Guilty by Association

Photo by: Photographer Frederik Trovatten

Years ago my mother bought a house in a neighborhood in the far West End of Richmond. My mother grew up in the jungle of Santiago, Panama. She knows how to stretch a dollar to the fullest. When she moved in, she would hang her laundry out back because a) it’s what she’s used to and b) it saved money. Neighbors did not take kindly to her resourcefulness nor did they like it if I parked in front of her house, nor did they want her doing anything to tarnish their impeccable image. She hated living there.

I recently had a client dealing with her 2 HOAs in addition to her Neighborhood Association. Yep, two different entities, 3 different fees, and double the disclosure package. So fun. I decided this would be the subject of this month’s piece—educating others on the differences. Here we go…

A Homeowners Association (HOA) and a neighborhood association are both community organizations, but they have distinct differences in their structure, purpose, and functions:

• HOA (Homeowners Association): Primarily focused on managing and maintaining common areas and amenities within a residential community. HOAs often enforce community rules and architectural standards, collect dues, and address issues related to shared facilities. For example, there might be rules on what type of structures you can have on your property or if you can have a business out of your home.

• Neighborhood Association: Generally has a broader focus on community engagement, social activities, and advocacy. While some neighborhood associations may also address common issues like beautification and safety, their scope is often more varied and may include organizing events, fostering a sense of community, and representing residents' interests to local authorities. For example, a neighborhood association can vote on a pet friendly environment or encourage others to help with buying playground equipment.

Membership and Dues:

• HOA: Typically, residents within a specific housing development or community are mandatory members of the HOA, and they are required to pay regular dues to fund the association's activities. In Richmond, HOA fees run on average between $200-$300 a month. Depending on how lux the community will determine price usually. The more amenities, the higher the cost.

• Neighborhood Association: Membership in a neighborhood association is often voluntary, and residents may choose to participate by paying dues or getting involved in community activities. Some neighborhood associations are good for maintaining the beautification of a community or helping to prevent criminal activity, although they can be a bit like Mrs. Kravitz where certain neighbors will cause headache to others.

Governance:

• HOA: Governed by a set of covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&R) that outline rules and regulations for the community. The HOA is usually managed by a board of elected homeowners or the property management company for condos/townhomes.

• Neighborhood Association: Governance structure varies, but neighborhood associations are often more informal and may not have the same level of regulatory authority as an HOA. Leadership may consist of volunteers or elected representatives.

Enforcement and Regulations:

• HOA: Has the authority to enforce community rules and regulations through mechanisms like fines, architectural review processes, and, in some cases, legal action.

• Neighborhood Association: Typically has a more limited regulatory role, focusing more on community engagement and collaboration rather than strict enforcement.

Scope of Activities:

• HOA: Primarily concerned with managing property values, architectural standards, and common facilities within a specific development.

• Neighborhood Association: Engages in a wider range of activities, including organizing social events, community outreach, and advocating for broader neighborhood interests.

If you choose to live in a community that has an HOA, make sure you understand all the bylaws and restrictions that come with your new home. If you are a homeowner that wants the freedom to do what thy will upon your property, you may not want to get into a home that has an HOA attached to it. It can affect things like the color of your home, where you park, noise restrictions, and so forth. Also note that when you sell your home or condo, you have to pay for the resale package which can be quite pricey.

My mother no longer lives in a restrictive community, but she does have a neighbor who thought it’d be a good idea to park a large RV and build a tiny house right up to her property line. Can’t win them all!

Interested in maintenance free living? Contact Me Today!

Before Skynet Takes Over...

via GIPHY

With all the talk surrounding the future of AI, this has become a subject of discussion amongst my peers and my clients. Will AI take over the way we do real estate? And the answer is a resounding “no”, with a sprinkle of “yes”.

First and foremost the role of the realtor is to represent and advocate for their clients. We come with a particular set of tools that go beyond the data analysis and statistics AI can provide. We are licensed professionals that need to be well-versed in the legality of contracts in addition to carrying a vast knowledge of all things real estate related, from nuts to bolts. We are also humans that can handle the emotional rollercoaster of buying and selling homes. So let’s get into the “no” part.

• Negotiation Skills: Real estate transactions often involve complex negotiations, and the ability to fight for your clients as well as to effectively get what everyone wants out of the deal is crucial.

• Legal Expertise: Realtors need to be informed in local real estate laws and regulations, which can vary significantly from one location to another.

• Local Knowledge: Understanding the environment of local neighborhoods and communities, including schools, features, and quality of life, is something AI struggles to replicate.

• Emotional Considerations: Homebuying and selling can be highly emotional experiences, and human realtors often provide guidance and support during these times especially during death and divorces.

• Creative Problem Solving: Unforeseen issues and challenges can arise during real estate transactions, requiring creativity and problem-solving skills that AI currently lacks.

My first client I ever sold a house to had a huge lender fail as she made her way to the closing table. The amount of stress she was under and the fear of losing the home at the very end created a very tense atmosphere for all of us involved. She was dumbfounded by the lack of communication and knowledge her chosen lender wasn’t giving her. I fortunately work with trusted professionals and called one of my lenders who acted efficiently and easily. She worked diligently to not only get my client a better program, but also a better rate. my client was able to close easily and successfully. I don’t believe AI could have known the people I trust to make things happen.

The amount of work that goes into selling a home can be daunting. From assessing the value of the home through researching comparable markets to helping you increase the curb appeal to the marketing and access to a wide network of internet sites to the paperwork, we do it all for you. A good agent does that is. Just as you pay a lawyer to represent you, you hire us to protect you and your investments through the transaction process. Some of us give you added services like cleanings and staging costs.

I think AI will be good to help those who can’t market, market. I think it will be good at creating reports for us and perhaps showing specific numbers and profitability, but AI will never replace the human touch. AI isn’t going to support you through selling your house through a messy divorce or be the one to hand you keys to your very first home. Do I think we will do real estate differently in the future? With VR gaining ground, I’d have to say it is probably. Because our business is relationship based and relies on empathy, I don’t believe we will be calling on T-800—just yet.

Planning for the Worse

Michael Marais

I think a lot of us say we know what we’d do in certain circumstances, but if we’re all being honest here, when panic sets in, it’s hard to think straight. I for one am one of those people that likes to freeze. I’d be the first to die in any apocalyptic scenario due to my ability to disassociate myself from traumatic events. That being said, I think if I can give someone tips on how to be prepared then I feel I at least participated in the disaster relief program.

In all seriousness.—my friend, who lived in Lahaina, HI lost their home and everything in it in the wild fire that ravaged the island last month. It was tragic and she and her husband are still reeling from the loss. I cannot imagine what it was like for them to lose everything they owned, leaving them displaced and in a state of shocked. It makes you stop and think about how you’d prepare yourself for something like that or can you?

Disaster has no mercy nor does it have a timeline. Things just happen and unfortunately sometimes Mother Nature’s chancleta can be quite destructive. As we are in the midst of our Hurricane season and this month is about preparedness, I thought I’d give you some tips on some things we can do to help when disaster strikes.

Have a Plan

Make sure you and your family have a plan.

• Do you know your phone numbers by heart?

• Do you have a meet up location in case you get separated?

• Do you know where the emergency supplies are?

• Do you have a nearby place to crash in case you can’t go back home?

• Do you know where the nearest hospital is?

• This is when knowing your neighbors can be helpful.

• Do you know where the evacuation routes are?

Don’t

• If the government is actually following protocol for once in its life and thinks it is dangerous enough to issue an evacuation, take heed. Better to be safe than sorry.

