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New Years Resolutions For 2021

by | Dec 30, 2020 | Real Estate Tips, YourHome, YourLifestyle

buying-an-investment-property

At the end of each year, people are bombarded with holidays, family, gift-buying, and good food. It’s a joyful time when we allow ourselves to indulge in shopping, eating, and self-care. And that’s okay.

However, this is also time to start thinking about improving our lives after the holidays. What do your goals look like for the new year? What can you do to be happier, healthier, wealthier, or more successful?

Having trouble getting started?

No worries, Monique is sharing a few of her personal goals, so you can feel free to join in! Here are our top Market Source Real Estate, aka MSRE New Year’s resolutions for 2021.

Exercise More

Monique’s top goal is to exercise more.  One of the most common goals people have for the new year is to get into better shape. Exercising more can lead to better heart health, improved immunity, more energy during the day, better sleep at night, and a slimmer waistline.

Come up with a practical workout routine you can follow in 2021. For the sake of longevity, start slow and build yourself up.

Eat Healthier

Another goal for Monique is to eat healthier food.  She is vegetarian and always looking for healthier ways to eat on the go as a real estate agent.  

Part of being healthier is putting the right foods in our bodies. An important MSRE New Year’s resolution for 2021 is to eat healthier regularly. Eating whole foods without added fats and sugars can help you lose weight, feel more energized, and more.

Engage More With Your Children

The pandemic has taken its toll on people throughout 2020. However, there is a silver lining. Being forced to stay home and social distance has allowed some families to reconnect. Monique has loved more time with her kids. 

This year, she plans to lean into this unexpected benefit of COVID-19 and engage more.  You can do this too with your children, spouse, and anyone else in your household.

Survive the Pandemic

If you’re like most other Americans, you spent much of this year trying to figure out how to survive the pandemic. Between social distancing mandates, heated mask debates, and the fear of contracting the Coronavirus (or actually contracting it), it’s been a difficult ordeal.

On New Year’s Eve, think about how you’re not only going to survive the pandemic but how you’re going to thrive despite it.  That’s what Monique will be doing.

Pick Up a New Hobby

One MSRE New Year’s resolution for 2021 could be to pick up a new hobby. For example, Monique recently started golfing and would really like to spend more time pursuing this hobby. It’s fun, relaxing, and is a great sport for social distancing. 

Think about your interests. Have you neglected an old hobby lately? Or perhaps, you’ve been itching to try something new?

Create a New Professional Goal

Finally, no New Year’s resolution list is complete without a professional or financial goal. Where do you see yourself by the end of 2021?

Do you want to advance in your career? Maybe your goal is to pay off a substantial amount of debt? Dream big and start making plans to achieve those goals.

Want to Smash Your MSRE New Year’s Resolutions for 2021?

Is 2021 going to be your year? There’s certainly no reason it can’t be. If you’ve got big New Year’s resolutions for 2021, attack them with full steam!

And if one of your goals is to change your living situation, we’re here for you. Whether you need help buying a new home or selling a home, we’ve got your back. We are an experienced team of real estate agents in Salt Lake City committed to helping people just like you.

Spring Cleaning Tips

by | Apr 15, 2020 | Home Maintenance, Real Estate Tips, YourHome, YourLifestyle

You are probably quarantined at home right now, and maybe looking for activities to do to be occupied during this period. Coincidentally is Spring cleaning season too, since you have more time available, it is an excellent opportunity for cleaning, decluttering, and organizing your home. 

Here are 5  tips that will help you with Spring Cleaning:

1. Get your tools and supplies in order

Having all your tools in one place will make all the process of spring cleaning more manageable, you will save time running from one place to another, looking for the sponge or the multi-purpose cleaner. Some of the items you might need are paper towels, mop, vacuum cleaner, window cleaner, and all-purpose cleaner.

Did you run out of disinfectants? Looking for natural disinfectants? Here is a simple recipe using natural ingredients that you are likely to have at home that can be very handy.

