Whether you enjoy entertaining, lounging by the pool, or chasing the kids around the yard, a patio should not only look fantastic but also fulfill your family's needs. Even though the best patio design may change depending on the region, designers agree that there are several common patio design aspects they usually avoid (some of which will possibly surprise you).

Designers advise avoiding these six patio elements for a setting that is both practical and fashionable.

Oversized Outdoor Patio Furniture Sets

The majority of designers surveyed stated that heavy furniture sets were their biggest pet peeve when asked which patio aspects they disliked the most.

We're referring to the identical sets of coffee tables, accent chairs, and sectionals sold in every department shop. In store displays, they might look more attractive and luxurious but when you actually place them in your home, they are bigger than what you’ve expected.

Not only do large outdoor patio furniture sets physically overpower a room, but they can also be inconvenient and provide little adaptability. Rather, smaller sets and modular furniture are more practical and aesthetically pleasant, according to designers.

According to Jodi Peterman, CEO and owner of Erin Elizabeth Designs, using smaller seating options in conjunction with built-in benches or well-placed accent chairs preserves the space's purposeful design while maintaining usefulness.

Rugs That Don't Resist Weather

When the weather warms up, it could be tempting to throw out any old rug on your patio, especially since a high-quality, weather-resistant rug can be exorbitant. Designers advise against placing rugs on your patio that aren't made to last the weather, though.

"It is crucial to get a long-lasting, all-weather rug that adds texture or color and ties everything together because these can look messy and wear out quickly," explains Elizabeth Vergara, CEO and founder of Vergara Homes.

Think about the money you'll save by purchasing high-quality rugs upfront rather than constantly replacing inferior ones.

The Use of String Lights For Lighting

Designers agree that good lighting doesn't just bring a room together, it also helps improve its functionality. However, many people still overlook having outdoor lighting on their patio.

If you want to maximize the look of your patio, adding string lights is an excellent start. Designer Chris Turner suggests not stopping there. He said that while string lights can significantly enhance a room, depending only on them can leave the room feeling unfinished.

In addition to string lights, think about adding pendant lights for your gazebo or covered patio, wall sconces on the side of the house, recessed lighting, or even a standing outdoor light fixture. It never hurts to have walkway lights surrounding the patio or along the pathways that lead to it.

stamped concrete

Stamped Concrete

Although we value stamped concrete patios since they are inexpensive and practical, we can't hold it against designers who have other ideas. Designers naturally favor natural materials, which they aim to mimic, but it is not a perfect replacement.

According to Turner, "stamped concrete can crack over time and frequently looks artificial."

To create a patio space that a designer will approve, choose high-quality materials like large-format pavers or natural stone. These choices are more timeless and long-lasting in addition to being more aesthetically pleasing.

Conflicting Materials

Additionally, Turner disapproves of patios that combine too many various elements, including plastic, wood, and metal. This may result in a visually disorganized and unwelcoming area.

"It will look like a much more cohesive and inviting space if you can stick to one or two materials that complement the home's architecture," he says.

All-Weather Wicker At Low Prices

An inexpensive all-weather wicker patio furniture is not a good option, according to Peterman's opinion. Seemingly ubiquitous, this style of furniture is frequently less expensive than its metal and wooden counterparts. But in addition to seeming a little old, it is also short-lived.

According to her, "It was popular once, but low-quality versions fail quickly and show signs of aging after their first season."

"I choose powder-coated aluminum or natural teak, and sometimes concrete-wood combinations, when building an outdoor space because they improve with age instead of deteriorating," she says.

There are several reasons why home buying might not push through; however, what if the reason is because you have a change of heart?

Is that reason valid enough?

When is it too late to back out?

While it might be tricky, the thing is, a buyer can definitely back out of a real estate deal they have signed with a seller. However, consequences might arise, particularly if the agreement lacked exit routes. Therefore, it's important to understand your legal and financial rights as a homebuyer. If you're considering withdrawing an accepted offer, here are some things to think about.

Can a homebuyer back out of a contract agreement?

The quick answer-- yes!

To put it another way, you have a legal obligation to follow the terms of the purchase agreement you sign. An advance payment known as "earnest money" is given to the seller showing you are serious about purchasing the home and intend to see the transaction through to completion.

"If a buyer is not completely serious, it is unfair to the seller to take their home off the market," says Marc Hagerthey, a Maryland real estate agent with RE/MAX. "A portion of the closing costs at settlement will be covered by the earnest money, which will remain in an escrow account."

It is, however, quite legal to cancel your offer on a home if specific conditions are included in the contract and are not fulfilled. These limitations outline circumstances in which it would be permissible to withdraw without incurring penalties, such as forfeiting your earnest money investment. In most situations, if a contingency in your contract was not fulfilled, the buyer may elect not to purchase the house and receive their earnest money back.

Common Reasons Why Buyers May Back Out Of Buying A Home

Baking Out With A Contingency

The conditions that must be fulfilled for a home purchase to proceed are known as contingencies, and they are usually included in a normal real estate contract. This involves both parties agreeing on particular tasks that need to be finished in a given amount of time.

