It’s that most wonderful time of year– A time of celebrating peace, joy and love. It also tends to be chaotic, rushed and stressful. If you find yourself running in circles during the holidays, wondering when, or if, the peaceful moments will come, pay attention. I’ve got some tips to help you slow down and create more time for the traditions and people you love.

  1. Live by the list. Make your list and check it twice! It works for Santa, and it will work for you, too. Revise your to-do list, shopping list, household chore list, and work project lists daily and keep them with you at all times. Utilize reminders on your phone or computer to help you stay on task.
  2. Become a master delegator. Divide and conquer; you don’t have to do everything yourself. Get your family or co-workers involved in helping with holiday projects or errands. So what if the kids gift wrapping isn’t perfect or your colleagues ideas for the office party aren’t what you had in mind? Breathe deep and let it go.
  3. Team up. Want to sponsor a family in need, cook a holiday dinner for the local shelter, or host a neighborhood party? Make it an office or neighborhood project and let others share the burden, and reap the rewards, with you. You’ll find the experience more gratifying, and most likely your outreach will expand.
  4. Prioritize. Trying to figure out how to bake for the cookie exchange, take the kids ice skating, finish putting lights on the house, and get your shopping done all in one weekend? You may have to cut something off the list, or at least cut corners. Ask yourself which activities will contribute the most to your family’s holiday experience. Start with those, and what doesn’t get done won’t matter.
  5. Start with some me time. Don’t leave yourself out while playing Santa’s helper this season. Give yourself time to relax, meditate, take a bath, do some yoga, or go for a walk. Try this technique: Every morning when your rise and before you retire, sit down, close your eyes, and breath in this pattern for a minute or two: Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, and exhale or a count of four. During the morning session, visualize an intention that you have for that day. In the evening session, give gratitude for all that you encountered during the day.

6 Tips for House Hunting Over the Holidays

Are you moving to a new town for work, losing your lease in January, or have your home under contract and need to move soon? You may be dreading the prospect of house hunting over the holidays, but, cheer up. There are some good reasons to get out there and look. Here are some reasons why, and some tips for finding the right home amid the holiday season.

  1. Remember that sellers who are showing their home over the holidays may also need to move soon and may therefore be more motivated to negotiate on price.
  2. There may be less inventory available, but I can help you find off market properties. Often homeowners take their listings down over the holidays, but I can use my Realtor network to communicate your needs to agents whose clients want to sell, but don’t want December showings. We may just find the perfect house with a seller willing to work with us.
  3. Be patient with homeowners willing to show their homes and make the most of your showing time. Try your best to be on time for your showing appointment and be free of distractions. Leave the kids with a sitter, and if you are buying with a spouse or partner, schedule showings when you both can attend together, so as not to waste anyone’s time.
  4. Look past holiday décor. Don’t be distracted by garland, lights, and trees. Make sure you take time to look past decorations to see every corner and fixture in the home.
  5. Do your homework before you go looking. Scrutinize pictures or video tours. I can help you research properties ahead of time to make sure we are not wasting time looking at homes that will not make work for you.
  6. Last but not least, give me a call! Whether you’re in my area or not, I can help you buy or sell no matter where you live. If it’s your first time buying a home, or if you’d just like to refresh your memory — email me [email] for a copy of my home buyer guide!