Lindsay Mertz - Shorewest Realtors

When everyone is talking about **LOVE IS BLIND, WHY WOMEN KILL, TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT**, but you’re over here dreaming about soft close cabinets and a killer view 😍

It’s kind of like when you first fall in love or find out you’re expecting a baby. It’s all consuming and it seems that, no matter what’s going on around you, you can’t ever get your mind off of it.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt this way about houses! 🙋🏼‍♀️🙋🏼‍♀️

Maybe the home you’re daydreaming about is just a simple remodel or addition away. Or maybe it involves packing up and moving across town.

Either way, there are 3 things you can do to help make your daydream your reality! (swipe to see!)

Truth is, no one is dreaming about your home like you, so it’s up to YOU to make it happen.

If you’re committed to finding a way to make the home of your daydream a reality, let’s talk about it! Tell me one thing your dream home HAS to have! Mine is in the comments!

Despite today’s rain…It’s (un)officially Patio Season and I am here. for. it! 🍹

Every year I like to round up my top outdoor favs so you, too, can enjoy Patio Season and this weather! I’ll share where I found each of these, but the truth is, you can find things like these just about anywhere. I just specifically chose these types of items because they are sure to make any space more cozy and enjoyable!

☀️ World Market Outdoor Chaise Lounge

⛱️ Business and Pleasure Umbrella

🕯️ Citronella Candle

💡 Amazon String Lights

💫 Target Outdoor Rug

See also: My favorite paint colors to help you refresh your house this summer 🎨

When I'm not walking clients through houses, I'm looking at houses on the MLS. And when I'm not looking at houses on the MLS, I'm scrolling beautiful interiors on Instagram.

Basically, I love houses.

One of the easiest ways to refresh a space is to update the paint color, and I gathered my favorite Sherwin Williams paint colors that will make your space feel both cozy and on trend. Swipe to see the list!

This is a capital d Doozy but let's dive in.

If you're like any of my friends, you see a For Sale sign on a house down the street, pull up the listing, and think to yourself, "Well if they can get THAT, then we can surely get THIS!" 😅

Homes in this market often come with a bit of sticker shock for those who haven't actively been looking at homes. But, because I'm a glass half full kind of girl, I like to think it's a good thing. Here's why ➡️

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! Here's one of my favorite dads, doing things he loves!

1. His girls of course!
2. Golfing - after several years off, he's back out on the courses now that the girls are older and doing well after not playing for 10 years! And, he's trying to get me to play too.
3. Beer - Going to some of our favorite places in Door County for beers (One Barrel in Egg Harbor or Al Johnson's Stabbur in Sister Bay. He also loves to brew at home with his dad and enjoy on our deck...
4. Playing Cribbage (usually losing to me) on the deck on summer nights with an old fashioned or beer.
5. Grilling out the best food! We typically grill out once a week or more - from burgers to brats to ribs on a stick to steaks and lamb chops. He's a great one to man the grill.

Let's be real. You probably know a lot of real estate agents.

Your friend, your cousin, your neighbor (on both sides!), plus the agent your coworker used she can't stop raving about.

You have to choose an agent, but it's so hard!

So who do you choose?

A quick Google search will give you a list of questions to ask an agent, but I think the best decisions are made when you ask YOURSELF the right questions.

Swipe to see a list of questions to ask yourself before committing to an agent.

If you ever needed a permission slip to stop making your house perfect, this is it 📝

Have you ever thought about the fact that the imperfections of your current home and the non Pinterest worthy moments in your life now will one day be considered sentimental and nostalgic for your kids? 🏡

The creek in the floorboards and the vintage tile in the bathroom can bring back memories that remind your kids of lazy mornings at home.

That one random half wall that you'd love to tear down, but it's the place your kids play "puppet show" and perform magic tricks in their pj's.

Even the hum of your old washer and dryer and the squeaky screen door can become so etched in your kid's brain that when they hear those sounds as adults, it takes them back to that place where you raised them and gave them all of you.

