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Should You Buy a Fixer Upper?

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 17:41:29 GMT

If you’re looking for a new home then you’ve probably thought about buying a fixer upper to live out your house decorating fantasies.

When I start working with a new family, I usually hear “We can always buy a fixer upper, we don’t mind!. But when they say this, the family isn’t always fully aware of what it means and they aren’t prepared for everything that's involved. So before you get your heart set on that house that needs a lot of love . . . let’s get on the same page about what a “fixer upper” really is.

IT TAKES MORE THAN RENOVATING A BATHROOM AND WANDERING DOWN THE AISLES OF TARGET TO TURN A FIXER UPPER INTO A HOME .

I personally don’t use the term “fixer upper” because it can mean so many different things to different people. I like to describe houses as “live-able” or “not live-able”. If you can’t stand the kitchen cabinets or the wall color, the house is still livable and you can easily tweak the small details you don’t love.

With flooring missing or no plumbing, the house isn’t live-able and isn’t capable of being your primary residence. This isn’t just my definition. It’s the mortgage lender’s way of deciding if they’ll even finance the house . . . or if you’ll need a special kind of renovation loan to do so.

JOANNA GAINES’S DEFINITION OF A “FIXER UPPER” IS NOT THE SAME AS YOUR LENDER’S DEFINITION.

To qualify for a typical home loan every inch of the house has to be live-able. That means that the AC and heat work, there’s no mold, no unfinished projects, and the home must have full flooring. According to the bank, a fixer upper requires a renovation loan. A first time home buyer loan typically only requires about a 3-6% down payment. A renovation loan usually requires a much bigger chunk of money down.

And remember that if you do decide to buy a house that needs a lot of repairs, your original home loan won’t cover your renovation budget. Unless you get an actual renovation loan, the only thing covered will be the cost to purchase the house.

Because large projects can get costly and a lot of unexpected issues can come up causing the timeline to get stretched, I always say your best bet is to buy a home in the location you love with a layout you can live with. Then make the cosmetic upgrades you prefer.

Because living in a construction zone for months or even years isn’t as fun as you think it will be.

HERE ARE THREE THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A NEW HOME

Upgrades

Even if you think the upgrades to your home are small, inexpensive, and will be quick . . . they’re usually not. If you’re only going to live in the home for a few years, consider buying the home that has the least amount of changes needed for you to enjoy your time in it. If you won’t be there long, buying the home that needs a ton of updates is pretty much pointless.

SO WHO SHOULD BUY THE FIXER UPPER?

The short answer is that fixer uppers are great for people who are handy and have a lot of extra time and money laying around. They’re great for investors looking for a quick flip who have a team of contractors lined up and ready to do the work. They’re not so great for the average person who has a 9-5 job and doesn’t want to spend everyday living in a construction zone.

For the average family, I don’t recommend buying a house that needs a total facelift. You may eventually want to upgrade everything in the home, but you don’t want to have to in order for it to feel live-able. It’s better to find the home with a floor plan you like in a location you love. Especially if it’s within walking distance to your favorite beach!

If you want to buy that fixer upper and turn it into your dream home or add it to your portfolio, I’m ready to help you! Text me at (757)-617-5815 to get this process started.

But remember, buying a fixer upper to save money is going to cost you one way or another. And it's going to take all of your spare time. If you want help thinking through this decision, I’m happy to lend you my expertise.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Beach Home

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:29:44 GMT

Buying a beach home is a dream for many! Waking up to the sound of waves, enjoying breathtaking ocean views, and having the perfect getaway just steps from the shore. However, purchasing a beachfront property requires careful consideration beyond just location and aesthetics. Here’s what you need to know before investing in your own slice of paradise.

Location is Everything

While "beachfront" is an appealing term, not all coastal properties offer the same benefits. Consider factors such as:

Tide Levels & Erosion – Research how the shoreline changes over time, especially in areas like the Outer Banks, which are prone to shifting sands and storms.
Proximity to Amenities – Are there nearby restaurants, shops, and medical services? Popular areas like Virginia Beach and Norfolk offer a variety of conveniences, while some locations in the Outer Banks are more remote.
Access to the Property – Some beach homes are on private or seasonal roads that may impact accessibility, particularly in more secluded areas of North Carolina’s coast.
Local Regulations – Different areas have zoning laws that affect renovations, short-term rentals, and property usage. Virginia Beach has specific rental regulations, and the Outer Banks have restrictions on building heights and storm-resistant structures.