Key Terms

Real Estate Contingency

This is a clause that allows both parties, the buyers and sellers, to back out of a purchase agreement if certain requirements aren't fulfilled. For example, a mortgage contingency that included criteria that were not fulfilled and required a homebuyer to obtain a mortgage loan by a certain date.

Homebuyers may include conditions for finance, home inspection, selling their own house first, or an appraisal that is lower than the sale price. You can easily withdraw your offer and still receive your earnest money deposit back if you decide to do so because a prearranged contingency was not fulfilled.

If there are conditions in place, a buyer is typically more protected when withdrawing from a transaction. For instance, suppose the home inspection report reveals expensive problems like foundation fractures or a severely damaged roof. You can get away with it if you have a contingency for a home inspection, particularly if the seller declines to make repairs or provides credits to cover the expenses. A finance contingency, which provides you with an escape route if your mortgage loan is denied, is another crucial safety measure.

To protect yourself, pay special attention to the contingencies listed in the agreement, especially the due dates for each. For instance, within 14 days of the contract being signed, you might have to finish a house inspection and request any necessary repairs or credits. To receive final loan approval, a financial contingency may need to be satisfied within 30 days. Ask your real estate agent how to proceed if you have questions or require additional time to finish a contingent activity. To obtain an extension for you, they will probably have to submit a contract addendum that the seller must accept.

agent showing a document to a potential buyer

Backing Out Without A Contingency

Things can become complicated and even unpleasant if a buyer withdraws from a deal for a reason not explicitly stated in the contract. For example, if you withdraw from an offer for a non-contingent reason, you could lose your earnest money. Since you paid that down payment on the understanding that you would fulfill your end of the bargain, the seller is legally allowed to keep your money if you withdraw for any reason not specified in the contract.

For a buyer, this can be unaffordable, particularly if they still intend to purchase another home. Earnest money deposits typically range from 1% to 2% of the home's sale price, however they can be greater.

The National Association of Realtors reports that the median sale price of homes in the United States is approximately $400,000. A buyer who changes their mind might lose anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 on a house that costs that much, plus legal fees.

However, withdrawing from an agreement for non-contingent grounds can result in more than just financial loss.

Can They Sue You If You Back Out?

The quick answer again is, yes.

A property purchase can be canceled more easily before a contract is signed. However, it is more difficult for you to leave after that or after the contingency periods have passed without getting into financial or legal issues.

In addition to losing your earnest money, the seller may take legal action if you terminate a signed contract for a cause that was not specifically stated and accepted as a contingency.

A buyer who violates the terms of the contract may be sued for "specific performance," in which the buyer is compelled by the court to close on the house. This situation is uncommon, though. According to John Graff, CEO of Ashby & Graff Real Estate in Los Angeles, "this is pretty uncommon." "The courts are more likely to order a seller to close a deal than the other way around."

Certain states include a provision in home purchase agreements requiring both parties to consent to mediation in the event of a disagreement. If your state allows it, you will have the opportunity to directly argue your case to the seller with the assistance of an impartial mediator in the hopes of resolving the matter out of court.

Final Note

Making the decision to purchase a home is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Although there could be severe repercussions, a buyer could withdraw from a real estate agreement they have signed with a seller. Including contingencies in the contract before you sign it is the greatest approach to protect yourself. Here, it can be quite important to work with an experienced real estate agent and perhaps a real estate lawyer as well.

As soon as you've made up your mind, tell the vendor if you must withdraw an accepted offer. Collaborate closely with your lawyer and agent, who can assist you in explaining your reasons for wanting to back out in writing. In the end, you might lose your earnest money deposit, but purchasing a house you don't want or can't afford would undoubtedly be a more costly error over time.

By developing a neighborhood guide, real estate professionals can demonstrate their skills, position themselves as local experts, and build trust with prospective customers. This is a strategic strategy to highlight their expertise. 

Whether you are appealing to buyers or sellers, a carefully produced guide has the potential to be an effective lead magnet and a foundational component of your marketing approach.

How Neighborhood Guides Are Very Essential?

Neighborhood guides benefit potential buyers by providing thorough information about the neighborhood's amenities, schools, way of life, and market trends. They help buyers imagine what life would be like in a particular place. When you're a seller, they show you know much about the area and can market it well.

These guides help your clients immediately and make you a hyperlocal expert, giving you an edge over other agents. They're also great lead makers who can bring people to your website, get their contact information, and turn those leads into loyal customers.

Tips On How To Make A Neighborhood Guide

1. Research First The Neighborhood

Get to know the area inside and out to make a complete neighborhood guide that people will like. This study will also make you a specialist in the field, making the guide more valuable.

We'll go over the main points you should make more in-depth below:

2. Organize Your Guide

Divide your guide into sections that are interesting and easy to follow. For instance:

3. Make It Eye-Catching

Make the guide visually appealing by using excellent photos, maps, and infographics. Professional photography lends a sense of legitimacy, and design tools can assist in producing well-designed layouts.

