Cristal Woodruff - The Carrie T. Collection/exp Realty

04/01/2022

03/31/2022

Did you know...

The seller pays agent commissions. There is no cost to you to use a real estate agent to protect you during the biggest transaction in your life.

03/30/2022

Do you know how to go after what you want?

Are you scared of what might happen? What if you don't succeed?

From my experience, not taking the chances on something you really want to do is something you will regret later.

I am here to tell you that you need to go after your dreams! And even if you don't succeed the first time, get back up figure out what you need to do, and try again.

You don't fail unless you give up!

Drop a 🙌 in the comments if you agree

03/27/2022

I love being creative. From painting to redoing furniture pieces. Sometimes a little DIY makes you feel like you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Working on projects on the weekends is a great way to feel accomplished as I head into a new week and really start the week off right!

What are some ways you like to be creative?

03/26/2022

This year's spring and summer home trends are starting to bring greens and earthy tones back in.

Personally, I love a great dark accent wall. And green isn't the only earthy color to have a moment this year. Blues, browns, and other soothing colors that are found in Mother Nature bring a sense of calm into your home.

So who is ready to start painting?

03/25/2022

Are you thinking about buying a home and just don't know where to start? Before you even begin looking at homes, consider how much you may need to save to make the process as smooth as possible for you, especially in the long run.

While there are situations where you don't need a large down payment for a home, having one can save you money down the road.

Saving for a down payment is slightly different than other large savings. With those savings, you can set aside smaller amounts or invest the money. Because you will need your down payment sooner rather than later, those saving methods won't be beneficial to you.

Here are some steps to take to save up for your dream home!

1. Determine How Much You Need
2. Decide When You Want to Buy
3. Choose a Savings Plan
4. Check Your Budget
5. Consider an Automated Savings Plan
6. Save Your Big Deposits

Saving up for a home isn't always easy, but it is always worth it! When you are ready to buy, give me a call and we will get you that home you've been dreaming of!

03/22/2022

Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you. ~Oprah

Ever since I started in real estate I have truly experienced the power of passion. Not only do I love what I do but I have never been more focused in my life.

What is something you are passionate about?

03/19/2022

Want to improve your kitchen but are on a tight budget? Here are some things you can do that will keep you within budget.

1. Refresh The Sink
If your sink is starting to look outdated, find an affordable, yet stylish, replacement. If you have the eye for DIY, you can also purchase some sandpaper and spray paint that is made for metal, and use it to refresh and brighten the color.

2. Hang a New Light Fixture
A decorative light fixture doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. You can generally find some decent ones for under $100. You can also find some unique pieces at thrift stores if you like a search. Go for a chrome finish or choose the rustic route, whichever suits the current decor in your kitchen.

3. Paint the Cabinets
With care taken with the prep work, you can refinish the paint on your cabinets. Refreshing the paint color or the stain can make your kitchen feel brand new.

4. Turn Your Fridge Into a Chalkboard
Chalkboard finishes are a hot trend, especially on the fridge.

5. Replace Outlet Plates
Replace the outdated outlet wall plates for your light switches. You can add some character to it by using bold patterns, bright colors, or elegant textures. If they look faded, yellow, or chipped, they're a cheap fix to replace.

6. Change Hardware
Replacing the hardware on your kitchen cabinets and drawers can provide a drastic change to your kitchen. Not only can you get rid of hideous outdated hardware, but you can add a completely new feel to the theme of your kitchen just by updating the hardware throughout it.

7. Expand Storage
Have empty wall space? Search your local home stores for cute baskets or storage containers you can use to fill the space. Not only can it add some character to your kitchen, but it also adds functionality and more storage options - features buyers love if you're thinking of listing your home.

8. Dress Up Your Decor
Bring some color to your kitchen. Throw out decor that looks like it belongs in the 90s, rugs that are falling apart, and anything else that weighs down a fresh look. Add in some new rugs and hand towels that match your personality and the theme you're trying to achieve. You can also add some plants and decorative pieces for the character.

9. Clean Up the Clutter
The best cleaning tip I can give my clients is to remove the clutter. Nothing is a bigger eyesore than too many things. It can also mess with the energy in a home. Throw out the things that are taking up too much space. If it's sentimental, see if you can store it in a new place or store it if you are preparing for a move.

03/17/2022

🍀 Let the shenanigans begin! 🍀

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

How are all of you celebrating?

03/14/2022

Now that we are heading into spring time, the market is heating up.

Do you know what your home is worth?

I would love to do a complimentary comparative market analysis (CMA) for you. If you are thinking of selling, let's talk!

Contact me today 🏠

03/12/2022

If you're getting ready to buy a home, you're likely realizing that one of the most important parts of the process is getting approved for a mortgage that works for you. To get the best rate and avoid losing your deposit, steer clear of these common mistakes.

✦ Leaving out details from your financial profile.
The best way to avoid doing this is to have a great mortgage lender. Leaving details out of your profile can throw off the entire process, so having someone who is meticulous enough to make sure all your information is made available is key.

✦ Assuming pre-approval is equal to actual approval.
Don't be confused - this is not an actual approval. You need to make sure your loan is approved by an underwriter before making any offers to buy a home. Without this document, there is no proof of actual approval, meaning that your profile has been evaluated but nothing official to show approval.

✦ Failing to provide every single piece of documentation needed.
Your lender is going to want very detailed documentation of your financial profile, including the following:
- Pay stubs covering 30 days
- 2 of tax returns & W-2s
- YTD business financial statements
- 2 months of statements for all your asset
- And others

You will need to provide all these documents, and if you have a commissioned or variable income, you will need to give permission to your lender to verify that income. Your credit will be run, which can expose any information you didn't disclose.

✦ Not knowing enough about mortgage rates.
Once a seller accepts your offer, you will be in contract on that home and you will be ready to lock in your mortgage rate. You cannot lock your rate until you're in contract, which means that any rate market movement can impact you until then. Rates change throughout each day, and they are priced based on how long they are locked. If you want to avoid any surprises, talk to your lender and ask them to use your closing timeline to quote rate locks.

03/10/2022

Home energy cost is not something people always think of when it comes to buying a house. But don't get consumed by the details of finding and buying a house without considering the potential bills you'll have to pay every month for heating, cooling, and more.

Home Energy Cost Considerations: Even an affordable mortgage payment could quickly tip into the pain point if your new home comes with a monthly utility outlay that you weren't expecting.

So what factors should you consider? Everything from your electric bill to your heating is part of your home energy cost.

How To Do The Math: You might want to hire a professional to determine the home's overall energy costs before committing to a down payment.

Energy audits cost a few hundred dollars but could save you from countless headaches (and costs) down the line. Not only will they give you a good idea of what's in store, but they will also point you toward fixes you can install so you're not facing the same bills as the previous owner. The federal government's Energy.gov site has guidelines for home energy audits, and tips for a DIY version.

If you don't want to go that far, here are some specifics to consider:
✦ Heating and Cooling Systems: These consume 45% of a house's energy costs. The layout of the house will be a factor in energy costs.
✦ Appliances Energy Costs
✦ Tax Credits
✦ Infrastructure
✦ Architectural Features

Energy Costs: An Informed Decision
Only you can decide whether a home's energy costs are worth the selling price. Your dream home may not be so ideal if the energy bills deplete your savings. But it could be worth investing some money in upgrading the house's systems and features.