Ingredients: 

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup rubbing alcohol
  • 5 to 10 drops of your favorite essential oil 
  • 1 squirt natural dish soap

Steps:

  1. Mix up all the ingredients into one spray bottle.  
  2. Shake it up before you use it and spray it onto the surface and wipe with a clean cloth. 

 

2. Make a do to list 

Focus in one space at a time, you can even separate your chores into different days of the week, for not feeling overwhelmed and pressured to finish everything in one day. You should prioritize the space that needs more attention.

 

  1. Monday: Kitchen – Clean the fridge, microwave, stove, and do a wipe-down of all the counters.
  2. Tuesday: Bathroom – Germs stay longer on a wet surface, so don’t forget to clean the taps, handles, knobs, mats, and the floor of the washroom.
  3. Wednesday: Bedroom – Wash your sheets, dust side tables, vacuum, and clear clutter.
  4. Thursday: Living Room – Dust and wash all mirrors, frames, and decorative items and vacuum all rugs and upholstery.
  5. Friday: Accessories – Organize your closet and clean your accessories from your watch, shoes to jewelry and sanitize them as much as possible before wearing them.

 

3.  Clean high-touch places where you often put on your hands

Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces is a step you should take, even if you aren’t leaving the house. Anytime items or people come in and out of your home, there is some possibility of exposure. It is essential that you take the time to clean these areas to get rid of any germs. Clean the door handles, stair rails, window sills, kitchen counters, toilets, and even your phone.

Every home is a little bit different, so think about the areas where your family and roommates spend the most time.

Here is our checklist of home maintenance you should be doing every spring 

 

4. Have fun while spring cleaning

You might not think cleaning is fun, but try to make the most out of it, get creative, put on your favorite playlist or listen to your favorite podcast, and get started with your chores. You can even set a timer for each playlist, so you know the amount of time it took to do each task. Play some spring cleaning games and set up a reward system whenever you achieve a goal. These will help things feel less tedious.  

5. Establish new routines

Now is an excellent time to establish new routines and cleaning habits. It won’t only be useful due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but because it will make the next spring cleaning way more manageable. Start with a simple routine, organizing your closet every week and cleaning your windows at least twice a month, try decluttering those clothes and accessories you no longer use and donate them if you can. This will help you to have your home beautiful and neat all year long.

Stay Home and Stay Safe!

 

Stress Management for Home Buyers

by | Sep 5, 2019 | Moving, Moving Tips, Real Estate Tips, Salt Lake City, Sold Listings, YourLifestyle

Everything about moving can be stressful. We have a few tips to help you manage stress during the process. From the selling or buying of a home to the packing and unpacking, there are moments of excitement and moments of anxiety so having your ducks in a row so to speak will help make the later moments minimal.

Start Small– this will allow you to see progress along the way and hopefully keep you motivated without the tasks seeming to daunting. Whether that is packing up all the bathroom drawers only leaving items that you may need up until moving day, to picking a section of basement or garage to make some headway.

 

Allow for plenty of time– trying to rush through the moving process will do nothing but put added stress on the situation. Pre-planning for moving trucks etc., will help you also feel more prepared. Try not to leave anything to the last minute.

Try to stay organized– sorting and labeling boxes is the key to having a less stressful unpacking experience. This includes keeping all documents you may need in an easy to access place. Upfront planning is essential to coordinating all the ‘moving’ parts.

 

Hire professional movers-if you can fit it into your budget, having professionals come and pack the truck, haul the items, and unpack the truck in your new space is a lot less work for you. In addition, it will not only save your back from heavy lifting but will give you peace of mind knowing all your stuff is in one place.

Ask for help– if you need it, ask! Family and friends are a great resource if you are feeling overwhelmed by the move. Having an extra set of hands or two, can help tremendously.

 

Meet your new neighbors– who knows, they may even be nice enough to come help you unpack.

 

Rest– be sure to rest when you need too. Try and get as much sleep as possible and drink plenty of fluids. This will help you both mentally and physically.

