The Fresia Group

05/21/2024

"We make all sorts of assumptions because we don't have the COURAGE to ask the questions...."

❤️ BeauxWithAFro ❤️

02/21/2023

Here’s what I’m not gonna let happen this spring — you overpay for a new home.

I know, I know. You’ve come to terms with the higher interest rates and home prices. But those? Those are completely out of your control. What’s in your control? The price tag you’re willing to pay.

So here’s what we’re gonna do. When you find your next home, and you’re ready to put in an offer, we’ll talk about an appraisal contingency. Here’s how works:

An appraisal contingency allows buyers to back out of a deal or renegotiate the purchase price if the home's appraisal value comes in lower than the purchase price. It’s a simple way to safeguard your hard-earned cash during the buying process — and ensure you're not overpaying.

So if you’re thinking of buying but don’t want to get in over your head, don’t worry. I’ll do everything in my power not to let that happen.

Have other hangups about buying? Message me - I'd love to talk more.

02/20/2023

THIS RIGHT HERE → As the real estate market heats up in Spring, I get calls and messages from homeowners all the time who are ready to sell but who are completely stressed out about getting their homes ready for the market.

Selling your home in a hot market can be both exciting and stressful. On one hand, you have the potential to sell your home quickly and for top dollar. On the other hand, you're going to be dealing with a fast-paced, competitive market.

My response? Take a deep breath. You can do this, and I'm going to help you every step of the way. We will put together an action-oriented plan with some simple and doable steps that will keep the entire process moving along worry-free.

Getting your home ready for the market is like most things in life: the anticipation is the worst part. But remember, hiring a solid agent is KEY to helping you prepare, price, market, and negotiate top dollar your home. I'm here to guide you every step of the way!

02/17/2023

02/17/2023

You see stories and reels about people paying off their mortgages, and every time, you think to yourself, how in the world did they do that?

With 37% of U.S. households living mortgage-free, it’s more common than you think and within reach for most homeowners — especially if you're locked into following one (or all) of these mortgage paydown tips:

1) Make biweekly payments instead of monthly. This will help you pay off an extra month's worth of payments each year.
2) Round up your payments. Every little bit counts, and this can add up over time.
3) Make extra principal payments whenever you can. This will reduce the overall amount of interest you pay.
4) If interest rates drop, refinance to a lower interest rate. This can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
5) Consider a shorter loan term. While this may mean higher monthly payments, you'll pay off your mortgage faster and save on interest.

Are YOU living mortgage-free (serious congrats, btw)?
What are your best tips for paying off your mortgage faster? Share them below!

02/16/2023

Did you know that Spring is peak home buying season, with 40% of purchases happening between March and June?!

If you’re buying a home this Spring, it’s time to put on your game face and get ready to compete. Here are a few tips to help you win the bidding war and secure your dream home...

Be ready to act fast.
In a hot market, homes don’t last long. Be prepared to act quickly and make an offer as soon as you find the perfect home. *Ahem* this means getting pre-approval from a lender before starting your search.

Be prepared to make a strong offer.
In a competitive market, you may need to make an offer above the asking price to stand out. Be prepared to move fast and make a strong offer to secure your dream home. Don’t worry, I have a few more tricks up my sleeves to help your offer stand out!

Be flexible.
Be open to different neighborhoods, home styles, and move-in dates. The more flexible you are, the more options you’ll have. Pro tip: Create a wants vs. needs list before you start searching.

I love helping clients come out on top of a bidding war and lock down their dream home. The sooner we can start preparing for your purchase the better, send me a message and let’s get started!

02/15/2023

These 5 apps can seriously transform the way you're managing, investing, and saving your money:

Mint: This app allows you to connect all of your accounts in one place and creates a personalized budget for you. (Plus it connects to Quickbooks… I’m coming for you tax season)

YNAB (You Need a Budget): This app focuses on helping you allocate your money to different categories to reach your financial goals.

Personal Capital: This tool not only helps you manage your budget but also offers investment tracking and retirement planning (love to see it)

Acorns: This app rounds up your purchases and invests the spare change for you.

Credit Karma: This app helps you monitor your credit score and offers tips for improving it.

