The Best of Santa Clarita

You’ve seen it everywhere -- and every time, you think, GAH, that looks AMAZING! Know the trend? Yep, wallpaper accent walls. Savvy home decorators have snatched a page right out of their mentors’ 1980s playbook and are embracing wallpaper once again with a modern twist and a bit more sophistication. Wanna give it a try? If you’ve got the wall, some willing friends, and free Saturday, here are a few tips to get you rollin’:... 1. Choose your color, style, and pattern. Look at as many pics as you can, but since this is an accent wall, don’t be afraid to go bold. 2. Read the instructions carefully. Seriously, skimming won’t do. There is more than one kind of paper and they aren’t all applied the same way. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a goopy mess instead of a stunning wall. 3. Go ahead and cover the outlets as you go. When everything is dry, you go back and cut off the excess paper. 4. Smooth wallpaper from the center towards the edge. This will get rid of air bubbles instead of just moving them around. With these tips (and few easy-to-follow video tutorials), you can take a room from ho-hum to heck-yeah in just a few short hours. Wondering what other improvements you can make to your home that will offer a return when you sell? Send me a message -- I’d love to share the top upgrades for 2021! . . . . . #wallpaper #santaclaritarealestate #santaclaritavalley #santaclarita #homedecor #scv #scvrealtor #scvrealtor #homeimprovement #homesweethome See more

Did you know I can help you find an AMAZING agent wherever you're moving? It's true! If 2021 has you packing up and heading to a new home across the country or across the state, I'd love to take one to-do off your list. Just let me know where you're moving and your anticipated timeline, and I'll shoot you the name of a friendly and experienced agent who'll be ready to help you the second you need it.... Shoot me a message or comment below and I'll be in touch! . . . . #santaclaritarealestate #santaclaritavalley #santaclarita #relocation #moving #scv #scvrealestate #realestate #realtor #scvrealtor #canyoncountry #stevensonranch #valencia #saugus #newhall See more

You’d think with more time at home I’d be motivated to stay on top of housework. If only it were that easy, huh? The good news is there’s no need for any of us to be in a constant cleaning frenzy. Here's what Good Housekeeping recommends be done weekly: Change sheets... Dust surfaces and furniture Vacuum and mop floors Wash towels Clean bathrooms Toss expired food Owning a home is a lot of work but totally worth it! If you’re looking to buy and need a realtor you can trust like a friend, send me a message. I’d love to connect. . . . . . #Cleaning #Housework #Housekeeping #CleaningTips #RealtorLife #SCVRealEstate #SantaClarita #SantaClaritaRealtor See more

Scoured the listings but can’t find what you’re looking for? A new construction may be in your future. Here are 3 reasons why it may be just the right fit: 1. Most new constructions give you the open floor plan you want without the inconvenience of costly renovations. That's not to mention maintenance costs will be low, low, low for years to come. 2. A new build will have the latest gadgets and gizmos for your modern family including outlets, charging ports, and plenty of... security and energy-efficient features. 3. Another perk? Get in early enough and you’ll be able to customize and upgrade just to your liking. Lean on your agent’s guidance for which upgrades are worth it and which ones to pass on. If you’ve found an up-and-coming neighborhood you love and are thinking about buying new, let me help -- don’t miss out on your first-choice lot and location! . . . . . #santaclaritavalley #santaclarita #newconstruction #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #valencia #canyoncountry #stevensonranch #newhall #saugus See more

Is this YOU? You’ve been working from home for months now (little ones, furry ones, or both scurrying underfoot). You’ve settled into a productive and predictable rhythm and are ready to KILL IT from home at the onset of the new year. As coronavirus cases rise all around us and businesses go (back) remote, what ONE piece of advice would you share with a work-from-home newbie? ... Share your wisdom in the comments below so we can make the best of an ever-changing situation! . . . . . #santaclarita #realestate #realtor #scv #santaclaritavalley #santaclaritarealestate #canyoncountry #valencia #saugus #stevensonranch #newhall #realtorlife #realestateagent #coronaviruspandemic #workfromhome #newyear See more

