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Agent of the Month – Scott Raaka
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Congratulations to our April Agent of the Month, Scott Raaka! Scott knows that the real estate business is not an easy one, but through ups and downs, he’s never lost his laser focus on his clients and his successes. Keep reading to learn more about Scott!
What three words would you use to describe your approach to the real estate business?:
Integrity, responsiveness, and understanding.
What’s one aspect of your business that you are looking to improve on this year? In what ways/how would like to see yourself improve?:
More referral business. Networking with foreign partners in LeadingRE.
To what do you attribute your success most?:
Perseverance.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Network.
What’s the one piece of advice you always give your clients first?:
Be patient the right property will come along or if it’s a listing be patient we will receive offers.
Failure is a natural part of achieving success. How do you recoup when things don’t necessarily go your way?:
I try to learn from my mistakes and think about how I would’ve done it differently. That way the next time the same situation comes up I’ll know how to handle it.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you are getting it right?:
If I feel healthy and confident and family life is good, I know I’m getting it right.
What roles have mentors played in your life and career?:
The mentors in my life have taught me to do the right thing and stay focused and continue to pursue my business.
What risks were you willing to take when starting out in your career and how have they benefitted you?:
Investing in my business with few or no clients at the time. Now I know how and where to spend my money in order to help prosper my business.
If you could only ever visit one business again in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County, what would it be and why?:
The girl and the fig. Their food and drinks are out of this world!
April is Sonoma County Wine Month
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Call us crazy, but we LOVE the month of April. No, it’s not the first hints of Spring and Summer that has everyone getting excited, or the upcoming festivals and events…It’s that April is Sonoma County Wine Month! To help you kick off your own festivities, we’ve put together a list of our favorite must-see celebrations to add to your list.
ROWEN Release Party at Rodney Strong
You’re invited to enjoy an afternoon in the newest private event space at Rodney Strong Vineyards, The Cellar Door! You’ll take a deep dive into the collection of high-elevation wines, and be given the first chance to taste an incredible variety of wines.
Space in this event is very limited, so get your tickets fast!
Where: Rodney Strong Vineyards
When: Saturday, April 8th
Papapietro Perry Riedel Veloce Glass Seminar
What’s better than wine tasting and learning about the importance of the correct stemware? Having the option to do it from the comfort of your own home! This event is offered both in person at the tasting room and virtually, and with the price of your ticket, you will get two bottles of wine, and two sets of professional Riedel Veloce glassware.
Sounds incredible, right? Get yourself on the list!
Where: Papapietro Perry (Virtual Attendance Available)
When: Saturday, April 15th
Earth Day Hikes at Benziger Family Winery
Take in the beauty of this one-of-a-kind Sonoma Mountain Estate, and hear directly from Chris Benziger as he shares family stories, insight into their farming practices, and much more!
Space on this hike is super limited, so reserve your spot now!
Where: Benziger Family Winery
When: Saturday, April 22nd, 10am & 2pm
Kunde Family Winery Mountain Top Tour & Tasting
Start your day with a one-of-a-kind journey through a vineyard tour, and end it with an incredible tasting experience overlooking the rolling hills of Wine Country. You’ll get to kick back and relax while enjoying award-winning Vino and locally sourced cheese pairings.
This tour is only offered at select times. Learn more and sign yourself up!
Where: Kunde Family Winery
When: Saturdays in April
Gloria Ferrer – The Rosé Exploration
Allow yourself to be immersed in all things Rosé as you taste 4-5 of the iconic sparkling wines from the Gloria Ferrer collection. You’ll also get an inside look into how these varietals are handcrafted for your enjoyment!
This experience is only offered on a limited basis. Reserve your spot!
Where: Gloria Ferrer
When: Select Dates + Times in April
Passport to Dry Creek Valley
Choose your own adventure in Wine Country! Over the weekend, you’re invited to join 34 wineries in a celebration of the vintners, land, and traditions that make each of their wine selections unique. Take in the views, taste reserve wines, have the opportunity to join elite wine clubs, and more!