Understand the Costs Beyond the Purchase Price

Owning a beach home comes with additional costs that may not apply to inland properties:

Flood & Wind Insurance – Many coastal homes in Virginia and North Carolina require specialized coverage due to hurricane and storm risks.
Maintenance & Upkeep – Saltwater, humidity, and sand can accelerate wear and tear on the home’s exterior and appliances.
HOA Fees & Community Costs – If your beach home is within a gated or resort-style community, expect additional fees, especially in areas like Sandbridge or Corolla.

Financing a Beach Home

Financing a beach property differs from traditional home loans. Lenders often consider them a higher risk, leading to:

Higher Down Payments – Some lenders require 20-30% down for vacation or investment properties.
Stricter Loan Terms – Interest rates may be slightly higher, and approval requirements could be more stringent.
Rental Income Considerations – If you plan to rent out the property, lenders may evaluate potential rental income as part of loan eligibility, particularly in areas like the Outer Banks where seasonal rentals are common.

Short-Term Rentals & Income Potential

If you’re considering renting out your beach home, research:

Local Rental Laws – Virginia Beach and Norfolk have short-term rental restrictions, while the Outer Banks remain a popular vacation rental destination with certain permitting requirements.
Market Demand – Seasonal fluctuations affect rental income; check occupancy rates for similar properties.
Property Management Options – If you don’t plan to manage rentals yourself, hiring a property manager can help with bookings, maintenance, and guest communication.

For a deeper dive into hidden expenses, check out my other blog: “ 6 Surprise Costs To Consider Before Buying a Short-Term Rental Property. ”

Inspections & Weather Considerations

A beach home inspection is crucial, with extra attention to:

Foundation Stability – Coastal homes must withstand shifting sands and strong winds, particularly in areas prone to hurricanes.
Corrosion & Salt Exposure – Metal fixtures and electrical systems are more susceptible to damage from salt air, especially in Norfolk and the Outer Banks.
Hurricane & Storm Protection – Look for homes with impact-resistant windows, storm shutters, and elevated foundations to meet Virginia and North Carolina coastal building codes.

Buying a beach home is an exciting and rewarding investment, but it requires thorough research and planning. From understanding the true costs to ensuring it meets your lifestyle and financial goals, a well-informed approach will help you secure the perfect coastal retreat.

The tide is right to buy or sell your beach home! I’d love to guide you through the process and be your forever Realtor®.

Text me at (757)-617-5815, and let’s turn your coastal dreams into reality!

6 Unexpected Costs of Buying a Short-Term Rental

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:19:48 GMT

As short term rental properties continue to grow in popularity, most people are excited to invest in the first house they find. While this can work out wonderfully for some, most investors get stuck with an extra mortgage that they were hoping would pay for itself.

For simplicity's sake, let’s define a short term rental as anything that’s rented out for less than 30 days. My husband and I currently own a vacation property in the Outer Banks , recently sold one of our past rental properties, and I regularly help my clients navigate this same process. So clearly, I’m your girl to help you buy or sell your short term rental in Hampton Roads or North Carolina.

The top 3 locations that I regularly recommend clients purchase a short term rental property in are Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the Outer Banks (OBX). But before you buy just any home, there are a few things to keep in mind. The majority of Virginia Beach is not approved for short term rentals. They’re only allowed within the Resort area. However, this area is extremely sought after from May to September and will bring in lots of cash flow during those months. Norfolk also has strict location rules but is extremely lively from June to September. OBX on the other hand, was created to be vacationed in. The island has no real limitations for short term rental properties unless your condo association has specific rules.

PROFITABILITY OVER POTENTIAL

While I wish I could tell you that investing in any short term rental will be extremely profitable, there’s a few things you need to know before you jump the gun on a property that you might not be able to afford. A lot of people don’t realize just how costly the upkeep, management, and unexpected expenses are when it comes to owning these rentals.

Here are 6 surprise costs to consider before you invest in a short term rental property.

MORTGAGE AND INSURANCE

Investment loans have a higher interest rate that’ll directly affect your mortgage payment. Running a successful short term rental property is way more than just quick math, it’s not as easy as dividing your yearly expenses by 12 months. Most of these local areas have a peak tourist season which is only about 12-16 weeks out of the 52 weeks in the year (if it’s not completely obvious, that leaves for a lot of unoccupied weeks). If you’re not going to make back your mortgage payment for the entire year in those 12-16 weeks, then I don't recommend investing in that property unless you can afford to lose money. You aren’t guaranteed to rent anything out during the off season, especially in these areas.