Striving after a perfect home all your life will only leave you tired and always wanting more. But learning to embrace the imperfections of your home, even if one day you'd like to do some updates, will give you the eyes to see how lucky you are to call your house your home ❤️

Things I’m hooked on as a 40 year old Real Estate Agent & Mom ➡️

🌟 Iced Caramel Macchiatos (light ice & upside down please)

🌟 BrüMate Mugs!! Sorry - you can come at me, but they are better than Stanley's. They have mugs that are LEAK PROOF something this Momma needs as I'm always carrying multiple things and am a spiller!

🌟 Sanders Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels from Costco (bonus points for the bourbon flavored ones)

🌟 Heidi and I have enjoyed watching all the games this season! So impressive to watch and I love that volleyball is growing! Make sure to check them out - games are on YouTube!

🌟 Cribbage Such a great way to relax on the deck with Jake on these great early summer nights with a beer (including some of my favorites from Founders Brewing Co. that I brought back after a tournament for Megan.

🌟 Diet Mountain Dew We all know I drink way to much of this. I should get a sponsorship. 🤔

What about you? Do we have anything in common?

Calling all Waterford locals! 📍

My most requested guide has just been updated with all the best local info you'd want to know! ✨

Inside you'll find all the best restaurants, parks, and local contractors. PLUS an overview of which local events you don't want to miss and even the Facebook groups you want to join if you live in or around Waterford.

This is basically your all access pass to experiencing our town like a true local, not a tourist 📸

Whether you've lived here your whole life, are new to town, or somewhere in between, I think you'll find my Local Guide to be your go-to resource for all things Waterford.

To grab yours, comment LOCAL below and I'll send you your Local Guide, on the house! Know someone who could use this - tag them below!

✔️ 🔺

🍩🍩 Happy National Donut Day!! 🍩🍩🍩🍩

If you can't get out to your favorite bakery (our family's faves are Donut Squad in Waukesha & O&H Danish Bakery in Racine) - here's a super easy way to make them yourself at home! We've made these several times and they are definitely worth the $14 pan at !

Spoiler: it’s not a brand new kitchen. 🙃

The one thing houses that sell for more money have in common: they are well maintained homes (sexy, right?) 🤭

Listen. I don't care if you have linoleum or marble flooring. Laminate or granite countertops. An oversized composite deck with a view or a small, concrete patio.

The one thing buyers are looking for in all of these scenarios is a home that has been well maintained and cared for.

Landscaping that has been weeded and freshly mulched. Pressure washed porches and siding and kitchens that are clean and free of signs of wear and tear.

This is why I created the 12 Month Homeowner Checklist (have you gotten your copy, yet? Comment CHECKLIST if you want yours!)

And this is why I included local vendors and contractors in my Local Guide (want yours? Comment LOCAL GUIDE)

The biggest piece of advice I give friends and clients once they get settled in their new home?

Don’t be afraid to decorate your home SLOWLY.

I know it's exciting to run off to Target and throw all the things in your cart, but when you take your time and slowly curate your decor, your home looks and feels more authentic and more like YOU.

That said, I still believe there are a few basics every new homeowner needs (no matter how many homes you've purchased before!). These things are sure to make your home cozy and feel like a space you never want to leave.

I call it: the New Home Starter Pack 💫

The Formula = one coffee table book that reflects your values + cute new glassware you'll want to carry around the house with you at all times + one cozy blanket + (and this is a client bonus for my clients!) your personalized Local Guide, complete with names of contractors you may need, can't-miss local events, internet providers, and so. much. more!

But guess what? You don't have to have moved into a new-to-you home to get your very own Local Guide! Simply comment LOCAL GUIDE below and I'll email you your own copy for free!

This is your sign to reach out to your agent, with any question, big or small 🆗

Anything from "do you know what the house down the street from me sold for?" to "what color appliances do buyers prefer?" to even "what's being built down the street from the Marcus Ridge Movie Theater?"

I want to be more than your real estate agent, answering real estate related questions! I love being your resource to all things home and local, too!

