4 Home Maintenance Tasks Homeowners Usually Forget As the leaves begin to change color and the temperature drops, it’s time to get some of those easily forgotten home maintenance tasks done. Neglecting these often-overlooked tasks can lead to costly repairs down the line, so make sure to do these 4 preventative maintenance tasks this fall! Here they are: 1. Window Wells: The spaces around your basement windows are window wells, and they play an important role in preventing water damage by acting as a drain. Leaves, soil, and other debris can quickly build up in your window wells, which can clog the drain and cause water to pool. This can lead to basement flooding, mold growth, and structural damage–things you definitely want to avoid! Take some time to clear out those wells before the wet weather comes to ensure proper drainage. 2. Furnace Filters: Your furnace works hard to keep you warm during the colder months. To ensure optimal performance and efficiency, make sure to replace your furnace filter every six months. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder and leading to breakdowns. Check your filter's size before ordering a new one, and replace it semiannually to enjoy consistent heating and lower energy bills 3. Refrigerator Coils: If your fridge hasn’t been staying cold or isn’t running as well as it used to, it’s probably the coils! Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on your coils, reducing efficiency and causing your fridge to work overtime. To improve performance and save energy, locate the coils (usually on the fridge’s back or base) and gently clean them with a vacuum or an old toothbrush. 4. Dryer Vent: Lint buildup in your dryer vent is a fire hazard and can also reduce your dryer's efficiency. To prevent these issues, clean your dryer vent at least once a year. You can do this yourself using a dryer vent cleaning kit or hire a professional for a more thorough cleaning. You may want to consider hiring the work out to a professional if you have an older home or haven't cleaned it in a while. By tackling these forgotten maintenance tasks, you'll not only extend the life of your appliances and home systems, but you’ll also save money on energy costs. Forward this link on to a friend who could use a reminder to complete these tasks!

3 Things I’ve Never Done in Real Estate   Some things will never happen when we work together. As an agent, there are some core values that guide all real estate interactions here, ensuring clients receive the highest level of service. Let’s go through what you will never see when we work together: 1. Never compromise on integrity: This is a non-negotiable as a real estate agent. It means always being honest and transparent with clients, even when delivering difficult news. Upholding ethical standards ensures that clients' best interests come first and their trust is maintained through every step of the process. Whether it's advising on pricing strategies, disclosing property details, or handling negotiations, integrity guides all decisions to ensure a fair and successful outcome for all parties involved. 2. Never rush your important decisions: Rushing important decisions in real estate can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities. As an agent, thorough research and careful consideration are prioritized before advising clients. Whether by evaluating offers, recommending pricing strategies, or selecting properties to view, clients feel empowered to take the time to weigh all factors. By encouraging thoughtful decision-making, clients feel confident and informed throughout their real estate journey, ultimately achieving the best possible outcomes. 3. Never underestimate the importance of communication: Understanding the importance of communication is foundational. Effective communication is not just about sharing information—it's about actively listening to clients' needs, concerns, and goals. This includes promptly responding to inquiries, providing regular updates on market developments, and explaining complex real estate concepts in clear terms. Clear communication empowers clients to make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind throughout their real estate journey. But what WILL you see when we work together? You can trust that you’ll have a fiscal agent who will help you make the best choices for you and your future. You’ll also have all the time you need to make the big decisions that come with real estate. There’s no rush or pressure when we work together. We’ll also be in communication throughout the real estate process so you’ll never feel unsupported or like your questions aren’t answered. All together, you can feel confident knowing that you’re guided and supported every step of the way. Ready to see how we can work together? Call us to get started!

