Boujie On a Budget: Home upgrades that I’ve seen work wonders

March 6, 2024 by Debbie Spencer

It’s time to go *Boujie on a Budget*

In all my time real-estating, I’ve seen some impactful upgrades that give the homes a fresh look AND are easy on the wallet.

These are a few of my favorites:

• Replace faucets and cabinet hardware. Estimated cost: $150-$400 for a kitchen faucet and $5-$25 per cabinet pull.

• Upgrade door knobs and hardware. Estimated cost: $28 per passage door and $31 per privacy lock.

• Swap builder-grade switch plates for decorative ones. Estimated cost: $5-25 per plate, depending on style.

• Refresh rugs. Check out Rugs USA or Loloi on Amazon. Both sites partner with designers, like Rifle Paper Co and Arvin Olano for elevated looks. Estimated cost: $189 for a 5×8 rug.

I’m a huge proponent of making small changed that go a lonnnng way.

Want more tips about small projects with big impact? Reach out – I’ll share what I’m seeing local DIYers take on these days.

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

How to fall in LOVE with your new neighborhood

February 6, 2024 by Debbie Spencer

Just moved in? Here’s how to quickly fall in love with your new neighborhood:

1) Host a housewarming and invite neighbors over for drinks and appetizers.

2) Get involved. Attend local town hall meetings to listen and learn the latest news and happenings.

3) Explore meetup.com for local interest groups. Shared hobbies are a fantastic way to connect.

4) Peruse a local farmers market to support local businesses and take in the community vibe.

5) Join your area’s association. Most neighborhoods have an association. Join yours to get involved and meet neighbors!

6) Take after-dinner strolls. Explore the neighborhood by going on leisurely walks at a time when most of your neighbors are home. It’s a great way to discover hidden gems and meet fellow residents.

If you are looking to change neighborhoods this spring, please feel free to reach out to me!

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

5 Ways to cut down on your home energy bill

January 8, 2024 by Debbie Spencer

January 10 marks National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, and I’ve got your personal cheat sheet with five strategies to conserve energy and elbow those extra costs out of your monthly bill:

1) Consider time-of-use rates.

Learn about your utility’s time-of-use rates, which vary depending on the time of day. Strategically plan your energy use to save money. You can find these rates on your energy bill or the utility’s website.

2) Leverage smart home plugs and thermostats.

Combat standby power consumption (up to 10% of your energy use) with smart switches for appliances and programmable thermostats. Schedule when they turn on and off efficiently.

3) Adjust the water heater temperature.

The U.S. Department of Energy says lowering your water heater temperature by 20 degrees can save 4% – 22% annually.

4) Efficient water heating.

Water heating is the second-largest home expense, averaging $400 – $600 yearly. Consider a $150 water heater smart controller to heat water only when needed (potentially saving 10% – 30%) and insulate your water heater to cut heat loss (saving 7% – 16%).

5) Monitor specific energy usage.

Make sense of rising bills by tracking energy usage and setting custom alerts. Knowing where your energy goes is the first step to making meaningful changes.

Bookmark this blog post for your next bill cycle, and feel free to reach out for more energy-saving insights!

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

Make Your Home Feel Like a Cozy Winter Cabin: A Checklist

December 6, 2023 by Debbie Spencer

Vibe: Cozy Winter Cabin

Transform your home into a winter haven and create an idyllic cabin-in-the-woods atmosphere with this step-by-step checklist.

Set the Stage
• Cozy candles – Try Woodwick candles if you like the flickering light + crackling pops.
• Chunky blankets – Add texture and warmth with plush throws, heirloom quilts, or a blanket the whole family can share from The Big Blanket Company.
• Featured fireplace – Don’t have the real thing? No worries—find a fireplace video on YouTube for that comforting ambiance.
• Smooth jazz – Set the mood with Spotify playlists that capture the season’s essence.

Elevate the vibe
• Classic board games – Every cabin in the woods has a cabinet of classic board games like Scrabble, Checkers, Sorry, or Scategories.
• Rocking chairs – Nothing says “Welcome to our Cabin” like rows of rocking chairs. If you have one or more in other rooms, bring it to the living from for the holiday season.

Dress the Part
Make a statement with a pair of fleece-lined slippers from UGGS or LLBean and comfy loungewear with a stocking hat to match. (For the ladies, check out Vuori’s Douglas Cashmere & Merino Beanie Hat!)

