Happy Spring
As we wrap up the first three months of 2024, I’m reminded of how beautiful spring really is. The blooming flowers. The blue skies and warm sunshine. Such a wonderful time of year. Typically our spring real estate market begins to heat up during this time, too. Don’t get me wrong – it may heat up and take us into a fruitful year, but I’m hesitant to make any predictions yet. The last few years have been a little wild. Let’s face it… when you go from 2.95% interest rates in January of 2021 to 7.95% interest rates in November of 2023, it’s bound to have an adverse effect on the buyer’s ability to purchase and the overall activity in the market.
There are still plenty of people who are buying (thank goodness), but many are sitting on the sidelines waiting for things to settle down. I wouldn’t say that home sales are crashing – more like ‘stuck in the mud’ would be the analogy that I would use.
The past few years have been an interesting time in real estate. Between the soaring insurance cost challenges, interest rate hikes and now a settlement with the Realtor association – let’s just call it a ‘crazy time to be a Realtor’ trifecta. I love my job too much to retire, but….. It’s pretty wild.
The most important issue is this → I’m very grateful for all of the referral business you’ve sent our way already this year. That’s what keeps us going. I love working with friends and family of our past clients!
Thank you
Spring time means…. SPRING CLEANING!!
Here are some ideas to freshen up your space — pick one a week
1. Declutter: Go through each room and remove items you no longer need or use. Donate or recycle what you can
2. Deep clean: Scrub floors, walls, and surfaces. Don’t forget overlooked areas like baseboards, light fixtures, and vents
3. Organize: Invest in storage solutions to keep belongings tidy. Use bins, baskets, and shelves to maximize space
4. Rotate seasonal items: Pack away winter clothes and bring out spring and summer items
5. Freshen up fabrics: Wash curtains, bedding and upholstery. Consider steam cleaning carpets and furniture
6. Tackle outdoor spaces: Clean up yard debris, power wash outdoor surfaces, and inspect and repair any damage
7. Clean appliances: Deep clean the oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine. Don’t forget to replace any filters
8. Refresh decor: Add a pop of color with fresh flowers, new throw pillows, or decorative accents
9. Review and update: Check expiration dates on pantry items, medications, and beauty products. Dispose of expired items
10. Maintain: Establish routines to keep your space organized and clean throughout the year
Anyone thinking of making a move this year?
Helpful hands make the load light. I’d love to be those helpful hands.
