Laurie the Realtor

It's the question every homeowner asks at one point or another: Should I sell or should I remodel? Here are a few questions to ask as you make the king-size decision. First up, Team Remodeling: Do I love my current home's location? Do I have space (inside and out) for an addition?... Will remodeling address my biggest concerns about my home? Do I have a place to temporarily move during the remodel (or the patience of a saint to live in an "under construction" house)? A YES to most of the above means remodeling is probably in your future. Next up, Team Time-to-Move: Do you anticipate needing more space than a remodel can provide in the next 5 years? (more bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.) Will remodeling put your home above neighborhood value? Would you prefer a home that's closer to your everyday places (work, school, shopping) or do you desire a different school district or a larger lot? Resonate with these questions? Find a realtor and at the very least, take a look at what's on the market. Sometimes moving in one direction is just what you need to clarify your thinking. Whether you're leaning towards remodeling or moving, send me a message. I'd love to do a quick analysis on your neighborhood and give you the stats you need to go along with your intuition! See more

You can never spread too much kindness, am I right? Today is National Random Act of Kindness Day, and I'm planning to share an extra dose with those around me -- wanna join in? Let's do it! Here are a few ideas you can do TODAY: Write a rave online review for a local restaurant you love.... Got a little cash in your wallet? Look for the right time and situation to give it to a stranger. Run by the store and grab a few blankets, toys, or dog food and drop them off at your local animal shelter. Leave a sweet message on your mirror with a dry erase marker to one or all of your family members. When you hear your inner critic in your head, tell yourself something positive you deserve kindness too! Happy Random Acts of Kindness Day, friends! (Feels like it should be every day, don't you think?) See more

After my last post on interior design terms, my mind was racing! There are just SO many to know. As a quick follow up, here are 5 MORE terms to keep you well-versed in interior design lingo: 1. Leadtime: Got a design project in the works? You’ll wanna ask about leadtime. What is it? It’s the time between when you order and when an item ships. Custom furniture and other items often have a leadtime of 8-12 weeks depending on the manufacturer. 2. Scale: Everything in a space... needs to gel and jive. Understanding "scale" is how that happens. Scale is simply how the size of one object relates to the size of the other objects in a room. 3. Bouclé: Texture is all the rage these days. Bouclé is one textured textile containing nubby, looped yarn often in two different shades. 4. Monochromatic: Don't be thrown off by the five-syllable word! What it means is this: a color scheme designed around a single color. 5. Niche: A niche is a recessed area in a wall or room -- perfect for a small piece of furniture or disguised storage, your designer can help you make the best use of the tucked-away space. Hope this helps you on your design journey. And don't forget -- if you don’t know a word or term, ask!! See more

It's the middle of February, and that means we all could use a little pick-me-up. Spruce up your home (and instantly boost your mood) with fresh-cut flowers or blossoming houseplants. Here are 3 of my flowering favorites (plus a fresh flower bouquet tip): 1. African violets: Dainty, low-maintenance, and perfectly perky shades of purples, pinks, and whites, these flowers bloom almost year-round and will do wonders for your kitchen windowsill.... 2. Christmas cacti: Did you know these plants can live for decades? Unbelievable! A sucker for indirect light, these hearty plants bloom in stunning shades of corals, pinks, and reds. 3. Kalanchoe: Glossy green leaves and clusters of red, yellow, pink, or orange, these pint-sized plants give an approving nod to the coming spring. Sprinkle them all over for a fresh splash of color in every room. 4. Lucky enough to score fresh flowers yesterday? Keep 'em looking fab as long as possible by changing out cloudy water and removing dead and wilted leaves as soon as possible. Let your home feel like spring on the inside even if it is the middle of winter!! See more

While this may be a day for roses, romance, and relationships of all sorts, I couldn’t pass up the chance to say thanks for your continued support, business, and referrals. It’s because of warm-hearted folks like you that I get to do what I LOVE every single day! Hoping this February 14 finds you, too, freshly thankful for your loved ones and the joy they bring to your life. From my heart to yours, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Poor Monday...Tuesday has tacos. Wednesday is hump day. Thursday has #TBT, and Friday is everyone's fave...week after week, year after year (eye-roll). Well, cheer up, Monday, today is YOUR day -- it's "National Thank God It's Monday Day!" Today is the first Monday of 2021 and the PERFECT chance to get serious and focused not only about the week ahead, but the year ahead. Here's what I'm doing to celebrate #ThankGodItsMondayDay:... 1. Kiddo's started back to virtual school, which is better then no school. 2. The weather has been great for getting outside and active with the family. 3. Starting strong on my 2021 goals! Happy, happy Monday, everyone. Let's get after it! 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! See more