 

 

A few more helpful moving tips:

Tips for Moving with Pets

Tips for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

Tips for Moving with Children

A Short History of Sugar House in Salt Lake City

by | Apr 18, 2019 | Salt Lake City, Sugar House, YourLifestyle

It is no secret that we have a fondness for Sugar House. Its rich history coupled with the area’s current vibe, and thriving communities, make the Sugar House neighborhoods quaint, welcoming and full of opportunity.

How it came to be:

Sugar House was established in 1853, six years after the Mormon pioneers settled in the valley, making it among Salt Lake City’s oldest neighborhoods. Today, the tree-lined streets and character filled bungalows make walking the best way to experience all that Sugar House has to offer.

 

Situated west of the mouth of Parleys Canyon and the area southeast of Salt Lake City, Sugar House is located from 1700 South to 2700 South and 700 East to 2000 East. Sprawling retail developments, eateries and mountain views are just a few of the treasures found here.

What’s in a name?

Sugar House was aptly named in reference to the sugar beet test factory owned by the Deseret Manufacturing Company in the area. The name came about as a suggestion by Margaret McMeans Smoot, the wife of the then mayor of Salt Lake City, Abraham O. Smoot.

 

Sugar House was the home of Utah’s first state prison for nearly a century, operated by the federal government until Utah gained statehood in 1896. Today, the spacious Sugar House Park and Highland High School, occupy the space after a decade long campaign run by businessman Horace Sorensen to turn it into a park. The Legislature passed the statute to create a state park from the old prison site in 1947. The prison was then moved to the point of the mountain in Draper in 1951.

 

Our Tribute: 

Today, Sugar House is booming with local businesses, restaurants and shopping and has become one of the state’s most desirable locations. We admire it so much, we had an artist recreate this historical scene on our building, we think it turned out amazing!

Check out things to do in Sugar House

Things To Do In Sugar House: Fun Activities; Where to Shop; Places to Eat

Top Sugar House Dining Spots You Dont Want To Miss!

Top Places to Work Up a Sweat Around Salt Lake

Staging Your Home in the Winter Months

by | Jan 5, 2019 | Home Maintenance, Real Estate Tips, Salt Lake City, Staging, YourHome

Please Note: We’re continuing to post about local businesses, events, and area attractions; however, things often change due to COVID-19 restrictions.  So please, double-check before you visit any of our recommended spots to confirm availability, accessibility, or any restrictions.  Stay safe. Be well. And support Local! Thank you. 

Staging your home in the winter months is just as important, if not more so, than in the summertime. Accomplishing that warm and welcoming feel just takes a few steps and some attention to some minor details and your home can be brought out of hibernation. Make a good first impression from the moment prospective buyers pull up curbside. By creating a welcoming and relaxing environment, buyers will take extra time exploring the home.

1. Snow removal.

This may seem like an obvious first step as you want people to not only have easy access to your home, but for obvious safety reasons as well, but don’t forget those outdoor spaces you may also want to feature. Decks and patios that are a sellable feature for your home need to be accessible as well.

 

2. Create a warm welcome.

Hanging a winter wreath on the front door. If possible, have seasonal plants like spruce on the walkway or front porch. Be sure you turn those lights on early to avoid people approaching a dark house.

 

3. Provide a place to wipe feet.

Have a welcome mat and an indoor rug inside the door. Decide whether you want to keep the outdoor elements outside and then provide a place for people to wipe their feet or take off their shoes. Offering shoe covers is another affordable option.

4. Turn up the lights and the heat!

No one is comfortable meandering around a cold, dark house. You want guests to linger, checking out all the details that make your home appealing.

 

5. Create cozy spaces.

If you have a fireplace, light it. Use extra pillows and throws on the furniture, light some candles, and pile a few books on that coffee table. This will allow potential buyers to see decorating possibilities as well as make them comfortable.

Looking for additional tips on staging or selling your home?  Here are a few more articles that might help you out: