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Your Mental Health Matters: It’s Time To Prioritize You
Shot of couple going for a run outdoors
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It’s no secret that caring for your body is a critical part of maintaining good overall health for years to come, but what about your mind? While the importance of caring for your mental health is becoming more widely recognized and appreciated, few people take the time to care for their mental wellbeing until they experience a mental health concern, such as anxiety or depression. There is no better time than now to start prioritizing your mental health. Check out these 3 simple habits that are sure to benefit your mental health in the long run.
Take Care of Your Body
First and foremost, the connection between physical health and mental wellbeing can’t be ignored. When a person is healthy and strong, they just feel better. If it’s been a while since you focused on your physical health, don’t worry. You don’t have to be a bodybuilder or nutritionist to take practical steps that can help you look and feel your best every day. It can be as simple as:
- Eating nutritious meals: Who said anything about a diet? By simply cutting back on your sugar consumption and incorporating more whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, into your meals, you may be surprised by how good you feel.
- Getting more fresh air: Taking your dog for a walk, riding a bike around the neighborhood, or taking a weekend trip to the beach can help you clear your mind, reduce stress, and stay active.
- Finding an exercise routine that works for you: The best exercise routine is the one that you’re willing to do on a consistent basis. Find a workout plan that you enjoy, such as jogging, yoga, or cycling, and stick with it.
- Drinking more water: Replacing soda with water may seem like a small task, but it can make a big difference to your overall health.
Make Journaling a Habit
If you’re searching for a simple way to reduce stress and keep your mind sharp, daily journaling is a great option. Even if you’ve never been much of a writer before, jotting down your thoughts in a journal has been proven to help people:
- Manage anxiety
- Boost self-esteem
- Reach goals
- Strengthen communication skills
- Improve memory
- Foster creativity
- Enhance critical thinking capabilities
- Encourage productivity
Remember, there’s no wrong way to journal. Don’t feel pressured to write a certain amount or about anything in particular. Simply sitting down in a quiet place for a few minutes each day to document whatever is on your mind is all it takes to provide mental clarity and keep your mind in tip-top shape.
Sleep Better
Did you know that not sleeping well can directly affect your mental and physical health? It’s true. Along with making it difficult to be productive, sleep problems may contribute to a person developing mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. For this reason, getting a good night’s sleep every night is a must. Here are some tips for helping you sleep better:
- Stick to a sleep schedule: Strive to go to sleep and wake up at the same times every day, giving yourself at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
- Limit day-time naps: Don’t nap for longer than 30 minutes or late in the day.
- Turn off your devices: Limit your blue light exposure within 2 hours of going to bed.
- Manage caffeine and alcohol: Don’t consume coffee late in the afternoon or alcohol too close to bedtime.
- Create a relaxing environment: Keep your bedroom dark and cool to keep you as comfortable as possible.
- Try a sleep app or white noise machine: Listen to calming background music or sounds to help your mind turn off.
Your mental health and wellbeing play a pivotal role in your overall happiness and success. For this reason, W Real Estate not only recommends but encourages you to prioritize your mental health every day. If you are struggling with a mental health concern, such as anxiety or depression, know that you are not alone. The National Alliance on Mental Illness can help you recognize the warning signs of mental illness, as well as provide resources to overcome it and regain your quality of life.
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Agent to Watch – Emmy Kaplan
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Congratulations to one of May’s Agents to Watch, Emmy Kaplan! Emmy found herself on the path to homeownership earlier than most, and since then she has used that knowledge to help drive each and every one of her client’s transactions. Keep reading to learn more about Emmy, and how when she’s not out finding her client’s dream home, you can find her at her SF restaurant!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I have always been interested in business and investing and as a homeowner from a young age, I wanted to help others to be able to purchase property and create wealth themselves.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
The best thing that happened to me this month was being able to get vaccinated and hang out with my mom!
Are you a morning or a night person?:
I juggle multiple jobs and a home, so has to be both!
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
Going on a family trip with my 19-year-old son to Japan.
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Playing poker 🙂
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I went to Art school for Film and Photography
Must have purse/car item:
My phone of course!