See, you came for the real estate but you stay for the insider's secrets 🤐

A must do on a Thursday in Waterford? Head down by the river, to Village Hall Park and check out Waterford's River Rhythms! Make sure to bring a chair, blanket or whatever you'd like to sit in/on while listening to some great local music! The Lions Club of Waterford is the exclusive beer vendor with the Cotton Exchange offering food! Make sure to mark your calendar!

This year's line up per River Rhythm's website:
June 6th - REVEREND RAVEN AND THE CHAIN SMOKIN' ALTER BOYS
June 20th - BREAKING CADENCE
July 5th - ERIN COBURN
July 18th - JD RANKIN AND THE LOVE ZONE
August 1st - DRIVING MISS CRAZY
August 15th - DANCING QUEEN: AN ABBA SALUTE
August 29th - THE SUPERTRAMP TRIBUTE

Not me being a proud agent right now 🥰

I stopped by my client-turned-friend's house the other day and I started beaming with pride when I saw my 2024 Homeowner Checklist on her refrigerator!

We all know the fridge is reserved for only the most important things (permission slips, kids' artwork, upcoming appointments) so to see my list taking up real estate on her fridge made me gush!

I like to post each month right on here but if you're like my friend and prefer a copy to print and display at your house, comment CHECKLIST below and I'll send one your way!

Swipe for tips, but keep reading for an industry secret 🤐

One overlooked benefit of having agent representation is the relationships agents have with others in the industry.

Whether it's an offer that comes in from an agent who is known for getting deals done or a lender being used who has the reputation of being easy to get ahold of, relationships with others in the industry can impact your transaction in the most positive way!

When I look back at the beginning of my career, there are things I wish I would have done differently, but the one thing I'm proud of is how I prioritized building relationships in this field.

There are so many lenders and agents and contractors and inspectors I know I can call who will be happy to help me out. When it comes to buying or selling in 2024, those relationships are invaluable!

It's more than the highest offer. It's more than good terms. Real estate has always been about relationships ❤️

Imagine this: you wake up early Saturday morning, make the kids breakfast, and get ready to go to a few showings...but then your babysitter cancels. 😱

Maybe it's not the most ideal scenario for you, but after texting me, I reassure you they are no problem at all! In fact, I'd argue that it's sometimes even helpful to have them running around while you're looking at a home!

Truth is, buyers with kids look for things in a home that most other buyers don't. Swipe for a few examples of things my buyers with kids are looking for in homes today.

"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it." –Unknown

The only post you need to save this season 🍦

Summer is just a few weeks away and I rounded up a few of my favorite local places to get ice cream from just for you! (Ok, and for me too.)

Think of this as an ice cream bucket list 🍦 Swipe to see!

𝐏𝐎𝐕: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟, 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞.⁣
⁣
You've decluttered and deep cleaned your home and it has literally never looked better. 🤩⁣
⁣
And now the photographer is coming over so you can get pictures taken and officially list your home.⁣
⁣
There's only one last thing to do, and it could be the thing that gets the right buyer to schedule a showing.⁣
⁣
𝘈𝘥𝘥 𝘢 𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘺𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 💫⁣
⁣
What does this mean? It's actually a lot less complicated than you may think!⁣
⁣
Lifestyle staging is intentionally adding a few props that showcase the kind of life a buyer could experience in your home. (Swipe to see examples!)⁣
⁣
Of course, you don't have to do ALL of these, but adding a few lifestyle touches throughout your home will prompt more future buyers to scroll your photos and think to themselves, "I could totally live there."⁣
⁣
Basically, think of your photos less as listing photos and more as Airbnb getaway photos and you'll be on the right track!⁣
⁣
Other ways I market the lifestyle of a listing is by sharing the Top 10 List for buyers to checkout during a showing! The Top 10 List is filled out by sellers beforehand to showcase reasons they've loved their home BEYOND the home itself. ⁣
⁣
And guess what? When you work with me, you don't have to worry about the lifestyle marketing! I take care of that myself on photo day to make it easy for you!⁣
⁣
If you were listing your house today, what room would you want to showcase? Tell me below and I'll tell you what props I'd use!⁣

School’s out!!

Less than an hour after they’re done with school we’ve already stopped by the and picked up some new books and then to for some lunch!

