Karlee Ward

06/09/2023

If you're interested in donating hand written cards please reach out! Give back!

Thank you Karlee Ward NextHome Reliance for the beautiful donation of handmade cards for our senior bags. These cards will brighten their day.

06/07/2023

Buying a home can be a complex process and even more challenging when you have time constraints. But don't worry - there are ways to make the process smoother. Here are some tips to help you navigate the home buying process efficiently with time constraints.

Firstly, start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This will help you narrow down your search and give you an idea of what you can afford while strengthening your offer.

Next, clearly communicate your time constraints and priorities in a home. I can help you find homes that fit your needs and timeline.

Finally, be ready to act quickly when you find a home you like. Have all your documents ready and be prepared to make an offer when the right property comes along.

06/01/2023

Spring is here and it's the perfect time to showcase your home in its best light!

Here are some tips on how to stage your home for the summer months.

First, let the sunshine in by opening up your curtains and blinds. Natural light is a key element in making your home feel warm and inviting.

Next, add some pops of color with fresh flowers or bright accent pillows. This will create a cheerful and vibrant atmosphere.

And don't forget to take advantage of your outdoor space by setting up a cozy seating area or dining table. Potential buyers will love imagining themselves enjoying the beautiful summer weather in their new home.

Lastly, keep your home cool and comfortable by adjusting the thermostat and using fans or air conditioning. With these simple tips, your home will be summer-ready and sure to impress!

05/30/2023

Breaking it down!! Credit scores aren’t simply pulled out of thin air - there’s a formula that goes into it which can be especially helpful when you’re trying to build your credit. Knowing where you stand with a credit score is an important step in preparing your credit for a mortgage loan.

Here's how the credit score is broken down:
35% - Payment History: The first thing any lender wants to know is whether you’ve paid past credit accounts on time. This helps a lender figure out the amount of risk it will take on when extending credit. This is the most important factor.

30% - Amounts Owed: If you are using a lot of your available credit, this may indicate that you are overextended—and banks can interpret this to mean that you are at a higher risk of default.

15% - Length of Credit History: A longer credit history is positive for your FICO Scores but is not required for a good credit score.

10% - Credit Mix: FICO Scores will consider your mix of credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans, finance company accounts and mortgage loans.

10% - New Credit: Opening several credit accounts in a short amount of time represents a greater risk.

Once you know where you stand, implementing best practices can help boost your credit score. If you need help knowing where to start your home-buying journey, send me a DM. Let's make your dream home a reality!

05/27/2023

Is the coffee bar the new wet bar? Regardless of your preference, I think a coffee bar is a fun addition to any kitchen or dining room space. If you have a coffee bar, what are your must-haves for it? ☕️

05/26/2023

Looking for a delicious new recipe to add to your collection? Look no further! I'm excited to share with you my grilled peach and burrata salad recipe. This salad is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, featuring juicy grilled peaches, creamy burrata cheese, tangy balsamic glaze, and fresh arugula. It's a refreshing and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or a cozy winter gathering, this salad is sure to impress your guests. So, fire up the grill or use a grill pan, grab some peaches and get ready to enjoy this amazing salad. Trust me; it's a recipe you'll want to keep coming back to all year round!

Ingredients:

8 oz burrata cheese
3 peaches
1 tbsp butter or ghee
1 tbsp coconut sugar
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
4 cups arugula
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup olive oil
black pepper, to taste

1. Heat the grill on medium heat. If using an outdoor grill, slice the peaches in half to prevent falling through the grates. If using an indoor grill pan, you can slice the peaches into quarters.
2. Brush the open side of the peaches with butter or ghee and sprinkle with coconut sugar. Then, grill the peach slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until you have grill marks and the open edge has caramelized.
3. While the peaches are grilling, add the balsamic vinegar to a small pot on medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly reduced. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
4. To assemble the salad, add a small handful of arugula to a plate, a couple of peach slices, and chunks of burrata. Sprinkle some pine nuts and drizzle with olive oil and the reduced balsamic vinegar. Top it off with a little cracked black pepper.

Be sure to save this recipe for later!

05/24/2023

Did you know that leaving grass clippings on your lawn can actually be good for it? That's right – the clippings can help fertilize your grass, resulting in a healthier, greener lawn. And speaking of healthy and green, if you're in the market for a new home, now is the perfect time to start your search!

As a trusted real estate agent, I can help you find a home with the perfect yard to practice your lawn maintenance skills. Let's work together to find you the home of your dreams – complete with a beautiful, lush lawn.

05/23/2023

Homeowners associations (HOAs) can be a great way to live in a community. They provide a number of benefits like the ones listed above.

Call me! 704-456-9292
Let me assist you through your journey!

05/13/2023

Staging a home isn’t just for Selling Sunset. Decorating and staging your home can be just as important (and sometimes even more so!) than repairs.

Buyers want the feeling that your home is a home that they could live in for a long time.

If you haven't updated your bathroom in a while, you can make it feel newer with fresh decor.