the dollar store (or even your local craft store) for just a few dollars. Grab a can of spray paint that matches your current home colors, or continue on with the neutral tones, for the leaves and switch them out to pinecones once December hits.

    Sprigs of Pine – Wrapping your mantle in garland can be so beautiful during the holiday season, but it can be a little much for potential buyers. Instead, opt for sprigs of pine throughout the home.

  • Winter Maintenance Tips

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    Winter is right around the corner, so now is the time to get your home ready. Here are some things you should be doing this time of year.

    Switch your ceiling fan rotation. Having your ceiling fans moving in a clockwise direction will create an updraft that forces hot air to circulate throughout the room rather than being trapped in the rafters. 

    Seal your windows and doors. Take the time to caulk around windows and doors and apply weather stripping whenever necessary. This will help ensure your home is protected not only from water getting in but also cold air seeping into your home. 

    Have your chimney inspected. Having your chimney inspected and swept before your first fire reduces your risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. 

    Trim your trees. Make sure you have any dead branches or limbs that hang close to your home and power lines removed so that they don’t break off and cause damage under the weight of snow and ice. 

    Check for leaks. Disconnect exterior hoses, drain all spigots, and engage the shut-off valve within your home for the exterior to prevent broker water pipes. 

    Service your furnace. Make sure that all components are properly cleaned and working effectively. No one wants to have their furnace go out in the dead of winter. 

  • What Should I Do Now if I Want to Buy Next Year?

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    If you are planning to buy in 2022, now is the time to start preparing. Whether you are 3 months out or a year out, you can begin getting things in place for purchasing your new home. Here are some things to think about: 

    1. Your Credit Score. Your credit score will play a huge role in how much you can afford when it comes to purchasing a home. While you can’t improve your credit score overnight, there are somethings that you can do to increase it (or at least make sure it does not decrease) in the coming months. Make sure that all your current credit bills are paid on time. Refrain from any large purchase on credit. Keep your current credit card balances as low as possible. 
    2. When saving to purchase your new home, there are a few things to consider outside of just the down payment. Usually, you will have the cost of the inspection, the appraisal, closing costs, and repair and maintenance costs. I suggest saving for the following: 5% – 20% of the purchase price for your down payment, 2% of the purchase price for closing costs, at least $1,000 for the inspection and the appraisal, and at least $2,500 in savings for potential repair and maintenance costs.
    3. Get your Financial Documents in Order. Lenders require more documentation than they used to, so it is something I always suggest getting in order before applying. The documents a lender will require vary depending on the situation, but the following are a good rule of thumb. 
    • Tax returns
    • Pay stubs, W-2s, or other proof of income
    • Bank statements and other assets
    • Credit history
    • Gift letters, if using funds that were gifted
    • Photo ID
    • Rental history, if you don’t already own a home
    • No Big Purchases.  During the loan process, your lender is going to be looking at your Debit to Income as well as funds that you have on hand to pay for the down payment, closing costs, and future payments. Big purchases can affect these numbers because 1) if they are bought using credit, your Debit to Income with change and 2) if they are bought with cash, your fund on hand will be affect. It is wise when purchasing a home to hold off on large purchases like new furniture, a new tv, or a car until after you have bought your new home. 

    Your Job.  In regards to your loan, your lender is going to look at your ability to pay back the loan. They want to see stability in your job, usually requiring tax returns for two years. If you are looking to buy in the near future, you don’t want to be looking for and starting a new job at the same time. However, an exception is usually if it is a job in the same field or a promotion. 

  • The Best Garbage Disposal Cleaning Hack

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    Do you ever get that funky smell coming from your garbage disposal? It seems like no matter how much hot water you run down the drain, you just can’t get rid of it. Well, I have just the solution for you!

    If you have seen the viral video on TikTok (almost 10 million views), then you know what I am talking about. But if you haven’t listen up…

    1. Fill your garbage disposal with about two cups of baking soda. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
    2. Next, pour white distilled vinegar down the drain a few times, until it stops bubbling.
    3. Finally, empty a pot of boiling water into the sink to rinse down the drain.

