BHHS Preferred Properties

Are you currently sizing up whether to renovate or relocate? Well, you’re not alone. Dive into the second installment of The Key, where top real estate leaders share valuable insights on this very topic.

Read it here: https://www.bhhs.com/the-key/renovate-or-relocate?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=August2024

If you have any questions at all, be sure to reach out.

🖥️ https://www.bhhs.com/preferred-realtors-and-preferred-properties-la305/gulfport/oid-la305-005?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=August2024
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Are "smart" home features actually worth the investment?

The conclusion I've drawn over the years: It depends.

Here are a few options we've seen in action that seem to be worth their modest price tags:

Echo Dot - Small but mighty, this smart speaker fills the room with a great depth of sound. But here's what takes it up a notch: It houses a built-in room temperature sensor that can initiate certain Alexa smart home routines. (Ok, impressive!!)

Not an Amazon Alexa user? Your best option is the Google Nest Mini, a wireless bluetooth speaker and microphone let's you launch Google Assistant with a simple "Hey Google"

Moving on to home security cameras, the Tapo C120 gives you 120 degrees of coverage and is compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant. With 2k resolution, color night vision and weather resistance under $40, this gadget is a yes.

Next up: Lighting. The biggest gripe with smart bulbs is their price tag. Have you met the Wyze smart bulb that comes in at a modest $8?! Connect the bulb to your phone or smart home device and set schedules for every room in the house – at any color or temperature 2700K to 6500K. Bonus? Use "travel mode" to turn on the lights sporadically while you're away.

What smart home feature is worth it's weight to you? Drop your recs in the comments!

City living on a budget? Consider the approach of rentvesting, a strategy that allows you to reside in your desired city location while simultaneously building equity through property ownership elsewhere. Discover its potential benefits in the latest blog post.

Read it here: https://www.bhhs.com/blog/blog-detail/2024/7/what-is-rentvesting-&-how-can-it-help-you-buy-a-home-.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=August2024

Questions? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

🖥️ https://www.bhhs.com/preferred-realtors-and-preferred-properties-la305/gulfport/oid-la305-005?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=August2024
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Your home looks great in photos, but.... does it smell great too?

Scents are a very powerful trigger and could make or break your first impression with a potential buyer.

Here's what we share with our sellers:

Deep clean or replace carpets–
Ever lost something in a carpet and thought, well - that's gone forever. Compound the crumbs, dirt, pet hair, sweat and skin cells over years of use and... you start to smell things. Investing in a deep clean or exploring replacement options is something we typically recommend.

Scrub the kitchen–
Grease builds up in places you wouldn't think –on top of the fridge, cabinets, microwave– and next thing you know, that quaint kitchen starts to smell like an industrial grease trap. Wipe down all surfaces with hot soapy water a time or two.

(And, it goes without saying - avoid cooking fish or foods that give off strong odors ahead of showings (unless it's banana bread).

Open doors and windows–
This one's obvious but works great for bringing some fresh air into the mix. Make sure to open multiple windows or doors on opposite sides of the house to create a cross-breeze.

Add scents \*sparingly\*–
There's nothing worse than an overly perfumed room. It could signal to buyers you're trying to mask a bigger problem.
Scents that are getting lots of attention these days -
Santal, bergamot, vetiver, black rose.

Pura is a smart fragrance diffuser company we recommend to clients - they offer sample scent bundles so you can pick and choose which scents you're drawn to.

In this recent blog post, learn how adding a patio or deck can significantly boost your home's value. Discover more about the benefits and trends in outdoor living spaces, and get inspired to enhance your own yards.

Read it here: https://www.bhhs.com/blog/blog-detail/2024/7/do-decks-and-patios-add-value-to-your-home-.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=August2024

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

🖥️ https://www.bhhs.com/preferred-realtors-and-preferred-properties-la305/gulfport/oid-la305-005?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=August2024
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📣 OPEN HOUSE | TUESDAY AUGUST 13 | 11:30AM- 12:30

📍 12227 Preservation Drive
3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 3,965 SqFt

Discover elegance in this stunning 3,965 sq ft custom built brick home, nestled in a picturesque tree-lined subdivision.