Indulge in Comfort Food (and Drink!)
• Soups, stews, and chowders hit the cozy cabin bill. Need some inspo? Search for Martha Stewart’s Vegetable Bean or Potato, Broccoli, and Cheddar Soup.
• Top off your cabin-inspired meal with a fresh-baked apple pie and hot cocoa. Crow & Moss Honduras Wampusirpi Drinking Chocolate is a top pick for dark chocolate lovers, but if you’re looking for something nostalgic, Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix is your best choice.
• Or skip the hot chocolate altogether and go straight for the Jingle Juice—a merry blend of Cran-Apple Juice, Red Moscato, Prosecco, Vodka, and frozen cranberries.

If you’re going for cabin cozy, why not go all the way? Enjoy, friends, and from my home to yours, once again, happy holidays!

Source:
22 Winter Soups That Will Keep You Cozy

Easy Apple Pie Recipe (Just like Grandma Made!) – Little Spoon Farm

We Tasted Every Instant Hot Chocolate We Could Find — Here Are the Best

Best Jingle Juice Recipe

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

Preparing Your Home for Winter

November 6, 2023 by Debbie Spencer

Winter is coming in just a few short weeks. Are you ready? Is your home ready?

If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to take steps to prepare your home for the cold weather. By following a few simple tips, you can save yourself money and headaches down the road.

Follow these tips to prepare your home for winter:

1) Inspect your roof and gutters. Make sure there are no holes or leaks in your roof and that your gutters are clean and free of debris. Try using a telescoping gutter wand to keep the job quick and easy.
2) Check your heating system. Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional ahead of winter temperatures.
3) Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure that they are working properly and that the batteries are fresh.
4) Insulate your home. Make sure your attic and walls are properly insulated. This will help to keep your home warm and reduce your energy bills.
5) Seal air leaks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any air leaks around your windows and doors.
6) Protect your pipes. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation to prevent them from freezing — and bursting. Also, ensure every family member knows where the main water shutoff is to access it in an emergency.
7) Stock up on winter supplies. Firewood, salt, shovels, and snowblowers, if needed.
8) Winterize your deck and patio. Protect patio furniture with weatherproof covers or, better yet, store it away in a garage or shed. If you have a wooden deck, apply a fresh coat of sealant.
9) Plan for power outages. Make sure your emergency supplies are accessible and that you have a way to heat the house and prepare food without electricity.

As a long-time resident, I know the challenges our homes face when temperatures drop. So feel free to give me a call, text, or DM me if you have questions about winterizing your home – that’s why I’m here!

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

Tips to save money on homeowners insurance

October 6, 2023 by Debbie Spencer

Fact: 90% of homeowners in 2023 saw their annual premium increase compared to the previous year.

Also, a fact: The last thing you need is something else in your world to get more expensive.

I know because I’m right there with you.

But unlike the price of eggs or gas, there are a few simple things you (and a great local agent) can do to keep tabs on your homeowner’s insurance costs:

Raise your deductible
Drop non-essential coverage
Don’t make small claims
Shop around every year
Reinforce your property

If you’d like to chat more about how to save as a homeowner, I’d love to connect! I’m happy to pass along my favorite local insurance agents who will gladly shop multiple carriers to get you the coverage you need at rates you feel great about.

Source: https://www.policygenius.com/homeowners-insurance/how-much-does-homeowners-insurance-cost/

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

Guest Room Essentials

September 6, 2023 by Debbie Spencer

5-Star Hotel, who is this?! — that’s my motto when it comes to hosting family and friends!

How do I do it?

Here’s how:

My list of guest room necessities that I’ve fine-tuned (and, maybe? perfected) over the years.

Now I’m sharing it with YOU!

✓ Visible WIFI password
✓ Phone charger
✓ Luggage rack
✓ Q-tips
✓ Makeup wipes
✓ Lotion
✓ Body wash
✓ Full-length mirror
✓ Wastebasket
✓ Tissues
✓ Extra towels
✓ Extra hangers
✓ Clothes steamer
✓ Sound machine
✓ Jewelry dish
✓ Wall or door hooks
✓ TV remote
✓ Extra blankets

Plus, you can take it to the next level:
Include a handwritten welcome note on the bedside table. Share a few places to grab a coffee, breakfast, groceries and 1-2 local shops you love!
They’ll feel like you’ve really gone above and beyond as a host!

The only downside? With this list, your guests may never want to leave!!

Happy hosting — and, of course, bookmark this for later, or share it with a friend who wants to up their guest room game!

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

The Essentials for an EPIC Backyard BBQ!

August 7, 2023 by Debbie Spencer

It’s one of my favorite times of the year…

Summer Backyard BBQ Season!

Ready to host the MOST epic BBQ on the cul-de-sac?!