• Be an amateur storm chaser. Yes, I know it looks really cool to see the inside of a tornado, but do you want to die because you don’t want to disappoint your socials audience?

• Divert from the plan. Practice the plan and keep it consistent.

• Forget about planning for your pets.

• Go swimming when it’s flooding, you know because electricity and water don’t mix.

Do

• Invest in a waterproof bin that is easily accessible.

• Have a tank of gas available that is also easily accessible.

• Have at least three weeks of non-perishable food and water stored, not like Doomsday stored, but you know in case you are stuck.

• Include your children in the safety portion of the Plan. You don’t need them panicking while you are all trying to stay safe.

• Make sure that you have important documents copied and saved in a safe place.

• Get flood insurance if you are in a flood zone area.

• Give your neighbors your contact information.

• Spend the money on a generator

• Know how to disconnect your utilities

Supplies

Remember, easily accessible, in a waterproof container, one on site and one off-site. Here are some things you may want to include:

• First Aid Kit

• Batteries

• Battery Powered Radio

• Wireless Charger that is Charged!

• Blankets

• A set of clothes for each member.

• Diapers

• Prescriptions

• Feminine Products

• Multi-Use Tool, ie. Leatherman

• Strong Flashlight

• Wireless Lanterns

• Matches/Lighters

• Scissors/Knife

• Rope

• Flare Gun

• Cards

• Pet Food

• Water

• Plastic Cutlery, Save when you get takeout

• A list of emergency numbers

Or you can buy one that’s already built for you!

If you would like to donate to Kristen and Jeremy to help them get back on their feet, you can do so by clicking the button below. Thank you!

Off-Campus Capital

August is National Back to School month, and as we watch the backs of our little ones entering what we hope will be an enriching learning experience, I want you to hold off on the mimosa for a sec and consider this. Have you thought about your child’s future once they hit the college scene? I don’t know about your college experience, but I do recall that come Sophomore year, those young adults are going to start seeking shelter off-campus.

You know how important investing in your child’s education is, but do you also know that actually investing for their future is setting them up for wealth and success? Ponder this—excluding tuition, consider the on-campus expenses you pay. Let’s use VCU as an example:

Those numbers are per year, so imagine little Jimmy going for his 4 year college degree and you’re out $80K. Imagine the expense if they been accepted to a private school!

Consider purchasing a home for your high school grad. It’s not that far-fetched. I’ve known a few parents who did this as a present for their kids’ graduation and it turned out to be a great investment for all involved. The benefits of becoming a landlord to your child and their roommates are plenty, but also what it will do for you all in the future financially is a great reward.

Start them off early and show them that the after-school job can do more for them than any video gaming system purchase. If I had that knowledge in my high school years, those part-time gigs could have relieved many years of renting headaches and saved me thousands of dollars.

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The average rent for apartments (1 bed) in Richmond, VA is between $1,285 and $1,786 in 2023 with the average rent for a single family home being around $2,038.

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Here are a few pros of buying for the next four years:

• Decrease student debt by omitting on-campus room and board.

• If there is a roommate/partner situation, mortgage payments will be reduced or paid for.

• It could be a nice way to decrease student loan debt.

• Student loans can help with rental and living expenses.

• Build equity and income.

• Once they graduate, you have a few options. They can take over the mortgage payments, become their own landlord, create a vacation rental, or sell it.

• They’ll be happier living in their own independent space.

• If you have other children going to school in the same area, the residence can be passed down from generation to generation.

• It will teach them responsibility and money management.

Of course there are cons:

• Maintenance will need to be handled, so you might have to pay extra when things go wrong. Make sure you have a handy network of on call professionals.

• Safety. It won’t be like a secured campus. They will have to take more precautions.

• Being a landlord can be difficult if your tenants are late or don’t pay their monthly rent.

• If you are a student, sometimes there are age restrictions in applying for a mortgage and also debt-to-income ratio can be a challenge.

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If you are interested in investing in your child’s future by purchasing a second home or having them purchase their first, contact me so we can get you started. it’s never too early and my lenders are on stand-by to answer any mortgage loan questions. Now feel free to sip those mimosas and wave goodbye to your future investors.

Be Well.

These yoga pants are just for show. I’m not a yoga, meditate, find your zen kinda person. Some people enjoy a spa day, some people go to therapy, and others like to throw China in an alleyway to relieve this thing called stress. This month is National Wellness Month and no matter how many times we hear the words “self-care”, I think a lot of us equate it to another task list item. Isn’t self-care the same as being a feminist? It should just be?

My self-care regiment consists of getting my nails done every three weeks and an acupuncture appointment anywhere I can fit it in. The truth is, self-care is expensive. Insurance doesn’t cover self care so we need to be creative on how we deal with the stresses of our lives while being healthy in mind and body.

Richmond has many a place to go to practice caring for oneself, from spas to yoga studios to therapists, we’ve got it covered in the self-care arena. What helps you take care of you? Here are a few tips to help you on your journey to being a healthier, better you that aren’t always conventional.

Try drinking more water. This is a hard one for me, but I downloaded an app that reminds me every hour to intake some H2O goodness.

Invest in a pet. Animals are great ways to ease anxiety and overall wellness .

Give your phone a curfew. Set your phone for a few hours before bedtime and disconnect from it. This one is hard, says the TikTok til midnight viewer.

Find at least one thing that brings you utter joy. Aren’t you tired of always doing what everyone else does or wants? Take some time and do one thing for you. Whether it’s a solo fishing trip or redecorating your office, the important thing is to do it by yourself.

Go get a physical. Yes, it will conjure up nostalgic feelings of high school sports, but practicing preventive self-care is beneficial to your health and peace of mind.

I don’t meditate well, but I do pincushion really well. Acupuncture has done wonders for my anxiety and for me, is a very relaxing way for me to zen out. Some people prefer other methods like floating or actual meditation and that is fully valid to help separate your mind from the stresses of the world.

Dance. In my opinion, the best medicine on Earth is to shake that booty. It’s good for your physically and allows you to release energy.

Stop investing so much time in being in more than one place. I am highly guilty of this. Sure, it’s important to meet with friends, colleagues, and clients, but maybe limit those days to two days a week instead of a whole week of meet ups. Try doing a weekly friend roundup with one place, one time, come if you can situation. This way everyone becomes part of the conversation and you aren’t running all over town.

See stuff. Take a day and expose yourself to something beautiful. A poem, a piece of music, a special meal, whatever it may be—enjoy it.

Take a Walk. It really is a great way to clear your head, reconnect with a family member, or listen to a podcast without interruption.

Write Something. Anything. Take a moment to jot down some thoughts. Getting them out can alleviate a lot of stress and use a pen!

Redesign a Room. Take one room in your house and dream up a mood board for it and then redecorate. You’ll create a whole different energy to breathe in!

Say No. If you are anything like me, saying “no” is one of the hardest things to muster. Sometimes we just don’t have the bandwidth and that’s ok. The world isn’t going to burn.

Find something physical you enjoy. Whether it’s shooting hoops or taking a row class, find something physical you enjoy instead of forcing yourself into a burpee hell. As long as you are moving!

Go on a solo day trip. Just you, yourself, and me. There doesn’t even need to be a destination. You can just go driving for an hour on a back road, stopping at spots you that call to you.

National Adopt a Cat: Meowtastic reasons for owning a cat

My first pet was a dog, A beautifully rambunctious German Shepard named Pepi. We had to get rid of her because our home and ourselves were too small for her energy. We opted for a second dog, a cute rottweiler mix named George. Both George and Pepi met untimely deaths. My mother decided we were no longer going to be a dog family, but an unexpected cat family. Our sweet orange tabby, Tommy, was my best friend and he began the tradition of my owning cats.