Take the tour?
https://myre.io/0lvDejTgGYzu

Stephanie Shaw
Call (228) 860-5245

_

As the back-to-school buzz is upon us, we want to share a lesson we've learned from our investor clients over the years, specifically where they choose to invest.

👉 It's here: near universities and schools. Here's why–

1) High demand: School and college enrollment rates remain high which is a great sign for landlords nearby.

2) Premium rates: The demand doesn't just fill bedrooms; it gives you higher rental rates.

3) Economic stability: Even when the market attempts to erode value, college town properties remain resilient.

4) Mom and dad: Oftentimes, the parents of students are co-signing on the lease, typically ensuring prompt and full payment.

If you explore this avenue, remember what's appealing to the school crowd. It doesn’t require luxury. Focus instead on proximity to campus, public transit, fast casual eateries & grocery stores.

If you'd like to discuss investing in a property near a school, we'd love to connect. Send us a message!

Whether you're hosting or hunting for treasures, National Garage Sale Day is a day for decluttering or discovering gems. Looking to upgrade to a bigger space? Get in touch to find your dream home! 🏡

Is it just me or does the cost of furniture shock you?

We occasionally think about how a new accent chair or dining table might look in my space but if we pick the wrong piece, the stakes are... high! (It's bulky, heavy, hard to breakdown, and we just spent an entire weekend fumbling with an Allen wrench to put it all together).

But there's something we've discovered that's removed our hesitations. Where two worlds meet and we're left reaping all the benefits.

AI 🤝 Interior Design.

Here are our top picks:

Remodel AI - it helps visualize a space by processing photos to test different finishes, materials, and color palettes. It offers 15 free image generations per month.

Room GPT allows users to instantly redesign rooms by simply uploading a photo.

And if you're seeking that human touch (we get it), send us DM and we can recommend some of our favorite local designers - they will not disappoint.

When it \*actually\* make sense to sell... Check for these conditions

Market Conditions

1) There's low Inventory. Fewer homes on the market means more competition which drives up price.
2) Recent comparable sales near you are high, indicating healthy appreciation.
3) Homes are selling quickly, with short “days on market”

(Your agent can help with this info! ^)

Personal Circumstances

There are many circumstances that warrant a home sale. These are the ones I see most often:
> job changes
> growing family
> desire for more space
> desire for less upkeep
> desire for a change of pace

If you're thinking about selling, let’s chat and see if now is the right time for you. Send us a message.

With many of us feeling like we’re spending too much time on our devices, the trend of wellness retreats offering digital detoxes is growing in earnest. Learn all about these tech-free sanctuaries and where you can go to disconnect and reconnect in the Summer 2024 issue of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Prestige magazine.

Read it here: https://issuu.com/uniquehomes2023/docs/bhhs_summer_2024/46

Happy Birthday to Michael! 🎉🏠 Here’s to another year of showing homes, closing deals, and trying to remember if you left the keys in the lockbox or your other jacket pocket. 😂

POV: You're settled into your new home with time to spare this fall for bonfires, football & hosting for the holidays.

All is right in the world.

So what needs to happen to make this a reality?
- August: Reach out to an agent and connect with a lender
- September: Make your wants vs. needs list. Then, you and your agent can start touring homes that meet your criteria
- October: With the help of your agent, write strong offers, and go under contract
- November: Move into home sweet home and break out the s'mores

Curious how to make the transition from your current place? We’ve got the playbook for a seamless move, complete with the latest listings, neighborhood profiles, local intel, and service professionals to help you move. Send us a message if making a move by fall is on your mind.

"What makes a winning real estate offer these days?"

This is what we've been seeing lately:

The earnest money deposit is at least 2% of the purchase price. This signals to the seller the buyer is serious and committed.

The inspection contingency is waived - instead of including it in their offer, buyers conduct a pre-inspection before submitting.

The buyer has a fully underwritten pre-approval — a "conditional mortgage approval" is considered the most comprehensive pre-approval a buyer can receive.

If you have questions about buying in today's market, send us a message, we're here to be a resource!

Don't get hung up on square footage—it can be misleading and cause you to miss out on the perfect home. Head to our latest blog post to learn why focusing on layout, flow, and functionality can be a smarter approach.

