Chloe Powell, Rococo Real Estate and Design, Brokered by Real Broker LLC

11/25/2022

“There’s no place like home.”

Have truer words ever been spoken? I spend my days finding my clients their dream home, but today I wanted to switch things up and share what I love about my home!

What I love most about my home... is that it's the first home that Romie and I bought together. We are slowly turning it into a home.

Favorite room: our patio is my favorite "room". I love spending time outside, and I can't wait to get started on my vegetable garden next spring.

My favorite way to make my home more cozy: We don't have a fireplace, so I love cozying up on the couch with a heated blanket, and a heated blanket.

What I love most about the community I live in: I love how everyone is so friendly, but also, I love how I'm able to walk my dogs, and walk right into downtown Purcellville.

11/23/2022

Grateful for this.

11/22/2022

I want to thank me for believing in me...I want to thank me for doing all this hard work!

You did the hard work...you made it to closing day!! 🔑

Now what? Here's what to do next!

-Change your address with USPS online

-Change your address with DMV (or your local car/driver
registration) *This can also be done online

-Change all billing addresses on all your banking websites

-Change your address at work/with your direct deposit

-Register any new appliance warranties, etc.

-Do a walkthrough of your house before unpacking and make a note of any changes you want to make (by room). Furniture you need, paint, anything you want to replace.

-Send out your new address to family & friends

-Order new return address labels/stamps

-Change the locks

-Host a housewarming party!

11/21/2022

It's the truth!

11/19/2022

Things I'm thankful for: my family, my friends, and my equity 💰

To know how much equity you have in your current home, you have to know how much money you have paid towards your loan & the market value of your home.

Once you know about how much money you could expect to walk away with from the sale of your home, THEN and only then can you know what you can afford to purchase.

The whole process is as simple as a DM & a login.

First, login to your mortgage company's account and see what you've paid towards the loan so far.

Then, DM me, your favorite real estate agent, and I'll run a market analysis on your home and give you a good ballpark range of what your home would likely sell for.

11/18/2022

Are you thinking it's time to move but have NO idea who to ask to represent you?

Maybe you know 5 agents and you're afraid you'll offend someone. Or maybe you don't really know anyone (other than agents you see on social media!) and you're not sure where to start.

Here's my best advice...

If you don't know any agents personally, I recommend 1 of 2 things:

1 - Ask for a recommendation from a friend who has recently bought and sold in your area.

2 - Take it to IG. Search local hashtags to find agents in your area & start doing some research.

To search hashtags, head to the search bar at the top of Instagram and type in your city and / or area name followed by "realtor".

Before reaching out to either option, here are a few questions to consider:

1. Can you learn anything about them from their account? What does their bio say? Can you see their face? Do they have an active story you can watch to get a feel for their personality?

2. Can you get a glimpse of what it would be like to work with them? Do they have any videos you can watch or resources you can request that will take you behind the scenes into their client process?

3. Does looking through their feed give you a good feeling? Have they provided value or established any trust in how they're showing up online?

Here's the thing...the client experience starts online. You can learn a lot by starting your search on social media.

Their online approach should give you some idea if they're someone you want to reach out to or not to set up a consultation.

Remember, reaching out doesn't mean you've committed to them, but it will allow you to take that next step knowing a lot more than someone that you call randomly because your neighbor's sister worked with them.

Do your research. Read reviews. Schedule the consult. Then choose to work with someone you like and trust.

Then, once you find that person, stick with them!

11/17/2022

The only Black Friday House Hunting Advice you should follow is THIS 🖤

11/16/2022

11/15/2022

Want to host Friendsgiving this time next year in your OWN home?

Swipe to see how I can get you there, with plenty of time to get the turkey out of the oven! 🦃

11/14/2022

Do you HAVE to offer over asking price? Can you look at homes outside of your price range? Here are some things to think about and talk to your agent about before you hit SUBMIT 💰

1. What have similar homes in the area sold for recently? Is the asking price in line with the rest of the neighborhood?

2. How long has the home been on the market? If it's day 1 and there are multiple offers, you probably need to offer above asking. But if it's been a few weeks, you have more negotiating power.