As an experienced Realtor®, I’ll run comparables for you and show you how to research the area in order to make an informed decision on where to buy. Once you know how often you want to rent out the property, I’ll help you figure out the minimum monthly amount that you’ll need to be making back on this rental. This is exactly what the smartest, most profitable restaurants do. When you’re out to dinner and order a glass of wine, they charge you the full price of the bottle in order to prevent losing money because there’s no guarantee that someone else will order that same glass from the opened bottle. When you pay for the entire price of the bottle, they know they’ll break even no matter what!

Insurance can often be overlooked during the buying process even though it’s quite a large expense. For obvious reasons, it’s significantly higher for short term rental properties than for a primary residence. Having a revolving door of guests that aren’t invested in the home can lead to numerous unexpected costs, damages, and even injuries. Investing in good insurance is a non-negotiable if you want to run a short term rental property legally and cost effectively.

MAINTENANCE AND DAMAGES

Once you know you’re breaking even (and hopefully making loads of money) , it’s time to realize that renters are much harder on properties than owners are. There’ll be items that you’ll need to replace more often than you think. The septic will have to be pumped at least once a year. Plus, you still have all the routine maintenance to upkeep your roof and HVAC system. It’s not only cutesy decorating and getting big fat checks. If something breaks, your guests are going to expect to have it fixed while they’re staying at your property. You need to have an emergency fund, a team ready, or be handy and live close enough to be able to address the problem yourself ASAP.

When people invest in a rental property, it’s common to overlook how often little things like linens, dishes, or kitchen appliances need to be replaced. Things like bedding and towels are obviously necessary to provide, but they wear down and need to be replaced annually. At my rental property , I don’t provide little things like coffee creamer and condiments—or other stuff that’ll just go bad and waste my money. I provide only what’s necessary, frequently requested, or what I’m willing to make sure is replenished every time a new guest arrives.

MANAGEMENT

If you’re wanting to be more hands on or want to fully manage the day-to-day of your own rental, having a property manager isn’t necessary. However, you should educate yourself on the job description and understand how demanding it can be. You should also learn proper customer service skills so that you can give your guests the most comfortable experience while you remain professional. After all, guests are your #1 priority when it comes to your rentals.

If you’re looking for a more hands off experience, it’s easy to find a great property manager in places like Virginia Beach or OBX where property management companies are easy to come by so you’ll have tons of choices. But be prepared to add a management expense of about 15% of your income to your budget. On top of having a property manager, you’ll need a team of experts who can fix any emergency that arises like plumbing, electric, HVAC, or wifi issues. Without a property manager or specialists ready, be prepared to hop in your car and drive to your property at a moment's notice to diagnose and fix an issue.

CLEANING

Having a reliable cleaning crew is a necessity if you want to own a highly rated, coveted rental property. With guests coming in and out it’s important to have a team of housekeepers who are thorough and pay superb attention to detail.

Lots of short term rental owners only pay about $75 for their cleaners, but this isn’t going to cut it. You get what you pay for. At this price the cleaners are typically in and out very quickly, overlook important details, or bail on you at the last minute. At our OBX property , we pay our cleaning team really well. They have a backup crew ready to roll if they have an emergency. We even pay them extra to clean the comforter at every turnover (FYI — not everyone does this…yuck) , so you’ll know that when you stay there absolutely nothing was missed. With my team in place, I have peace of mind knowing my guests won’t find any surprises that I’ll later find out about after I read their review.

GET THE MOST BUCK FOR YOUR BANG

Here’s the question to ask yourself before buying a short term rental :

Do you view this as your vacation home that sometimes gets rented out or is this as a revenue stream in your investment portfolio?

Either way, ensuring that you’ll profit from your short term rental property (even if the market changes) should be your main focus when house hunting. That means it’s super important to figure out the difference between your costs and your actual income.

As AirBnb, VRBO, Vacasa, and other short term rental sites gain popularity, cities are playing catch up. Many of them haven’t even thought about rules and regulations for short term rentals yet. This is why it’s extremely important to work with an experienced Realtor® before purchasing a home.

Regardless of where you want to buy a rental or how long you want to own it for, I know the ins and outs and have the personal and professional experience to guide you through this process. My number one job is to make sure you don't make the same mistakes that I did or that many people without representation make.