    Voila! Now you never have to worry about your garbage disposal smelling of old food again!

  • What Documents will my Lender Need?

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    The first step in the homebuying process is to get yourself pre-approved with a lender. This will ensure you are ready to make an offer on a home when you find the right one!

    A Pre-Approval is a statement from a lender showing that they have reviewed your credit score and financials and are pre-approving you to buy a home up to a certain dollar point. A pre-approval lets you know how much you can afford when it comes to buying a home, meaning you will not be shopping above your price range. It also gives the seller confidence that you are well qualified.

    In order to get a pre-approval, your lender will need to review your financial picture and will require some documents to do so. Before you sit down with a Lender, make sure you have these documents ready to go…

    • Social Security Number for all borrowers who will be listed on the loan
    • Proof of Employment
    • Proof of Income (usually your two most recent pay stubs)
    • Bank Account Statements
    • Your W-2 Statements for the last two years
    • Your Tax Returns for the last two years
    • Self-Employment Documents
    • Place of Residence (typically for the last 5 years)
    • Gift Letters (if someone is gifting you funds for the down payment)
    • Your Credit History & Score (this will be pulled by the lender from the credit bureaus)

    Once you have your pre-approval in hand, you are ready to start home-shopping!

  • What is a CMA and Why is it Important?

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    A CMA is a Comparative Market Analysis. This is a tool that real estate agents use to help determine an appropriate value for your home. A real estate agent prepares a CMA for a seller who is consider selling so that the seller has an idea of a price at which their home would likely sell.

    When preparing a CMA an agent will look at similar homes in your area that have recently sold, are currently listed, or were withdrawn from the market without selling to determine what your home may sell for in today’s market.

    Your agent will likely use properties that have similar:

    • Size
    • Bedroom Count
    • Bathroom Count
    • Location
    • Style
    • Etc

    They will consider what makes your home unique from other properties including features, upgrades, location, etc as well as qualities that may make it less desirable when compared to other homes.

    All this information is used to properly price your home when listed. Pricing is key when listing, and we want to insure it is done well off the bat. Pricing your home too high could lead to extended time on the market and lower offers.

    This is why a CMA is a crucial step in the selling process as a well-priced home will attract more buyers and sell quicker.

  • How Can I Make Sure I Make the Most Money for My Home?

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    If you are considering taking advantage of this seller’s market, you have probably wondered how much you can get for your home. If you’ve gone a step further, you have already talked to an agent and received a free valuation on your house so you have an idea of what your list price would be. But now comes the question, how do I guarantee the best possible sale price for my home? While there are no guarantees in real estate, there are some things that you can do to put yourself in the best position to make the most when selling your home. 

    1. Hire a Real Estate Agent.

    The first and most important thing that you can do to help maximize your profit on your home is not go at it alone. While selling your home yourself may look more profitable at first hand – I mean, you don’t need to pay those dang commission, right? – it could actually hurt you in the long run. There are many reasons for this, but let’s go over a few. 

    For starters, pricing your home is so important to getting the highest sales price (We will talk about this later.), however, many homeowners do not know how to accurate valuate their home. Inexperience valuating comparable sales leads to a lower list price than necessary or too high a list price making the property sit. 

    Agents have access to the MLS meaning your home will be in front of the eyes of buyers who are preapproved, actively looking, and ready to make an offer on your home, and it also means you don’t have to weed through and vet them yourself. 

    Homeowners also enter the selling process with a lot of emotions. It is to be expected because for many homeowners, your home is a private, sacred place. Your agent can help you make the best decisions because they are not emotionally invested in the home in the same way that you are. 

    Statistics show time and time again that homes listed with a real estate agent sell for more money than though listed for sale by owner. So if you are looking for the biggest payout, go ahead and get someone in your corner!