Yes, I know, there are cat people, there are dog people, and there are animal lovers. I am by nature a cat person, but love my dogs, horses, pigs, birds, and so forth. Funny enough we are more similar in makeup to cats than dogs due to our brain makeup. Since this month is National Cat Month, I thought I’d encourage you all with some fun facts about owning cats.

Less Stress and Anxiety

The number one benefit for owning cats is that they have been clinically proven to relieve stress and anxiety. They help release oxytocin in humans, therefore creating a more harmonious and tranquil enviornment.

BETTER CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

If you could reduce your risk of a heart attack by as much as 40% just by owning a cat, wouldn’t you? Studies have shown that owning a cat decreases heart problems.

Improved immune system function

Cats help strengthen your immune system and can potentially reduce the risk of certain allergies and autoimmune disorders by introducing associated microorganisms and bacteria. They may also reduce allergies if you grow up with them.

“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.”

— Robert A. Heinlei

Top 3 Cat Breeds in the US

These are the top breeds trending in the cat world.

Ragdolls

The cute factor on these cats has been winning all the competitions in the last few years. They have a gentle temperament and just super chill cats.

Maine Coons

I love this exotic creature. Slightly bigger in size with such a majestic face, these cats make for great companions.

Scottish Fold

Famous for those rounded ears and big ole eyes, this feline is a curious and amiable character.

“You know how it is with cats: They don’t really have owners, they have staff.”

— PC Cast

Cool Facts About Cats

Bet you didn’t know these feline fun facts.

House cats share 95.6% of their genetic makeup with tigers.

There is evidence that suggest that cats predated Ancient Egyptians by 4,000 years.

Isaac Newton invented the cat flap to stop his cat “Spithead” from opening the door to his darkroom and ruining light-sensitive experiments.

“A cat will be your friend, but never your slave.”

— Theophile Gautier

Adopt a Cat Today

If you are interested in Cat Adoptions, Check out these resources.

Market Report RVA

Yes, I have seen the rise of the interest rates. Yes, I have acknowledged the low inventory of housing here in Richmond. And yes, I cannot be uber positive about you FHA’ers. This is a strange market, as there was a significant lull up until the beginning of the month and although that change has been in the financing realm, I’m starting to see the past frenzy of over askings and inflated prices happening again.

I am also starting to see the Inspection returning, which in my opinion and as a Buyer’s Specialist, is a comfort. More people are moving here whether it’s for the jobs, for diversity, affordability or just how cool we are. The mixed use constructions around the city are becoming a stamp on the growth we are seeing and I wonder, just how fast are we growing? Traffic at 3:44pm is telling a story!

So, here’s a look at the overall tri-city picture. I’m always happy to sit with you and explain these stats or talk to you about your plans and how this all affects your home selling or buying plans.

Love Shack Baby!

There you are, minding your own business and then they walk into the room. They walk towards you—cue slo-mo. You sheepishly bat those lashes, they confidently go in for the kiss. You smile and then quickly reject potential kiss to present the pile of dishes in the sink they forgot to do this morning before leaving for work. Not today sweety, not today.

This is just a typical scene of couples cohabitating. ANYONE who says it’s so easy to live with someone else is either a liar or has found some long lost unicorn in some foreign land. Rainbows aside, living together takes finesse, patience, and boundaries. Buying or renting a home together also has its various challenges. So let’s explore.

The Six Month Rule

In high school, my psych teacher taught me a valuable lesson (thanks, Mr. Pillow). Every relationship changes at six months. Six months is the period where you are contemplating a life with this person. It is the time when the infatuation ends and the observations begin. It’s when you’ll notice everything from the way they sip their coffee to the way they manage their money. Keep this in mind for later…

Your Place or Mine?

As time rolls and the relationship becomes deeper with sleepovers becoming more frequent, the “Let’s live together” convo happens. This is a crucial part of the relationship and where things become wide open. it’s mostly justified in financial terms, saving money and all, but it also comes down to not wanting to be apart from your person for too long. So comes the decision on who will be cohabitating with whom. This is where you consider the size of a place, the location, and the ability to house pets. Do they own or do they rent? It gets a bit risky in this instance.

My House, My Rules

If you are moving in with someone who owns their own place, there are some things you should know. They have a routine, a home routine. They aren’t used to having your dirty laundry mixed in with theirs or your soy milk inhabiting the fridge. You might like to wake up at 5am for Yoga Sundays at the foot of the bed and they might like late night hangs with their guests at home. Be aware of these things and open up that communication when considering living in someone else’s home. Love or not, this can be a deal breaker situation. I’ve seen many a relationship fall apart over spilt toothpaste and leaving just one slice of bread in the bag. Talk about everything from eating habits to cleaning routines to cultural routines (there must be rice in the house at all times!)

(Our) House

This scenario entails a relationship that is potentially in it to win it. You’ve been dating almost a year, and they had planned on buying a home. Are you to be buying with them or will they become your landlord? I’ve seen a few couples go through this—they are both renting, one has plans to buy, the other can’t buy. due to low credit or inconsistent job history. It can be sticky because it’s not just a committed relationship, but a committed financial and transactional relationship. Sure, you can hear the wedding bells in a far off distance, but you’re also still considering the “what ifs”.

To the person buying the house, I’m going to go with my mom’s advice—always be prepared for the worst case scenario. I’ve seen some pretty ugly breakups and there can be challenges depending on what type of agreement you have. This is also a conversation to be had, hard or not, you don’t want to a) get stuck with a mortgage you can’t possibly pay on your own, b) have an ugly court battle, or c) have to give up the house all together. Always have a contract between you. I know it’s not the most romantic endeavor, but it is one that will keep you and your heart safe. Look, I’m rooting for you here, but remember communication is key in every relationship, in addition to reality checks.

Crossing the Threshold

“The average cost of a wedding in 2021 was $28,000 (including the ceremony and reception), according to The Knot's 2021 Real Weddings Study.” - Nerdwallet

That’s more than a downpayment most times. I think this is solid advice, and coming from someone who paid $25K for their first wedding. If I had to go back, I would opt for owning a home. Couples just starting out, be smart—do you want to begin wedded bliss in debt or would you rather start building some equity together? Think about what a wedding means to you and whether having an extravagant affair trumps having your very own home. In addition, think of the money you will be saving for the possible wedding of your dreams. Put a ring on it and build for your future together.

Happily Ever After

No matter how you decide to cohabitate, the wisest advice I can give is to talk to each other about what living together will look like. Discuss everything from who will take the dog out to the tourettes you seem to get while sleeping. As I said, it is not easy living with someone you love, sometimes more difficult than family. Have plans, make cohabitation contracts, respect each other’s space, and love and be loved where you live. Happy Hunting!

Trekking Solo

The month of February can be brutal for some. Some us who don’t wish to celebrate a Hallmark inspired holiday, glorifying how unloved we feel. So, from someone who has been through that, I would like to suggest falling in love—with a trip. I find traveling to be the remedy for heartbreak, like, go fall in love with a place not a person. The rewards will be better than any candlelit dinner or chocolates, I promise.

What I like about solo travel is that it opens you up to possibilities rather than adhere you to someone else’s itinerary or mood swings. Whether you choose to commune with nature or go for a foreign jaunt, traveling alone is liberating, rewarding, and gives you time to get to know yourself. Are you ready?

Pick a Destination. Make it fun, put all your bucket list destinations in a hat (mind you, just put those that fit your current budget), and choose!