Homebuyers: Do This ONE THING to Change Everything Dreaming of that perfect home? Let's turn those dreams into reality! But before you dive headfirst into house hunting, there's one crucial step that'll set you up for success: financial preparedness and getting preapproved for a mortgage. This is the key to unlocking your homeownership potential! Understanding your financial landscape is crucial for success in buying a home. Knowing your income, debts, savings, and credit score is like having a roadmap to your homeownership journey. Understanding your finances and getting financially prepared will boost your confidence, empowering you to set realistic expectations and avoid disappointment. If any red flags–like a low credit score or high debt-to-income ratio–come up while you’re going through your finances, this will give you the chance to fix them before getting preapproved. At the end of the day, this financial understanding will allow you to make stronger offers and potentially secure a faster closing timeline. Once you have a clear financial picture and know you’re ready, you can confidently pursue preapproval. This process involves a lender assessing your financial information to determine how much you can afford with a mortgage. When you go through the preapproval process, your lender will look at your income, debts, savings, and credit score to determine how much you can borrow. It might seem a little scary, but it's worth it. You can think of a preapproval like having a VIP pass to the homebuying world. You’ll know exactly how much house you can afford. Plus, sellers LOVE preapproved buyers. It shows you're serious, financially ready, and less likely to back out of a deal. That means your offer is stronger and you're more likely to snag your dream home before someone else does. Remember, being financially prepared and getting preapproved is the cornerstone of successful homeownership. So, take that first step, get preapproved, and let's find you your perfect place! Let's chat about your financial goals and create a plan to make your homeownership dreams a reality. Call us to set up a time to talk!

Worried About Timing Selling Your Home and Buying a New Home? In a perfect world, buying and selling your home at the same time would be a seamless and perfectly aligned process–you’d sell your home and get the keys to your new home all around the same time. But let’s face it, the real estate market doesn’t always cooperate. Fluctuating market conditions, the process of securing financing, and finding the right property can turn what might seem like a simple process into a complex timing puzzle. If you’re not prepared, this could leave you with a house that sells faster than you expect while you’re still on the hunt for a new home, giving you a housing gap… Or you could quickly buy a new home while still having your current home on the market, leaving you with an overlap. To navigate this complex journey, it's essential to have a well-thought-out strategy and a reliable real estate agent who understands your needs and goals. A skilled real estate agent can help you develop a plan that considers your unique needs, goals, and desired timeline. Your agent will help you weigh the pros and cons of different timing options based on local market trends and your circumstances so you can get close to the timeline you have in mind. Your agent will also guide you through creating contingency plans because it never hurts to have a Plan B. Safety net measures such as temporary housing or bridge loans will help you go into the buying and selling process confident and ready to tackle any opportunity that comes your way. Remember, flexibility and patience are key when it comes to real estate. The housing market can be unpredictable, and it’s important to be prepared for potential setbacks. By working closely with your agent, you can develop a plan that maximizes your chances of a smooth transition. Ready to tackle your next move? Call us and let’s chat over coffee!

How to Price Your Home to Score Multiple Offers If you’re like most homeowners, you’re looking to get the most profit possible out of selling your home. One way to do this is to use a pricing strategy that will score multiple offers–which can then turn into a bidding war and drive up the sale price of your home! The secret to doing this is quite simple. If you can determine the perfect price that your home should sell for… reduce that number slightly and then list at that price. This is how you’ll drive the most traffic and potential buyers to your home. How? Intentional underpricing creates a sense of urgency among potential buyers, which can then spark a bidding war. The fear of missing out can lead to higher offers from buyers and quicker sales as buyers move fast to secure the deal. Additionally, buyers are likely willing to overlook imperfections or factors they don’t love when they feel like they’re getting a great deal Your agent will help you choose the perfect price to list your home at through accurate valuation, competitive analysis, and a strong understanding of buyer psychology. By having a realistic estimate of your home's market value and understanding similar properties in your neighborhood to gauge market trends and pricing, your agent will be able to pinpoint the perfect listing price and drive traffic to your home. But what happens if you price your home your home at–or worse–above market value? Buyers are more likely to pass you by. Buyers who see homes listed at their market values tend to nitpick and see the imperfections or the parts of the home that don’t meet their expectations as big issues. Because the buyers don’t see the home as a “deal,” they’re more likely to push on negotiations or just wait for a home they like better to come on the market. This can lead to a stagnant listing and long negotiations. By strategically underpricing your home, you increase the likelihood of multiple offers and potentially achieving a higher sale price than you might have with listing at market value. Developing a pricing strategy with the help of a knowledgeable real estate agent will help you get the best deal when selling your home. Ready to see what you should list your home at? Call or email us and let’s chat!

3 Tips for Choosing a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent Having an experienced and trustworthy agent can make all the difference in your real estate experience. Your agent is the one who will guide you through the complexities of the market, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure a smooth and successful transaction, so you need someone you can trust. But how do you find the perfect agent who will champion your needs and interests and make sure you end up with a great deal? Here are 3 key things to keep in mind: 1. Gut Feeling and Compatibility: The qualifications and years in the industry that you find on agents’ websites and bios are important, but it’s also crucial to trust your instincts and feel a genuine connection with your agent. Do you feel comfortable and heard during your conversations? Do you get any weird vibes when you’re with them? Remember, you'll be spending a lot of time with this person, so finding someone you enjoy working with is key. 2. Communication: Every agent has a different communication style, and every buyer and seller has different communication preferences. Your job is to make sure your agent communicates in a way that works for you. As you interview agents, keep track of whether they’re prepared when you have conversations and if they are hard to get a hold of. Your agent should be available to answer your questions, address concerns, and keep you informed throughout the process. This is especially important if you’re a first-time homebuyer! 3. Reviews and Recommendations: When you’re looking for a great agent, ask those who are in your network like ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. You’ll also want to look at the online reviews from an agent’s past clients–and not just the ones on the agent’s website. Look for agents with consistent positive feedback highlighting their expertise, responsiveness, and commitment to their clients. Remember, you should make sure to interview at least 3 agents. This allows you to compare communication styles, real estate strategies, and overall fit to help you find the perfect agent to buy your dream home or sell your current home for max profit. Call us to discuss your needs and get your questions answered. Together, we can turn your real estate goals into reality!   PS. - Meet our newest Star! Carris Robbins is an up-and-coming Realtor, eager to make her mark in the industry. With a bubbly personality and a genuine kindness that radiates from her, Carris is poised to bring joy and satisfaction to countless clients. Her enthusiasm for real estate is palpable, and she approaches each transaction with a level of dedication and professionalism that sets her apart from the rest. Carris's ability to connect with people on a personal level ensures that her clients feel valued and understood, making the often stressful process of buying or selling a home much more pleasant. As she continues to grow her business, Carris's reputation for excellence and her unwavering commitment to client happiness are sure to propel her to great heights in the real estate world.

4 Things to Do After You Move Into Your New Home  There are few things in real estate more exciting than moving into a new home, especially one that you’ve worked so hard to get! But even among all the excitement, it's important to take some key steps to ensure your safety, comfort, and long-term enjoyment of your new investment. Here are 4 essential tasks recommended by experts to make sure your new home is perfect for your move in: 1. Change the Locks: You never know who has a key to the old locks on your home, so changing your locks is a must. This simple security measure will help you have peace of mind and, as an added bonus, you can personalize your doors with your choice of new locks! 2. Deep Clean for a Fresh Start: Usually sellers will do a quick clean before they hand over the keys, but you’ll likely want something a little more in-depth. Before you start moving things in, treat your home to a deep clean while focusing on things like baseboards, light fixtures and fans, and air vents. 3. Address Your Home Inspection Report: This is another crucial thing to tackle before you start moving your life into your new home. Review your home inspection report and prioritize the list of the upgrades or fixes that need to be done. The bigger priorities like the roof, water heater, and windows are smart to get out of the way before you bring in furniture. Addressing these larger concerns early on can save you headaches and larger repairs down the road. 4. Understand Your Home Warranty: This warranty typically covers major systems like HVAC, appliances, and even potential problems like roof leaks or plumbing issues. Before you move in, review the fine print and really understand what your warranty covers and how you can use that coverage. Then, before you have a handyman come out for a repair, check the warranty to see if you can get it covered. This review can help you save thousands! By taking these 4 essential steps when you get the keys to your new home, you’ll set yourself up for a comfortable, secure future and know that you’re ready to handle any unexpected appliance or repair concerns that may arise. Want local resources for everything from furniture shopping to handyman services? Just call us to get a list of trusted contacts! #columbusneighborhoods #columbusrealtor #columbuslocal #movetocoloradocounty #houstonrealestate #columbusrealestateagent #relocatetotexas #columbustexas #justsold, #listing, #listings, #houseforsale, #homesforsale, #homesellers, #homeselling, #selling, #hometips, #sale, #listingagent, #justlisted, #newlisting, #buyers, #dreamhome, #homebuyers, #homebuying, #buyingahome, #firsttimehomebuyer, #househunting, #homesweethome, #buyersagent, #newhome