Graphic Design Tools

Stock Image Sources

Geographical Mapping And Visualization

Work With A Designer

You may find graphic designers with real estate marketing experience on sites like 99Designs or Upwork if you want a genuinely expert touch.

Keep A Consistent Branding

Throughout the book, make use of the colors, typefaces, and logo of your company. Your professionalism is reinforced and your guide is easily identifiable with a unified design.

knowing the regulations

Observing Fair Housing Regulations

Ensuring your community guide's content conforms with Fair Housing Act regulations and stays away from discriminatory language or practices is crucial. Discrimination in housing on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, and disability is illegal under the Fair Housing Act.

Use The Right Words

Pay more attention to the neighborhood's characteristics than its residents when discussing it. Highlight the local schools, parks, recreational opportunities, and housing possibilities. For example:

Rather than saying: "This neighborhood is ideal for young families."

Say this: "There are great schools, playgrounds, and recreational facilities in this area."

Furthermore, make use of inclusive language that captures the neighborhood's variety by referencing community or cultural activities without giving the impression that they are restricted to any one group. This guarantees that the description will always be inclusive.

Emphasize The Facts Rather Than Your Preferences.

Instead of using your descriptions to support your subjective beliefs or presumptions, base them on objective facts. For instance:

Rather than saying: "This neighborhood is ideal for seniors and is quiet."

Say this: "Easy public transportation, a great senior center, and accessible walking trails are some of this neighborhood's amenities."

Be Cautious With Schools And Education

Avoid forming subjective opinions on the quality of schools, even though they are a significant consideration for many purchasers. Rather:

Avoid Steering

Depending on personal traits like color or family status, steering is the process of directing consumers toward or away from particular communities. Your guide should give clients the freedom to make their own judgments while presenting facts in an impartial manner.

Make Sure Your Material Is Updated

Make sure your neighborhood guide is up to date with the latest rules, laws, and best practices by reviewing it frequently. If in doubt, have your content reviewed by a legal or compliance specialist.

Tips For Using AI

ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can improve the content of your guide and save time. Here are some examples of how to incorporate them:

SEO Considerations When Creating A Neighborhood Guide 

Use these SEO best practices to increase your guide's exposure in search engine results:

Leveraging Your Guide As A Lead Magnet

A lead magnet is a useful resource or piece of content that is provided to prospective customers in return for their contact details, like phone number or email address. By catering to their particular requirements or interests and offering instant value during the early stages of relationship-building, it acts as a tool to draw in prospects.

On Your Webpage

Use a call to action (CTA) such as "Download our comprehensive guide to living in {neighborhood}!" to highlight the guide on a special landing page."

When it comes to email marketing

To cultivate your email list, use the guide. For instance:

On Social Media

Posts such as "What's it like to live in {neighborhood}? " hint at areas of the book. See our in-depth guide!"

Using Facebook advertisements and PPC

To increase visitors to your landing page, run Facebook advertisements or targeted pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns. Make use of persuasive advertising language that emphasizes the benefits of the guide, like "Learn all there is to know about {neighborhood} -- get our free guide right now!"

If you've always wanted a living room that seems luxurious, know that you can definitely accomplish this style on your own without breaking the bank. The secret is a few well-considered, expertly recommended improvements that will quickly transform your area into a "luxe" haven.

For a more sophisticated look, you should use these six easy yet effective suggestions from three interior designers.

Note: Don't be shocked if your friends and relatives begin to compliment you nearly right away.

6 Ways To Make Your Living Room Look Expensive

Use Molding To The Walls

You may simply add architectural flair to your home after you move in, even if it doesn't have much. Installing molding will also make your living room look much larger.

According to Rebecca Ward, the founder of Rebecca Ward Design, "Nothing says 'expensive' like adding molding to a feature wall. It’s a custom detail that adds an extra touch of intrigue and character to the space, but doesn’t have to cost a lot!"

If you like DIYing, you can install the molding yourself, which renters can appreciate as well. You can use temporary glue to apply renter-friendly picture frame molding, which you can then remove after your lease, according to several online tutorials.

Add Greens

Never undervalue the impact of adding some striking flora to your house. For a posh touch, Ward loves to place a potted tree in the living room.

"Live or faux, the green is an enriching neutral color for any palette," Ward states.

Consider alternatives to a typical terracotta planter and choose one that more closely matches your style. For the ideal vessel, you may also browse vintage stores. To make the arrangement look a little more authentic, you might also want to buy some moss to put on the top of your planter if you decide to go the false plant route.

Mix Textures Like A Pro

According to Elissa Hall, co-creator of Sojourn Interiors and founder of EDH Interiors, adding a range of natural textures to a living room is crucial to creating an opulent appearance.

"Working in neutrals helps create that sumptuous, elegant feel," she claims.

To further add depth and visual intrigue that conjures quiet elegance, she suggests using elements such as stoneware, wood, wool, and other materials in the room.