I’m ready to become your forever Realtor ® as soon as you’re ready to add a short term rental property to your portfolio.

Text me at (757)-617-5815 to get this process started!

The Hidden Downsides of Solar Panels

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 22:44:33 GMT

4 Reasons to Think Twice Before Investing in Solar Panels

Here’s the scoop—the average American’s electric bill is between $100 and $200 a month. And the door knocking, smooth talking solar panel salesman will try to convince you that’s too high.

What if instead of paying your power bills THE POWER COMPANY PAID YOU?

Sounds nice, but unfortunately once you make the switch to solar, you learn this is far from the actual truth. The payment of solar panels does not eliminate your electric bill. And when your first solar panel bill hits, you won’t be saving any money, just adding a very significant lien to your home.

And this is just the beginning of why I’m not a fan of solar panels.

With 9 years of experience as a Realtor®, I’ve seen too many people burn thousands of their dollars doing what they think is better for our planet and for their wallet. Purchasing solar panels or purchasing a home with solar panels is actually one of the worst things you can do for the environment and for your finances.

I have this conversation a lot, and here are my top 4 reasons why I don’t recommend you invest in solar panels.

SO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE?

Yeah, to the person who can light $60,000 on fire without it affecting their financial stability.

But, here are two more points (that are a little less dramatic) I want to leave you with.

IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING BUYING A HOME WITH SOLAR PANELS…

Instead of spending $29,000 on someone else’s solar panels, remember that there’s always another *perfect for you* home out there.

Buy that home you love with the outdated kitchen and renovate it.
Buy the fixer-upper and give it the TLC it needs.
Spend that money on the gorgeously updated home that seems a little boujee.

The house with the solar panels may feel like it’s your dream home right now, but after reading this blog post, I’m sure you’ve realized that it isn’t.

IF YOU ALREADY HAVE SOLAR PANELS ON YOUR HOME…

Don’t let my opposition to solar panels scare you away. Even if you already have solar panels, I can and am more than happy to sell your house for you! If the panels are already fully paid off, they’ll add a small amount of value, but not the full amount that you put into them. The secret to getting your money back is to work with a trusted Realtor® who’s experienced in solar financing (*cough cough* it’s me ��‍♀️) . I’ll do everything in my ability to have the new home owner assume the loan so you can do something better with that money.

“BUT NIKKI, IT’S THIS HOUSE WITH THE SOLAR PANELS OR BUST.”

If the house with solar panels is seriously your dream home, obviously—we're going to make it happen. I can help you navigate the process to make sure that it makes the most sense for you. If it’s really your dream home or location, I won’t let solar panels stop you from buying it. When all is said and done, you need to invest in a home that you’re going to absolutely love and have years of happy moments in.

Solar panels or no solar panels…in Virginia or North Carolina…

If you're buying or selling , I’m ready to become your forever Realtor®.

Text me at (757)-617-5815 and let’s grab a coffee!

Declutter Your Home

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:35:31 GMT

How to Declutter Your House Before You Move

If you want to sell your house or maybe you’re thinking about listing it in the next few years . . . start decluttering ASAP.

Selling your home means staging every room, taking good photos for your listing, and having lots of interested buyers touring every inch of it. All three of those require you to have a clean and organized home. And the good news is that having a well-staged, picture perfect house requires owning LESS stuff, not more.

I’m a decluttering enthusiast, I love getting rid of stuff. It’s actually one of my favorite things to do! And I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t benefit from donating a few bags of unused dusty stuff to Goodwill. It can be a lot of work, but I have some really great advice to share with you on how to declutter your home without buying a thing.

Most people who have a lot of stuff think that their home is too small and don’t start decluttering until they start looking for a bigger house. But in my experience, after sellers purge and organize their home, they say “If my house looked like this when I lived here, I would have stayed!”

Your house most likely isn’t too small. It might be, but you probably just have way too much stuff. When every closet and drawer are already overflowing, no wonder you can’t find a home for anything new you buy! But before you think you need a bigger house with more square footage, I highly recommend doing some serious decluttering.

My Best Tip to You:

Declutter Early and Often.

Our family has no plans on moving anytime soon, but if we did, I could have my house listed TODAY. I would only need about 30 minutes to get it ready for photos because I’m constantly decluttering. I’m not trying to brag and I’m by no means a minimalist, but I am a big believer in the fact that you get to live MORE when you have LESS stuff.