Timing. Pick your date. Do you have to take time off of work? How long do you want to go for? Make sure you don’t have anything planned during that time like an upcoming wedding or shower.

Plan. Now that you have a destination, consider it’s locality. What are your necessities? How will you travel? Do you need inoculations or passports?

Book. Book your transportation, your lodgings, your restaurants, and any museums/events you plan on doing. This will save you standing in line or missing out on a wishlist item. AirBnB’s have been the best lodging experience I’ve had traveling unless you know someone where you are going. This allows you to get to know a neighborhood, meet someone local, and save money on food and lodging.

Research. Create a Google map and pin all the places you would like to see on your trip, even those you may not get to. Moods change. Make sure you see how walkable it is from your lodging or what the transportation options are (taxis, Ubers, trains, busses)

See Off-the-Beaten Path Stuff. Don’t be a tourist, check out some unconventional things and gain a new experience. Listen to the locals, talk with them, they always have cool suggestions.

Learn the Language. If you are traveling abroad learn a few phrases before going. DuoLingo is great for this. Things like, “Do you speak English?”, “Where is the bathroom?” “I’m lost, can you help me?”, and how to order food and drink are big ones. Most places, you will find English speakers, but ALWAYS be considerate to other people’s culture and language, that includes within the states (yes, Southerners and Yanks do things differently). We now have apps that can help you like Google translate.

Dressing. The biggest advice for packing is don’t pack too much. You’ll wear less than half the clothes you bring. Don’t forget these:

• Mix-and-match ensembles will make your luggage lighter and give you the ability to buy something there if you wish.

• A dress up look with shoes or a day-to-night look. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out all day and then I get invited to a dinner with no time to go back and dress.

• Dudes, bring a dinner jacket (nothing says American like shorts and flip flops)

• Don’t forget the bathing suit for hotel pools, rivers/lakes, and hot tubs.

• Weather appropriate clothes.

• A comfortable bag you can walk around with. I suggest cross body bags to deter any places with pickpockets.

Get Lost. If you are traveling in a city, take a day off and get lost. Sometimes not having a plan will help you discover real beauty or stumble across a treasure. DO NOT plan too many things in a day, give time for rests or just chilling.

Journal. Write about your travels, what you see, what you ate, who you met. I promise it is the most rewarding thing to go back years ahead and read about your experience. It is unique to you and others will be able to share in that experience.

Ladies. If you do travel solo, always be aware of your surroundings and know where you are. Once again do research. There is a great blog for you solo lady travelers called I Am AiLeen. Tell someone where you are going in case you are going a la “off grid”.

Check Your Vehicle. If you are traveling by car, make sure to get a checkup before you leave. Check the oil, tire pressure, bring a gas container, check your windshield wipers, and brakes.

Eat. Be adventurous. I hated olives until I went to Spain. Pickled herring is also not as bad as it sounds. Try all the local famous foodstuffs.

Do a Tour. I am not a fan of guided tours, but one which is customized to your interests or a smaller group is the way to go. You’ll learn a lot more from it. If you happen to go to Paris, I highly suggest paying the money to go on a tour with Art Journey, this isn’t your parent’s guided tour.

Go on a Date. Yeah, I said it. Get on that dating app and find someone who can give you a first hand tour of where you are, no-strings-attached. Be up front about it, have fun with it. You might make new friends!

Lastly, here are some essential items to bring on your trip:

• Umbrella or Raincoat

• Always bring a Jacket!

• A First Aid Kit

• Comfortable and Supportive Shoes

• Medications (although they are cheaper outside the US)

• Adapters if traveling outside the country

• Wireless phone charger

The hardest thing for a lot of people is to do things by themselves, especially after a breakup. Traveling will allow you to do this easily because you are distracted by the sites and sounds of something new. Your date with a new destination will be your honeymoon for one and frankly, sometimes the best dates are about exploring a new canvas. Happy Travels!

Establishing Trust

I’m going to get a little personal here, but I think it’s good information for all those going through the same thing. Recently, a family member was diagnosed with dementia. This person is totally of sound mind right now, but we’ve run into some snags along this process. One being, they have only one child, and that child, as horrific as it may be, has decided that they want no part in their parent’s short or long term care leaving that responsibility to other members of the family.

This person is now dealing with a serious challenge(s) and it got me to thinking about how it will all resolve upon the worsening of their condition. They have no plan in place for one thing. This person is well into their 70s and with the assumption that their spawn would take care of them, is now left to their own devices. No will. No long term care plan. No real money to get them the help they might need once their faculties decline. So, now I think about my own parents, and myself for that matter. My parents are completely prepared for their final curtain calls, much to my guilt as their child. As I approach mid-century existence, it prompted me to yet again, read the fine print of adulthood, the next phase. I mean, who doesn’t want to take care of their moms and pops when they can’t do it themselves any longer? Isn’t it our responsibility as their children to take the reins on this and how many of us can feasibly do this? I save this for another discussion, back to it…

My family member is combatting the end of their independence which can be devastating, not to mention the denial aspect of the sickness to begin with. They sit on a 1500+ sq ft home on a double corner lot in a very desired school district. No power of attorney identified and no desire to leave their home. They are starting to have a hard time remembering where things are—ie. the deed to the house. The responsibility for their medical has been established, but what of their assets? It’s a legit concern and one I think about for not only my parents, but myself. It’s not always going to be us they choose.

Estate planning was never on my radar, but I have an Attorney friend who specializes in this type of law, and I was able to get some good tips about some simple ways to do this. Incidentally, when I thought about “estate”, it leads me to think of someone who has many assets or a wealthy state of being, but I’ve learned that this is not really the case most times. It’s about being prepared for the unexpected. The best thing to do is plan ahead and find a local attorney who can guide you through the process with ease to save you time, money, and familial emotional upheaval.

Here are the key points:

Establish a Living Trust. Wills aren’t always effective plans when distributing assets. It’s recommended to do a Living Trust, which basically means the beneficiaries you name in your living trust receive the trust property when you die and you can manage it while you are still living without the process of probate.

What is this probate you speak of? Probate is the official proving and recording of the will as the authentic and valid last will and testament of the deceased. It is time consuming, can be costly, and messy.

Establish a Fiduciary. This person can be a trusted family member. They will manage your assets and financials when you cannot. Make sure you put everything from the phone bill to your insurance on the list. Listing your assets and assigning them is also a good way to be prepared.

Establish Beneficiaries. These will be the individuals or the estate itself that will benefit from your assets. Be specific and everything from insurance policies to the dog should be assigned.

Establish Power of Attorney. This one is important, especially if you become unexpectedly incapacitated mentally. They will help you manage your financial and medical decisions when you cannot, but will also save a family member from an arduous process. If something unexpected happens to you and you, what are your wishes for your property? Sell, rent, pass along to a family member, etc.

Hire an Attorney who will guide you. Attorneys that specialize in this realm will help you save time and money. They will also help you establish your estate in a more private atmosphere.

For more information, feel free to check out some FREE information on Mr. Nance’s website, he has some good tips to follow.

Flying the Coop

So your nest is empty, but is downsizing right for you? The kids just graduated from college and you are now looking at life from a different lens. It is a lot to think about getting rid of a home that holds memories and space that you’ve been accustomed to for some time, so where to begin and is it the right choice for you?

Manageability. Do you really need a 3,000 sq ft of home at this time? Maybe you want something that is lower maintenance that won’t require as many man hours to keep up, like the yard and the cleaning and the home improvements on an older home.

