Kelli Phillips Realty Group

💙 Today is ! 🫡

The mission of today is to instill the highest levels of personal integrity, professional expertise, sound judgment, and discretion to all REALTORS around the world. The more training we take, the better Realtors we are 😁

Have you completed your ethics class?! If not, do so by December 31st of this year!

🌎 “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” ― Edward Abbey 🌎

🌱 Happy Earth Day! 🌱

🤳 It feels so easy, right?

Spot a beautiful home on Zillow, click the ‘Request a tour’ button, and voila, you're one step closer to your dream house...BUT here's the catch: that one click propels your personal info into a world of real estate agents, all vying for your business 😱

Don't get me wrong, we real estate professionals are pretty great, but if you're not quite ready for the constant phone calls or text bombardments, that one click might be overwhelming.

The good news is there's a simpler, quieter way through the noise!

If you give me a call to set up a showing, not only will we explore that gorgeous home you spotted on Zillow (or any other place), but your contact information will stay safe — just with me. Plus, you won't have to worry about your phone ringing nonstop! 🙌

📲 Save yourself the trouble and reach out to me directly. Send me a DM or comment on any of my posts to connect today!

✨ Just Listed in Powder Springs! 🌳

🛏️ 3 bed
🚿 2 bath
🌅 Corner unit with abundant natural light
🪵New LVP flooring
🤩 HOA takes care of yard work

📋 Exclusively Listed by Kelli Phillips, Kelli Phillips Realty Group, Real Broker LLC : 855-450-0442

🥳Happy birthday, 🥂

You are the reason KPRG can do all we do! We are so thankful for your intentional and kind personality, humor beyond understanding, leadership, and the highest tier care for our clients. We can’t wait for all this year holds! 🍹🥳

🌸 International Women’s Day 🙋‍♀️

“There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness and the nerve to never take no for an answer.” -Rihanna

🤝 Most of the time it’s easier to say something than do it. Quite the reason why many people share their goals with others. But the important thing is to focus on what you need to do to achieve the goal, not just telling people about it. Get out there and take action. Sooner or later you’ll reach it and succeed!

Looking for a swoon-worthy gift to give the real agent in your life this December? Good news! We’ve got the inside scoop on what they’d love most.

Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning. (And P.S. - All of these are clutter-free gifts which you know is giving me all kinds of holiday cheer!)

🎫 Tickets to a show or concert coming to town that you know your agent would enjoy. 
🎁 A gift card to a favorite restaurant, boutique, or coffee shop.
🎗️ A donation to a charity near and dear to your agent’s heart in their name.
🍽️ A 3- or 6-month subscription to a meal-planning service.
😀 The best gift of all? Your referral of a friend or a family member!

Just like any gift, it really is the thought that counts! Have a gift idea you want to share? Drop it in the comments below!

🎄Don’t let your wallet stand in the way of your decorating dreams! WE’ve got some DIY tips to help you make your home extra festive without breaking the bank!💰

🎄Place extra ornaments on the mantle, in a hurricane vase, or around a DIY wreath. 
🎄Paper, scissors, and some string are all you need to make snowflake garland. Find patterns you love with a quick online search. Simple, bold, and easy for the kids! 
🎄Wrap empty Amazon boxes to create a faux-wrapped present tower. Place on an entry bench, stairway, or fireplace. You can also wrap artwork or picture frames already hanging on your wall. Just add a fun bow and place back on the wall. 
🎄Put those holiday photo cards to work as ornaments on your tree (use clothespins to clip to branches), or simply hang them around a doorway. 
🎄When in doubt, go with lights and greenery. On the mantle, around a banister, above kitchen cabinets...the possibilities are endless and the price is oh-so-right.

🤑Do you have high-impact, low-cost holiday decorations you adore? Drop them in the comments! ⬇️

🌄 Most people want to see big things and big changes. But in reality, it’s the small things that matter! Those little things that you do today will significantly impact the way your future turns out, thus creating the bigger picture.

Today, go for the small actions. The steps you take now will move you forward into the new year with a head start! Here’s to the little steps that push you forward. Happy Monday! 🥾

🎉 It's official, you've received an offer on your home!

Congratulations!

This is such an exciting milestone, but the work isn't over yet. After accepting an offer, you have several responsibilities as the seller. Here are some of the things you can expect:

• Sign the purchase agreement:
This is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms of the sale, including the purchase price, closing date, and any contingencies.

• Provide disclosures:
You’re legally required to disclose known defects or problems with your home. Things like structural problems, lead paint, and any history of flooding or fires.

• Cooperate with the buyer's inspection:
The buyer will have a home inspection performed to identify any major repairs or issues with the property. You’re then on the hook for repairs agreed upon by you and the buyer.

• Get your home appraised:
The lender will order an appraisal to determine the value of your home. This is necessary to ensure that the buyer is not borrowing more money than the home is worth.

• Clear the title:
The title company will conduct a title search to ensure that you have clear ownership of the property and that there are no liens or other encumbrances on the title.

