Woodruff Real Estate Services

Decluttering can be a challenge, but it feels SO good once you’re done! Try the box method to make the process a bit easier. Box 1: TrashAll those old magazines, stretched out socks, and dried-out pens go here. Put things that you want to get rid of AND that aren’t worth donating or selling in this box. Box 2: Sell/DonateThrow all the items you could do without into box 2. All the old books, clothes, or toys that are still in OK condition go in here! Whether you want to giv...e these things away to family/friends, donate them, or sell them to make a little extra money is totally up to you. Box 3: StoragePut everything that you can’t or don’t want to get rid of, but that you aren’t in need of on a day-to-day basis in this box. Holiday decorations, out of season clothes, and dishes for dinner parties belong here. Box 4: Put AwayPlace any items that need to be kept in the house in your house, but relocated to their proper place. If you want to get really organized, you can have a few smaller boxes one each for places like your bathroom, kitchen, or bedrooms. Sort misplaced items into their homes to save yourself the hassle later. Box 5: RepairThrow items that you want to keep but need a little fixer-upping in this box, like a watch that needs a new battery. You can also throw in things you want to keep but need to be replaced like running shoes that need new soles. I think you’ll find that the box method makes decluttering much more manageable. Have you tried the box method before? Let me know in the comments! . . . . #decluttertips #homecleaningtips #organizationtips #homeprojects

I love answering real estate questions and talking about home buying or selling. The way to my heart? Talk real estate to me! Nothing lights me up more than helping people with real estate. Send me your questions. Want to know what’s going on in our market? Send me a DM. Wondering where the best areas are for you? I've got you! Wondering what your home’s current value is? Shoot me an email and I’ll let you know.... Seriouslycontact me anytime and I’ll let you know what’s up in real estate. P.S. don’t forget to follow me! I post super helpful real estate advice and info about local goings-on so you’ll always be in the know. . . . . #realestateexpert #realtorforlife #realtoradvice #realestate101

Do you know what your credit score is right now? If you’re looking to buy a house, you should. But if you don’t, here’s how to find out!... ~ Talk to your bank. Usually, your bank will give you a free monthly credit check. These checks have no effect on your credit score, so you don’t have to worry about getting dinged for checking it. ~ There’s an app for that. Tools like Credit Karma have an app so you can check your score whenever, wherever. They update your score each week, so it’s super handy if you’re working to improve your credit. If you check your score and don’t find yourself jumping for joy, worry not. There’s a lot of ways to improve it! Talk to your bank or your lender to find out which ways are best for you. . . . . #creditscore #firsttimehomebuyer #raisemycreditscore #howtobuyahome

The LTV ratio is equal to the mortgage amount divided by the appraised property value. For example, the home you are looking at appraises for $300,000. You will need a loan of $240,000. $240,000 / $300,000 = 80%. ... That means, your down payment will be the difference between the cost of the home, and what your lender will loan you. So in this example, you would need $60,000 for a down payment, or 20%. Most conventional lenders want to see the LTV ratio 80% or lower and offer the best rates when the ratio is under 80%. The lower the LTV ratio, the better. But don't forget, many people qualify for downpayment assistance programs and are able to put much less down. With current rates being as low as they are today, you are sure to still get a great deal on a home loan with less than 20% down. . . . . #homebuyertip #realestateterms #homemortgage #buyrealestate #columbusga #phenixcityal #colgarealtor #phenixcityrealtor

What are your plans and home projects this season?

This market is tough right now for buyers, so if you're looking for an experienced and determined agent to help you get into your new home, give me a call! . . . .... #easter2021 #househunting #realestatelove #realestatemarket #COLGArealtor #COLGArealestateagent #COLGAagent #COLGAforsale #BROKER #columbusga

Happy Easter to all my friends, family, clients, and everyone who has supported me in my business! If you have a friend, family member, neighbor, coworker, or anyone else you may know looking to buy or sell, please send them my way. You can be sure that your friend will thank you for recommending a professional agent who knows how to get the job done!... . . . . #easter2021 #househunting #realestatereferrals #localagent #Colgarealtor #Colgarealestateagent #Colgaagent #Colgaforsale #GArealestate #GArealtor #Colgaliving #Colgalife

Have plans this Friday?