Read it here: https://www.bhhs.com/blog/blog-detail/2024/7/square-footage--why-size-is-not-everything-in-real-estate.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=August2024

Questions? Ask us anything.

🖥️ https://www.bhhs.com/preferred-realtors-and-preferred-properties-la305/gulfport/oid-la305-005?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=August2024
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Dive into the intricacies of private mortgage insurance (PMI) for money saving advice in our latest blog post on www.BerkshireHathawayHS.com. From understanding PMI rates to tactical cancellation tips, this valuable resource is a must-read for homeowners.

Read it here: https://www.bhhs.com/blog/blog-detail/2024/6/how-to-get-your-pmi-cancelled.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=July2024

Questions? Ask us anything.

🖥️ https://www.bhhs.com/preferred-realtors-and-preferred-properties-la305/gulfport/oid-la305-005?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=July2024
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Investors: Instead of buying an Airbnb, consider an alternative that brings greater stability and less wear & tear.

2023 saw a 94% rise in mid-term rental (MTRs) bookings of 30 days or more. Plus, they maintained a solid occupancy rate of 51%.

Unlike the unpredictable rates of short-term and traditional rentals, MTRs are booming, offering investors a more stable option with less hassle in 2024.

They’re even more lucrative for folks with homes near colleges, military bases, hospitals, and big corporations, where mid-term housing is in high demand.

Why mid-term rentals are dominating:

1) Consistent Revenue: MTRs consistently eclipse traditional long-term leases in earnings.

2) High Demand: There’s an urgent need for flexible housing options amidst low inventory.

3) Lower Maintenance: With fewer turnovers than Airbnb and less wear than long-term stays, MTRs manage a higher ROI with fewer headaches.

Want to talk more about leveraging this investment strategy?
Send us a message!

Source:

With much more to New Mexico than desert landscapes, visitors are flocking to the state to discover its cultural offerings, stunning mountain scenery, and vibrant cities. Thinking about joining them? Explore the Summer 2024 issue of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Prestige magazine for tips on the best places to check out.

Read it here: https://issuu.com/uniquehomes2023/docs/bhhs_summer_2024/12?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=July2024

What really impacts your home's value?

The buyer's ability to move in and start living from day one.

Knowing that, this is the advice we give our sellers that usually comes as a relief.

No need to do any time-consuming updates... instead focus on these quick fixes.

1) Add a fresh coat of neutral paint.
2) Spruce curb appeal by weeding, adding fresh mulch trimming bushes and cleaning the entry.
3) Professional carpet cleaning to remove odors. Replace if needed.

Work with your agent to decipher what will bring the buyers ease, comfort and convenience. In most cases, that’s the key to a quick sale.

Dreaming of a mountain home? Enjoy peace, natural beauty, and exciting adventures year-round. Learn about the best locations and why mountain living is so fulfilling in this new blog post.

Read it here: https://www.bhhs.com/blog/blog-detail/2024/6/discover-the-appeal-of-these-popular-mountain-real-estate-locations.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=July2024

Questions? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

🖥️ https://www.bhhs.com/preferred-realtors-and-preferred-properties-la305/gulfport/oid-la305-005?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=July2024
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When buyers hit a roadblock because they can't find the perfect home, here's what we \*don't\* do: Sit back and wait for the market to turn.

Instead, here's how we FIND the home:

• Tap into our network requesting a heads-up on homes coming to the market soon.
• Use social media to advertise my client's needs. Sounds a little strange but I've seen this work wonders.
• Connect directly with For Sale by Owners.
• Call investors to inquire about off-market properties.
• Reach out to past clients who might be ready to sell.
• Scout new construction neighborhoods.

Yes, timing is everything in real estate, but waiting around for something to happen? That's not how we'll roll.

What questions do you have about finding your next home? Send us a message.

Say goodbye to muddy messes and hello to a lush, intentional landscape. In this recent blog post, discover the simple steps to creating a beautiful and beneficial rain garden, perfect for soaking up excess water and attracting wildlife.

Read it here: https://www.bhhs.com/blog/blog-detail/2024/6/how-to-install-a-rain-garden.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=July2024

Questions? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.

🖥️ https://www.bhhs.com/preferred-realtors-and-preferred-properties-la305/gulfport/oid-la305-005?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=soci&utm_date=July2024
📧 [email protected]