Use this checklist to ensure you have all the essential tools and equipment for a sizzling experience.

Stainless Steel Tongs and Spatula Set: Get a grip on your grilling with a durable and reliable stainless steel tongs and spatula set. These essential tools will help you flip, turn, and serve your deliciously grilled masterpieces with precision and ease (say byeee to burned fingers)

Grilling Prep & Carry System: Simplify your grilling process with a convenient grilling prep & carry system. This all-in-one solution allows you to organize and transport your marinades, seasonings, utensils, and more. No more frantic searches for misplaced essentials – everything you need is at your fingertips.

Basting Bottle: Take your BBQ flavors to the next level with a handy basting bottle. Fill it up with your favorite marinades, sauces, or secret recipes, and apply them generously to your meats as they sizzle on the grill.

Instant-read Thermometer: The MVP of the show! No more guessing games or overcooked meats. This instant-read thermometer will quickly and accurately gauge the internal temperature of your grilled dishes, ensuring every guest is impressed.

Cooler Cart: What is a backyard BBQ without a cooler cart?! Fill it with ice, stash your drinks, and effortlessly roll it around the yard. No more interruptions to fetch cold beverages – your guests can help themselves and enjoy all the summer vibes.

Insulated cup: Last but certainly not least is one of my favorite summer staples! Grab an insulated cup like this one from Brumate and you will have everyone from the party asking where they can get one! With 70,000+ 5-star reviews on Amazon, this is a backyard BBQ MUST!

What are you bringing to your backyard summer party? Let me know in the comments!

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

12 Pickman Drive in Bedford is now SOLD!

August 4, 2023 by Debbie Spencer

Enjoy this beautiful colonial located in the desirable Huckins Farm community.

The first level features hardwood floors and an ideal floor plan. Enter the eat-in kitchen and find stainless appliances, and abundant cabinet space. Just down the hall is an inviting living room with a gas fireplace, French doors, and a vaulted ceiling. The living room offers access to a sunroom perfect for appreciating the landscaped yard. Also included on the first floor are a laundry room and a formal dining room with an additional wet bar.

The second floor features a large primary bedroom suite with a walk-in closet and vaulted ceiling. Outside, a brick patio off of the living room makes for a perfect space for entertaining.

Being part of the Huckins Farm community means access to horse paddocks, swimming pool, tennis courts, exercise room, and conservation trails.

If you are interested in learning more about this great property, please contact me!

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421

www.thedebbiespencergroup.com

How much does it cost to sell my home?

July 6, 2023 by Debbie Spencer

Q: What’s the true cost of selling a home?
A: Roughly 10-12% of the sale price.

Here’s a DETAILED breakdown (with 2022 data):

– Agent commissions: 5-6% of the sale price, split between the two agents.
– Attorney fees, transfer taxes, and other administrative costs: 1% of the sale price
– Home repairs and inspection requests: $100-10,000. The most common repair on a home inspection report? Sticky doors that need adjusting. The second? Leaky faucets and shower heads.

Optional expenses:

– Moving: The average cost of a local move with a two-person team is $1,400. A cross-country move will set you back $2,200-5,700. Save on moving by grabbing a few friends and DIY.
– Interior staging and exterior landscaping: 18% of sellers’ agents said staging increased a home’s value between 6-10%. Staging and landscaping will run 2% of the sale price, making both worthy of your time and money.
– Seller concessions: To sweeten the deal, you may help a buyer with inspection fees, processing fees, or other costs. Usually, no more than 2% of the sale price.
– Home warranty: Some sellers offer buyers a warranty to cover the home leading up to closing, so the buyer knows they’re not facing repair costs as soon as they sign. A home warranty costs $300-500.

One mistake I see from sellers? Pouring money into the wrong improvements before getting an agent involved.

If you’re thinking of selling, don’t wait to get an agent’s eyes on your home — it’ll focus your efforts and help you get every dollar out of your home. Want help? Contact me today.

Source: https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sell-house/

Source: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/moving-services/movers-and-packers-cost/#:~:text=The%20national%20average%20cost%20of,to%20between%20%242%2C200%20and%20%245%2C700.

Source: https://www.parealtors.org/what-are-the-most-common-repairs-that-show-up-in-home-inspections/

Source: https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/home-selling/cost-of-selling-a-house

DEBBIE SPENCER GROUP

REALTOR®, CRS, SRES

m: 617-285-7300
t: 781-860-7300
e: debbie@thedebbiespencergroup.com

1 Militia Drive, Suite 204, Lexington, MA 02421