General and VIP options are available. Get your tickets soon!
Where: Dry Creek Valley Wineries, Healdsburg
When: Saturday, April 29th & Sunday, April 30th
And much, much, MUCH more! When in Wine Country, you have to celebrate wine. Check out the full list of events, cheers!
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Personal Branding to Grow Your Real Estate Client Portfolio
Female real estate agent of Black ethnicity, discuss the contract with her clients a young Caucasian couple
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Real estate agents must grasp the opportunities in personal branding strategies to stand out in their competitive market. There are over 3 million licensed real estate agents in the United States, according to the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials (ARELLO). Without a personal branding strategy, a hard-working real estate agent will blend into the crowd. Personal branding allows you to stand out.
An Overview of Personal Branding in Real Estate
Personal branding is the image you want to present to your clients. This could be a no-nonsense, professional image of a person who closes deals and is a tough negotiator on behalf of their clients. It could also be a more casual, collaborative image of a person in a niche market who helps people find their dream homes. Who you are in the real estate world is a combination of what you project and what your clients want. It is where those two ideas meet.
Your strategy is how you present yourself to your target market. According to an article in Forbes, matching your authentic vision to your client’s needs builds trust and lasting relationships. These relationships make for successful careers in real estate.
Personal Branding Toolkit for Real Estate Agents
Many agents don’t know where to start when it comes to building a personal brand, as successful real estate marketing is not a one-size-fits-all approach. However, there are some overarching themes that are applicable to all real estate agents. These are the items you’ll want in your real estate personal branding toolkit.
- Target market: If you don’t know your target market, then you won’t be able to develop a personal branding strategy. Look at your last 10 sales. What do these clients have in common? Does this represent the clients you will have in the future? Find out what these people have in common and why you ended up closing the deal.
- Value statement: Once you know your target market, evaluate why you ended up with the deal. Were you in the right place at the right time, or did they choose you for a specific trait? Use these details to develop an authentic value statement that represents you and your target market.
- Engagement strategy: Personal branding is only as effective as its reach, and knowing which marketing channels reach your target market is essential to increase your visibility. Identify the marketing mediums that reach your potential clients, and focus your efforts here.
- Networking: Digital marketing has opened up networking opportunities, and every real estate agent should have a strong digital presence. Make sure your digital marketing campaign aligns with your personal brand.
- Measurements: You won’t know if your personal branding is successful if you aren’t monitoring your efforts. Prioritize goals and create key performance indicators (KPIs), so you can measure successes and failures and make evidence-based changes to your branding strategy.
- Comparisons: Finally, compare your work to others. If everyone in town is presenting a starkly different personal brand, there might be a reason. Uniqueness can be an advantage, or it can be unpopular. Make sure that your branding strategy is in line with your community’s wants and needs. It’s important to be authentic, but make sure that authenticity is based on shared values and not a need to be original.
Tips for Successful Real Estate Marketing with Personal Branding
Each real estate agent will have a different execution of their personal branding toolkit. Here are some tips for successful personal branding implementation.
- Remain authentic. Highlight your strengths and values and how they will help your target market.
- Use technology. A social media presence is one of the biggest ways to spread your personal branding message.
- Network. Collaborate with agents across the nation who share their personal branding strategies.
- Be consistent. Don’t change your branding strategy without very good reasons, or you’ll lose authenticity.
- Maintain a presence. Don’t overwhelm your target audience with engagement, but don’t let them forget you either.
With a successful personal branding strategy, real estate agents can build a strong client portfolio that grows due to retention and referrals. Your clients will know who they are working with and what assets you bring to the table in a real estate transaction. This builds everything you want in a marketing strategy: consistency, trust, and satisfaction.
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Tax Break Opportunities for California Homeowners
Old elderly senior caucasian freelancer woman grandmother checking pension documents, loan, e-banking, doing paperwork with laptop, mortgage, paying domestic bills at home
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Exploring tax breaks for California homeowners? From first-time home buyer credits to additional tax credits, getting a handle on the tax benefits of owning a home in California is an invaluable asset. Reinvest in your future with this guide and unlock the full potential of your investments!
What is a Tax Credit?
A tax credit can reduce the amount of taxes owed. It is a dollar-for-dollar reduction, so for every dollar, you receive in a tax credit, it reduces your taxes by that same amount. Unlike a deduction that reduces your taxable income, a tax credit can be used to directly subtract any taxes you owe or increase your refund if you don’t owe anything.
In addition, some credits are even refundable, meaning the IRS will send you money back if you claim more in credits than the total taxes owed.
#1: Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction in California
Often utilized by first-time buyers, homeowners have the advantage of deducting mortgage interest when filing taxes. Loans taken out before December 15, 2017, are eligible for deductions up to $1 million, while loans taken out after this date are only eligible for deductions up to $750,000. The amount one can save in taxes is dependent on how much interest was paid and whether itemizing your deductions makes more financial sense than taking the standard deduction. The standard deduction was increased in 2021, so it may be worth considering before itemizing other deductions such as mortgage interest.
#2: Property Tax Deduction
Married couples filing jointly can take advantage of a $10,000 property tax deduction, but it only makes sense if the total itemized deductions are greater than the standard deduction. For those with mortgages, remember that property taxes are already included in your monthly payments.
#3: Energy Savings Tax Credits
You could take advantage of tax breaks and get up to 30% off the cost of installing solar electric panels or water heaters, plus a lifetime credit of $500 for energy-efficient home improvements such as windows, doors, skylights, insulation, and home energy audits.
From January 1 2023 onwards, the credit will be increased to a maximum of $1,200 per year for eligible properties.
#4: 1099/Self-Employment Office Write Off
Are you a self-employed person working from home? If so, then you’re in luck – the CARES Act allows for a deduction of up to $1,500 for your home office space. However, be sure to look over the fine print as W-2 employees are not eligible for this deduction.
#5: Tax Breaks for Accessibility Upgrades
If you’re an older homeowner looking to age in place, you may be able to take advantage of a taxes break by making home improvements that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Examples include wheelchair ramps, grab bars, widened doorways, lowered cabinets or electrical fixtures, and stairlifts.
Just make sure you have a doctor’s letter confirming the changes were medically necessary!
#6: Interest Deductions from HELOC
If you have a home equity line of credit or HELOC, the interest you pay on that loan is tax deductible — but only if the money is used for home-related expenses like renovations or repairs. Keep your receipts in a safe place!
Get the Most Out of Your California Homeownership Tax Breaks
Owning a home in California can provide significant taxable breaks, but you have to do your due diligence to make sure you’re getting the most out of them. There are two main ways to ensure that all of the available tax breaks are taken advantage of:
– Appealing the taxable value of your home
– Claiming all applicable deductions and credits
When it comes to appealing the taxable value, this means making sure that your home is evaluated correctly according to its fair market value. This will help reduce your overall tax burden by ensuring that you’re not overpaying taxes for a property that is worth less than what you’re currently paying.
Finally, it is important to make sure that all potential deductions and credits are claimed in order for homeowners to get the maximum amount of savings from their investments. By taking these steps, homeowners can enjoy significant financial benefits from owning a home in California while also reducing their overall taxes burden.
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Dvele Homes & The Road To 3964 Shelter Glen Way
At the crossroads of innovation and environmental efficiency, you’ll find Dvele Homes. Born out of a need to meet the changing demands for energy, Dvele strives to “create the smartest, healthiest, most sustainable homes on the market,” built in as little time as possible.
W Real Estate is proud to once again partner with Dvele Homes to bring one of their innovative creations to life, right here in Wine Country. The home at Shelter Glen Way is perched on just under an acre and features a sprawling 3,700+ square feet of efficient design that shatters industry norms at each corner. Completed in 2022, this custom build centers around the upscale kitchen and central living area, both of which are bathed in natural light and effortlessly lead to the outdoors beyond. Occupants will enjoy the peace and privacy provided by the 4 bed, 5 bath design, all incorporating premium finishes to elevate the living experience. This home is all electric and achieves near net-zero levels of efficiency giving owners a break on power payments, and utilizes solar arrays alongside battery backups that give peace of mind should unexpected outages ever occur.
Simply put, Dvele Homes rebuff typical building practices. According to their website, “People are becoming more cognizant of resources and waste. But most builders are stuck in the same old models and building like they have always built before.” When building the Shelter Glen Way property, Dvele utilized green building practices to ensure maximum climate-friendliness. The home is also fully equipped with advanced filtration systems and smart home capabilities, making it easier for new owners to adopt a heath-centric lifestyle. Dvele also inherently understands that design is a key component that cannot take a backseat. The home at Shelter Glen incorporates a sophisticated design that expertly blends elegance with efficiency.
Showcasing elegance and luxury while setting an industry standard for efficient practices, Dvele Homes is at the forefront of new homes of the future. They expertly analyze the environment the new home is going into, and adapt their plans to ensure a truly unique living experience. We are proud to partner with them once again and are excited that the home at Shelter Glen Way will stand as a testament to their building talents and can serve as an example for future homes to come.
Agents to Watch – Shiela Frye
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Congratulations to one of our November Agents to Watch, Shiela Frye! From a young age, Shiela understood the value of investing in real estate. She knows the inherent value that home ownership can bring to one’s life and goals, and she relishes the chances she gets to help clients navigate the real estate market. Keep reading to learn more about Shiela!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Calendar remaining events, and productivity hours for the remainder of December.
Why did you decide to pursue a career in real estate?:
Since I was young, my father always instilled understating the value of investing in real estate. My family owns a number of rental properties and through middle and high school I would help with the maintenance of the properties as well as organizing the books at the beginning of each month. Along with that, my job throughout high school and college was an assistant to a real estate broker and from that, I gained a lot of knowledge in the career and loved the feeling of being part of someone’s biggest investment and seeing the joy it brought to people at the end of the transaction. I always knew I was going to delve into something having to do with real estate because of my family background, but while I was in college getting my degree in Business Management, I just knew my passion was going to be in real estate, so I simultaneously got my real estate license and degree.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Never fear failure.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?:
Jamaica
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I am deathly afraid of spiders but will pick up just about any other type of animal/creature.
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What three things do you have with you?:
1. My Family
2. Endless supply of drinking water
3. Large knife
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Clear, blue skies, 80 degrees. Soaking up the sun at Lake Sonoma with my family, watching my dog swim.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
John Ash
Your Comprehensive Checklist on Hosting the Holidays
Group of friends gathered at home to celebrate Christmas or New Year. Bringing fir tree and presents. Hugging. Day time.
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Holiday guests are expected during this holiday season. Many people are preparing their homes to welcome family and friends. Whether you are hosting family for a long weekend or everyone is coming over for dinner on the holiday itself, you want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable when they come into your home.
As the holiday hospitality season arrives and you open your home to family and friends, then make sure that you are brushed up on your holiday hostess skills. The following are some great tips to help you brush up and get ready to serve your holiday guests:
Tips for Before Your Holiday Guests Arrive
Deep-Cleaning Starts Your Holiday Off Right
While we have all heard of “spring cleaning,” giving your home a deep clean before the holidays can help you start off your holiday season right. It gives you a clean home and a clear mind before you begin to decorate for special occasions. It also allows you to know that your guests won’t find surprise dust bunnies under the tree or long-lost crumbs under the centerpiece at the family holiday dinner!
Declutter Your Home
Remove the clutter from the areas of your home where your guests will be spending most of their home. Your holiday guests do not need to see the last month’s worth of your mail piled up on the counters or your kid’s latest art project left across the kitchen table. Cleaning up and opening up the space where your guests will be staying will help their stay be much more enjoyable and comfortable. Your guests will appreciate it.
Decorate for the Holidays Early
If you are hosting the holidays this season, then leave yourself plenty of time ahead of time in order to pull out your decorations, fix what is broken, and get the house decorated in time for your guests to arrive. This gives you time to make any adjustments that you need to make in order to ensure that your decorations are ready for guests well before they arrive.
Choose Decorations Strategically
You might want to decorate every single square inch of your home to make it look festive and cheery, but in reality, sometimes less is more. When you go to decorate, focus on the big picture and on getting the main areas of your home decorated where the guests will spend most of their time. Choosing which areas to focus on can give your home a better, more well-balanced look in order to give a well-put-together appearance to your guests.
Sometimes minimal decorations can look more well-put-together than filling every little nook and cranny of space with something festive.
Tips for After Your Guests Arrive
Discuss Pets with Your Guests
Many guests may have allergies to certain pet dander or hair. Be sure to inform guests of any/all pets that live in your home before they arrive. If they have allergies, this will give them a chance to speak up before they even arrive so that arrangements can be made for everyone to have a comfortable and pleasant visit during the holidays.
Break Out Good China
If you are having guests over for a holiday meal, then you will want to use your good china in order to serve your holiday meal. Holidays are a special occasion and using your special china dishes symbolizes the importance of the holiday. Ensuring that your china dishes are clean and ready to use will help make serving the holiday dinner a breeze. All everyone has to do is grab a plate and fill it up!
Set Up a Coffee/Tea Station
If you have a Keurig to set up a coffee/tea station with a variety of flavors of coffee, or a regular coffee pot to provide coffee and other hot drinks then all guests have to do is help themselves to a beverage of their choice. It’s a nice touch to please both coffee and tea drinkers alike. You also don’t have to worry about making a cup of coffee every time someone wants something to drink, which can become cumbersome. The “help yourself” method will make guests feel more at home.
Provide Space for Guests
Guests will likely come with luggage and other belongings that they need to store throughout their trip. Providing an area for your guests to store luggage and other personal belongings will make them feel more welcome and at home rather than making them “live out of a suitcase” for the holidays.
Leave Extra Pillows/Blankets/Towels/Washcloths/etc.
Leaving your guests with “extras” is a nice way to make them feel more comfortable by not having to ask, “Do you have an extra ________ I can borrow?” every time they need something. Guests will appreciate extra pillows to sleep on or blankets to keep warm if your home is at a different temperature than they are used to. Providing extra supplies will allow guests to be comfortable without asking you as a host to please provide them with whatever they need.
Stock the Bathroom with Toiletries That May Be Forgotten
Providing basic toiletries to guests makes it so that they don’t have to weigh their suitcases down with extra weight when they come to visit for the holidays. Soap and shampoo and other liquids get quite heavy and can take up a lot of room if your guests are flying with weight restrictions on their luggage. It will also help to have extras of these basics on hand in case a guest forgets to pack something for their trip. Knowing that they will have basic necessities when they get to their destination can take a lot of stress off of the process of traveling for the holidays.
Conclusion
Put yourself in their shoes and think about what you would want someone to do if you were a guest in their home. That usually will give you the answer as to how to treat guests and maintain your home while they are visiting. Being kind and caring towards your guests and respectful of their privacy will help make a great holiday season with great memories for everyone!
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Agent of the Month – Mary Curran
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Congratulations to our November Agent of the Month, Mary Curran! At her core, Mary is a people person who loves real estate. It is this skill set and this passion for her business that propels Mary’s daily successes! Keep reading our blog below to learn more about our incredible W teammate, Mary.
What routines do you have in place to start your day off right?:
Coffee at Black Oak.
To what do you attribute your success most?:
I want to say dumb luck but maybe it is just that I am open and will talk to anyone at any time. I am not shy for sure!!!
