LRod_RealEstate

There are SO many different types of home styles, such as tudor, modern, contemporary, victorian, ranch, craftsman, and more! Which style is your absolute favorite?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Fall is here!….. See how your home lines up in today’s market! Who’s ready to say yes to the new address?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But first… Let’s take a look at the housing market numbers⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Happy first day of fall y'all! Fall is one of our favorite seasons and these are some of the reasons why..⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
1. Pumpkin spice everything⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2. Falling leaves⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3. Sweater weather⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4. Pumpkin patches⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
5. Pie (need we say more)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What are some of the reasons you love fall?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Happy first day of , everyone! What is your favorite thing about this season? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Who’s ready for another round of True or False? Ok, Let’s see if you get this one right!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Typical buyers look for a home for 10 weeks and view an average of 10 homes before buying… True or False?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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According to data from the National Association of Home Builders, two-thirds of homebuyers searched for more than 3 months before going under contract on a home. Another recent report found that U.S.home buyers view an average of 19 homes, spending on average a total of 124 hours to finally find their next home. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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International Day of Peace, also known as World Peace Day, is a globally shared day for all humanity to commit to peace above all differences both within and among nations and peoples. How are you helping spread peace today?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Have you been dreaming about relaxing by the pool? How about hanging out in your own hot tub on those cooler nights? I can help you find a home with a pool and a hot tub so you can swim during the day and relax during the night. I know we are going to be headed towards the cooler months, but hey! Who said there aren't such things as a heated pool? 😉⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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🚨Calling all sellers🚨⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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One of the most important things you can do when getting ready to list your home is to stage it. Why?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Home staging will increase your power and appeal and is meant to stir up the imagination of the buyer. A properly staged home should allow buyers to feel as though they are already living in that space.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Consider this: Staged homes sell for an average of 6% higher than the listing price!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Here are some tips on how to stage your home:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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🔸 Create a “skyline” on any shelves or mantles⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This will keep your space organized and roomy⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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🔸Let in as much natural light as possible!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It makes the room feel lighter and spacious⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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🔸Consider adding plants (real or artificial)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There’s something about plants that promotes a positive “vibe” and adds vibrance to any room⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Need more seller tips? Contact me today!

New home, new address! Who's ready to make a move?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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From the experiences we go through to the decisions that we make, they all become a part of our story! Make the most of these moments and enjoy the journey. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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5 Mortgage Myths — DEBUNKED!⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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MYTH: You have to have a 20% down payment to buy a house. ⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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TRUTH: Different loans require different down payments—some as low as 0%!⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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MYTH: Pre-qualified means the same thing as pre-approved. ⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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TRUTH: A pre-qualification is a quick assessment of how much money you can borrow based on info you provide—no documentation necessary. A pre-approval letter indicates you’ve provided financial information to a lender and they have approved you for a designated loan amount. Serious about buying? Get pre-approved.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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MYTH: You need a stellar credit score to get a mortgage.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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TRUTH: For a conventional loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the minimum score required is 620. The lowest credit score to buy a house with an FHA loan is 580. Mortgages are out there for folks with a wide range of credit scores. Plus, there are things you can do to improve it along the way. ⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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MYTH: You don’t need to shop mortgage rates. They’re the same no matter where you go.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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TRUTH: Just like any major purchase, shop around! Not all mortgage rates are the same. Closing costs and other fees can vary from one lender to another.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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MYTH: It’s cheaper to rent a home than it is to own a home.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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TRUTH: Owning builds equity, offers tax benefits, and gives you a predictable payment year after year. Not to mention, buying now allows you to lock in historically low rates.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Don’t be fooled by every mortgage myth you hear! Talk to folks who know the truth and can help make homeownership a reality for you.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Have you always wanted a garden in your backyard? Comment what you would grow! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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P.S. If you're looking for a home with a big backyard so you can start your garden, be sure to contact me 🪴⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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America, the land of the free because of the brave. To all of our service members who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for the greater good, thank you!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We will never forget the suffering felt on 9/11 and we will always stand strong together, remembering those we have lost, those who have given their lives, and the reason our country is so great because we stand united.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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#911

"Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness is a way to⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
honor those we lost."⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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May we seek love, unity and understanding as we remember the lives lost and the courage of our fallen heroes displayed on this day 20 years ago. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Two classics for any grill session! Which do you reach for when you're at a BBQ? Hamburger, hotdog, or both?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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How well do you know your neighborhood? Realtors have access to information to help make your home buying experience smoother. Give me a call to discuss your next move!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you’ve looked at homes recently or know someone who has, you’ve likely heard how fast homes are selling. In some areas, it’s not unusual for a home to sell within hours of being listed. But is that the case everywhere and will it continue?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Why are Homes Selling so Fast?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The pandemic showed most people that life is too short and most things can be done remotely, which means you could live anywhere you want. Once the official lockdown lifted, it was “game on” with millions of people moving to new areas.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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🔸 With fewer homes for sale than buyers needed, the competition heated up and homes sold faster than anyone ever thought possible.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
🔸 Another factor to consider is mortgage rates. Today they are the lowest we’ve seen in decades. That can’t continue forever, but experts say it will be at least for another year or two.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When rates go back up, it will push more buyers out of the market, which will bring home prices down again with the lower demand. The demand won’t go away, but it may lessen slightly.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It may seem harder to buy a home today, but with the right help, it can happen! If you’re thinking about moving, contact me today and let me show you how I can help you find the best home at the right price. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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First-time homebuyer tips: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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1) Get a copy of your credit report ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2) Improve your credit score ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3) Get pre-approved before house hunting ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4) Know the types of loans available⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
5) Know your payment options ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
6) Use an experienced real estate agent (Hello there! 😀)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
7) Know your debt-to-income ratio⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you are a first-time homebuyer and you have questions, feel free to contact me any time!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In a rapid-fire seller’s market, you need more than great finances and a quick-on-the-draw offer to land the home of your dreams. You need guts, grit, and every advantage to edge out the competition—even if your offer is thousands above asking. ⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Enter appraisal gap coverage.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Appraisal gap coverage affords a middle ground between including an appraisal contingency in your offer (drag!) and waiving it completely (agh!). ⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It sounds like an insurance policy, but it's not. It's strategic language in your purchase contract that states you’re willing to pay the difference between the appraised value and the contract price, up to a certain amount.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If a seller is studying two equal offers and one has appraisal gap coverage but the other offer doesn’t, they’ll go with the one with the gap coverage.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Have hopes of buying this fall but feel a tad hesitant? Let's have a conversation—I'd love the chance to guide you through the buying process and make sure your offer is the one on top! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Stop renting and start house hunting! (With me, of course)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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There are three essential terms to know when dealing with contracts! They are what are known as contingencies, inspections, and possession.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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✔️ Contingencies⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you need to sell your current home in order to buy your next home, this is called a contingency.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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✔️Inspections⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Unless inspections are waived, buyers will have an allotted time to get home inspections done⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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✔️Possession⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Some buyers will get possession when they close on the new house while others might have to wait an agreed-upon amount of days after closing to get possession. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It might sound obvious, but many home decorators overlook samples when overcome with excitement about transforming their interiors. From wallpaper and paint, to flooring and fabrics, you should always order a selection of samples before committing to any specific material. Place the samples together, look at their quality and visualize how all the elements will work together in the room. You could even get crafty and create a moodboard, full of all your favorite swatches.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Staring DOWN a DOWN payment? Don’t flinch—you’ve got options!⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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20 percent: If you can swing it, putting 20% down has its benefits like lower payments, more equity, and no PMI.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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10 percent: For an FHA loan, you’ll need 10% and a credit score of 500 to 579.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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3.5 percent: If your score is a little higher (580+), 3.5% will do for an FHA loan. ⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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3 percent: A conventional loan owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac requires as little as 3% down. ⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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0 percent: Qualify for a VA loan or a USDA loan? That’ll be zero dollars down, please. High-five!⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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PMI, FHA, VA, USDA….choosing the right loan and down payment doesn’t have to be confusing. If you’re researching your options and have questions, reach out. I’d love to point you in the right direction!⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Buying or selling a home is an emotional process. I’m here for you every step of the way. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If it’s your first time buying a home, or you’re looking for a new place to live, knowing the right questions to ask your lender will put you ahead of the game.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Here’s Tip #1 of this series and the 3 Key Questions You should ask a lender when buying a home :⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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1. How much home can I afford?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
First things first. Learn how much home you can afford by pre-qualifying for a mortgage loan. This process involves providing your basic financial information to your lender. They will look at several factors such as your credit history and credit score, employment history, and the ratio of your monthly debt payments to your income in order to determine your loan amount.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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2. What type of loan do you recommend for me? Why?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There are various mortgage loans that you may find more suitable for you. For example, military veterans and first-time homebuyers may be eligible for special loan and/or down payment assistance programs.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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3. How much of a down payment do I need?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Depending on the type of mortgage loan you choose, this may vary. However, there are options available for you to put down as little as 3% Down…. In some situations No down payment at all! Yes! You heard me right!!!! Zero down payment!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Still not sure how to start? Send me a message and we’ll discuss further! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Did you know that the oldest known wooden house in North America is still standing? The Fairbanks House in Dedham, MA was built in 1637 for Johnathan and Grace Fairbanks and their six children. It was home to eight generations of the Fairbanks family over the course of 268 years. The Fairbanks House is now a historic house museum and on the National Register of Historic Places.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Bathroom remodel on the brain? If so, these tips from a fellow been-there-done-that DIYer are for you. ⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The average bathroom remodel in 2021 is $10,919 (but that’s NOT a top-to-bottom reno.) According to HomeAdvisor, most homeowners spend between $6,590 and $16,359 on a bathroom remodel. To update the essentials in a smaller bathroom, you can spend as little as $3,500 to $7,000. On a larger/master bathroom, you could spend $25,000 or more.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Grout can make or break your remodel. Yep—little ole grout. Think long and hard about choosing white if "dirty" drives you crazy.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Study your storage options from the get-go. Don’t overlook where you’re gonna store all your bathroom “stuff.”⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Freestanding tubs look cool but if you’re an avid bather, you might not like the faster cool down and awkward storage.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Consider NOT remodeling. If 10-20K isn’t in the budget, you still have options. You might be surprised what you can do with fixture changes, calming paint colors, fresh cabinet hardware, and luxury hotel bath towels.⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I love chattin’ it up about all things remodeling! If you’re on the fence about what to do, send me a DM, and I’ll get in touch. One thing is for sure: you want to make changes that will add value to your home. Let me help you do just that! ⁣⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We are all on our own journey. Trust the process and enjoy every moment! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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