St. Charles Homes & Living by: Tammy Wiggins

Here’s a tip: don’t look at the speedometer It’s all about the journeyand where that journey takes you, not how fast you get there. When it comes to the home of your dreams, a trusted realtor can help you with every step of your home buying journey and make it as rewarding as possible

You’ve probably heard the news, but just in case you haven’t: the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 1% higher today than it was a year ago. This means that for a $300,000 home, your mortgage payment will be about $200 more per month. If you want to buy a house and haven’t started yet, this might be the wake-up call you’ve been needing! But there’s also some good news: if you’re already a homeowner with an interest rate from last year’s market or earlier, it may be time to refinance your loan!

Let’s get real. Buying and selling a home is serious business! Naturally, most people would prefer that their offers were accepted! If you’ve got a solid idea of what could go wrong, you can prepare for these situations ahead of timeso it’s not as much of a letdown. Have you submitted a high offer and got declined? Comment below.

A house doesn’t sell by magic. It sells because it’s priced right! And when it’s priced right, it will sell much faster than you can snap your fingers Let’s chat about getting your home priced for overnight selling!

True! Real estate is a tough market. Sellers are swarmed with offers, and the ones who really want the house tend to try to sweeten the deal with a letter (if allowed). If you’re trying to make a good impression, it’s always a good idea to be sincere and honest. Explain why this house is special for you, but also be tactful enough not to over-share.... How would you feel if you received a letter from a buyer?

If you’re looking for a way to make your home feel like it truly belongs to you, consider a garden! Plants bring life and energy into your home and make it feel warm, cozy, and inviting. If you’re unsure where to start, try one of these simple ideas: Succulents are great for people who have busy schedules. You can forget about watering them for weeks at a time, and they still do beautifully. Plus, they require only minimal care. Herbs (like basil) are easy to grow indoors if ...you’ve got access to sunlight. Just be careful that they don’t start attracting bugs! Another great way to add color and life to your home is by propagating plants that you already have. Just take a cutting from your favorite houseplant, place it in water on a sunny windowsill, and watch as new roots form! You’ll be amazed at how much personality plants can bring into your home, so don’t be afraid to give them a try!

A new month calls for a new monthly to-do list. Don’t have one prepared yet? Try these three on for size: 1 As saddening as it is every single year, it’s time to take down the holiday decorations. But you can still have fun with decorations by keeping a wintery theme. 2 Create a home expense budget sheet for 2021 so that there are no surprises. This will also allow you to plan accordingly for any big plans/expenses for the year.... 3 If it’s time to move out, call your real estate agent! There’s no better time than now to start looking towards the future.

Eye-Catching Painting Tips for Homeowners

January is often called the longest month of the year but it doesn’t have to be with a trusted #realestateagent! Get in touch today and watch January fly by before you know it, you’ll be in your dream home!

Happy #NewYearsDay! Some people say New Year’s resolutions are cliché, but they can still be a great way to get your head in the right mindset. Especially for setting your intentions for the new year. What are some of your goals for this year?

In #RealEstate talk, a party is a sold house. The truth is, there’s nothing quite like seeing the delight on new homeowners’ faces as they receive the keys to their new home! It’s a real gift.