Tips for the First-Time Home Seller There is a lot of attention paid to first-time homebuyers. Most real estate agents and lenders have some kind of guide to help first-time homebuyers navigate their first home purchase, but what about the first-time seller?... Selling your home for the first time can be just as confusing as a home purchase, so here are a few things to remember as you navigate your home sale. Before that first showing, it’s important to prepare. This involves not only cleaning, decluttering, and staging the home, but also learning about your local real estate market and finding the best agent for your needs. Interview more than one agent and ask lots of questions. Learn about the services they offer: do they include professional photography, video, or virtual tours? Ask for a comprehensive market analysis (CMA) and ask each agent their suggestion for the listing price and their method for arriving at that number. Use this information to determine the best agent to assist you. Once you have an agent, stay involved. Discuss the plan for showings and open houses. Try and be flexible to allow for as many potential buyers as possible viewing your property. Review the listing online for accuracy and stay in touch with your agent for feedback from showings. Once you start getting offers, respond as quickly as possible. It’s not just about the price; watch for terms, such as length of escrow and contingencies when evaluating these offers. Be prepared to move so that you can take advantage of a good offer, such as all-cash. The most important aspect of a successful home sale is the relationship you have with your agent. Be transparent about your needs, concerns, and goals; insist that your agent do the same, and working together you will navigate through your first home sale successfully. Don't have an agent? We would love to work with you!

Housingwire.com predicts that the 2021 market will still remain a sellers market. Ready to list?

Since it’s almost Valentine’s Day, show some love to your favorite #local shops! Tag your favorite florist, restaurant, and baker in the comments and why you love them!

Have you learned organization tips from #MarieKondo yet? There is a good reason why she became popular: Simply put, her methods are effective! If you’re ready to organize your home, free up some space, and go a little more minimalistic, you’ll definitely want to start taking notes from this home-keeping superstar!

Looking to eat out this weekend but not ready to dine-in? Visit Columbus, GA has put together a great list of to-go food options. Check it out:

New tenant coming to 2603 Manchester Expressway! Be on the lookout for J.R Crickets to open around April 15.

What do you think the most important thing a homeowner should do before looking at homes? If you answered B. Get pre-approved, then you are correct! Getting pre-approved is essential before looking at homes. This is because your pre-approval will determine what kind of budget you can work with and therefore influence the types of homes you will love.

Amazing Christmas Eve sky!

Heading out to look at the twinkling lights? Here's a guide from our friends at the The Columbusite for the best lights in town!

There are so many reasons to love the winter season the holiday celebrations, family gatherings, vacationing in the snow but one of the most endearing parts of this time of the year is houses twinkling with Christmas lights. This season, boost your #curbappeal by adding some simple festive lights on your porch, foliage, or door and windows. It’s guaranteed to make your home look like an inviting space and also put you and your neighbors in the holiday spirit!

We're loving this fall season! What are some of your favorite activities?

Great office location is now under contract! Are you looking for your next commercial or office space? Let's chat!

Thanks to Warr Grading Contractor for the amazing job they did on the Lakeside Village Woodruff Storage!

Great weekend to buy your new home. Call Julie Quigley for a private tour!

Need a wonderful home with privacy and room to roam? Call today to see this 2/1 rental in Harris Co

We have amazing office spaces perfect for your growing or new business! Click here to view our listings: https://bit.ly/3o5jbZz

Homeowner’s insurance is a non-negotiable. Not only does it protect you in the event the home is damaged, but it also includes liability insurance in the event someone is injured at your home. When evaluating the policy, insurance companies consider multiple items to determine their riskand your cost. Here are 7 things that affect the amount you pay for homeowner’s insurancesome that might make sense and some that might surprise you. 1. Square FootageFirst and foremost, th...e size of the home is considered. The larger the home, the more it would cost to replace if damage occurred. More space also means more furniture, fixtures, personal belongings, and other items which would be replaced in a claim. 2. LayoutThe style of the home is another factor in determining replacement costs. A single-story home, for example, might have higher foundation and grading costs, whereas a two-story home would need alternative construction methods. 3. Construction MaterialsThe type of material used to build the structure is important. Wood roofs would cost more to insure against a fire claim, as would a home with expensive travertine floors. A simpler home of modest building materials would cost less to insure. 4. Property AgeThe assumption is that an older home might have more deterioration than a newer home and this is considered in the replacement cost. 5. Home FeaturesHomes with extra buildings or pools will be insured at a higher cost than other properties without these amenities. 6. NeighborhoodLocal crime rates are reviewed to determine the risk to property and personal items. 7. Credit ScoreFinally, the insurance company will consider the homeowner’s credit score. Not only does this help them understand if they are at risk for non-payment, but serious credit issues might be a factor in how well a property is maintained. Homeowner’s insurance is important to every homeowner. Not only is it required by lenders, but it also protects the homeowner against financial disaster in the event of theft, fire, severe weather, and more. Understanding how rates are determined can help you compare options and get the best policy for your home.

Congrats to Lakeside Village on winning the Halloween Contest!

Don't forget to vote!

Harris County home for lease on acreage. 2 bedroom 1 bath. Call Woodruff Real Estate Services Julie Quigley 706-221-3632 office 706-573-1994 cell

Fun fact of the day: Did you know 41% of buyers used an agent who was referred to them by a friend, co-worker, or family member? Have you ever referred a #RealEstateAgent to someone you know? If not, maybe now is the time (hint, hint).