    2. Don’t Skip Home Maintenance.

    This may seem counterintuitive, and yes, I am asking you to spend a little bit of time and money. But the same saying in business applies here, “You have to spend money to make money.” 

    Unless they are looking for a property to invest into, most buyers are looking for homes with problems. In fact, avoiding plumbing, electrical, and other maintenance problems is the number one reason those that buy new construction do so, and buyers, in my experience, tend to overestimate the cost of such maintenance issues. It also causes them to look at the home with even more of a magnifying glass thinking, “If they overlooked taking care of this, what else did they miss?”

    Have you neglected to change out any filters? Have a leak you’ve been putting off? Have caulk that is in dire need of a refresh? Take a weekend before you list your house and tackle some of these issues. 

    3. Do Not Overprice Your Home.

    Again, to many sellers, this piece of advice seems counterintuitive, but it is SO. INCREDIBLY. IMPORTANT.

    The most common reasoning behind sellers wanting to price their home higher is that they hope they can then negotiate down to a price that is still higher than the listing price their agent suggests. However, in reality, the opposite typically happens. Buyers see that the house is overpriced and refrain from putting in an offer. The home sits on the market, typically with a few price drops, before finally receiving a low offer. At this point the sellers are exhausted and ready to sell, and they settle for the lower offer which is usually lower than the initial suggested price. 

    Thoughtfully consider the listing price your agent suggests, and depending on the market, consider even pricing slightly below it. This will spark buyers’ interest from the get go, and hopefully create multiple offers and maybe even a bidding war.

  • What Should You Do Prior to Getting a Pre-Approval?

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    The first step in the home buying process is to meet with a lender and get yourself pre-approved. A Pre-Approval is a statement from a lender showing that they have reviewed your credit score and financials and are pre-approving you to buy a home up to a certain dollar point. It not only lets you know how much you can afford when it comes to buying a home, but it also gives the seller confidence that you are well qualified when you find the right home and make an offer. So let’s talk about what you should be doing in order to get that pre-approval letter in your hand.

    Prepare Your Credit

    Your Credit Score will be a huge factor in what you can afford when it comes to your new home. If your credit score is high, congratulations, you are in great shape! However, if your credit score could use a little help, it’s best to clean it up as much as possible prior to sitting down with a lender. Double check there are no collection issues, and consult with a credit counselor if you need help. A minimum credit score of 580 is required for an FHA loan with 3.5% down. A lower credit score will require a down payment of at least 10%.

    Find a Lender

    Next on the list is to find an amazing Lender as this is key to a successful purchase. While your bank may be your go to, don’t be afraid to shop around rates. During the mortgage process, a few credit pulls to shop rates should not affect your credit score negatively. Also, keep in mind, local lenders and in-house underwriting make it easier and faster if issues arise during the process.

    Gather Your Documents

    While you might be able to receive a pre-qualification on the phone with a lender in just a few minutes, a pre-approval is what you are really after. This will require you to provide some documentation to your lender. Considering having these items with you: 

    • Social Security Number for all borrowers who will be listed on the loan 
    • Proof of Employment
    • Proof of Income (usually your two most recent pay stubs)
    • Your W-2 Statements and Tax Returns for the last two years 
    • Self-Employment Documents
    • Bank Account Statements 
    • Place of Residence (typically for the last five years)
    • Gift Letters (if someone is gifting you funds for the down payment)
    • Your Credit History and Score (to be pulled by the Lender)

    Your lender may require further documentation for clarification. This certainly is not unusual.

    Get Preapproved and Start Shopping

    Once you have your pre-approval letter in hand, you will be ready to start shopping for your new home. But don’t wait until this moment to call me. Let’s start chatting now, and I can even help you through the process of getting pre-approved!

  • Why is the Housing Market So Crazy Right Now?

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    68 Showings. 32 Offers. $100,000 Over Asking. All Within 24 Hours! That pretty much sums up what we are seeing in many markets across the country right now. But why is it so crazy?