Location. Location. Location. I’ve recently noticed a lot of older individuals moving into more urban properties. Perhaps you’ve grown weary of your evolving neighborhood. Maybe there aren’t a lot of activities to do there and you are looking for more walkability. Location is important when you are wanting more out of your home.

Absent but not Absent Minded. You are finally ready to go on your own adventure and whether it is traveling the world or becoming the snow bird you’ve always dreamed of, selling your home could be part of that equation.

Cash Prize. Downsizing could be a smart move if it makes for a lower mortgage payment. Extra cash means extra fun for you or pragmatically, strategize your long term care plan. It can also reduce utility bills and reduce unnecessary clutter.

Help Out the Youth. With inventory as low as it has been, buyers are eager to snatch up real estate as though it was the last roll of toilet paper during Covid times. Consider the ease of selling.

It Ain’t Just for the Old. Anytime anyone mentions downsizing, the image of an elderly couple waving goodbye to their children conjures, but honestly you may be downsizing for a variety of reasons including divorce, financial distress, or a change in lifestyle.

I Can Drive at 55. 55 is not an age I consider old, especially since I’m so close to it. Downsizing to a 55+ community could be an opportunity to make new friends, have some nice amenities, lower maintenance, and enjoy lower costs.

There are many reasons for downsizing and depending on where you are in your life will determine if this is the best option for you. It is time for you to dream and think of all the possibilities of not being tied down to something you may have needed out of necessity. I’m always here to help and ease the transition.

National Lender Professionals Month: Proving Your Worth

I am not a numbers gal. I was really bad at Math—surprisingly good at Algebra though, go figure. Anyway, when people mention numbers to me, my eyes kinda glass over and I start thinking about donuts. I know you are so excited about buying a home. You’ve got your showing shoes on and your vision board in tow, but honestly the first thing you should do before even contacting an agent is finding out what your budget is going to be. Why? Well it saves both you and I time. I cannot tell you how many clients I’ve shown $400K homes to, but they could only afford at $300K house. A lender will also give you the foresight to see what those monthly payments are going to look like. So if you are making a $1,200 monthly rental payment and that’s your max, then you definitely don’t want to look at homes that will give you a $2,300 monthly payment.

Finding a good mortgage lender is more than just finding the one with the best mortgage rate. A good mortgage lender will:

• Explain things clearly and will assess your financial abilities to purchase a home

• They will provide you with options for different mortgages that will suit your needs

• They will be responsive in their process

• They will be good teammates with your Agent. If you are already working or know your Agent, they will usually have a good referral

• They will be a good fit for you. You have to work closely and also be tr

Mortgages, Taxes. Insurance. All these things are tied into your loan and a lender can explain how all this works out financially. And let’s be honest here, this is a big life changing investment, you don’t want just anyone handling your loan approval. When I got into this business, I had several clients ask me questions about the listing and buying process—easy peasy, but then when buyers ask about the loan process, that was a little more challenging on my end. Here’s a little help:

To Download, Click Infographic

If you are thinking about buying a home, the best point of action is to start planning. Talk to a lender today and call me when you’re ready! Let’s do this!

The Schizzo Market

I was scratching my head thinking about what I was going to write about this month. So many of my clients, friends, and acquaintances ask me about the market. Currently the market is an unpredictable schizophrenic and truth be told, I’ve always known it as being highly competitive, multiple offer situations, and disheartened buyers walking way in tears because $100K over is too rich for their blood—and mine.

We’ve had this very strong, very long lasting market, but as with all things, change is inevitable. We are seeing drastic dives in home sales, the 24 hour sale is becoming a little sluggish, and the question of are or aren’t we in a recession is prevalent. It’s all connected, from the war in Ukraine to the record high eviction rates to the pandemic, we’re now playing tug of war.

Housing prices aren’t lowering that’s for sure and demand is still up there. Inventory is getting a little better, as we are seeing more listings pop up. Yes, folks, those Realtor letters filling your mailbox is no mistake. It’s an ideal situation for all those moving out of RVA or downsizing, but you first timers are feeling the sting of your outbidded tears still.

The best advice I can give to any first time home buyer is patience. If you can’t buy right, open up a savings account and stick it all in there and continue to build those funds because this won’t last forever and interest rates will lower again. What I find helpful in these times is to talk to lenders. The money people have great ways to guide and also give great information on what’s happening on their end.

Two of my most recommended lenders are Mark Horton and Octavio Wilson. Mark knows his stuff and is very good about informing clients and Octavio is equally as good, but with my Spanish speakers. Mark has a podcast that is proving to be quite informational and also a way to ask questions without the commitment of sitting in an office when you are unsure about what you are doing. Check out his videos and feel free to reach out to him or my other preferred lender, Olivia Smith and plan, plan, plan. Then come talk to me and I’ll do the rest!

Check out and subscribe to Mark’s podcast:

Only In My Dreams

Laundry/Utility Room with Dog Washing Station (Yes, Please)

We all have dreams. I’ve been dreaming of my dream house before Barbie had hers! When I show houses, I find it interesting what people find to be desirable features. There are times when the lack of these coveted components will make or break a sale. I once had a buyer who refused to look at any homes where the bedroom was near any of her children’s rooms and one client really wanted a dumbwaiter. I personally would love a home with a library, but hey, I’m still dreaming.

Everyone has different tastes, but trends in buying change either from demographic to demographic or what HGTV tells them it is. So I decided to do some research in finding what buyers find the most yearned for features in a home currently. I also asked my Facebook friends out of curiosity!

A Room for an Office
Thanks Covid! As most of us have jobs and bosses who realize working from home is just, if not more productive. This has become a very desired amenity.

Eco-Friendly
83% of Buyers Want ENERGY STAR-rated Windows. Climate change is finally becoming trendy! Seriously though, clients are starting to ask for these type of eco-friendly features. From solar panels to energy efficient lighting to garden areas, homes built for saving the planet will soon become permanent fixtures.

Hardwood Floors
This still ranks pretty high on the list. More than 80% of buyers want hardwoods and I have literally had clients run at the sight of carpet. If you are selling and there are hardwoods underneath, get ready to rip some carpet out.

Hidden Appliance Storage (I need this in my life) - Houzz

Granite, Quartz, and Marble
Buyers want these materials in their kitchen and prefer countertops that will last and not stain.

The Downstairs Main Bedroom Suite
I’m finding more buyer are looking for this desired trait and I’m finding newer homes that has implemented this or the downstairs full bath. Transitional home buying, people want to think of their forever homes as fitting their growing needs.

No Sweat! A Home Sauna - Realtor.com

Laundry
Everyone wants a laundry room or a dedicated area for laundry. Whether people want up or down, I’m not able to say for sure. I can tell you that I prefer up. I don’t want to have to carry loads of laundry upstairs!

Outdoor Living Spaces
This one can also be attributed to our friend Covid. People really want patios and wrap arounds to hang out on and having outdoor lighting to enhance the experience.

Open Floor Plans
People are still loving this. Being in all the places at once seems to continue to be a solid want for buyers.

More Storage Areas

Renovated Kitchens and Bathrooms
They want it! The two most sellable rooms in a house.

Storage in General
Walk-in closets, garages/sheds/workshops, pantries, and shelving are all winners. People want to be able to not see their stuff!

Pot fillers are becoming quite popular and double basin sinks are ranking up there as well. An honorable mention to powder rooms and built-ins. Sellers, if you plan on listing your home, keep these in mind as they can increase the value of your home.

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Here’s what my FB Family said they wanted in the home:

Zero lawn. None. No weeding, no trimming, no mowing, nothing. Just a door I walk into that has my stuff inside it. Like the house in Gretel and Hansel. Or the one at the end of Contempt. - Nathan T.