Thinking through new habits you’d like to embrace in 2021? While there’s no secret sauce (sigh), here are some tidbits of wisdom that have helped me along the way: Start small. Really. There’s nothin’ like getting a few quick wins under your belt to boost your motivation.... Consider stacking. Already have one habit on autopilot? Stack a new one right before it and ride the momentum. Embrace imperfection. You’ll miss a day...and that’s okay. Shake it off and move on. Tell a buddy. Ask a friend to check in on you over text to see how you’re doing. Find a podcast. There’s a podcast for that! Grab inspiration and coaching to stay focussed -- listen during your daily commute, while waiting to get the kids, or while walking the dog. Take a day off. Every.single.day can feel overwhelming. Take a regular day off. It may just make you realize how much progress you’re making. What tips and hacks have helped you embrace new habits? I wanna learn from youshare in the comments below! See more

Livin’ for the weekend isn't a bad thing when you’re a realtor who lives and breathes all things real estate -- that's ME! There’s nothing I love more than filling my Saturdays and Sundays with coffee, clients, and a calendar slam-full of showings and listing appointments. No matter what day of the week works for you, I’m available. Consider it real estate on YOUR schedule. ... Shoot me a message and let’s schedule a time to chat and get you moving on your 2021 real estate goals. . . . . . #SantaClarita #Weekend #SCV #LifeOfARealtor #RealEstate #SCVRealEstate #SCVRealtor #SantaClaritaRealtor See more

Merry Christmas Everyone! From my house to yours!

You've got questions. I've got answers -- a match made in heaven, I think! First up? A question I often get from homebuyers: Q: Are kitchen appliances included in the sale of a home? ... A; As a general rule, if an item is built-in or attached to the home (think bookshelves, window treatments, light fixtures, etc.), it's included in the sale of the home. Kitchen appliances typically fall under this rule unless otherwise specified by the sellers. Ask your realtor for a copy of the seller’s disclosure so you can make note of any items that don’t convey. Looking to buy (or sell) and need a realtor? I’d love to chat! Send me a message and let’s connect. See more

Give the spankin’ new homeowners in your life a housewarming gift they’ll use from day one. To get the ideas flowing, here’s quick list of my top ten: 1. Gift cards to home improvement stores or local take-out spots (and a stack of paper plates to go with!) 2. A personalized welcome mat. 3. Custom items such as stationery, address labels, wall plaque, zip code pillow, or an engraved cutting board.... 4. A pizza baking stone (bonus if you present it with a pipin' hot pizza!). 5. A painting of their new home. 6. A wifi password display sign. 7. A wine caddy (with a bottle of wine, of course!). 8. State-themed gifts (perfect for new-to-the-area friends). 9. Hand wash and lotion set (a must with corona + flu + house guests). 10. A new home holiday ornament. New homeowners, we celebrate youenjoy your first holiday in your new home! Have you ever received an unforgettable housewarming gift? Share in the comments below! See more

There's truly no place like home for the holidays! This year, what are your holiday plans: are you staying home? Having a socially distanced holiday? Hosting anyone? Does your holiday season look different this year? Comment below!

Are you ready as me to fill your home with the scents of fall? The candle names alone have me planning my next Target runpumpkin spice, cinnamon apple, sweater weather, autumn wreath; I want them all! The sky’s the limit if you’re not planning a move, but if you’re thinking of selling, keep buyers (and their finicky noses) in mind as you shop for scents. Clean and fresh goes without saying, but fragrances with cinnamon, citrus, jasmine, pine, and vanilla scents are p...roven to be uplifting and mood-enhancing. Opt for just a hint in the air so buyers can focus on your uh-mazing home and its featuresnot a knock-you-down, get-me-outta-here smell. Ready to sell or need some candle recs? Give me a call or drop me a message today! See more

Who else would love a swing chair like this in their home?