Studio Burgoon founder Ali Burgoon Nolan concurs, pointing out the importance of layering textiles in particular.

"Mixing high-quality natural fibers like linen, nubby wool, or mohair through drapery, throw pillows, blankets, and upholstery creates a rich, collected look," she explains.

According to Nolan, you should use the same color scheme throughout your living area to avoid making it look overly busy even with so many distinct textures.

a well designed living room

Keep Scale Top Of Mind

The secret to a living room that is well-designed? Hall explains that they pay great attention to scale. Making sure the furniture you choose fits your room properly will give the impression that you hired a professional designer, even if you did all the work yourself!

The designer advises adding lots of seating to a large living area, possibly in the form of a sectional sofa and a few poufs or accent chairs. Compact seating is necessary in small living areas. Hall advises going with luxurious furnishings, such as leather or velvet.

Use Oversized Arts

"Say yes to oversized art pieces for a luxurious look," Nolan advises.

"A statement piece, whether an oversized painting, a hanging tapestry or textile, or mixed media, adds instant sophistication and makes the space feel intentional," she explains.

Even better, Nolan advises against purchasing your large-scale artwork from a print shop or big box store and instead recommends choosing the original or vintage approach. According to Nolan, doing so will immediately increase the feeling of luxury.

Add Window Treatments

A window without drapes may appear underdressed, but one with drapes has countless benefits. In addition to providing seclusion and a simple method of blocking out sunlight, window treatments will make your ceilings appear higher and your room appear more luxurious overall.

Julie Mitchiner of JAM Interior Design says that the best way to make a space appear more expensive is to add window curtains. According to her, "Window treatments, and particularly drapery, really add a finishing layer that makes a room feel more complete."

Don't worry if you're thinking about drapes and seeing dollar signs flashing in front of you. According to Mitchiner, custom drapes aren't necessary to create an opulent atmosphere. For a cozy, opulent style, choose velvet panels and begin with common areas such as your dining room and living room.

When describing items that already have well-known names, the real estate industry enjoys inventing new, sometimes perplexing phrases. The phrase "great room" has become widely used yet is not always understood.

Although great rooms are not the same as front or living rooms, that does not imply that their functions are different.

In this post, we'll discuss what a great room is, what it is for, and more. So without further ado, let's get started!

What Is A Great Room?

A great room is simply a huge ground-floor space in or close to the heart of the house. Like a living room, it can include couches, comfortable seats, and a television where guests can gather. However, although a great room can function as a living room, a living room cannot always function as a great room because the area is larger than a standard living room.

Advantages Of Having A Great Room

As mentioned, a great room has a lot of available space which may contain various pieces of furniture and are organized into nooks and sections for multiple functions.

For instance, you might have a couch and comfy seats in a corner for family gatherings or around a fireplace for reading and resting. You could also have a bar for fun, coffee tables for dining, and specific places for kids to run and play in your great room when you have a great room.

This is because great rooms have open floor plans, which means no walls separate the various seating sections. As a result, the entire space appears spacious and inviting for multiple uses.

When it comes to great rooms, the most important thing to keep in mind is their various functions. A great room is well-suited for eating, relaxing, entertaining, living, and playing, whereas a living room can be a good spot to hang out or entertain guests.

Great rooms usually have short tables where people can sit, eat, or drink, but they're not meant to be dining rooms.

Since they are open-plan, it often leads into kitchens and eating rooms.

How To Set Up A Great Room

These are ideas you can consider if you're uncertain if a great room will take up too much space or how to make the most of that space.

  1. Choose Specific Transitions

You should make each great room feel different, even though they should be connected to the other rooms in your home. This can be done very well by choosing the specific transitions.

Changing the kitchen or dining room's lighting or flooring can also help maintain its ambiance. One quick way to tell that the space has changed is with roof beams and decorative arches.

  1. Adding A Variety Of Furniture

There are many ways to divide a big room into different areas, each with its color scheme, wall trim, and furniture. The great room can feel cozier and easier to handle if warm colors are used around comfortable chairs and cool colors are used around larger sitting areas.

image of a great room

  1. Consider Adding Floating Furniture

There's nothing worse than sitting against a wall and feeling like you're ten feet away from the nearest person. One of the best things about a great room is that it can have floating furniture. Opening sofas, tables, and chairs can make the space more inviting. This is especially true for great rooms with a lot of square footage.

  1. Having Large Windows

If you want more natural light in your home, great rooms are a great way to do it while also using less electricity to light the room. That's because great rooms usually have big windows on the outside walls that let in a lot of light. In addition, there are no inner walls so the light can bounce freely.

How To Maximize The Great Room

Want to learn more about great rooms? Visit our website for free resources.

 

Is it possible to buy a home after foreclosure?

The answer is: yes!

Yes, it's possible; however, obtaining a mortgage can be challenging since lenders see foreclosure as a huge threat to your ability to repay the loan.

Nonetheless, there are ways how you can restore your credit history and prove to lenders that you are now a responsible borrower.