    There are a few reasons that the market right now seems like something out of apocalyptic times, so let’s break down what’s happening…

    #1. Inventory is Low.

    Right now, inventory across the country is extremely low. But just how low are we talking? Well, according to the National Association of Realtors, a balanced market producing median home prices has about six months worth of inventory. Most markets right now are sitting below the two month market. Now that is low! With demand for homes at an all time high and little supply for the buyers, it is no wonder we are seeing lines of buyers sitting outside those just listed, move in ready homes.

    With multiple buyers interested in the home comes multiple offers. Multiple offers drive the bidding wars. Bidding wars raise the purchase price of the home even higher.

    #2 Interest Rates are Low.

    So we know the situation with the supply, but what about the demand? One of the driving forces behind the demand right now is the low interest rates. With interest rates being at historical lows, buyers are able to afford more home than they would have been able to in the past. For example, if you purchased a home for $300,000 with 20% down and a 3% interest rate, your principal and interest payment would equal $1011.85/month. That monthly payment jumps to $1145.80 with a 4% interest rate. These interest rates are making homeownership more feasible for many renters or even those just looking to upgrade their current home.

    #3 Desire for More Space.

    Along with the low interest rates, a desire for more space is a huge reason demand is high. With many families now homeschooling and working from home becoming more of a norm, buyers are looking for homes with more space. This desire for more space has increased the amount of buyers are the market, again driving demand.

    So What Next?

    So what does that mean for the future of the housing marketing? Are we headed towards a bubble? Experts expect the housing market boom to continue for the foreseeable future but aren’t worried about a crash like that of 2008. Many say the protections that would put into place for the lending industry post the 2008 housing collapse with keep this from happening.

  • What Should You Do Prior to Listing?

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    You’ve heard the market is great for selling right now, so you are thinking maybe now is the time. So, what do you need to do to prepare before your home actually hits the market?

    Meet with Your Agent.

    It should come as no surprise that this is the first thing recommended if you are thinking of selling. Sit down with your agent and discuss what they believe your home can sell for, repairs that may need to be taken care of before listing, and the timeline for getting your home sold.

    Know Your Bottom Line.

    While you are sitting down with your agent, ask them to prepare a net sheet for you. This will give you an idea of what you will be walking away with after selling your home. It is important to know these numbers and your bottom line upfront so that you can make more confident and educated decisions throughout the process.

    Tackle Maintenance.

    Home maintenance, such as changing out the air filters, recaulking the windows, and fixing that slow draining tub, are things that tend to go to the wayside when you are living in your home. However, you want to tackle these before you list your home otherwise you will probably be seeing them in the inspection report.

    De-Clutter Your Home.

    Once those maintenance projects are handle, now it is time to declutter. Begin by removing about 50% of the clothes and other items from your closets. You’ll have to pack them sooner or later! Next pack up anything laying around the house that isn’t decor, such as larger toys, excessive dog toys, the beanbag chairs the kids love to drag out, etc. Finally, clear off those countertops. If it isn’t for decoration, hide it under the sink or in the pantry.

    Deep Clean.

    Before the photographer and showings start coming through, give your house a good deep clean. I’m talking dust those hidden shelves you never get, mop behind the toilet, and get those floors shining. A clean house will instantly elevate you above the crowd.

    Make Your Schedule as Flexible as Possible.

    Before that sign goes in the yard and showings start, try to clear your schedule or make it as flexible as possible. You never know when someone will want to see your home.

  • How To Prepare to Buy in This Current Market

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    You have heard it is a seller’s market out there. So what does that mean for you as a buyer? Are you out of luck? No, not at all! However, if you are thinking of buying in the near future, there are handful of things you want to prepare for when it comes to buying in this market…

    Meet with a Lender Early.

    Before you set foot in your agent’s car, make sure you have met with your lender, have a preapproval in hand, and are ready to make an offer if you find the right house.

    Make your List of Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves.