3. What is the market like in the area? Is it a buyer's market, seller's market or balanced market?

4. Are there any other offers on the table? Multiple offers change everything. If you really want the house, you'll want to offer a price that is your highest and best...aka, if you don't get it, you'd sleep at night just fine because you know you weren't willing to pay one dollar more.

5. At what price would you feel that you "overpaid" for the home? Avoid buyer's remorse! Don't get caught up in the "game" of "winning" the house...make sure you're making decisions based off of your needs and not just doing whatever it takes to win.

Your agent is there to help guide you through these factors and pull relevant information that will help you determine what price to offer.

11/12/2022

Did you know this??!

11/11/2022

Best things to keep on hand when hosting...Martha Stewart style. You will want to save / screenshot this if you're hosting thanksgiving this year!

🍽 Extra dinnerware
🪑 Extra seating
🧴 Extra toiletries
👜 Designated spot for coats, shoes, purses, etc
🛏 Extra blankets/bedding
🍗 Additional food storage

BONUS ideas: TV trays, ice, foil, and ziplocks.

ALSO set the temp a degree or two cooler than usual if you're expecting a lot of people...between the hot food and additional bodies, your home will warm up quickly!

Happy hosting!

11/10/2022

Are you thinking about renewing your lease or renting vs. buying? Send me a message.

11/09/2022

Like any other British person, I love a good trifle. With a good trifle comes with multiple layers. The custard, the ladyfingers, the cream, the nuts, the fruit....

One of the best ways to make a house feel more like a home is by adding layers. The trick is adding the right layers!

Swipe to see a list of ways to add more interest and cozy vibes with layers

11/08/2022

Swipe to see your home selling timeline, then keep reading to learn how to speed up the process 💨

1. Hire a GOOD agent! Not only can they give you expert advice and guide you through the pre-market strategies and the transaction. They can also create demand for your listing to increase your net proceeds.

2. Do repairs before listing your home! Studies show that buyers want a home that's move in ready. Even if you offer an "allowance" for repairs, it can decrease the amount a buyer is willing to pay for your home. Just take care of it prior to save yourself a lot of headaches and potentially a lot of money!

Share this with someone who's thinking about selling!

11/05/2022

Stop trying to house hunt with a *Black Friday Shopping Approach*. Learn how to house hunt like a PRO and make smart decisions in this market.

11/04/2022

Need some encouragement, future home owner?

Swipe for some affirmations for home buyers.

11/03/2022

If you are in the process of buying or selling right now, you may have noticed things have slowed down.

This is the season clients get worried. But it's important to remember that this is a natural ebb and flow of the market...it's nothing to worry about.

Look at the tree outside. Notice how they're all losing their leaves, but none of them are worried (love this Donald Miller quote). They aren't dying or trying to produce new leaves right away...they are trusting the process because they know there are new seasons ahead.

Stay strong and steady like these trees. Don't panic, don't worry, and don't abandon your plan altogether. Just take a few deep breaths and trust that the season of homeownership is eminent. And it's totally worth the wait.

11/02/2022

Swipe for 9 sentences that will change the way you view homeownership (and possibly prompt you to jump on the homeownership bandwagon!)

11/01/2022

You've got that James Dean day dream look in your home 🎶

How to make your home feel timeless so, like Taylor Swift, it never goes out of style ♥️

Swipe for a more timeless home ➡️

11/01/2022

Before you put your turkey in the oven, stop here for this month's Homeowner Checklist 🦃

The holidays are almost here and I'm ready to start decorating! But first, I'm sharing your monthly homeowner checklist so you can be sure to take care of your house for holidays!

⚠️ Check paths, stairs and railings for safety
🚽 Deep-clean bathrooms
🛀 Check bathtub caulk and repair if needed
🍂 Remove the last of the Fall leaves.
🚨 Restock emergency kits for car and home
🔥 If you use a fireplace or wood stove, order firewood
🧽 Clean Garbage Disposal
🔑 Lubricate Door Locks
🛌 Clean (and flip) all your mattresses
🧹 Get a Chimney Sweep to Inspect the Fireplace
🛍 Get a head start on your holiday shopping
🦃 Host a friendsgiving
🍞 Make a donation to your local food pantry
📪 Order holiday cards and update your contact list

10/31/2022

Raise your hand if you've always felt decorationally challenged 🙋🏻‍♀️

Instagram makes it look so easy, but sometimes putting together our own space is overwhelming.