It’s time for #spreadthelovesaturday where all month long I’m sharing local restaurants and businesses I absolutely adore! Today it’s all about Coffee and one of my favorites is Rad Coffee right down the street from my office in Downtown Upland. If you haven’t checked 'em out, do it! I know they'll make you fall even more in love with our amazing community. Got a fave coffee shop! I have serious FOMO so spread the love and share below!

I know you’re anxious to give 2020 one final heave-ho way back into last year. (Seriously, me too.) But before zooming into 2021, let’s not miss the chance to reflect on the extraordinary year we’ve just lived through. Pretty sure we’ll never see another one like it! (This is where we pause and reflect). Now that that's done, it’s time to stare down 2021 and get serious about making it the BEST year ever! What’s on your mind as you think about the year ahead? ... A goal to set or settle? A habit to nix or nurture? A hobby to ignore or explore? A relationship to mend or end? A skill to meet or master? A house BUY or SELL? (I can help with that!) Whatever you aspire to this year, go for it! There’s no time like NOW to take hold of your dreams. See more

There’s a humbug-of-a-myth out there that you have to wait until spring to sell; that no one is looking to buy in December or January. Nothing could be further from the truthbuyers are out there 24/7/365! Here are 5 very merry reasons to sell your home this winter: 1. You’ll face less competition.... 2. You’ll get more attention from buyers’ agents 3. Buyers are more serious. 4. Your home already looks its best. 5. You’ll enjoy a quicker sales process. Internet searches for buying a home peak in the winter months so if you’re thinking of selling, don’t wait. Need an experienced realtor who knows our area to help? Send me a message and let’s chat. See more

You made an offer and it has been acceptedgo ahead, cue the confetti! And while it’ll be a few more days until you can move in, you’re well on your way to closing the deal on your new home sweet home. Just a few more steps to go... Today, I’m going to give you a quick rundown on what happens after you make an offer and your new home is under contract. So grab a cold one, kick your feet up, and take a listen to what’s coming up next in your home buying journey: ... 1. First, your agent will carefully review the purchase agreement to ensure you understand it and feel 100% comfortable with the terms and contingencies. 2. You’ll need to meet with a mortgage lender to firm up financing details and lock in your interest rate. 3. Once the home inspection report comes in (and you should definitely request a home inspection), you and your agent will negotiate any repairs with your seller. 4. Towards the closing date, you’ll get a call from your closing attorney’s office to schedule your closing. 5. Finallyit’s time to head to closing! Keep in mind that once your home is under contract lots of things happen behind-the-scenes. Don’t worry if it’s quiet for a few dayspeople are hustling to get everything just right for your closing. Of course, as questions come up, talk with your realtor. He or she is YOUR advocate every step of the way. Thinking about buying or selling? Send me a message, and I’ll be in touch! See more

Getting your listing description right is crucial if you wanna get potential buyers off their computers and into your home. Make that happen with these listing description DOs and DONTs: DO aim for the right length. Too long? You'll lose 'em. Too short? You'll lose 'em. Just right? A paragraph of 8-10 sentences.... DON’T be afraid to add a little personality, but avoid going overboard with all caps, too much fluff, or death by exclamation point. DO be honest. If it’s been on the market for 300 days, don’t say Won’t last long. Buyers are smart and won’t fall for gimmicks like that. DON’T forget to proofread, proofread, proofread. Grammar and spelling errors can cause you (and your agent) to lose credibility. DO mention well-known brands of appliances, flooring, lighting, or materials. Buyers like specifics, and it lets them know you've taken care of your home. DON’T assume buyers have pets, children, or love the great outdoors. Use language general enough to include all types of buyers. If putting words to paper (or computer) makes you break out in a cold sweat, no worries! I love writing listing descriptions that sell. Are you thinking about selling? Send me a message, and let’s discuss! See more