NAR Has Unveiled New Regulations. The real estate market is buzzing with significant changes announced by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). These new rules, effective from August 17th 2024, promise to reshape the landscape for both buyers and sellers. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know. For buyers, one of the most impactful changes is the requirement to sign a Buyers Representation contract before touring properties. This move aims to streamline the home-buying process and ensure that only serious buyers are viewing homes. The NAR believes this will save time for both buyers and sellers and reduce unnecessary foot traffic in listed properties. While this may seem like an additional step, it ultimately protects all parties involved by clarifying intentions upfront. The form will clarify that the buyer acknowledges they may be responsible for compensating their representing agent if the seller chooses not to provide a commission to an agent who introduces a buyer. The normal situation in TEXAS has always been this way; however, it is now more evident to all parties with this additional form. On the seller's side, there's an equally groundbreaking shift: sellers will no longer be required to pay commission fees. Traditionally, sellers have usually covered the commission costs for both their agent and the buyer's agent. This change is designed to alleviate some of the financial burdens on sellers and potentially lower overall transaction costs. It could also lead to more competitive pricing structures among real estate agents vying for listings. These updates are part of a broader effort by the NAR to modernize real estate practices and make transactions more transparent and efficient. For buyers, this means a more straightforward path to purchasing a home without unexpected obligations cropping up mid-process. For sellers, it opens up new possibilities for how they choose to list and market their properties without worrying about hefty commission fees cutting into their profits. It's crucial for anyone involved in real estate—whether buying or selling—to familiarize themselves with these new rules. Staying informed will help you navigate these changes smoothly and take full advantage of the benefits they offer. Keep an eye on further announcements from the NAR as they continue to refine these policies based on market feedback. In conclusion, these updates from the National Association of Realtors mark a significant shift in how real estate transactions will be conducted moving forward. Buyers should prepare for contract signings before tours, while sellers can look forward to a potential reduction in transaction costs. Stay tuned for more real estate news as these changes come into effect!P.S. - Don't let this change deter you as a buyer. There are plenty of ways a good Realtor (like us) can help you afford a new home. We are here to help, and if you'd like to chat about your options, don't hesitate to call us for a free consultation.

Have Your Needs Changed for Your Home?How to Find Your Perfect Home When Life Happens We all know life throws curveballs. One minute you're finally settling into a routine, the next you're facing a job relocation, a growing family, or a well-deserved retirement. These life changes can often mean a change in what you need from your home. When the home you’ve lived in and loved no longer fits your life, it’s time to call your real estate agent! Your agent will help you navigate these transitions and find the perfect place to call home, no matter what stage of life you're in. Here are a few of the ways your agent can help: Have a growing family or need more space for all your kids’ activities? Let's find a home in a top school district with a big backyard perfect for family barbecues and games. We can explore neighborhoods with parks, playgrounds, and community amenities made for young families so your kids can have friends right in the neighborhood. Thinking about downsizing? If your children have headed off to college and adulthood, your home might start to feel way too big. This is a great time to explore charming, low-maintenance homes that better suit your new lifestyle. If you’re imagining a cozy condo downtown close to all the amenities or a single-story home with a manageable yard, we can look at the best areas in the city. Ready to find the perfect retirement property? Whether you picture yourself living near a beautiful area, pursuing hobbies, or traveling the world, together, we can find a home that will fit your desired lifestyle. Looking to invest and put your money to work in real estate? Then an investment property might be the perfect next step for you to build your wealth and generate passive income. We can explore factors like up-and-coming locations, rental potential, and long-term market trends to find the right investment for you. Remember, no matter what life throws your way, you don't have to go through this alone. Your agent will listen to your needs, answer your questions, and help you navigate the real estate process with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned seller or a first-time buyer, we can work together to make your selling and buying experience smooth and successful. Just give us a call, and let's chat about your unique situation!