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Hiking on a beautiful day with a friend
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Obviously my own restaurant Emmys Spaghetti Shack in Bernal Heights SF!
Agent to Watch – Robby Dearth
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Robby discovered his love for real estate early, and since then he has hit the ground running! He continuously innovates his business practices to stay up to date on what will keep him the most connected with his clients, while always making sure to take time to unplug and spend time with his wife and two daughters. Read our blog below to learn more about one of May’s Agents to Watch, Robby Dearth!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I took a sales class as part of my Marketing Degree from Sonoma State and one of our assignments was to shadow someone with a sales career. I chose my brother-in-law Rory who is a local agent/broker and ended up falling in love with the career. Every time things get hard at work I make sure to call Rory and complain.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
I’ve made video a huge part of my marketing and “education” plan for both buyers and sellers. With so many people being at home due to Covid, there’s a lot more time to get lost in YouTube and IGTV – It started out being incredibly scary for me, but I’ve grown to love it!
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
Personally: I got my first vaccine shot. Professionally: I helped three first-time buyer clients achieve their dreams of homeownership.
Are you a morning or a night person?:
Morning for sure, if I miss my 5 am workout my whole day is off. All the memes about the dad that wakes up early and brags about it? That’s me.
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
I’d like to swim in a pool of gold coins like Scrooge McDuck… but realistically I’d like to get my pilot’s license.
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Growing hair on the top of my head.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I used to have a fear of public speaking and talking to strangers.
Must have purse/car item:
Ibuprofen… I have two young daughters.
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Starts with Brunch at Howard Station Cafe in Occidental while we watch the fog burn off, then a quick drive over Coleman Valley Road to Salmon Creek Beach where my daughters love to explore and run around. Then we’d head back in through Guerneville and take a quick walk around Armstrong Redwoods. We’d have to swing over to Sebastopol for a slice at Mombo’s Pizza before an evening stop at Russian River Brewing Company in Windsor to let the kids run around while me and my wife Brandi enjoy some Pliny. If there’s time we’d swing by Moxie’s for some frozen yogurt and the kids would be in bed and asleep by bedtime!
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
This is a hard one because (as you can tell from my previous answer) I love Sonoma County Restaurants. But if I had to pick one: I worked at Mary’s Pizza Shack in Windsor as a Pizza Maker in High School and for a few years after, and then later I met my wife while we were servers at the Summerfield location. Mary’s Pizza Shack will always hold a special place in my heart.
Agent of the Month – Tanya Gilmore
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Congratulations to our May Agent of the Month, Tanya Gilmore! Whether it’s chasing down the best offer for her clients, or taking on a global pandemic, Tanya takes everything on with a positive attitude and the mindset that there is no challenge too big or small for her to conquer. Read on to learn more about Tanya!
To what do you attribute your success?
When I lost my fears of being without any failure, abundance and success found me! Fear is a roadblock for all of our dreams.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business or the single best thing you’ve ever done for your business?:
The biggest mistake I’ve made in my business turned into the single best thing I’ve done for my business: from being insecure and not believing in myself to watching myself in action and how equipped I am to do my job well. I changed the game when I had my own back and put my insecurities to rest.
How do you balance giving personal attention to your clients while still trying to automate your business?:
If you pay close enough attention, you can sense when a client needs personal attention. Those are the moments that matter. Gauging your client’s level of motivation allows you to move them from automation to personal attention.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
Believing that I will find opportunity in any era, covid or otherwise. It’s a fun game for me to find ways to make money when everyone thinks the world is going down…
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential Real Estate market?:
The cannabis market is unique and exciting to me. Growing up here, I have watched it move from the black market to the legal market. The other day I was rambling down a dirt road with the windows down after showing a farm. I would’ve never been down the road if it weren’t for the bustling cannabis market. I love exploring our county.
If you could only do one thing differently when you first started your business what would it be?:
Nothing particular… it took time and commitment to see the fruits of my labor.
If a work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re getting it right?:
For me, it’s Life, then work. I work to provide my family the lifestyle we want to live. If we are not upholding our ideals (health, quality time, travel etc.) then I know I am out of balance. It’s important to check in with ourselves. If our sleep, mental or physical health, nutrition, personal relationships, etc. are suffering, then we may be out of balance.