• An Outdoor Bathroom

• More Storage

• Low Maintenance

• High Ceilings

• Bigger Kitchens

• Acreage

• Vaulted / Coffered Ceiling

• Some Character

• Hardwoods Throughout

• Pot Filler

• Butler’s Pantry

• Sauna

• Secret Room (ding ding)

• Cast Iron Tub

• Light, light and more natural light!

• Finished Attic/Basement

• Pools

• Fireplaces

• Sun Rooms

• More kitchen counter space

• A Proper Mudroom

• A Laundry Chute

• Patio/Covered Outdoor Area

• Smart Flow Kitchen

• Coffee Bar Area

“A GARAGE.”

— said Everyone

Making Moves

I have lived in 27 places in my life. That’s a lot of moves. Each move I lost something, each move I broke something, and each move I acquired something new. Let’s be honest, moving sucks. It’s usually hot and as you get older, your friends seem to take vacation on that very date. The only time I loved moving was when the company that hired me to move back to Virginia packed up my stuff and delivered it to my new loft apartment. That was golden, but those other 26 moves were brutal.

This month is #NationalMovingMonth and it’s the busiest moving month of the year. Here are some crucial tips to help you get moving (in particular order).

Box It Up

• Get Rid of It! The very first thing you need to do is PURGE. Get rid of anything you haven’t used in 5-10 years. You’re not going to miss it, I promise. Donate to your local church or Goodwill or have yourself a garage sale and make some extra dough. Also purge your fridge, throw away anything close to it’s expiration date or has exceeded it.

• Boxes. If you are going to use recycled ones, make sure they are those boxes that your office paper come in or boxes from the ABC Store. These, I find work the best., but make sure to keep them as uniform as possible. Otherwise, buy in bulk and consider specialty boxes for TVs and artwork.

• Order your moving company or line up those friends with trucks. Make sure you confirm dates and book in advance. These guys get busy quick and if you are hiring a friend, make sure there won’t be any last minute ditches, give them plenty of time to plan it all out. Get several different quotes and see if you have discounts like AAA.

• Pack room by room. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve mixed the bathroom with the kitchen and I’m unpacking spatulas in the bathtub. Label all your boxes clearly and make sure FRAGILE is in big bold red marker! Make inventory lists per box and tape them to the box if you want to get real Type A about it.

• Heavy items like books go on the bottom. Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter ones in larger boxes.

How To Guide

• Wrap your glass items carefully. I like to actually use towels/linens for this and to use to fill in empty gaps with the same to keep things from moving around.

• Pack a bag with clean clothes, essentials, and important docs. Who knows when you’ll be able to get to these after a move.

• Practice Tetris. Seriously, outlining the back of your moving truck can help save time and energy and help you organize things. Just get some tape and map out your measurements in your house.

• Keep Clothes on Hangers. You would think it would be easier to take your clothes off of hangers and pack them, but leave them on the hangers, rubber band them in groups and slip over garbage bags to protect them. Voila!

• Make sure you schedule your utilities. You don’t want to be moving in the dark or not be able to take a much needed hot shower.

• Invest in bubble and shrink wrap!

• Make sure you take the shades off of lamps, legs off of tables, and remove drawers.

• Invest in a dolly and ramp, it will help your back and save you time. Consider making a ramp to get heavy objects upstairs. Physics, people, physics!

• Make sure all toiletries are tightly closed and ziplocked. Not fun finding shampoo all over your box of facial creams and hairbrushes.

• Pack small things in empty containers like pots. This is a space saver!

• Here is a big one and one I did on my last move. Take photos of your electronic setups. TRUST ME, you do not want to hook up your speakers to your router. In addition to this, wires should be neatly wrapped and labeled. I found this really cool hack that will keep them all organized and easy to pack.

• Early morning moves are more encouraged. Get it done and over so you can sit in the AC and unpack. Once that sun gets going, it gets harder. Of course we can’t always choose when we are going to move. If you look at the forecast and it’s going to rain on moving day, you might want to pack up a few days earlier.

• HYDRATE! Make sure you and your team are hydrated and also, if your friend is helping you out, make sure they are taken care of with food and drinks.

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What are some of your favorite moving tips? Feel free to share in the comments section. If you have an exceptional agent (ahem), they will set things up for you and give you good recommendations on moving companies. Some, even will provide their own moving truck for your convenience. No matter what your move entails, welcome to a new beginning!

Just Going to Powder My, Er Wig?

Before the phrase “powder my nose” came into fashion, “powder my wig” was the historical origin. Powder rooms were for privately dowsing talcum on the wigs of the wealthy. Then it wasn’t until makeup became mainstream that more popular term came to use. Today, they are your guests respite from game day, your friend’s pause from Rosé sipping, or a quick once over before leaving the house.

The powder room. Small in size, conveniently located, and you’ll never have to show your guest the variety of toiletries you keep on your vanity or the pile of laundry on your bed. Half baths are not just real estate selling points or a convenient pit stop during your event, these little hidden accommodations can be the highlight of your home. Don’t flush that creativity, powder rooms are made to stand out!

Adding Some Texture and Contrast

You can add some texture by installing wainscoting, battened, or bead board. You can do it easily, and pairing it with contrasting colored or wallpapered walls make for a great effect.

Get Dramatic

I like going into a powder room that has some effect. Whether it’s a moody color or fun wallpaper, your half bath can be a tiny retreat worth Covid handwashing time.

Barker Associates Architecture

Sinks and Features

You don’t have to have traditional white all the time. From texture to color, you can adorn your powder room with cool patterns, modern features in various finishes, and choose from a variety of styles when it comes to sinks and / or toilets. Don’t flush your creativity away!

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Take A Seat

Artwork can definitely bring some cool to your powder room. Entertain your guests with some fun potty mouthed humor or class it up with some vintage botanical artwork. Leave encouraging messages for your friends or show off your bathroom fixture schemas.

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Custom Neon Lights will add some fun!

Print and frame your own toilet art.

Let’s See Them Hands

In the age of Covid, we all want our guests to be hygienically aware, so whether you choose a one towel hang or a basket full, make sure you have plenty of absorbent ones on hand. Apparently, Turkish is the best. Hand towels are a prefect way to pop some color in there.

Urinate and Look Great!

Mirrors are great solutions to giving your powder room some illusioned space. They are also a great accessory, because let’s be honest, we use it half the time to freshen up before a good makeout session, a one last look before leaving for the office, or to make sure there’s nothing in our teeth after dinner. Let’s not forget about lighting, from sconces to pendants, lighting your half bath can bring out it’s style and leave you and your guests feeling their best!

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Equip Your Half-Bath

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been to a party and found myself in my host’s powder room and needed the following things: safety pin, mouthwash, tampon, a bandaid…having your powder room equipped for your guests is not just a nice gesture, but also will allow you to do more hosting with less interruption. Make sure they are on display. Some guests might find it invasive snooping in drawers and cabinets. Here are few things to consider when getting supplies:

• An Unscented or pleasant scented lotion (Coconut, Lavender and Shea are the best choices)

• An Antibacterial Soap (my favorite is Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap)

• Bandaids

• Floss

• Mouthwash with small cups

• Tampons/Sanitary Napkins (guys this will win you points)

• Brush/Comb

• Reading Material (Some Examples)

• Plenty of Toilet Paper

• A container of Safety Pins

• Tide To Go Stain Remover (All those wine spills)

• Wet Wipes

• Deodorant

• Scissors

• Odor Control (Poo-Pourri Toilet Spray is one of my faves)

• Bobbi Pins

• Lint Brush

For more Powder Room Ideas, visit:

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Listing Commandment: Thou Shall Update

When I go on a Listing appointment, I have to be honest with my clients. If I were one myself, I surely wouldn’t want my agent to skirt around issues that may not be helpful in selling my house. Depending on the age and lived in status of your home, I usually suggest “improvements” to add value to your sale. Look, I know you don’t like homework. I get it, all you want to do is sell your house with minimal efforts and move on. As with all things this big in life, it is always good to plan ahead.

Kitchens and Bathrooms. It’s the two things in a home that most people pay the closest attention to when buying a house. They can be costly renovations from anywhere of $15K and upward. Any renovation can put a strain on your wallet, but some quick and simple amendments to your home can change the overall value of it. So ask yourself, do you want to get the greatest value for your home? I’d say, “duh”.

Here are a few suggestions to help enhance your home sale:

Painting is easy, a fresh coat of neutral paint goes a long way!

Radiators. If your radiators are no longer usable. Drain them and get rid of them. This will add space and ability to switch furniture around.

Windows. If you have any non functioning or broken windows, go ahead and replace them. This tends to show up on appraisal reports.

Update Light Fixtures. Take out those “boob” lights and replace them with modern chandeliers or pendant lights. If you have rooms that don’t have overhead lighting, seek to add it.

Repairs. If the toilet is broken, have it fixed. If you know of a roof leak, have it repaired. If little Johnny put his foot in the wall while pretending to be a Thundercat, mend it. If there are lights without bulbs or don’t work, fix it. Damage or non-working fixtures that will cause a buyer’s eye to wander can be easily replaced.

Borders. You bought in the 90’s and you never got rid of that kitchen floral border. My mom has this in three different rooms, I told her to remove it already!

Wallpaper. Wallpaper is a pretty chic addition these days, but if your wallpaper is from the 70’s giving you flashbacks of Aunt Mabel’s Jello casserole, you may want to get rid of it.

Carpet. If there are hardwoods, expose them. You can easily check this by simply pulling up a corner using a butter knife. I cannot tell you how many houses I show where buyers ask if there is hardwood underneath. If it was a newish installed carpet, have them steam cleaned. If you have dull looking hardwoods, have them refinished to give it a whole new refresh.

Dated Appliances and Systems. Find stainless at the Scratch n’ Dent or Marketplace, or you can check out some local estate sales and find some gently used ones. Replace old (15+ years) Heating and cooling systems as well as water heaters and washer/dryers with updated ones. You don’t want a buyer who enters a freezing cold living room during showings. The more energy efficient the better.

Cabinets. If you don’t replace them, paint them for a quick update. You can also add some nice pulls and handles to give it an extra oomph.

Countertops and Backsplashes. Consider replacing countertops with Quartz or Granite and add a tile backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom to add some color or texture to it.

Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures. Everything’s coming up brass/gold/black these days, so my suggestion would be to replace faucet, showerheads, towel racks, drawer/cabinet pulls with something elegant and modern. Just make sure it’s cohesive per room.

Source: Houzz

Create a functional foyer. If you have an actual foyer, make it functional. Add a makeshift mudroom, under stairs storage or pet kennel, or simply adding some contrast by battening the walls or adding wallpaper to your stairwell can enliven your entryway.

Add Built-ins. People love a flanked fireplace with built-ins. Consider your space and whether this would be a nice feature to add to your home’s look.

Add a patio or deck. This can be an inexpensive feat that will create an inviting option for potential buyers and add value. Who doesn’t love outdoor entertaining.

Sheds. Simply organizing a workshed to show off space and functionality can be beneficial. If you can recreate it into a home office, that would be highly desirable to a lot of buyers these days.

Other Simple Improvements

Ceiling Fans. If these are dated, replace them with more modern looking ones.

Replace Vinyl Flooring. Adding tile floors to bathrooms and kitchens is always a desired feature.

Knock out a wall. If it’s feasible to create an open space, do it. That particular floor plan has not died out.

Add Shelving. Add shelving to your laundry room if it doesn’t have it. Take out wire shelving in walk-ins and replace it with wooden ones. Gives it a whole other look.

Basements. Consider finishing it off, it’ll add to your square footage and can be marketed easily.

Spruce up your front porch. You want potential buyers to see themselves here and the front being the first impression, sets the mood for the entire showing. Fresh paint, nice seating, add a porch swing, some plants/flowers, update your house numbers, whatever will attract the neighbors for afternoon iced tea is the ticket.

Mailboxes. If your mailbox is falling off or looks like it’s still gets Reader’s Digest, upgrade it. There are many unique and pretty ones out there.

Front Doors. Paint them, it’ll make the front of your house look more attractive.

Landscaping. Mowed and black mulch will create quick and easy curb appeal. Add flowers for full effect.

Lastly, there are many things I ask clients to do before putting their houses on the market that include thinning it out, professional cleanings, stagings, getting rid of personal items, and so forth. It’s how I earn that commission check. A good agent will give you a tasklist and will be available for questions. A good agent also provides trustworthy resources to assist you in prepping your home for sale. Feel free to contact me and I’m happy to do a consult with you regarding the sale of your home.

Street Cred - What's the Plan Stan?

Credit. I used to fear this word. For me, I used to hear this word and associated it with word like “debt”, “collections”, and “whomp whomp”. Some people have a more positive reaction to credit — discount, trust, Free Man! When I hear my potential clients say, “I have bad credit,” I follow that up with, “Do you know what your credit score is?” to which they reply, “It’s probably pretty bad.”

The point is, most people might think they have bad credit, I for one thought I did for a while, until I bit the bullet and started talking to lenders for my plan to purchase a home. Turns out I actually had decent credit. I think people just get scared when credit scores start to get pulled. I cannot tell you how many collection agencies I had to duck and hide from while in college and early adulting. I say with anything and everything you desire in life, go get it. Make it happen!

Some of you may not even know what a bad or a good credit score looks like or what is looked at when we are talking about the loaning of money. So here are few things you should know when you get started:

• Before talking to a lender, pull your own credit score. It’s easy and it will show you what is amiss. You can do it at: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action for free. Know that there is a culmination of three credit reports coming from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.

• What’s the magic number? You want a credit score of 620 or higher to apply for a loan.

• What do I do if I want to improve my score? Pay off debt, even if it’s just a little bit at a time, the activity will improve your score, especially those in delinquent status. Those are first priority.

• Do not open new lines of credit or close existing lines of credit, this can hurt your credit score.

• Get a savings account. If you are really serious about buying a house, start saving, it’s a good plan of action and will help you with your financial security.

• It is a good idea to have some sort of credit when applying for a loan. Get a credit card with a spending limit and use it for gas or groceries and pay it off on time, this will build your credit history.

• Pay your bills on time and try and pay more than the minimum payment due on any credit cards.

You are ultimately trying to change your debt-to-income ratio. Decrease your debt, improve your score, have a stockpile for your future down payment. It might take six months or up to a year, depending on your debt, but strive and make a plan so you can enjoy the benefits of home ownership. Good luck and start saving!

If you are ready to take that step, talk to a few lenders that can guide you and help you with your plan. They can answer all your financial questions and help you understand the loan process. Don’t get discouraged and don’t fear the information presented to you. Then you call me and the fun will really begin!

All the House is a Stage

To stage or not to stage, that is the question.

I get asked all the time on listing appointments whether it is a good idea to stage. In the past, I have always been adamant about not staging a home. Why? Well, in my humble opinion, I like to let buyers use the blank canvas to work out what they see their home to be. I also like them to see how much space they are getting. What have I learned in recent experience? People lack vision.

Sometimes buyers have a hard time imagining what the home is going to look like with their artwork on the walls and their furniture placed about. I went on a listing appointment recently where i did bring a staging consultant in and I was impressed to say the least. I think for me I get tired of seeing the same layouts and themes, and so me, as an individual don’t see it as “homey” or “lived in”. Finding a stager who brings personality, warmth and charm is important because lots of people are still actually living in their homes while listing, but also need to have their homes look attractive for showings.

Having a stager also nudges sellers to start organizing and prompts them to get rid of things they no longer need within the home. I always tell my clients, “less is more”. When buyers come in or I’m working with them, I want them to have their line of site clear of obstructions. I like for them to see that placing a chair from this wall to a corner, will create space. I want them to utilize their unique furnishings and decor without making it look to personalized. And yes, I know how difficult is for someone to come into your home that you’ve loved and lived in comfortably and directly tell you all the things that should go. But then again, it’s getting you used to the idea that, this is a chapter that is ending and you have a new one to look forward to and trust me, your home is going to look like the beauty siren it needs to be to ensure a quick sale.

“Staging can get your home sold faster, too. According to HomeAdvisor, homes that have been staged spend between 33% and 50% less time on the market. That not only means getting the proceeds of a home sale faster but also spending less money on added expenses such as a rental or storage unit while you wait for the sale to happen.”

— FORBES, 2021

Here are a few tips when considering staging:

• Purge. Organize. Declutter. - I cannot stress this enough, if you want your house to look attractive, get rid of overflowing tchotchke shelves, filled to the brim closets, overcrowded bathroom vanities (nobody wants to see your gnarled haired razors or makeup infested counters). This also makes it a lot easier and more efficient for if you do hire a stager.

• Hire a Professional Consult - Some agents use a preferred stager (myself included), but getting an expert to walk through the house to see what they are working with and making notes for you to do the staging yourself or having them do it, can be incredibly valuable. Some agents even include this in their services and pay the few hundred dollars themselves.

• Buy it Cheap - baskets, glass vases, fruit, artwork, etc are all things that can highlight your home when listing. Check out the dollar store or a thrift store to purchase these items.

• Include Landscaping - Yes, even the exterior of your house should be staged. Fresh mulch, colorful flowers, a bistro set on the porch are all things you can do to increase curb appeal.

• Consider the Olfactory - smell is important when staging a home, especially if you have pets! Coffee, boiled lavender or cinnamon, simple scented candles (ex. fresh linen, apple pie, pumpkin spice or vanilla)

• Change out Your Air Filters - people always forget about these but changing them out and also opening windows to let air circulate is a good rule of thumb

• Professional Cleaners - I swear by them before listing. They will get rid of dust, odors, and gook on the windows and mirrors. If you have carpets, get them steam cleaned right before listing. I cannot tell you how many houses I’ve shown and the carpets are disgusting and smell bad.

• Cost - to stage a whole home can be expensive. It can be from $600 to upwards of $2,000+ which may or may not include setup and breakdown fees. Some stagers will allow for payment at closing, but most are upfront fees. Also, consider if you are using a storage unit to house your “clutter”, that’s an additional monthly fee.

I always wonder how many moms, dads, aunts, and real estate agents go through staged homes and say, “Oh, that’s a nice design feature.” or “My house is similar to this and I just love how they arranged this room.” I do it all the time. So, as much as I want you to list your house, you may just want a redesign of the one you have. Feel free to contact me and I can get you a consult scheduled with my preferred organizer/designer/stager.

Home Buying: 5 Thought Distortions

I just bought my first home. I’m not only a real estate agent, but an almost 50 year old first time homebuyer. One of the things I keep hearing and seeing people post about is their inability to believe they too can buy a house. Some of you out there—CAN!

Thought distortions are habitual ways of thinking that are often inaccurate and negatively biased. I hear a lot of them on a daily basis, usually from myself (trust me I’m working on this). When it comes to home ownership this is what I hear:

It’s Cheaper to Rent than Own.

Um. No way. I’ve rented the house I just bought for four almost five years. I have given my landlord approximately $65,000+. Unless you live somewhere like California, chances are your rent is going to a lot less than paying someone else’s mortgage. Besides, you can’t raise the rent on yourself when you have a fixed mortgage payment and aren’t you just itching to be able to paint your own walls and not live underneath someone?

Don’t I have to put like, 20% down??

This is no longer necessary First time home buying doesn’t require 20% these days and in some cases you can put as little as 0% down! You also have more options and incentives as a home buyer. For instance, did you know that you could qualify for grants and assistance from state and local agencies? I've had a few transactions where money was given to assist with down payment for as little as taking an online class.

Ugh, I don’t think it’s a good idea to start looking in the Winter.

WRONG. It’s one of the best times to start looking because guess what? Those insane bidding wars that happen over the Spring and Summer where little Johnny’s parents are trying to find a house before he starts school…well you don’t have to deal with that. You get more time to really look at things and not have the pressure of other buyers to make a high offer. Your negotiating power is also increased. I love showing houses in the Winter. It’s quiet and you get to see how cozy homes can be! Also, the right time to buy a house is when it’s right for you!

I’m going with this lender because they have the lowest interest rate.

NO NO. Just because a lender has a lower rate doesn’t mean they will be the best one for you. Finding a lender who is going to be transparent and trustworthy should be a priority. If your are initially pre-qualifying that rate isn’t etched in stone. It’s easy to ignore other things like lender origination fees, points, mortgage insurance premiums and third-party fees. Finding a lender that fits you and your long term needs is essential.

My credit is crap, I’ll never be able to buy a house .

Whomp whomp buttercup, lift your head up because that is just not true. Also, don’t go into house buying with that attitude or you’ll never own. Just because you have debt or you think your credit score isn’t up to snuff, doesn’t mean you’re dead in the water. With home buying you need a PLAN and your lender is going to help you get to where you need to be. Kinda like that Noom coach. When I hear people give this excuse for not buying, I think of my gymnastics coach, “We don’t say CAN’T here.”

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It’s easy to talk yourself out of things. I talk myself out of not buying a pair of shoes quite often. The key to all goals is to have a PLAN. Just the way one might approach weight loss for instance. You aren’t going to start with doing three sets of 100lb bench presses. You are going to set a goal and gradually accomplish the steps taken to get to that goal. You want a house, then make it happen. Here are some tips to get started.

Start with talking to a reputable lender, sometimes an agent can help with recommending one for you. The lender will guide you through the financials and tell you what your loan options are or what you need to get you more buying power.

Hire a good agent. Someone who listens well, who explains the process well, is knowledgeable, and who you fit with. Sometimes it ain’t gonna be your Realtor friend, Mark. Just make sure they work hard for you and understand your needs as a buyer. And most importantly, remember you don’t pay them, the seller does.

Don’t get discouraged. Nothing worth anything is easy in life, sometimes it takes a little bit of work, but the reward is worth it. We all know that. You have to be willing to stick to it and with the right agent by your side, your biggest cheerleader and your best advocate.

Know your limits. It’s exciting looking for homes, but sometimes you aren’t going to qualify for the home that has everything you want, and you need to accept that. Look for homes that are going to give you value and that you can live comfortably in. Your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home, remember that. Have some vision, think of what that home is going to be for you. We’re talking goals here people. Think of the trajectory.

So, what’s your thought distortion? Are you going to keep telling yourself no, or are you going to set out with a plan and make 2022 your year of home ownership? Need some help? I know someone who might be able to get you started 😉.