In this post, we'll answer questions on foreclosure, including how long you should wait before buying a home, how to get a mortgage, etc.

But first, let's start with the basics.

What Is Foreclosure?

When a borrower defaults on a mortgage or other loan secured by a property, a lender may legally take possession of the property through a process known as foreclosure. The property may then be sold by the lender to recoup the unpaid balance.

Learn more about foreclosed properties by clicking this link.

How long should you wait before buying a home after a foreclosure?

Borrowers who have had their homes foreclosed on typically have to wait a certain amount of time before receiving a new mortgage loan from another institution. Extenuating circumstances, like a medical emergency, might shorten the time frame for some loan kinds.

Conventional Loan: 3 Years

Obtaining a conventional loan—one that mortgage market-makers like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac will purchase—after a foreclosure can take up to seven years. According to Jilyn Crawford, senior loan officer and sales manager at American Family Funding in Santa Clarita, California, you might only need to wait three years if the foreclosure was caused by a medical condition or a loss of work.

VA Loan: 2 Years

Only two years must pass between foreclosure and applying for a new loan, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans and active military personnel. Keep in mind that if you are eligible for a VA loan, you will receive a home loan entitlement, which is the highest amount that the VA promises to reimburse the lender in the event of default. "In a foreclosure, I have seen veterans lose some of their entitlement, but they still have some remaining. Crawford says, "It's all about the foreclosed amount."

USDA Loan: 3 Years

According to Crawford, if you have a foreclosure on your credit history, you must wait three years to be eligible for USDA loans, which are available mostly in rural regions.

Non-Qualified Mortgage: No Wait Time

According to Crawford, you may be eligible for another loan immediately following your foreclosure if you have a non-qualified mortgage (non-QM), or a loan that does not satisfy regulatory requirements. Keep in mind that compared to qualifying mortgages (QM), non-QM loans have different eligibility requirements, additional fees, and higher interest rates.

How To Obtain A Home Loan After A Foreclosure

If you can convince a lender that you're prepared for homeownership, you can reapply for a mortgage even after a foreclosure:

1. Examine your credit report.

Check for any past-due accounts forwarded to a collection agency by obtaining a complimentary copy of your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. It is helpful to contact the agency and attempt to work out a payment schedule if you are certain these accounts belong to you.

If you discover any mistakes on your credit report, collect supporting documentation and dispute it online, over the phone, or by mail with the relevant credit reporting company, such as TransUnion, Equifax, or Experian.

credit score

2. Make an effort to raise your credit score.

After a foreclosure, you will need to raise your credit score to purchase a home.

Make an effort to pay all bills on schedule. According to Crawford, it is extremely difficult to remove late payments from your credit report. If you don't frequently make late payments, you can try asking for a one-time goodwill adjustment, which most creditors would grant. To prevent forgetting to pay your bills, try setting them up for automatic payment.

Try to pay more than the minimum amount owed on any credit cards you may have. Speak with the creditor and ask for a payment plan if you are temporarily unable to make the minimum payment.

3. Restore revenue

Consistency in employment and income is often preferred by lenders. Finding a new work should be your top priority if you just got unemployed.

Be aware that your credit record, which contains details about the foreclosure, may be examined by your future employment. Generally speaking, this shouldn't affect your chances, but it can if you're applying for a position that directly involves money. It's vital to be open and honest about your efforts to overcome your previous credit setbacks.

4. Save as much as you can

You must demonstrate to a lender that you can repay the loan in the event of an emergency if you want to be eligible for another mortgage after foreclosure.

Crawford thinks it can be difficult, but if you can, reduce small expenses like eating out. Other options to save money include switching your cell phone or auto insurance plans, as well as canceling your cable TV or streaming subscription.

5. Find a lender according to your circumstances and needs

A new lender can be an ally while you work out how to purchase a home following foreclosure. Crawford advises looking for a lender who understands your circumstances or who offers a variety of options that can meet your needs. For example, choose a lender who specializes in VA loans if you're looking for one.

"All lenders are fishing in the same pond," according to Crawford. "The difference is in the loan officer and the knowledge that officer has," she added.

Reading customer reviews from different platforms is also helpful when you want to learn more about the lender's quality of service and experience.

What To Consider Before Buying A Home After Foreclosure?

Examine your finances and yourself before purchasing a new house following a foreclosure. Are you prepared to assume homeownership responsibilities once more? In addition to the monthly mortgage payment, consider the expenses associated with property ownership, such as maintenance and repairs. And think about the events that caused your previous house to be lost. Will they happen again?

Lastly, evaluate the local real estate market. Crawford advises, "You need to look at the state of the market at that time and whether a lender will work with you."

The benefits of homeownership are indisputable. However, there are instances where extending your rental period might help you pay off debt, improve your credit, and increase your assets. When you're ready, all of those factors will make buying a house after a foreclosure much less stressful.

If you want to learn more about foreclosure or homebuying transactions, click this for free resources.

 

Doorbell cameras are popular but does everyone, specifically real estate brokers, like them?