• Attend the closing:
This is where you will sign the final paperwork, transfer ownership of the home to the buyer, and receive your check of seller proceeds!

Selling your home is a huge undertaking - but a cinch if you have the right team of professionals. If you need help with your next real estate adventure, we’d love to help. Send us a message or give us a call, and we’ll be in touch.

🌄 Most people want to see big things and big changes. But in reality, it's the small things that matter! Those little things that you do today will significantly impact the way your future turns out, thus creating the bigger picture.

Today, go for the small actions. The steps you take will move you forward. Here's to the little steps that push you forward. Happy Monday! 🥾

Black Friday isn't just for scoring deals on vacuums, and blenders. Deals can be found in real estate, too - but you gotta know where (and how) to find them.

Ahead of the big day, here are 5 tips to help you navigate the November market to snag the home of your dreams.

1) Research, research, research: Scout out neighborhoods, check property listings, and familiarize yourself with market trends. Take note of properties that have been on the market for longer than 4-6 weeks, have had one or more price reductions, or have expired — all potential clues the sellers are motivated.

2) Get pre-approved: Don't let a deal slip through your fingers due to financing issues. Get pre-approved for a mortgage to show sellers you mean business.

3) Be flexible: Keep an open mind when it comes to location and property type. Sometimes the best bargains are found in unexpected places. Stay optimistic and be ready to move once something pops up that fits your needs.

4) Set your budget: It's tempting to stretch your budget when there’s low inventory and lots of buyers. Don’t do it. Set a price you feel comfortable with and stick to it - no matter what.

5) Work with a pro: Enlist the help of a local agent who knows the ins and outs of the market. You'll get an insider’s knowledge of overlooked or underpriced properties that may be perfect for you.

This Black Friday, be on the lookout for some serious deals, including real estate ones. As always, let us know if you need assistance - and in the meantime, happy hunting!

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! 🥂

We hope you gather with your family and friends on this day of gratefulness! We are thankful to partner and guide all of our clients throughout the year, we would not be the same without you!

We’ve helped hundreds, maybe thousands, of buyers find a home. Despite their differences, they all share ONE desire…

NO SURPRISES.

So if you’re thinking of selling in the next few months, here’s your gentle nudge to take care of a few things...

✓ Evaluate major home systems - HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roof.
✓ Fix leaky faucets.
✓ Tighten loose cabinet pulls or door k***s.
✓ Paint dingy walls, doors, and ceilings.
✓ Freshen up the yard by trimming trees and shrubs and laying mulch.
✓ Deep clean carpets.
✓ Declutter, declutter, declutter.

These are just a few of the things we encourage our buyers to do. If you’re serious about prepping your home for buyers AND getting top dollar, drop a comment below or send us a message, and we’ll send over my Home Prep Checklist for Sellers that will guide you step by step through the process.

Have other questions about selling or want personalized guidance? We're here for that, too - just reach out!

💪 Pursuing your dreams can be hard, especially when it comes to getting over obstacles.

In reality, most people give up because of obstacles. They want to avoid pain at all costs. But what they don't know is that the pain is what can make them overcome these obstacles. Pain can create growth or it can create regret by not growing and remaining stagnant.

Begin this week with confidence though there may be pain, your efforts are not wasted! 👊

Showings can be a blur, especially when you're looking at multiple homes in one day. Here are some buyer tips to keep them all straight:

1) Revisit your wants vs. needs list and budget.
2) Take pictures and videos to jog your memory later. This way, you can compare different homes and remember the details of each one.
3) Think carefully about the lot, lot size, and location — especially since you can't change them.
4) Look for structural integrity issues like water damage, cracks in walls or ceilings, and sloping floors.
5) Pay attention to noise levels from nearby roads, airports, and railways. You don't want to buy a house that's too noisy for your lifestyle and liking.
6) Look past decor and staging. These things will soon be gone, so focus on the features of the home itself.
7) Most homes have cameras, so try to keep your opinions and thoughts to yourself until you've left.

Go on and save this post for later so you can reference it at your next showing or reach out with any other questions about buying — We're here to help however we can!

💭 Do you have dreams?

If you only dream and avoid pursuing it, nothing will happen. It will lead to frustration and missed opportunities. So if you want your dreams to come true, you need to do something about them now!

Procrastination is not an option. Action is necessary! Even the smallest steps you take this week can have a huge impact on the months to come!

🇺🇸 To our nation's past and present service members — there's no way to adequately thank you for everything you sacrificed for our freedom. Thank you for your service — we honor you today and every day!

“Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” - Douglas MacArthur

Thinking of selling this November? Smart move. November is a great time to sell a home. Here’s why–

1) Less competition.

When inventory is low, your home may have an easier time catching the eye of prospective buyers. This means you're more likely to sell your home quickly and for a good price.

2) Motivated buyers.

If buyers are looking in November, chances are they’re eager to buy. They may need to move quickly due to a job relocation or other life event.