    Before you begin looking, make a list of must haves and nice to haves. You don’t want to forget about something that is a must for you when you see a gorgeous home.

    Prepare for a Bidding War.

    With multiple offers on so many homes, you have to be prepared to compete. Make sure you are clear on what you can afford and make your first offer your best offer.

    Don’t Let your Emotions Get the Best of You.

    Buying your new home can get emotional, but try to step back in the process and think clearly. This is a HUGE purchase you are making after all.

    Get Yourself an Amazing Realtor.

    Now is not the time to use your 2nd cousin who does real estate on the side. Make sure you choose an agent who is fluent in the current market and knows how to negotiate.

  • Pros and Cons of Selling your Home Yourself

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    In a market where homes may be flying off the shelves so to speak, you may be thinking, “Why in the world do I need a real estate agent? Can’t I just do it myself?” While the appeal of not having to pay a commission to an agent to sell your home may be incredibly attractive, there are pros and cons to think about if you are considering selling your home yourself. 

    PRO. You are in control. Everything from how your home is marketed to how the contract is written, you have full control in the matter.  

    CON. You won’t have professional guidance. There is much to be said about the best way to price, market, and negotiate a sale, and unless you were a real estate agent in the past, you probably do not have this knowledge. 

    PRO. You know your home well. No one can sell the home like you do because no one knows the home quite like you. 

    CON. You won’t have professional marketing. From professional photography and marketing campaigns, to the MLS and Association Networks, real estate agents without a doubt can have a more aggressive marketing strategy than the layman.

    PRO. Low inventory means buyers may be looking at FSBOs. When inventory is low, buyers begin to look at For Sale By Owners. This could mean more attention to your home and a quicker sale.

    CON. FSBOs typically have a slower sale. Real estate agents have one job – to sell your home. So likely they are going to speed along the process of getting your home sold.

    PRO. You don’t have to pay a listing agent commission. While a buyer’s agent who bring you a sold buyer may ask that you pay them a commission, you would not have to pay a listing agent saving you thousands of dollars. 

    CON. FSBOs usually have a lower sales price. Many times, real estate agents are worth their commission. Studies have shown that listing with an agent can bring a higher purchase price, usually enough to cover the commission and then some.

  • Staging Tips from a Professional

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    As you are getting ready to sell your home, you may hear your agent talk to you about staging your home. This doesn’t always mean bringing in an outside interior designer to make your home look like a show home, but it does mean putting your best foot forward when it comes to your homes appearance. After all, you only get one first impression on potential buyers. So here are some to tips from a professional on how to stage your home for photos and showings. 

    • Be Specific about Staging. Not every room needs the same amount of attention when it comes to staging. The Living Room, Master Bedroom, and Kitchen are the top places your attention should be on.
    • Rearrange the Furniture. You certainly don’t need to restage your entire home just be mindful to create good walking space throughout the home. Narrow walkways and tight rooms can make your home feel smaller than it really is. 
    • De-personalize. The goal is to help potential buyers see themselves in your home. While you don’t want a barren house, you do want to create as much of a blank, neutral canvas for buyers. You can accomplish this by removing family photos as well as religious or political items. 
    • De-Clutter. Whether it is toys in the playroom, all your kitchen appliances on the counter, or a cluttered nightstand, try to remove as many unnecessary things from sight. Try to keep only decorative items on surfaces. 
    • Patch and Repair. If there is anything that will stand out to buyers, such as a hole in the wall or a crooked cabinet door, patch it or repair it before photos or showings. Small things like those can cause buyers to wonder what bigger things are wrong with the home. 
    • Create a Neutral Palette. While paint can be corrected quite easily for a buyer, it is sometimes hard for them to see past that when viewing a home. Painting over bright colored walls with a more neutral tone like gray or taupe may help you appeal to a larger group of buyers. 
    • Elevate the Curb Appeal. The exterior of your home is the first thing people will see when they visit, so make sure it is appealing. Power wash your entrance way. Remove seasonal décor. Add some flowers to the stoop. Make people excited to enter. 
    • Brighten Your Home. No one wants to live in a cave, so open the windows turn on the light and showcase your beautiful home!
    • And Finally,… Clean, clean, clean. Clean those windows, deep clean those toilets, wipe down those kitchen cabinets, and make sure those floors shine. A clean home will instantly elevate your listing because no one likes someone else’s filth.