This doesn’t mean that I don’t love to go shopping for new things. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve bought a dozen coffee makers in the last 5 years (maybe even more) because I’m VERY picky about my coffee! Is that a lot of coffee makers? Yes, but I don’t currently have a dozen coffee makers in my home. Because I have a habit of decluttering early and often.

When I find myself at a coffee shop more than my kitchen counter, then I know I’m itching for something new. I don’t force myself to hang onto a coffee pot I don’t like just because I spent money on it. Once anything I’ve bought isn’t useful or enjoyable anymore, I sell it on marketplace, donate it, or give it to a friend.

Holding onto it doesn’t save you money. That money was gone the minute you bought it. Don’t beat yourself up for changing your mind. The coffee pot, pair of shoes, bicycle, etc was the right thing for the right moment. Things always change. It’s okay to let it go and move onto the thing that you need now.

I always tell people that if you haven’t used it in a year, get rid of it. If an entire twelve months have passed and that thing still hasn’t been touched . . . then you know it’s time to say goodbye. Especially if it’s something that would be affordable to replace in the future.

Life is way less complicated when you have fewer things to manage. The more stuff you own, the more stuff owns you. Even if you aren’t selling your house, I highly recommend pursuing a simpler life at home.

Here are 5 Areas You Can Start Decluttering Today.

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS:

If it’s been a year (or a few) and you haven’t even glanced at that bin labeled “Halloween” or “Christmas”, then it’s probably time to go through them and purge some stuff. I’m not saying not to buy decorations, but I am saying that if you buy a pink Christmas tree, three years from now you’re probably not going to want to own a pink Christmas tree anymore.

Following new trends means you’re going to want to change your style every year or two—which is fine as long as you’re letting go of the old decor as you bring new items into your home.

I’ve done a lot of holiday decor shopping, and what I’ve learned is that it’s best to keep things simple when decorating. Go for the white string lights. Classic never goes out of style, and when you move to a new home, you can easily buy more if you need to without having to start over fresh.

SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES:

Owning a donut maker or ice cream machine sure sounded like a great idea when you bought them, but once you put them in your cabinet you probably never pulled them out again (or you did for a while and now they’re retired). It’s okay to purchase something, not use it, and then get rid of it once it’s taking up space.

Our family had a waffle maker for every season at one point and they just sat in a cabinet all year long, cluttering up our kitchen. After purging the things we used once a year or never used, it practically felt like we got a brand new kitchen with all the space it freed up.

TECHNOLOGY:

If you have a bin full of miscellaneous cords, a stack of vintage VHS tapes, or old TVs and laptops laying around, let's face the facts. You’re probably never going to use these things. They’re just taking up space.

You probably won’t even look for that random cord in the place it's in when you need it. Chances are you’ll just order it from Amazon. Do yourself a favor and get rid of things that can be replaced for under $20 and found easily online.

If you’re worried about throwing money away by donating something that might be valuable, sell your things on Ebay. And if you’re like me and that feels like too much work, just think about what a thrill it will be for someone to get a sweet deal on your stuff when they’re shopping at the thrift store.

KIDS TOYS:

When my daughter outgrows a toy or simply doesn't play with it anymore, I get it out of the house. If we go to a birthday party or an event that sends us home with a goodie bag, those trinkets might stick around for a week . . . tops! If she’s playing with something, I’m happy to keep it. But I’m not shimmying a clutter pile around my kitchen counter just because.

There’s always a holiday, birthday, or reason to get some shiny new kids toy. For me, this actually makes it easier to get rid of things guilt free. Even if I mistakenly get rid of something, another toy will be making an appearance soon.

Before you feel bad for my daughter and imagine me throwing away all her toys, know this—there is no shortage of fun in our house. But instead of spending our weekends cleaning the house, we get to relax and go on adventures. And that’s better than any amount of clutter!

PANTRY AND FRIDGE:

In case this needs to be said—you don’t need that can of chicken noodle soup that’s been in your pantry since 2009. Whether you’re selling your home or just making it nicer to live in, it’s time to get rid of the expired condiments and already opened box of pasta.

And one thing that’s for sure if you are selling your house is that buyers will open your fridge, pantry, and all your closet doors. Anyone who tells you they won’t is just trying to be nice, but it’s simply not true. So start trashing the easy stuff like that mushy banana in the back of your fridge now. You’ll be so glad you did!

Less Clutter = More Living

There are so many benefits of decluttering even if you’re not selling your home. Less stuff equals more time to do what you want. Clutter costs you time and money. It sucks the fun out of your weekends because you spend so much time cleaning, organizing, and maintaining all of the things that you own. And it just makes life feel chaotic.