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
I traveled to Indonesia with 13 of my friends for a month. We were all intermittently together but one weekend we had a property in Canggu with villas for all 13 of us. Pretty dreamy.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Statistically, it takes 3+ years to grow a thriving business. Maintain another stream(s) of income. It ain’t easy but there is no ceiling on the level of success you can achieve. Saddle up!
What To Do When Work From Home Isn’t Working For You
Shot of stressed business woman working from home on laptop looking worried, tired and overwhelmed.
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Working from home is proving to be exhausting and hectic for many Americans. Juggling between child care, household chores, and work demands is never an easy task. Living through job insecurity, record unemployment, and a pandemic makes things even more difficult.
According to Monster.com, 51% of fully remote workers suffer from burnout. It is, therefore, quite normal for you to experience work-from-home burnout. Luckily, all is not lost, and you can bounce back using a few tips and tricks. Let’s take a comprehensive look at what to do when work from home doesn’t seem to work for you anymore.
Create a Routine with Strict Boundaries and Limits
Breaking the constant cycle of work and exhaustion is easy when you set strict boundaries and limits. Although realtors work odd hours, you need to take small breaks throughout the day. Start by creating a complete routine with designated working hours. Put your phone away and spend quality time with your friends and family.
Don’t respond to work emails outside the working hours, and avoid eating lunch at your desk. It will also help if you schedule a 30-minute break somewhere in your work schedule. However, ensure your routine matches your company’s norms, expectations, and culture.
Don’t Forget About Self-care
Because working from home can be demanding, most people fail to schedule some time for themselves. Contrary to what you might think, you don’t need a lot of time for self-care. All you need is two ten-minute breaks each day — once in the mornings and once in the evenings.
Use this time to do quick mindfulness exercises, smell a fragrance you like, take a few deep breaths, or watch a short video on YouTube. A bit of ‘Me’ time will do you a lot of good, mainly when your job is demanding. Giving your brain a break from monotonous tasks will help mitigate burnout.
Technology is Your Friend
Several programs and apps can help you reduce workload by automating tasks. A few of these programs can handle a vast array of jobs, thus saving you a lot of valuable time. You will, therefore, have more energy and free time to work on self-care.
Embrace any pieces of technology that can help you accomplish tasks faster and easier. Automating tasks ensures you can focus on what matters most rather than dealing with unproductive duties. Data entry, for example, can be exhausting without the right software.
Find a Hobby
You need to find a balance between work and play to avoid experiencing burnout. Most people make the mistake of over concentrating on careers that they lose touch with their personality. Well, it’s time to find you a new hobby that fits within your routine.
Consider group activities such as creative cooking, joining a sports team, trying out challenging workouts, or learning a new art. They are an excellent choice when you need to mitigate remote work isolation. Luckily, advancements in technology make virtual group meetings and interactions possible.
Schedule an Off Day to Relax and Recharge
When you are experiencing work burnout, you must take a day off. Ensure you structure the day to look different from all the other days. For starters, make plans to spend time with family and friends. You could also schedule for meditation or exercise, depending on what makes you feel relaxed and recharged.
Ensure you completely unplug from all work-related issues. Turn off all work notifications and forward all tasks to your co-workers or team. It will also help if you make a rule to avoid thinking about work during your day off.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, work from home burnout is real and can affect anyone of us. However, you can avoid or mitigate it using the tips above.
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Agent of the Month – Heather Young
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Congratulations to our April Agent of the Month, Heather Young! Heathers honest, authentic, and dedicated attitude help her to create strong bonds with her clients that last long after their transactions are complete. Read on to learn more about this valuable member of the W team!
To what do you attribute your success?
I’m fortunate that I get real joy in helping others find and achieve their dream home. I’ve been in many “helping professions” and enjoyed them all, but real estate is the best match of my love of people, my strong business background, and my years of experience making change happen with individuals and groups. I’m a 4th generation realtor from a small town in Oregon, so I grew up with the ups-and-downs of our profession and I thrive with change! My clients see me hustle for them and they see I truly care.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business or the single best thing you’ve ever done for your business?:
Believe it or not, Being Myself — being honest and authentic — has been my best business decision. When I don’t know something, I say so and then go find the answer. There’s too much to know in our business and no one can ever know everything. When I was a new agent, I resisted telling my clients or other agents when I didn’t know something. But being totally straightforward and honest (with appropriate professional discretion, of course) is 100% my most successful approach.
How do you balance giving personal attention to your clients while still trying to automate your business?:
My business is “boutique” — each client gets A LOT of my attention. I love what I do, so working hard is fun for me and I enjoy the off-again/on-again long hours. Other agents are far more automated than I am — and work with far more clients at one time than I do. My clients span from 20 years old to 90 years old, so I’m constantly shifting between text messages, email, phone calls, and pop-bys. Each person needs a different type of communication and I enjoy the adventure of discovering what works best for them. My clients select me because they have gotten to know me and understand that I will work hard and for them, putting myself 2nd. We’re lucky at W Real Estate that this is the ethic of our entire firm, from top to bottom. It matches my style and I love working at W partly for that reason.
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
Lots more phone calls! Fewer emails and text messages. People want to hear my voice and know that things *will* work out. Human connection is a big part of our business and there’s nothing like phone contact to sense any issues, address them right then, and get them worked out. Frankly, I’ve enjoyed talking more on the phone, too, as it helps us all feel less isolated. Somebody said, “We’re all in the same storm, but we’re in different boats.” I feel that reaching out during this time, voice to voice, has never been more important.
What is a unique aspect of the Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County Residential Real Estate market?:
Most of my business is in Sonoma County, with some clients in San Francisco. I love that Sonoma County is both boots-on-the-ground worker bees AND luxury client second (and third) homes. We have seen that in our pandemic statistics and we see it when we look around at our neighborhoods. We’re working people, retired people, and people on vacation. I love the variety and I love working with every person’s different situation as they purchase their own piece of Sonoma County.
I grew up in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, which is a farm-based economy. I was a townie (my father a realtor), but my first job in the 3rd Grade was helping harvest the strawberry, raspberry, and green bean crops. For Blue Bird fundraisers, I sold candy door-to-door and talked with a wide variety of people. This was great training for real estate, but more important it’s why I love Sonoma County so much. We have a wide variety of people and properties — we’re tied to the earth, yet also sophisticated and cosmopolitan. That combination defines Sonoma County and our real estate market.
If you could only do one thing differently when you first started your business what would it be?:
Starting a blog or a newsletter and sticking with it. Just sending it out to anyone and everyone and following up on the engagement that came from it. I kept waiting until I knew more, or could make it “perfect” or whatever — I always seemed to have a reason to put it off. I wish I had simply started doing it and just adjusted it as the environment changed.
If a work-life balance is important to you how can you tell if you’re getting it right?:
I love my work so much that everyone who knows says I’m a happy workaholic, and I don’t really have evidence to dispute that. When I realize it’s been too long since I took a vacation is when I begin planning the next one. Travel has the best ROI (after real estate, of course!) in that for each dollar spent, you get a dollar of enjoyment planning, another on the trip, and a third dollar of enjoyment from all the memories.
What was the best vacation you ever had?:
Two come to mind — becoming a certified SCUBA diver in Cabo San Lucas, and climbing some mountain peaks in Japan. I love the earth and there’s nothing more fun than a picture from a top of a high mountain! I’ve sailed to Catalina many times and taken a ship around Costa Rica and Panama. All wonderfully memorable. And also, all very far away from the telephone!
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out in real estate, what would it be?:
Don’t get bogged down in a schedule. Sure we work hard, but the minute we say, “Tuesdays are my day off” then an inspector can ONLY come on Tuesday! Roll with the business that comes in — and of course work regularly to get that business — and do your best to work the family and personal obligations around the work. Don’t stress about other things, just make working your first schedule priority, then fit “life” in around the edges. After the first couple of years, a rhythm comes and it gets easier. Not welcome advice for busy families, I’m sure; but I think looking at real estate this way really reduces the tensions of trying to “do it all.”
What are you looking forward to most in the New Year?:
I’m finally automating more of my business and am looking forward to the fun of staying up with our industry changes. Real estate will always be local, but my business has become more global and I want my clients to be fully comfortable with that. 2021 is going to be a wonderful year!
Agent to Watch – Dave Kraft
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At the core of everything Dave does is his enduring drive to help others around him. Keep reading to learn more about this kind hearted outdoorsmen, one of April’s Agents to Watch Dave Kraft!
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I came from a background in the medical device world and had been in a position to really help people and make a difference. I saw the chance to accomplish that same goal in real estate and it has come true!
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
I have added social media marketing and increased the intensity level of networking with the great agents in Sonoma County. I have also developed more ways to get referrals.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
I celebrated another birthday and got my second vaccine shot
Are you a morning or a night person?:
If you asked me before Covid I would have said morning person because I was at the gym at 6:00 but since my workouts have switched to cycling and hiking I have become more of a night person 🙂
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
Courtside seats at the NCAA Championship basketball game !!!!
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Playing the guitar
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I was born and raised in Kodiak, Alaska
Must have purse/car item:
Amazing car stereo
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Bright blue skies, sunny day 81 degrees light breeze going on an awesome bike ride with my buddies
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Sea Thai Bistro
What are you most looking forward to in the New Year?:
The world defeating Covid 19 and having a safe and “normal” world and spending time with my grandkids
Agent to Watch – Tedi Spain
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Congratulations to Tedi Spain, one of April’s Agents to Watch! At the crossroads of loving what you do, and continuing to push yourself to new heights, you will find Tedi. Read more below about Tedi’s passion for real estate, and how her deep involvement in her community keeps her in tune with her growing sphere.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I chose a career in real estate because I love all it has to offer. When I first became a Realtor I had the flexibility to do activities/sports with my kids. I also love being able to help friends and family not only make their dreams of home ownership and moves a reality but I have made many more friends in the process.
I Do What I Love and I Love What I Do!!!
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
I keep up to date on requirements and have been able to attend more courses/trainings. I am always interested in broadening my knowledge. I also sit on the board of the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce and work a few hours a week at the Cloverdale Citrus Fair so I get more insight on what is happening from different perspectives. I love to be involved in community events as well. This all increases my sphere.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
This month I was able to visit my brother and sister in Texas. We had such a good time! I can’t wait to see them again soon!
Are you a morning or a night person?:
I’m more of a not to early and not to late kind of person 🙂
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
I would love to travel more
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
That I am shy
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
A perfect day is spent with my beautiful Grandkids (“Oh” and my kids haha)! They are my pride and joy!
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
I love Outback Steakhouse and The Broiler Steakhouse
What are you most looking forward to in the New Year?:
I am looking forward to much more health, wealth, family and friends!
Agent to Watch – Maria Kenney
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Congratulations to Maria Kenney, an April Agent to Watch here at W! Purchasing a home is no small task, something Maria inherently understands. Keep reading to learn more about how Maria’s past as a mortgage lender helped shape her future as an agent, and why it’s so important to her that she go the extra mile for her clients.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I’ve always had a passion for Real Estate. Helping people with probably their largest investment is a big responsibility. My passion is to earn my clients trust, and to make the process easier to understand while relieving the stress for them. I worked in Home Lending for 25 years. The changes in mortgage lending left me with my hands tied in so many situations. I made the change to Real Estate Sales, and teaming up with Tedi made that transition so easy!
How have you adapted your marketing/business during the era of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?:
Educating the public on COVID safety in Real Estate was our top priority.
What’s the best thing that happened to you this month?:
My parents are 92 and 83 years young. I haven’t been able to spend time with them for a long time. They received their 2nd round of vaccines and I am looking forward to a hug from each of them!!
Are you a morning or a night person?:
Night person for sure. I really want to be a morning person but this daylight savings change is not helping matters!
What is one of the things you would put on your “bucket” list?:
Live in a warm and tropical place for at least 6 months.
What is something you wish you could be good at?:
Golf!!! I wish I started when I was 10 when my dad had the putting green and driving net in our backyard. But nooooo, I had to wait until I was 50 years old to start. I’m hooked.
What is something most people would never guess about you?:
I used to deer hunt and I shot a buck, gutted and skinned it. You probably don’t want to write that, lol. Ummm, I can back up a boat in a tight garage like a pro. Dad had all daughters, what can I say.
Must have purse/car item?:
Louis Vuitton cream colored purse!
What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?:
Driving to Stinson Beach in my fiance’s 68 Camaro, hiking up the Dipsea trailhead, and finishing the afternoon basking in the sun on the beach.
What’s your favorite local restaurant?:
Starks or il Davide’s in San Rafael.
What are you most looking forward to in the New Year?:
Getting back to normal. Live concerts, going to Giants baseball games.
Got Curb Appeal? How To Maximize Home Value And Make Top Dollar Sales
The spring housing market is always hot, and this year will be no different. Heading into spring, the 7% projected increase in home sales is a bright spot every real estate agent will be keen to capitalize on. To put that into perspective, making top-dollar sales will call for agents to change tact and work with prospective clients to take full advantage of the upcoming market’s positive outlook.
It’s hard to overstate the impact great curb appeal can have. Given the competitive nature of the spring market, the curb appeal of properties will be extremely important. As we enter the spring real estate market 2021, you’ll need to educate your clients on simple changes they can make to up the value of their homes before getting into the market. If you are in the business of selling homes you know that it is one thing to sell a home, and another to sell a home for a profit.
Homeowners put so much thought into selling their homes, forgetting that it is the little things that make the most difference. To perform well this spring, agents will have to give curb appeal of properties the attention it deserves.
What Is Curb Appeal and Why Does It Matter?
Curb appeal is all about maximizing a home’s outdoor space in order to catch the eyes of potential homebuyers and give them a great first impression of a listing. Emphasize the need to ensure that a home’s exterior is attractive and enticing to buyers to your clients.
A listing’s outdoor appearance is a significant factor in how valuable buyers perceive the property and their enthusiasm for making offers. Curb appeal is one of the make or break factors of how long a listing will remain in the market. Therefore, every homeowner looking to sell needs to ensure that their property’s curb appeal is thriving by investing in the maintenance of their homes’ exterior.
What Goes into Spring Curb Appeal?
As we enter the spring real estate market 2021,here are six curb appeal ideas you could work on with your prospective clients when putting homes on the market:
1. Exterior Lighting Works Like Magic
It’s best not to relegate curb appeal to daytime hours only. One of the ways of improving curb appeal is by adding exterior lights. Exterior lights add a warm, inviting glow to a property enhancing your home’s curbside appeal.
2. Landscaping Makes A Great First Impression
The outside of a listing is what buyers first see. Out of all the things one can do to create a better first impression of a home, a well-thought-out landscaping and well-maintained lawn gives you a lot of curb appeal mileage.
3. Spruce Up the Entryways
The front door is the focal point of the exterior and an entryway to a home. You’ll be surprised how big a difference updating the feel and look of a property’s entryways makes by drawing the eyes of more prospective buyers.
4. Update the Roof
As an agent, thinking that prospective buyers will not notice missing shingles or watermarks, is one assumption you cannot afford to make. A property’s roof will attract or turn away prospective buyers. According to research, the average return on investment for upgrading your roof when reselling is 105%.
5. Revamp Your Porch
Every agent wants to impress the buyer before they can even walk inside when staging a property. Adding spring decor like flowers and wreaths on the porch and stairs of a property or even some classic wrap-around luxuries will make the porch more welcoming.
6. Painting Brings Instant Curb Appeal
A freshly painted property makes a great first impression. Few things catapult the appeal of the exterior of a home more than painting. Investing in painting will pay once you’re in the market.
On average, improving the curb appeal of a property adds 3% — 5% to the property’s value. Homes with high curb appeal sell for an average of 7% more than similar houses with uninviting exteriors.
Now is the best time for agents to educate clients about the rewards of updating their front and backyards. The spring housing market has officially sprung, and it’s a great time for you as an agent to work with potential sellers to coordinate outdoor home updates.