  • DIY Ideas to Accent a Wall

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    One of the easiest ways to add character to your room or spice up a large blank space is to add an accent wall. While it might seem a little overwhelming to a beginner, there are plenty of ideas that you can easily replicate yourself. Here are just a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing…

    1. Shiplap. While some may think the shiplap trend is on its way out the door, we are still seeing this in interior design. It is appealing to the eye due to the clean lines but intrigue that it adds. DIY this with primed shiplap boards from your local hardware store, a nail gun, and some paint. 
    2. Plank Wall. Gone are the days of repurposing old pallets into a reclaimed pallet wall. Now all you need to do is purchases a few boxes of faux wood plank at the hardware store and some glue. No splinters needed.
    3. Faux Brick Wall. Whether you are opting for the industrial look or a nod to the farmhouse trend, you can create a brick wall in your home yourself for less that $100 depending on the size of the way. You can purchase faux brick panels that attach to the wall with a nail gun. Add that German schmear look with some cheap spackling or drywall patch.
    4. Wallpaper. Surprisingly this is making a comeback in interior design! You can find peel and stick wallpaper at places like Target and Amazon to quickly add your style to any wall. Make sure you sand down any texture first for better adherence. 
    5. Modern Wood Design. One of my favorite trends is the modern wood wall designs. Using thin pieces of wood, you can create a herringbone design, crisp lines, or a unique design all your own. Attach the word with a nail gun and be sure to caulk the seams before painting. 

  • 9 Ways to Save for your Down Payment or Remodel

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    Saving for the down payment on a home is probably the most overwhelming thing first time homebuyers have to worry about. Sometimes, it can even seem impossible. Here are a few ideas to help build that new home account and get you closer to your goal.

    1. Get a Better Savings Account.

    Most savings account these days are very low yield. However, you can find some account with a better interest rate at credit unions or perhaps a CD.

    2. Get a Side Hustle.

    Whether it is writing a blog, starting an Etsy business, or joining a network marketing company, there are plenty of ways to make extra money outside of your day job. Save every penny you earn from your side hustle in a separate account specifically for your new home. 

    3. Sell Stuff You Don’t Use.

    If you aren’t using it, why not make some extra money from it. Hold a garage sale, sell on Facebook Marketplace, or use one of the countless apps. 

    4. Stop Impulse Buying.

    Don’t let those checkout line items or the ads on Social Media sway you into those impulse buys. 

    5. Keep Eating Out to Once a Week or Less.

    A $10 – $20 meal may not seem that bad, but it can add up especially with delivery fees and tips. Buy in bulk, eat at home, and save up those fees.

    6. Pay Off High Interest Debt First.

    Those high interest credit cards are costing you more monthly than your other loans, and simply paying the minimum will not get you very far. Focus on paying off cards with higher interest rates first, then put that payment towards your other cards. You will be surprised the amount of money you can save when you aren’t paying 25% interest on credit cards. 

    7. Get a Roommate to Split Rent.

    It may not seem ideal, but if you have the ability to share rent for a while, the sacrifice may pay off immensely.

    8. Unsubscribe to Anything Costing You Unnecessary Money.

    Many of us probably have subscriptions out there that we will never use. However, since they are on autopay, we probably haven’t thought twice about them. Conduct an audit of your subscriptions and cancel any that you are not currently using or are not necessary.

    9. Look at First Time Homebuyer Grants. 

    There are countless programs out there offering assistance to first time homebuyers. Do some research into what programs are available to you or reach out to a home lender who is fluent in these types of grant and loan programs.