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  • 5 Tips to Prepping Your Home for a Successful Sale Email

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    5 Tips to Prep Your Home for a Successful Sale Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: February

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    Top 5 Tips for Preparing Your Home for a Successful Sale

    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.

    Unless they are looking for a property to invest into, most buyers are looking for homes without 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.

    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.

  • 3 Ways to Save for a Downpayment Email

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    3 Ways to Save for Your Downpayment Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: January

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    3 Ways to Help Save Up Money this year for your Downpayment

    If buying a home is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, it is time to start thinking of saving up for that downpayment. The good news is there are loan options that allow for as low as a 3% downpayment, but typically the more money you put down, the better your loan product and rate. You can start saving up for your downpayment this month with these three tips. 

    Make a budget. Start by tracking all of your spending for at least a month. This will help you get an idea of where your money is going and where you can cut back. Once you have an idea of where you can cut back, make a budget of your fixed and variable expenses. This will help you plan for savings and make sure you stay within your budget. 

    Open a high-interest savings account. Look for a bank that offers a high-interest savings account and transfer your savings into it. With a high-interest savings account, you can earn more money on your savings and grow your down payment more quickly. 

    Automate your savings. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account. This will ensure that you are regularly saving money each month, and it will make it easier to reach your down payment goal.

  • Home for the Holidays Email

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    Home for the Holidays Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: December

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    Home for the Holidays: Why the Holidays Can Still Be a Great Time to Buy or Sell

    Most think of spring as the “selling season” when it come to real estate, but the holiday season can be a great time to buy or sell a home. It’s a time when people are often looking to make a change, whether it’s to start fresh in a new home or to downsize and simplify their lives. Plus, there are many advantages for buyers and sellers alike.

    1. Emotions run high during the holiday season.

    During the holiday season, emotions run high. People are thinking about family, traditions, and the memories they’ve created in their homes. This can make it an ideal time for buyers to find a home that really resonates with them. As a seller, you can use this time and capitalize on emotion by showcasing your home with a warm and welcoming feel.

    1. The holiday season can be a slow time for real estate.

    While the holiday season can be a slow time for real estate, it can also work to your advantage as a buyer or seller. With fewer homes on the market, you have less competition as both a buyer and seller, which could result in a better deal for buyers and a quicker sale for sellers.

    1. It’s a time when people have time off work

    The holiday season is also a time when many people have time off work, making it an ideal time for them to schedule home viewings, meet with lenders, and take care of other real estate-related tasks. As your real estate agent, I can make myself available during this time to accommodate your schedule and help you achieve your real estate goals before the end of the year.

    4. Tax benefits for closing before the end of the year.

    Closing on a home before December 31 can provide tax benefits for buyers and sellers. For example, if you purchase a home before the end of the year, you may be able to deduct your mortgage interest and property taxes on your tax return. 

    Ultimately, the right season to buy or sell is when you are ready for it. If that means during the holiday season, I’ll be here to help guide you every step of the way!

  • If You’re Planning to Buy Next Year Email

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    If You're Planning on Buying Next Year Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: November

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    5 Things to Do Now if you plan on Buying Next Year

    If you’re planning on buying a home next year, now is the perfect time to start preparing. By taking the right steps now, you can put yourself in a better position to find the perfect home and secure financing when the time comes. Here are five things you should do if you plan on buying next year:

    1. Check Your Credit Score

    Your credit score plays a critical role in your ability to secure financing for a home purchase. Before you start looking at homes, check your credit score and report. If your score is low, take steps to improve it. This could include paying off outstanding debts, disputing errors on your report, or even seeking professional credit counseling.

    1. Save for a Down Payment

    While it’s possible to get financing with a small down payment, having more money upfront can give you a better interest rate and lower your monthly mortgage payments. Start saving for a down payment as early as possible. Set a goal and create a budget to help you save enough money.

    1. Make a list of needs and wants. 

    Before you start looking at homes, make a list of the features you absolutely need in a home (e.g. number of bedrooms, location, yard) and the features you would like to have but aren’t essential (e.g. a swimming pool, a large garage, a fireplace). This can help you prioritize your search and ensure that you find a home that meets your needs without overspending on unnecessary features.

    1. Find a Real Estate Agent

    A good real estate agent can be a valuable asset when buying a home. They can help you find properties that meet your needs and budget, negotiate with sellers, and guide you through the entire buying process. Start looking for an agent now so you have time to find the right fit.

    1. Talk with a Lender 

    Talking with a lender before you start looking at homes can give you a better idea of how much house you can afford and what your financing options are. A lender can help you understand the different types of mortgages available, as well as their requirements and benefits. They can also give you an estimate of how much you could be approved for based on your income, credit score, and other factors. By talking with a lender early on, you can avoid falling in love with a home that is outside of your budget, and can also make a stronger offer when you do find the right home.

    Regardless of your timeline, if you plan on buying a home next year, it’s important to start preparing now. By preparing now, you can put yourself in a better position to find and buy your dream home when it is time to start your search.

  • Spooky Savings on Your Home Email

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    Spooky Savings on Your Home Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: October

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    Spooky Savings on Your Dream Home

    Buying a dream home is a huge investment, but it doesn’t have to be scary. With home prices remaining high and interest rates increasing, it’s important to find ways to save money. Let’s talk about a few ways you can save on your dream home without sacrificing the features you want.

    1. Use Rate Buy downs

    One effective way to save money on your dream home is to use a rate buy down. This involves paying an upfront fee to reduce your interest rate for the first few years of your mortgage. For example, you might pay an extra 1% of the loan amount to reduce your interest rate by 0.25% for the first two years of your mortgage.

    With the market balancing and buyers having a little more negotiating power, consider asking for a seller credit at closing to help pay for your rate buy down. This keeps more money in your pocket while helping reduce your interest rate.

    1. Shop Around for Homeowners Insurance

    Another way to save money on your dream home is to shop around for homeowners insurance. Rates can vary widely between providers, so it’s important to get quotes from several companies before making a decision. Look for policies that provide the coverage you need at a price you can afford.

    You may also be able to save money by bundling your homeowners insurance with other types of insurance, such as auto or life insurance. Some companies offer discounts for customers who have multiple policies with them.

    1. Consider a Fixer-Upper

    If you’re willing to put in a little sweat equity, buying a fixer-upper can be a great way to save money on your dream home. These properties are often priced lower than move-in ready homes, and you can customize them to your exact specifications over time, building it into your dream home.

    Of course, buying a fixer-upper comes with its own set of challenges. You’ll need to have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish and be willing to put in the time and effort to make it happen. It’s also important to have a thorough home inspection before making an offer, so you know what you’re getting into.

    Regardless of the market, there are always ways to find your dream home at a price you can afford. Remember to work with a reputable lender and real estate agent who can help guide you through the process and ensure a successful outcome. If you ready to start the conversation, give me a call! I’d love to help find you your dream home!