I know money management can leave you feeling dizzy, I’ve been there. Follow along and we'll tackle it together!

02/10/2023

Gentle reminder today that curb appeal makes all the difference when selling your home.

You know the curb appeal trifecta: mulch, seasonal color, and a pressure-sprayed driveway. But you're gonna need to add these three if you want to level up your outdoor game:

1) Illuminate walkways. Would-be buyers are sure to do a nighttime drive-by (trust me, they will). Ambient outdoor lighting will have them oohing and ahhing. (Quick tip: Solar lights make this a cinch.)

2) Update porch lights. Replace crooked, outdated, or rusty porch lights with something fresh and modern. Your local home improvement store and a couple of hours are all you need.

3) Add seating with outdoor throw pillows. Everyone dreams of a breezy afternoon in the yard, sipping a cold glass of lemonade. Add seating to give buyers an exact place to do just that.

Time to get to it! And, of course, save this post for later, or reach out if you want to talk about what’s happening in your neighborhood market this February!

02/09/2023

Would you believe me if I told you that you can buy a home with no money down? It's true!

Here are some first-time homebuyer programs to know about.

1) FHA loans: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), these loans are a popular option for first-time buyers. Why? Think low down payment options and flexible and income requirements.

2) VA loans: These loans are available to eligible military members and veterans and offer competitive interest rates with zero down payment.

3) USDA loans: Available to homebuyers in rural areas, USDA loans offer low (or no) down payment options, flexible credit requirements, and the option to finance repairs and closing costs into the loan.

4) State and local programs: Many states and localities offer homebuyer assistance programs, such as down payment assistance, grants, and tax credits. Ask your realtor or lender about local programs for first-time homebuyers.

5) Homebuyer education courses: Some programs require first-time homebuyers to complete a homebuyer education course, which can help them understand the process and prepare them for homeownership. It may seem like a drag, but the more you know, the smoother it’ll go!

If you’re thinking of buying this year, take a deep breath and start exploring your options - homeownership is within reach.

Don't forget to save this post for later!

02/08/2023

You know that feeling of pure satisfaction and relief when you finally clean out that cluttered junk drawer? Imagine experiencing that same feeling throughout your entire home.

Here are a few quick tips to get started:
1) Get rid of items you haven't used in the last year
2) Organize what's left into clear categories
3) Keep only the essentials within easy reach

In case you didn’t know, there’s a serious connection between a clear mind and clear space. Simplifying your space with a minimalist approach can lead to a clear mind and increased productivity.

I'm here to guide you every step of the way! DM me and let's talk about it!

02/07/2023

'Adults need villages too, not just children. Surround yourself with good people.'

This quote? Is something I wholeheartedly believe in. And can I just say how lucky I am to have such incredible people in my life?

You see. They just get me. They care, they ask, they want to know about my life AND career. So much so they share my listings on their social media, engage with my posts, refer potential clients, and leave positive reviews for me on Google. Pretty amazing, huh?

I could go on, but what I really want to say is this: If you have a friend in real estate, there are simple ways you can show major support without buying a home. By sharing one of their listings, sending a friend or family member their way, or leaving them a review, they’ll feel seen and supported.

And that... That’s exactly what friends are for.

02/06/2023

I hear a lot of clients say they struggle with saving enough to reach their real estate goals. Whether it’s for a down payment or to purchase an investment property, saving feels like an always-out-of-reach task.

I want to tell you: I GET IT.

Today, I'm here to drop some knowledge bombs to lighten the struggle if you’re feeling the same way.

Does saving take discipline? Sure.
Is it impossible? Not at all.

Clients who show up with big savings tell me similar stories of how they did it. (It's achievable, I promise).

It’s small, methodical choices like:

→ Automate savings.
→ Set specific goals (and talk about them often).
→ Throw extra money at said goals (tax refunds, birthday gifts, bonuses, etc.)
→ Avoid lifestyle inflation (i.e. drive the old car and use the old phone).
→ Get and stay out of debt.
→ Say no when friends say yes.

Trust me, it’s far easier to save a little here and a little there than to give up on your dream of owning real estate altogether.

What about you? How are you saving for your next big goal? Share in the comments!