Swipe to see 2 truths and a lie ➡️

Common misunderstandings are exactly why I aim to be more than just a real estate agent but I aim to be a RESOURCE. I want to be here for you long before you're ready to move so that you can have the most up to date information and can confidently make informed decisions.

Things like 20% down payments, For Sale by Owners saving sellers money, pricing higher to leave negotiating wiggle room, and even more are all myths I've had to debunk for clients over the years.

The public deserves the truth, and my time spent on Instagram is one small way I try to help.

So keep doing your research. But come to me or even another trusted agent to help you interpret what you read so that you, too, can make decisions confidently.

The latest design trend I'm digging?

The Girly Apartment Trend 💜
(no apartment required)

Basically it's just a new wave of design that encourages you to embrace your feminine side and girl-ify your place! Think Monica & Rachel's apartment ("Has it always been purple"?)

A few easy ways to get started:

- Opt for pastels. Light pink, lavender, light blue, and shades of yellow are all welcome here 🫶

- Decorate with personal items. Don't be afraid to display things like your makeup, claw clips, makeup brushes, etc 💄

- Look for soft lines. Rounded edges on your furniture, mirrors, and picture frames soften your space and give it a more feminine vibe 💕

- When in doubt, choose the more feminine option. Dishes, planters, lamps, coffee table books, etc.

Are you obsessed with this trend too?

No matter what real estate headlines you're seeing or what articles you may have read, you probably walk away feeling even more confused than before.

Understandably so, considering most articles I've been reading have been full of misinformation and even flat out lies. 🤯

I'm not a fan of fear based headlines or articles written by people who are more interested in getting clicks vs getting the truth in the hands of the public.

It's not how I operate.

Consider me your No Gatekeeping Home Girl.

I'm here to keep you in the know with what's *really* happening in the land of real estate, especially in our local community.

What you see here on my Instagram is the tip of the iceberg. I spend so much time in my DM's and in real life, meeting with people just like you, to answer questions and give advice.

Sometimes that advice sounds like, "Oh you should totally sell or buy right now," sure...but other times it sounds like, "If I were you, I would stay right where you are for a few more years."

In other words, I tell you my best advice, whether or not it means we end up working together.

If you're confused about the current market or if you're just unsure what step to take next, reach out to me! DM me and let's find a time to chat, either over coffee or just a quick phone call, so I can hear your story and give you my best, no-gatekeeping advice.

Did you know that even spending just 30 minutes outside every day can reduce your stress levels?

I can't say I was surprised when I heard this (through the National Recreation and Park Association) but it got me thinking about ways to spend even more time outside (because who could argue against less stress?!)

If you live in the Waterford area, you're in luck because I brainstormed all my favorite places to spend time outside in our town!

Swipe to see what I came up with and tell me in the comments what I missed!

It all starts with a DM...

"Hey, we're thinking about listing our house this summer. Can we meet sometime to talk about how this works?"

No matter how you reach out (DM, text, call, email, smoke signals), working with me to sell your home is easy! (Swipe to see!)

Our housing market has gone through a lot of changes the last couple of years, but the good news is, even with the number of homes being listed being higher than it has been, it's still technically considered a seller's market! So now is still a great time to list your house, provided you have a plan in place for where to move next that you feel good about!

Ready to talk about selling your home? Whether you're one week or one year away from being ready to officially list your home, reach out to me today so we can schedule a time to talk and come up with a plan that works best for you!

A behind the scenes look at my curb appeal punch list for sellers

*This doubles as a spring maintenance checklist so even if you're not selling, you'll wanna save this!

I've walked through thousands of houses and have quite literally seen it all.

There are always a handful of homes in rough shape, but a lot of the homes I love the most have one thing in common, even if they're completely different.

Whether it's a $110,000 house or a $699,000 house, the one thing that gets my buyers and I to say how much we love the house is if they have been well maintained!

So save or screenshot this list and have fun making your home (at least the outside of it) look loved and well maintained! Glass of lemonade and podcast in your airpods encouraged as you work 🍋 🎧