Swipe to see a few basics you'll want to have on hand when you're putting your living room together for the first time (or just giving it a refresh!)

10/30/2022

So should you REALLY wait to buy a house? Let's chat about your REALISTIC options 👀➡️

This is one of my greatest pet peeves. The internet and the news DOES NOT KNOW what's happening on a local level. They ARE NOT the experts!

10/29/2022

Let's raise this number next year!

10/28/2022

I know what you need...

CLARITY about the market and your next step! I want to extend a personal invitation to meet me in my DM's and ask me your current real estate questions! What's holding you back? What is making you feel more confused than clear about your next step? How can I help provide clarity in your real estate journey? Let's chat!

08/22/2022

As you wrap up summer projects and make one last trip to the local hardware store, I know what's going to happen.

You're going to see the $8 "For Sale" sign and think to yourself, "How hard could it be to sell on my own?"

The number one reason most people choose to sell their home on their own is to save money (because it's just $8, right?!) However, the truth is, selling your home privately typically COSTS you more than you save. 🤯 This is not the time to get scrappy and DIY...when it comes to the sale of your largest asset, hiring a professional is crucial.

You can swipe through this post to see the pro's and cons to hiring an agent vs selling privately.

But first, know this: a great agent will make the entire experience a positive one because they will stay in their zone of genius (selling real estate!) while you stay in yours (caring for your things & your family when you move!)

And when you consider everything and decide to hire a modern agent instead of selling on your own, do some research and find an agent who has good reviews, comes highly recommended, and who you can learn something about before reaching out. What does their experience look like? What are their clients saying? Then schedule a consultation with them to see how they can help you net the most money possible from your home sale and make your next move a positive experience!

08/19/2022

REAL ESTATE SCHOOL: FIRST TIME HOME BUYER 101 🤓

Before class starts (aka: before we start house hunting), I have a few rules to cover to make sure you're not going to fail the class!

Here are 5 rules to follow when it comes to the house hunting process!

1. Get pre-approved with a local lender: Staying local is so important when it comes to financing your home. Need a recommendation? I got you!

2. Don't agent hop - find someone to represent YOU! Choose someone you like and someone you trust so you can look to them for advice on all things home buying. (If you're reading this, there's a good chance I'm the agent you want!)

3. Don't start your search at the top of your budget - Whether you're in a competitive market or not, you're going to want to start your home search well below the top end of your budget. If you start too high, those houses might not be realistic for your budget because in a market like today, many are selling for over the list price and you won't be able to compete. Don't set yourself up for failure, trust me on this one!

4. Understand how online listing sites work - this goes hand in hand with agent hopping. If you contact an agent on an online real estate site thinking it's the listing agent and they'll have all the answers, you're probably mistaken! Online listing sites have designated agents who are paying to be posted there. Keep that in mind, especially if you are working with an agent already! Always, always, ALWAYS call YOUR agent when you're interested in a home!

5. Understand the general flow of the entire process - this is what my buyer consultations are for! Want to get the entire overview? Let's chat!

Swipe for an overview of the "getting started" process!

08/17/2022

Which do you love more: Selling Sunset or Fixer Upper? 🏠

Sometimes I like to pretend this space here on Instagram is like my very own reality TV show where you get to see my life behind the sold sign.

You go with me to showings and closings and watch me in action as I teach my clients about the market and help them reach their goals.

But the cameras would also stop and interview me to ask me good, tough questions.

Consider this post one of those interviews. 🎥

Swipe through to read all about what life is really like behind the scenes of my business.

08/15/2022

Ever wondered what buying a home is ACTUALLY like?

How much work is it? How long does it usually take?

Swipe to learn about a Typical Home Buying Timeline ➡️

08/14/2022

OPEN HOUSE TODAY 1-3PM Sunday, August 14th!