Remember middle school social studies (yeah, sorry to bring that up)? We all learned the difference between wants and needs. Needs? Food, clothing, shelter, and water. Wants? Pretty much everything else. To help focus your house hunting, we’re going to make a wants vs. needs list all of your very own. So grab a pen and paper or your phone and favorite note-taking app and don’t worryI’m here to help keep the two categories straight. Here’s a simple definition. Needs are... the non-negotiable features; the features you simply must have in yor next home. Wants are the ones you’d like to have, but you can add or change down the road. Needs might be things like: Enough square footage for you and your family Sufficient bedrooms and bathrooms First floor master bedroom Close proximity to work and school Attached two-car garage Grassy yard for children's or pet's play area Wants will look more like: Specific paint or exterior color Pool, jacuzzi, or other exterior water feature Fenced-in backyard Specific carpet, hardwood floors, or tile Kitchen amenities like countertops and appliances Walk-in shower or double bathroom vanity in master Don’t feel like your first draft has to be your final draftand above all else, remember you can’t change the lot, the location, or the price you paid so spend a good amount of time thinking through those three before moving on. Give me a call and let’s find you the 2021 home of your dreams! See more

It’s six days before the spookiest day of the yearknow what that means? It’s National Pumpkin Day and a perfect time to sharpen those knives, grab some gloves, and carve out some good times and magnificent pumpkins! Nail the pumpkin this year with these carving tips. 1. Have a plan. Draw out what you plan to do before making the first cut. A fine point permanent marker works great. Need some inspiration? Find hundreds of printable carving templates online.... 2. Gather your tools. Literally anything that’s sharp can be helpfulsmall knives, lemon zesters, exacto knives, even handsaws. Peruse the kitchen and garage to see what you have on hand and snag anything that might work. 3. Cut the back, not the top. Removing the top stem cuts off the pumpkin’s vine and messes with its structure. Make a hole in the back of the pumpkin to remove seeds and all the goop. 4. Work up and down. Begin cutting at the center of your design and work your way out. Use an up and down motion to ensure your cut pieces pop-out clean and easy. 5. Use LED tea lights. To last longer, you want to keep your pumpkin cool. Use LED tea lights instead of candles to illuminate your masterpiece. Happy carving, friendsI’m off to find a template or two for my own front porch pumpkins! See more

It is officially bonfire season! (My favorite!) Who else would love to have this outdoor firepit?

Thinking about selling but curious if turning your home into a rental makes more financial sense? Fret not! Here are several down-to-earth scenarios to help you make the right call. If you need the profits from selling your home to fund your next home, you’ll need to put the brakes on rentingat least for now. If a job has you moving out of the area, but think you may be coming back, renting may be the right moveespecially if you love your current home. (A word of ca...ution: If you tend to freak out about modest home mishaps, handling strangers in your home may not be for good for you or your nerves.) If the rent can cover your mortgage, and you don’t need the profits from selling, renting can be a savvy decision. You just wanna make sure you leave enough wiggle room in the budget for lapse in renters and unexpected repairs. If the rumor mill around you is churning out whispers of higher than asking price and multiple offers, selling may be the way to go. With interest rates so incredibly low, you don’t wanna miss out on all those serious buyers. Before deciding solo, talk with an agent who can give you the rundown on your neighborhood’s rental and housing market. After all, teamwork makes your dream work! Looking for an agent, give me a call. I’d love to help. See more