What was the most difficult thing you had to overcome when first starting your real estate career? Or that still challenges you to this day?:
Not knowing forms and the different computer systems to make transactions easier. I still struggle but Steve Dickason and of course John my TC always saves the day!
What’s the transaction you are most proud of so far?:
Any transaction that resulted from me just talking to folks and being myself. It’s really rewarding to just be me and have people respond to that.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential real estate market?:
It seems to me that everyone has an interest in Real Estate here. I don’t run across many people that have no interest or opinions about our market.
If work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you are getting it right?:
It is really important to me, but my life is pretty simple. My husband and I both have fluid schedules so it’s easy for us to have downtime. I know it can be a real struggle for agents with kids, I couldn’t imagine how hard that must be.
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
Brugge Belgium is the best place I have ever been.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Don’t react to stuff right away. ” I will get back to you” is the best thing to say when you are faced with something challenging. It gives you time to think, discuss, and form your plan.
Agents to Watch – Deanna Reis & Nan Boettger
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Congratulations to our November Co-Agents to Watch, Nan Boettger and Deanna Reis! This dynamic duo teamed up this year and has been unstoppable ever since. Nan and Deanna draw on their passion for real estate and their love for their Wine Country home and use that as a daily driving force for their success. Keep reading to learn more about Nan and Deanna!
What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
Nan: Today the first thing on the list was a meeting with Deanna to go over a listing agreement followed by the week’s schedule/goals.
Deanna: Write a to-do list
Why did you decide to pursue a career in real estate?:
Nan: My family has been in Real Estate my whole life and was able to watch my family help families/clients with the process. I remember the joy it brought them to be able to help them. I decided to pursue my career in RE after both kids left for College.
Deanna: My nature is to help others and I’ve always wanted to make a big impact in people’s lives. Real estate allows me to do both at the same time! So rewarding!!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?:
Nan: The best advice I have received is to be trustworthy and honest and be myself.
Deanna: Go after your goals! They are uniquely yours for a reason.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now where would you go?:
Nan: I would go to Greece.
Deanna: Somewhere warm, with sand, and a beach.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
Nan: I actually do have a shy side in different certain settings.
Deanna: Most people do not know how literal I am.
You’re stranded on a deserted island. What three things do you have with you?:
Nan: 1. Water
2. Sun Tan Lotion
3. Book
Deanna: If I’m ever stranded on a deserted island..my literal self thinks I need survival equipment; a knife, matches, and a blanket.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Nan: Perfect day starts with sleeping in followed by a beautiful brunch. After filling up my belly wine tasting at some of my favorite wineries and shopping local at the town’s retail shops.
Deanna: A perfect day in Sonoma County would be a walk around Spring Lake followed by a quick drive to Calistoga for a massage and lunch.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Nan: Catelli’s in Geyserville
Cold Weather Curb Appeal
Frost on the leaf and grass.
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Cold Weather Plants
Get your landscape winter-ready with evergreen trees or plants that can stand up to the cold weather such as boxwoods or cypress.
Outdoor Lighting
As the days get shorter, having proper outdoor lighting will make your home safer and more attractive for buyers who come to visit at night.
Fresh Paint
Refresh trim and railings with a new coat of paint or stain. These details help revive your home for a fraction of the cost of painting the entire exterior. Ideally, you’ll want to complete this project before weather conditions turn stormy.
Tidy Up Your Lawn
Your grass may no longer be green, but you can still keep your lawn looking neat so buyers can picture what it will look like in the spring and summer. Keep your lawn clean by periodically raking up leaves and other debris.
House Numbers & Mailbox
An easy way to boost curb appeal is to update your address numbers and mailbox. Swapping out address numbers takes less than an hour and only requires the new numbers, nails, and a hammer.
Welcome Mat
Accessorize your entry with a durable welcome mat. Shop for a doormat that’ll stand up to wet, muddy boots all winter long. Message-wise, keep it simple, or rather go for a fun design!
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