5 Questions to Ask Before You Put in an Offer One of the best parts of the buying process is when you find a home you love and are ready to put in an offer. This step is full of excitement, but it’s important to stay grounded and ask these 5 key questions to ask your real estate agent before submitting your offer: 1. How should we structure the offer? Different offer structures can influence the seller's decision, so your strategy should be carefully considered. Ask your agent about your options such as a standard offer with inspection and financing contingencies or an offer with more contingencies and negotiations attached. 2. What contingencies should we include in the offer? Contingencies protect you as a buyer by allowing you to back out if certain conditions aren't met. These are critical to make sure you don’t end up in a bad deal! Your agent will explain standard contingencies, but you might also consider others based on your needs and the property itself such as repair contingencies and timeline contingencies. 3. How soon do we need to provide the earnest money deposit? Your earnest money deposit, which is the amount you put down with your offer, shows the seller you’re serious. If you back out of the deal without invoking a contingency, you’ll forfeit the deposit. Make sure you understand the timeframe for your deposit so the offer process moves smoothly. 4. What’s the lowest price you think we could offer for this house and still close the transaction? Discuss with your agent the lowest price they believe will still be competitive and get you closer to closing the deal. This question can help you find the perfect balance between getting the best deal possible and still persuading the seller to choose your offer. 5. If the offer is accepted, what are the next steps? Before you even make the offer, you ned to be prepared for what happens if your offer is accepted. This next part can move quickly! Your agent will walk you through the next steps, which can include counteroffers, negotiations, inspections and appraisals. When you ask these questions, you’ll feel much more confident in your offer because you’ll have a deep understanding of all the moving parts. Plus, if the seller comes back with a counteroffer, you’ll be able to make a quick decision since you truly understand your offer. Ready to make an offer on your dream home? Just give us a call and one of our friendly Realtors will be happy to help!

  The 6 Worst Things to Do if You Plan to Sell Thinking about selling your home someday? Even if it's far down the road, the choices you make today can impact your future sale. Watch out for these 6 common mistakes homeowners make that can hurt their bottom line when it's time to sell:   1. Neglecting Routine Maintenance: When was the last time you changed your AC’s air filter or cleared out your gutters? Ignoring routine maintenance can cause big issues down the line–like a broken AC in the hottest part of the summer or water damage from blocked gutters. Staying on top of routine maintenance keeps your home in top shape and avoids costly repairs when you go to sell.   2. Overpersonalizing: While your home should reflect your personality, consider how long it will take to get your home to a neutral canvas when you want to sell. Extensive customizations like unique wallpapers and custom room setups can make it harder to attract the right buyers.   3. DIYing Big Renovations: Unless you're a skilled handyman, tackling renovations by yourself can backfire and cause bigger problems for your home. Some buyers find DIY work a major turnoff, and it can lead to safety hazards or code violations. When it comes to big projects, it’s worth the investment to work with a professional.   4. Converting Bedrooms: Converting bedrooms into a den or knocking down walls to make one room bigger might seem like a good idea now, but it can decrease the value of your home and limit your pool of potential buyers. Buyers often filter homes by bedrooms, so if you convert a bedroom into another room type, you’ll be missing out on a big selling point.   5. Ignoring Curb Appeal: First impressions matter, and a messy exterior can instantly turn buyers away. Spend some time to keep your lawn looking good and keep your landscaping tidy. This will help reduce the work to get your home ready for sale down the line.   6. Ignoring professional advice: If you get advice from a contractor or real estate agent, it’s best to follow that advice. These professionals see hundreds of homes and can help you get the best results when you sell. If you’re not sure about the advice, get a second opinion!   A good rule of thumb is to stay on top of maintenance and keep potential buyers in mind when you do any big updates or renovations. This will help you make the most profit from your home when you sell it down the line!   Want personalized tips based on your specific situation and home? Just give us a call and one of our friendly Realtors will be happy to assist you!