If homeownership is at the top of your 2021 to-dos, getting pre-approved is one of the first, and most important, steps. While prospective lenders will have plenty of questions for you, don’t be afraid to find the right lender and loan by asking a host of questions all your own. Here are a few to get you started: 1. What type of loan do you recommend for me? Why? There’s no one type of mortgage loan that’s superior to anotherbut whichever you choose, you need to know ...why it’s best and how it works. 2. Will my down payment vary based on the loan I choose? If you’re tight on cash or don’t want to be cash poor, let your lender know. Loans vary in their down payment requirements. 3. What is the interest rate and the annual percentage rate (APR)? Everyone talks about the interest rate, but the APR is just as important. It combines the interest rate with the fees a lender charges to originate your loan. 4. Can I lock-in an interest rate? If so, for how long? If you think rates will be moving up, ask if you can lock it in for a set period of time. 5. What will my closing costs be? Are they a part of my loan, or will I pay them in cash at closing? Remember, closing costs usually run 3-6% of your loan value so you need to know how they’ll be covered. Don’t understand something your lender says? Stop and ask for clarification. This is your home buying journey, and you deserve to understand the process every step of the way. Keep in mind that since a pre-approval is only valid for 30-90 days, depending on the lender, you’ll want to wait to meet with lenders until you’re ready to buy. Thinking about taking this first step to homeownership? Shoot me a message and let's chat! See more

Halloween may look a little different this year but let's make the best of it! If you're opting out of the festivities this year, I've got a scavenger hunt to do instead! Use this graphic of the Halloween Home Scavenger Hunt!... Be sure to take a picture with your results and tag me to let me know how you did! See more

Ahhh, spices. They make your food taste like a slice of heaven, but your pantry look like a jumbled mess. If you’re ready to trade your crowded cupboard for an orderly spice collection you can’t wait to show off, I’ve got you covered. Just gimme a couple of hours, a trip to your local hobby store, and some to-die-for, smell-good spices. Let’s get started. Every cabinet reorg starts with a massive cleanout. Empty your current spice cabinet and toss any expired or barel...y used spices. A good rule of thumb? If you haven’t reached for it in over a year, it’s time to throw it out. Separate your spices into categories. Do it by cuisine, favorites, heat levelwhatever makes sense to you. Now, jot down or take a pic of how many spices you have. You’ll need it at the store. Jump online or scoot over to your local hobby store and snatch up some adorable new bottles. Standard-sized bottles hold two ounces; the mini-ones ounce. Choose a style you like but keep in mind your cabinet space and the number you need. Before checking out, find some labels. Handwritten or printed labels put the finishing touch on your new collection. Anytime you can show some love to an oft-overlooked niche of your home, go for it! After all, it’s the countless little things you that make your home feel just right. See more

I’m making no bones about ittoday is National Dessert Day, and oh yes, I will be celebrating. Wanna join the sweet and delicious festivities? Here are some local eateries sure to tempt those taste buds. My favorite place to order cookies from is @crowscustomcookies. They can create anything that’s in your imagination and make it 10x better that your original idea! ... Need a cake for your event? Head over to @ssdonutbakeshop. They have so many choices of flavors, you will have a hard time deciding because you want to try them all!! And don’t even worry about the caloriesthey don’t count on National Dessert Day. Promise!

Thought the home you were purchasing was in tip-top shape only to be blindsided by your home inspection report? It’s okay, frienddon’t be spooked! Home inspectors tend to find every skeleton in the closet. At first glance, inspection reports (no matter what time of year) seem all doom and gloom. The inspector's job is to find defects in the house, and trust me they'll always find plenty!... Before letting out a blood-curdling scream (go on, cue your fav horror movie), let your agent look over the inspection with you. He or she can quiet your nerves, negotiate needed repairs, and have you to the closing table in no time. Homeowners do you remember your first inspection report? Let's hear your horror stories... See more

Time for another this or that: Which home office is your pick?!

I see it all the time, and I know it’s temptingprice a home too high just to see if anyone bites. The reality is this misguided approach often comes back to bite the seller. Here’s why: 1. Pricing a home too high when it hits the market spooks off buyers. It makes them question a seller’s intentions and wonder if they’re serious about selling. Remember, buyers (and their agents) have done their research and they know what a home is worth. ... 2. Another hiccup in pricing too high is that the home lingers and lingers and lingers on the market way longer than it should. The buzz generated by a new listing priced right will always gain more interest (even multiple offers) from buyers ready to purchase. If you’re curious about what the average days on market is in your neighborhood, give me a call. As 2020 comes to a close, buyers are still looking and homes are still selling. See more