In this post, we'll find out what our real estate experts really think about these high-tech devices and whether they love or hate seeing these security gadgets on their listings.

Downsides Of Having Doorbell Cameras

Might Raise Red Flags

When they see your camera, some folks might wonder why you feel the need for one. “Is it a deterrent for crime or a neighbor taking your morning newspaper?” says Coldwell Banker Warburg broker Steven Hoffman. "This could lead to buyers having unpleasant questions at the beginning of the home tour," she added.

Might Make Homebuyers Feel Uncomfortable

Your camera may make your space feel more like a reality TV show than a home, according to Mihal Gartenberg, a Coldwell Banker Warburg broker. He explains that buyers may feel that they need to "be cautious about how they behave and, even more importantly, the things they say to each other about the home," which may make it more difficult to imagine themselves living there.

Might Not Look Appealing To Neighborhood

Broker Suzanne Weinstein believes that some homeowners face the risk of entering into an arrangement where the neighbors are already a little turned off by your presence. After all, nobody wants to start on the wrong foot. "Video-audio recording devices violate most proprietary leases that prohibit causing a nuisance or interfering with the quiet enjoyment (and right to privacy) of neighbors," she argues, pointing out that doorbell cameras such as Amazon Ring record private conversations.

Might Make The Realtor's Job Harder

According to Massachusetts real estate agent Jennifer Baptista, real estate brokers enjoy asking their clients about their initial impressions, but they are unable to do so when the homeowner is watching and listening. "It's challenging because I prefer to understand my clients' viewpoints in real-time," she adds, adding that she frequently loves to inquire about their "first impressions" as they approach the front door.

hand presses the button doorbell

Upsides Of Having Doorbell Cameras

Provide Sellers With Comfort

They can help homeowners feel a little more at ease about opening their homes to strangers, which is the major reason Heather Malone, who works with Coach Realtors on Long Island, doesn't mind seeing them at listings. "At times, a home may be showing when it is vacant, and it is always good to keep an eye on your asset when you’re not there," she explains.

Additionally, an agent and seller may decide to maintain a lockbox on the property. When this occurs and neither the seller nor the listing agent is present to show the house, it is beneficial to find out which agents were in and out of the property during that period and whether there were any problems when the seller returned home.

Make Great Gifts

According to Mike Robinson of Century 21 AllPoints Realty in Connecticut, doorbell cameras make a nice parting gift, even though some real estate agents may have unfavorable opinions about them. He explains, "I give them as closing gifts because I deal with a lot of out-of-state buyers." “I am big on personal safety and security and figure if someone is new to a neighborhood, the best way to give them some peace of mind is the ability to watch their front door 24/7, no matter where they might be.”

Adds Security To The Property

Avoiding porch pirates is a top concern for many individuals since, as we can all agree, we spend a lot more time clicking "add to cart" these days than we do browsing the store's aisles. "In addition to addressing safety issues within the house, doorbell cameras also reduce package theft in the neighborhood as a whole," explains Jaime Jones and Julie Mariani Cassel of J+J Team Homes. 49 million Americans were robbed by porch pirates in the previous year. Last year, an estimated $2.4 billion worth of merchandise was stolen from porches across the United States.

Affordable High-Tech

According to Compass Broker Kimberly Jay, doorbell cameras have become very commonplace due to their affordability and popularity. Doorbell cameras are standard equipment in single-family homes, townhouses, and non-doorman buildings. "Anyone can buy one from a big box store for less than $100," she adds, adding that they can give the impression that the sellers are tech-savvy or intelligent.

How about you? What are your thoughts about the doorbell camera? Would you have that security device in your home or not?

 

Moving Doesn’t Have to Be a Last-Minute Scramble

With a solid checklist and smart planning, you can stay organized, reduce stress, and even enjoy the process a little (yes, really). Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, this moving checklist will help you start now—so you’re not scrambling later.

📦 Why You Need a Moving Checklist

Start early, follow a plan, and you’ll thank yourself later.

🗓️ 8 Weeks Before Moving: Prep Mode

  1. Create a Moving Binder or Digital Folder
    Keep track of estimates, receipts, inventory lists, and contact information in one place. Bonus: It’s your new best friend.
  2. Start Decluttering
    • Go room by room: toss, donate, or sell what you don’t want to bring
    • Use the “one-year rule”—if you haven’t used it in the past year, it can probably go
  3. Research Moving Companies
    Compare prices, check reviews, and book early—especially during peak season.
  4. Notify Your Landlord or HOA
    If you're renting, give proper notice and review any move-out requirements.

📦 6 Weeks Before Moving: Logistics Time

  1. Order Moving Supplies
    Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, labels—you’ll need more than you think.
  2. Take Measurements
    Measure furniture and doorways in both homes to avoid moving day surprises.
  3. Create an Inventory
    Especially helpful if you’re hiring movers or using storage. Snap photos of valuables.