This renovated townhome boasts 3 bedrooms, 2 and a half bathrooms, & a finished basement - and is move-in ready! The new appliances and updated kitchen aesthetic make the kitchen the heart of the home. Gas appliances allow for a culinary grade cooking experience.

Thinking of having a housewarming in the fall? This is the place to entertain! There's an open floor plan on the main level, which leads out to the deck. Perfect for barbecuing! The half bath design on the main level provides a touch of contemporary industrialism to the home that blends nicely with the black and white finishes throughout.

Make your way upstairs to the primary bedroom with updates made to the closet, ceiling fan, and paint to make the room a relaxing place to come home to each day. The serene primary bathroom has been updated with new mirrors, light fixtures, countertops and vanity to give it an alluring interior aesthetic. The secondary bedroom is not too far away and has also been updated with a ceiling fan and closet upgrades. Stroll on down to the basement where there's a guest bedroom and lounge space with a cool, real brick accent wall. The basement lounge space leads onto the patio and yard area, perfect for enjoying some s'mores on fall weather nights.

The community has some great features. The pool is a great place to relax and hang out. Never too full and always a lounge chair or umbrella available. The tennis courts, basketball courts, and park provide a great place to walk. There are also plentiful sidewalks throughout the entire community to allow for a safe place to walk, whether to exercise or just enjoy the fresh air. All of the porch lights in the community turn on at the same time and it is well lit at night.

The best part of all? It's in the heart of Woodbridge. Minutes from the Potomac Mills shopping mall, Lidl, Safeway, Giant, Mom's Organic, Lowe's, stores, or even Washington DC. Whether you enjoy shopping, historic attractions, or sports events, there is plenty to see and do within a very short drive.

Check out the full listing here: https://loom.ly/_Nrs4Qg

08/12/2022

Welcome to Home Seller School! Let's walk through the 3 major steps in the Home Selling process so you can ace your next listing!

1) Make a plan with your agent. Step number one involves SO MANY important decisions, it's best to have your agent by your side from the beginning. Your agent will help you make a personalized plan for you and your home. Do you need to sell before you buy? What is your projected market value? What do you need to get out of your home in order to buy what you want? All of these questions will be addressed when you meet with your agent!

2) It's time to prepare to sell! We typically want students to get all A's in class, but this time I want you to remember the 3 D's: declutter, depersonalize, and deep clean. We declutter before listing because it makes our home appear bigger and more homey. We depersonalize because we don't want future buyers to be distracted; we want them to picture themselves living there. And we deep clean because a clean home is a well taken care of home and buyers want to know your home has been loved and cared for.

3) Execute your marketing plan. This typically starts with professional pictures (because photos with glimpses of agents snapping pics of the bathroom with their cell phone doesn't scream "top dollar") and a killer description of your home in the MLS. Then we blast your listing to the masses through the MLS, social media, and other techniques unique to your agent so that you can be sure you get the most eyes on your listing.

Once your marketing plan is in action, it hopefully won't be long until we get it under contract. We negotiate so much more than price, so trust your agent as they walk through and address all the terms for you! Then we celebrate on closing day because you did it!

Congratulations! You passed Home Seller School! 👩‍🏫

08/10/2022

When students apply at a university, the school looks at both their grades AND their after school involvement.

This is because a letter on a paper only tells part of the story. How a student spends their free time tells a lot about their character and how they would represent a school.

It's absolutely no different when it comes to picking a real estate agent.

It's important to look at an agent's stats and reviews, but it's equally important to look at how that agent spends their free time. Because how they spend their time away from real estate will tell you how well you'll click.

It will tell you how they'll likely respond when you ask a question and it will give you a picture of what you can expect your interaction to be like during a showing or consultation.

Obviously, I'm a real estate agent. But, I'm also:

-Marketer
-Content creator & blogger
-Painter
-Entrepreneur + Small business supporter
-Baker + Cook
-Wife, Dog mom
-Friend
-Ta**us
-Life long learner (I spend time learning every single day)

I like to treat this space like my very own after school club. 👩‍🏫 I want to invite you in to learn more about me as if we were sitting side by side in my living room so that you can decide for yourself if I'm the agent for you.

So tell me something about you...Do we have anything in common?