3) Year-end tax breaks.

Many of your selling costs can be deducted from your capital gains tax so long as you’ve lived in your home for two of the past five years and it’s your primary residence, not an investment property.

You can subtract things like staging costs, legal fees, escrow fees, advertising costs, and real estate agent commissions.

If you're ready to sell your home by year’s end, reach out to us today. We’d love to help you prepare your home for sale, market it to the right buyers, and get you the best possible deal.

❄ Winter is coming in just a few short weeks. Are you ready? Is your home ready?

If you're a homeowner, it's important to take steps to prepare your home for the cold weather. By following a few simple tips, you can save yourself money and headaches down the road.

Follow these tips to prepare your home for winter:

1) Inspect your roof and gutters. Make sure there are no holes or leaks in your roof and that your gutters are clean and free of debris. Try using a telescoping gutter wand to keep the job quick and easy.

2) Check your heating system. Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional ahead of winter temperatures.

3) Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure that they are working properly and that the batteries are fresh.

4) Insulate your home. Make sure your attic and walls are properly insulated. This will help to keep your home warm and reduce your energy bills.

5) Seal air leaks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any air leaks around your windows and doors.

6) Protect your pipes. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation to prevent them from freezing — and bursting. Also, ensure every family member knows where the main water shutoff is to access it in an emergency.

7) Stock up on winter supplies. Firewood, salt, shovels, and snowblowers, if needed.

8) Winterize your deck and patio. Protect patio furniture with weatherproof covers or, better yet, store it away in a garage or shed. If you have a wooden deck, apply a fresh coat of sealant.

9) Plan for power outages. Make sure your emergency supplies are accessible and that you have a way to heat the house and prepare food without electricity.

As long-time residents, we know the challenges our homes face when temperatures drop. So feel free to send us a message or call if you have questions about winterizing your home - that’s why we're here!

🥾 If all it takes is one obstacle to stop us in our journey in life, then we wouldn't get anywhere. Sometimes, it's a whole series of them in succession. But don't let this falter your progress. Take them one at a time. You'll be able to conquer those challenges no matter what it takes because you are worth it and deserve it!

Happy Monday, Friends!

Your home is more than four walls.

It's a treasure trove of opportunity and a tool for getting you where you want to be.

FACT: U.S. homeowners have an average of $274,000 in equity — equity that could be working for you in one of these three ways:

1) Renovate and renew.

Has your kitchen been begging for an upgrade? Or does your living room need a modern twist? Your equity can foot the bill for those long-awaited renovations.

2) Move up without selling out.

Found your dream home but don't want to say goodbye to your current property? That equity can open doors to a new home without parting ways with your current one. Plus, you can rent out your current home for an additional income stream.

3) Long-term investing.

Whether it's starting a business, funding your or your child’s education, or venturing into the world of investments, your home's equity is a potent resource.

Ready to make your equity work as hard as you do? We’d love to talk about your options and map out a strategy that fits your goals. Just reach out to get started!

Source: Homeowner Equity Insights – Q1 2023 | CoreLogic®️.

From our boo crew to yours, Happy Halloween! 🎃

🛳️ Just like ships, we are vessels that carries purpose. Yet sometimes we find ourselves sitting in the same safe place which halts our growth because we know that nothing can hurt us there.

As the saying goes, "No Pain, No Gain" so test the waters and see what lies ahead! Without exploration, we'll never know our true path and without curiosity, the answer to our dreams will always be a no. You're the captain of your own ship, so let's see what's out there to fulfill our purposes and find new passions along the way!

So come aboard and bring along all your hopes and dreams. Bon Voyage, Friends!

🙇‍♀️ Sometimes when we are faced with problems, we tend to shift our focus to the obstacles and it makes it harder to achieve our goals. Understand, that hurdles are a common thing and no matter how big or small the destination is. We are bound to go through these obstacles so we can figure out a way around, below or straight through! 💪 Happy Monday!

Caught in the 'worst time to buy a home' chorus?

We've heard it too, and we get why. Those mortgage rates aren't exactly our best friends right now, and the inventory's playing hard to get.

But there's more to the story than meets the eye.

For example, in April, home prices took a dip, marking the first in 11 years. E-LEV-EN years!

Plus, a number of metro areas, including Seattle and San Francisco, saw double-digit drops.

Is now the most picture-perfect moment to dive into the market? Not necessarily. But 'perfect' isn't the same for everyone.

Overall, if you’ve got your finances lined up and plan to stay put for several years, now might be the perfect time for you.

Ready to chat? We’d love to connect, so send us a message or give us a call. And don’t forget to bookmark this post or tag a friend because, amidst the noise, there are still opportunities worth exploring.

Source: US Home Prices Post First Annual Decline in 11 Years, Case-Shiller Shows

We are the key to our own future! 🔑

How you think and act today can shape your tomorrow. Thinking positively and acting in a positive way will have positive results, and the same can be said vice versa. So if a bright future is what you want, take the step and create it today! 😊