📦 4 Weeks Before Moving: Get It in Gear

  1. Start Packing Non-Essentials
    Think seasonal decor, off-season clothes, books, and extra linens.
  2. Label Everything
    Label by room and contents. Pro tip: color-code boxes by room.
  3. Transfer or Set Up Utilities
    Schedule shutoff and setup for electricity, water, gas, internet, trash, etc.
  4. Notify Key Contacts
    • USPS (forward mail online)
    • Banks & credit cards
    • Subscriptions & streaming services
    • Insurance companies
    • Your employer and doctor/dentist

📦 2 Weeks Before Moving: Crunch Time

  1. Confirm All the Things
    Moving company, elevator access, parking permits, and time off work.
  2. Pack an Essentials Box
    Your “survival kit” for the first 24–48 hours:
    • Toiletries
    • Chargers
    • Basic cleaning supplies
    • Bedding
    • Snacks
    • Change of clothes
  3. Back Up Your Devices
    If anything gets lost or damaged, your data will still be safe.

📦 1 Week Before Moving: Final Countdown

  1. Clean Your Current Home
    Especially if you’re renting and want that deposit back.
  2. Defrost the Freezer
    Do this 24–48 hours before the move. Wipe everything dry to prevent leaks.
  3. Dispose of Hazardous Materials
    Check local rules for disposing paint, aerosols, propane, etc.

🚛 Moving Day: Let’s Do This

  1. Do a Final Walkthrough
    Check all rooms, closets, cabinets, and even the garage or attic.
  2. Protect Your Floors
    Plastic sheeting or towels can help keep both places clean.
  3. Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
    Moving is physical—snacks and water are your best friends.

✅ After the Move: Settle In

  1. Unpack Essentials First
    Bathroom, bedroom, kitchen—skip the wall art for now.
  2. Test Smoke Detectors and Utilities
    Make sure everything is functioning properly.
  3. Update Your Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration
    Most states require this within 30 days.
  4. Explore Your New Neighborhood
    Find your new favorites—grocery store, coffee shop, pizza place.

🎯 Final Tip: Start Early = Stress Less

Moving is a lot, but it doesn’t have to be a mess. With a timeline, a checklist, and a little planning, you’ll stay one step ahead—and that’s half the battle.

A well-written newsletter is vital for real estate agents who want to stay in close contact with their clients. When buying or selling a home, your audience will remain informed and involved, and they will consider whether you provide valuable content.

This post will talk about how email newsletters work and what should be included in them. These tips appeal to many readers and establish you as a reliable authority in your industry.

Why Should Real Estate Agents Use Newsletters?

Real estate agents can interact with clients, develop prospects, and create lasting connections through email newsletters. Here's how it's so crucial that you include them as part of your marketing strategy:

  1. You Can Have A Direct Connection To Your Audience

Contact potential buyers, sellers, and previous clients directly to ensure your message gets to their email without using a third-party platform.

  1. Can Build Stronger Client Relationships

Share valuable and interesting content regularly to stay top of mind and build trust and confidence.

  1. Improved Professional Reputation

Showcase market updates, business trends, and your accomplishments to establish yourself as an expert in the field.

  1. Able To Maintain An Affordable Marketing Solution

Leverage email campaigns' cost-effective characteristics to keep your budget under control while obtaining a high return on investment.

  1. Enhanced Visibility For Marketing

Ensure that everyone knows about the homes you're selling by letting them know about new listings, price drops, and future open houses.

  1. Improved Website Traffic

Adding links to blog posts, community guides, and interesting material to your website or blog will help you get more viewers.

  1. Boosting Audience Engagement

Sending different messages to different groups, such as buyers, sellers, and previous clients, can yield better results.

  1. Consistent Opportunities for Referrals

Use stories and referral prompts to remember satisfied clients to tell others about your services and boost word-of-mouth marketing.

  1. Making Decisions Based On Data

You can keep improving your email marketing tactics by examining open rates, click-through rates, and engagement metrics and using A/B testing.

Planning your email marketing approach well can help your brand, make it easier to talk to customers, and grow your business. You need to use newsletters to stay competitive in today's digital-first real estate market and know how email newsletters work.

hands typing on a keyboard

Tips On What A Newsletter Should Include

Here are the tips on what a newsletter should include to help you get started and keep your content fresh, interesting, and useful for your readers.

  1. Update And Trends About The Market

Inform them about your area's most recent sales, usual prices, and market trends. As a result, people who are thinking about buying or selling will come to you for advice.

  1. Include Open Houses And New Listings

To showcase your most recent listings, use eye-catching images, important information, and links to complete property pages. Provide details about future open houses to increase interest and traffic.

  1. Share Local News And Events

By highlighting regional celebrations, events, and news, you can keep your audience engaged and strengthen your position as a local authority. As part of a more comprehensive marketing plan, you can even organize your own events.

  1. Give Some Tips On Home Maintenance

Provide people with up-to-date information on how to fix up and maintain their homes, like seasonal maintenance checklists or ways to save energy. This idea for an email newsletter is great for past clients who aren't actively looking for work right now, and it goes well with calls for referrals.

  1. Include Stories Of Real Estate Success

Showcase client endorsements or success stories on how you assisted sellers in maximizing their profit or buyers in finding their ideal house. Potential customers higher up your funnel seeking social evidence to aid their decision-making would see this as great.

  1. Add Design And Do-It-Yourself Trends

Another excellent method to provide value for referral requests is to offer guidance on DIY projects, house staging, and decorating. Adding before-and-after pictures can be especially interesting.

  1. Put Local Highlights

Describe the exact areas where you work, including any amenities, schools, or other interesting features. Use geographic segmentation to ensure the information is relevant and include what makes each place unique.

  1. Give Buyers Advice

Provide possible first-time buyers with information on how to get a mortgage, how the housing market is doing, and how to navigate the home-buying process.

  1. Home Sellers Techniques

Assist people who want to sell their homes by advising them on how to price, stage, and market them effectively.

  1. Keep Your Clients Up-To-Date On Real Estate

Share your thoughts on the latest economic news with your audience, such as changes in mortgage rates or new laws affecting home ownership.

  1. Add Seasonal Content

Be creative with your email newsletter by including holiday decorating tips, party planning ideas, or home improvement tips for the summer.

  1. Share About Perspective On Investment

Provide information on investing in real estate, such as tips on renting property, ways to determine return on investment (ROI), and market predictions.

  1. Include Content From Behind The Scenes

Show what you do as a real estate agent daily. You can make your brand more real by discussing your struggles, successes, and issues.

  1. Use Polls And Fun Quizzes

Use interactive content to engage clients, such as quizzes about the style of home they dream of or certain polls about homes for sale.

  1. You Should Focus On Your Clients

Go over your clients' interests, habits, and new home experiences. Highlight a client's backyard garden oasis or local cultural embrace. This strategy connects without focusing on buying or selling.

  1. Give Some Exclusive Incentives And Offers

Offer incentives like staging discounts for seller leads or gift cards for previous client referrals. Encourage client's actions with incentives.

  1. Ensure You Include FAQ's

Responding to real estate queries like mortgage qualification, closing costs, and negotiation is an excellent plan for first-timers.

  1. Add Real Estate Glossary

Break down real estate terminology with simple explanations and adjust jargon to your audience.

  1. Highlights Of Local Businesses

Include local businesses in your email to offer your support. This will boost neighborhood ties and expand your network.

  1. Include Personal Accomplishments And Update

Share your achievements, certificates, and personal milestones to engage with your audience.

Taking Advantage Of AI Platforms To Create Newsletters

Making engaging newsletters can be made easier with the use of artificial intelligence solutions like ChatGPT and email marketing systems that incorporate AI-powered capabilities. They can assist you with coming up with ideas for subjects, creating catchy subject lines, and producing well-written material that is suited to your target audience.

AI saves you time and guarantees that your newsletters stay interesting and current by offering editable templates, making your material easier to read, and even recommending the optimum times to send your emails.

As we Spring Forward this weekend and adjust our clocks, it’s also the perfect time to start thinking about springing into your next move! Whether you’re buying or selling, spring is a fantastic time to make things happen in real estate. At RE/MAX Advanced Realty, we’re here to guide you through the process with helpful tips and a fresh perspective to make your transition smooth and successful.

Why Spring Is a Great Time to Buy or Sell:

For Buyers:
Spring brings more homes onto the market, giving you a wider range of options to choose from. Plus, with the weather warming up, it’s a great time to explore neighborhoods and see homes in their best light.

For Sellers:
Spring is a prime time to sell your home. Homes look their best with blooming gardens and longer daylight hours. Buyers are out in full force, eager to find the right place to settle into. The competition is fierce, so this is your chance to showcase your property to its fullest potential.

Tips for Buyers:
Start Your Search Early:
Spring is a busy time in real estate, so begin your search early to get ahead of the competition. Know your budget, get pre-approved for a mortgage, and have a list of must-haves ready to go.

Don’t Forget to Look Beyond the Listing:
While pictures and descriptions are important, nothing beats seeing the property in person. Take your time exploring the neighborhood and the home’s potential.

Tips For Sellers

Get Your Home Ready:
First impressions matter! Clean up your home, take care of any minor repairs, and consider sprucing up the garden. These small improvements can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells.

Price It Right:
Work with your agent to set a competitive and realistic price. Homes that are priced correctly tend to sell faster, especially when the market is active in the spring.

Our Most Recent Listings:

Looking for more options? Visit www.indianapolisrealestate.com to explore all available listings and find the home that’s right for you. Whether you’re searching for a cozy starter home, a spacious upgrade, or the perfect investment, we’ve got something for everyone!

What’s Next?
If you’re ready to make a move this spring, we’d love to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re buying or selling, RE/MAX Advanced Realty has the experience and knowledge to help you navigate the process with confidence. Reach out today, and let’s get started!

© 2022 Copyright RE/MAX Advanced Realty. All Rights Reserved.