The goal of decluttering isn’t to create a stark and empty space. It’s about creating more freedom and fun in your life. Decluttering lets you live in a home that’s filled with items that have purpose and bring you peace.

I do a deep purge on my house about once a month, but I am constantly decluttering all the little things that manage to quickly add up in my home. I love the feeling after decluttering when everything feels fresh and simple . . . like I can breathe again.

Whether You’re Staying or Moving, Upsizing or Downsizing . . . Declutter Your Home.

If you start decluttering your home now and you want to sell your house in a year or two, it won’t be nearly as overwhelming as trying to pack up and prep every room for photos at the last minute. Plus, you get to live in an organized home that you can enjoy!

If you’re overwhelmed, don’t know where to start, or have a hard time getting rid of stuff, let me guide you through the entire process of getting your house ready to show and sell.

I can help you make the final decisions about what’s too much or just right.

Contact me today!

757.617.5815
NikkiJohnsonRealtor@gmail.com
NikkiJohnsonRealtor.com

Christmas Time in Hampton Roads

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 13:55:31 GMT

One of our favorite holiday tradition is Christmas lights!

There’s something magical about this time of year, and witnessing the twinkling lights brings joy to our hearts. Here are some of our favorite places to take in the holiday spirit through beautiful light displays:

Holiday Lights on the Boardwalk in Virginia Beach
The Virginia Beach Boardwalk transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Strolling along the shore while enjoying spectacular light displays creates a unique and festive atmosphere. The combination of ocean waves and twinkling lights makes this experience truly unforgettable.

Norfolk Botanical Garden of Lights
The Norfolk Botanical Garden is a must-visit during the holidays. Their annual "Garden of Lights" event features breathtaking light displays throughout the gardens. As you wander through the illuminated paths, you’ll encounter enchanting scenes that celebrate the beauty of nature and the spirit of the season.

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens is not just for thrill-seekers; it’s also a magical destination during the holiday season! Christmas Town brings the park to life with millions of lights, festive shows, and yummy seasonal treats. It’s a family-friendly experience that captures the essence of the holidays.

Winter Fest on the USS Wisconsin Battleship
For a truly unique holiday experience, check out Winter Fest on the USS Wisconsin Battleship. This event features stunning light displays, holiday activities, and the chance to explore a historic battleship. It's a great way to celebrate the season while immersing yourself in a bit of history.

Just Driving Around Different Neighborhoods
Sometimes the best experiences come from simply driving around different neighborhoods. Many homes go all out with festive decorations, and you can discover hidden gems of creativity and holiday cheer. Turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and take a leisurely drive to soak in the sights.

A Cozy Touch: Hot Chocolate, Cookies, and Popcorn

No holiday outing is complete without some delicious treats! Making hot chocolate is a delightful way to warm up after an evening of light viewing. Baking cookies is another wonderful holiday tradition. And let’s not forget popcorn! It’s a fun, easy snack to enjoy while you drive around or cozy up at home. Here’s a simple popcorn recipe to get you started:

Grinch Popcorn Recipe

Ingredients:

1 Cup Kernels
1/4 Cup Melted Butter
1 Cup Green Candy Melts
Red & Green M&Ms or Sprinkles

Instructions:

Add the kernels to maker and let it work its magic.
Melt butter and mix over popcorn.
Drizzle melted green candy over popped popcorn.
Stir in M&Ms and sprinkles.

These holiday light displays capture the essence of the season and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you prefer the organized charm of botanical gardens or the spontaneity of neighborhood drives, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the magical beauty of Christmas lights. So bundle up, make some hot chocolate or popcorn, and make this holiday season one to remember!

Preparing your home for a private viewing

duda@secondgen.com — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:38:08 GMT

Preparing your home for a private viewing is essential. These are the things you should focus on...

Clean up

First impression is everything! Clean up your home and make it spotless.

Organize everything, including closets

Don’t forget to check inside your closets and other hidden places. They will want to see everything.

Make Your home cozy and inviting

Add artwork, plants, dried flowers, candles and other things that will make the property feel homey.

Pets
Ask a friend to take care of your pet during the viewing.

How to pack your stuff

duda@secondgen.com — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:38:08 GMT

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Features that buyers have come to expect

duda@secondgen.com — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 13:38:08 GMT

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Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free

Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand

A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.