New Pin!

If you've been thinking about entering the realm of home ownership, now is the time!

New Pin - August 14th

Houses are in hot demand this time of year.  Help get the most out of your home the fastest by staging for the season!

Pin of the Week - July 21st

Curb appeal isn't just what you can do with your house and with landscaping.  Any item you have outdoors is a chance to set a good example or improve the sight of.  Browse freely!

Pin of the Week - July 15th

Remember the time you invest in getting your home ready to sell can increase your sales price.  The same goes for ALL parts of your property, including the garage.  This week's pin includes some great tips for getting that part of your home ready too!

Pin of the week - July 7th

Hope everyone enjoyed their (hopefully) long holiday weekend!

There are so many stressful times that are involved in home buying, selling, moving, etc.  Why not use tools at your disposal to ensure that you are at least starting to think about a few details of these processes, even if you aren't quite at the point of one of them.  Here is a short, quick list of things you can start to look at in a non-pressured way!  Enjoy!

Pin of the Week - June 30th

What could be just as stressful as the actual buying and selling process?  The move from the old house to the new one!  Here's a great set of tips of things to be thinking about and doing in advance.  Enjoy!

Pin of the Week - June 16th

Sometimes you just need a quick fix to enjoy a room in your home.  While it's easy to focus on the rooms that others see, we need to take some time to focus on the rooms we use the most.  Here are a few ways to use trim to update your master bedroom.  Enjoy!

Pin of the Week - June 2nd

A little homework can go a long way in getting your home ready for a quick and successful sale - here are some tips to get you started!

Pin of the Week - May 14th

Another great perk to home ownership is the ability to garden.  Some are lucky to have room in the yard for as many veggies and plants as they want.  Others have room to decorate with some potted pretties or veggies.  Here are some great vegetables that like containers and most everyone has room for one or two!

Pin of the Week - May 5th

Sometimes our home isn't the only home that needs to be considered for improvements/comforts.  Think about the pets in your life and see if their homes need a little sprucing up too!

Pin of the Week - April 28th

Organizing can be so rewarding... once you commit to doing it!  Get inspired and get a move on!

Pin of the Week - April 17th

Sometimes spring cleaning brings about more than just cleaning - sometimes, it can mean a makeover of one (or more!) rooms in your home.  This post will give you some great ideas on ways to use the space you have to feel like more!

Pin of the Week - April 10th

It's important not just to spring clean and spruce up your home, your landscaping and yard add tons of value to your home and provide some great curb appeal!

This list from Better Homes and Gardens can help you jump start the clean up of your landscaping! 

Pin of the Week, April 2nd

Spring isn't just the time to think cleaning.... It can also mean a face lift for your home's exterior.  This week's pin, from This Old House, offers tips for a face lift on any budget.  Check it out and THINK SPRING!

Pin of the Week - March 27th

We all will have a taste of REAL spring coming up this weekend in Southern MN.

While it's not the most fun activity to do outside, any cleaning that can be done right away is less we have to worry about later! 

Here's a good list for cleaning tips from Better Homes and Gardens!

Pin of the Week - A Hose on Your Door??

Here in MN, it sure feels nice when the sun is warm and you can see very small glimpses of open land.  A real spring is still a ways off, but something fun on your door can help to remind you of what is to come. 

I love unexpected things used in fun ways, and this wreath features a garden hose for the actual wreath part!  There are lots of examples available online and wouldn't this really perk up your entry??  Love it!

Pin of the Week - Spring Cleaning and Organization

Let's face it... It is NOT spring in Minnesota and who knows when the white lawns and roofs will turn to green and clear!

Use this time to get your home back in order so we can all be ready for the weather we expect to be coming!!

Pin of the Week - Getting Festive for March!

Everyone needs a little festive.  Don't you think?

This super cute and easy decoration is great for all ages to enjoy.  From fancy to simple, single to multiple, you've got options.  Get creative!

Pin of the Week - Start Thinking Garden!

Whether you believe it or not, good gardening takes time... Not just the planting, weeding, watering, picking, and EATING, but the planning takes a good amount of time as well. 

There are lots of planners online to help you, and this week's pin is just one of them that is available.  Start planning now so that you can be ready when mother nature is!

Looking to Sell Your Home This Spring?

Here are a few ways to get ahead of the game and be ready to sell QUICK this year from the National Association of Realtors. 

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: February 10, 2010

Working to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time.

1. Have a home inspection

Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. For $250 to $400, an inspector will warn you about troubles that could make potential buyers balk. Make repairs before putting your home on the market. In some states, you may have to disclose what the inspection turns up.

2. Get replacement estimates

If your home inspection uncovers necessary repairs you can’t fund, get estimates for the work. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home and the repairs. Also hunt down warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for your furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items you expect to remain with the house.

3. Make minor repairs

Not every repair costs a bundle. Fix as many small problems—sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, dripping faucets—as you can. These may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression your house isn’t well maintained.

4. Clear the clutter

Clear your kitchen counters of just about everything. Clean your closets by packing up little-used items like out-of-season clothes and old toys. Install closet organizers to maximize space. Put at least one-third of your furniture in storage, especially large pieces, such as entertainment centers and big televisions. Pack up family photos, knickknacks, and wall hangings to depersonalize your home. Store the items you’ve packed offsite or in boxes neatly arranged in your garage or basement.

5. Do a thorough cleaning

A clean house makes a strong first impression that your home has been well cared for. If you can afford it, consider hiring a cleaning service.
If not, wash windows and leave them open to air out your rooms. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Wash light fixtures and baseboards, mop and wax floors, and give your stove and refrigerator a thorough once-over.
Pay attention to details, too. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, clean inside the cabinets, and polish doorknobs. Don’t forget to clean your garage, too.

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has found happiness in a Chicago brownstone with the best curb appeal on the block. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Pin of the Week - Feb 3

Hey Everyone -

Now that spring is approaching (stop laughing!) it could be time to think about some quick and easy upgrades for your home.  This week's pin includes some ideas to get you started.  Feel free to share your advice as well!

Have a great week!

P.S.  Just as a quickie disclaimer - I am not promoting or promising any of the tips will create a bigger return for you than your investment.  Enjoy the tips, and maybe they will help you enjoy your home even more!

Now is the Time!

I was out with a client yesterday and in looking around Rochester, there isn't that much on the market.  What does this mean for YOU?

As a buyer, you will want to constantly monitor what is available in your price range - you are going to need to move quickly to get the perfect home when it comes on the market.

As a seller, it's more important than ever to get your home on the market (DON'T WAIT!) and ensure it is ready to be shown, priced right, and advertised with a Realtor.

This is a PERFECT time to get yourself moving and to get in touch with me today.  From setting up a custom search that sends listings right to your email, going to see potential properties, and listing your current home, I can help you every step of the way!

Do you have the building itch?  Finally tired of that out of date room in your house?  Not sure who to contact for your questions?  Never fear, the 2014 Rochester Area Builder's Home Show is coming! 

The show runs February 7th, 8th, and 9th at the Mayo Civic Center.  You can check out more information for them here. 

Most importantly, you can MEET ME there anytime Sunday and get great information on how I can be of help to you!  You can find me at the Counselor booth, just inside the doors!

Get inspired, get to the show, and get partnered up with me!  See you there!

Pin of the Week - Bathroom Storage

Face it - every one could use more storage space.  While it isn't always realistic to have everything hidden from sight, it is possible to make what you do have to see more appealing. 

This week's pin is a great example of how to use things you need in the bathroom seem more like decoration. 

Isn't it amazing what a couple baskets and accessories will do?  Get creative and make the bathroom a space to be proud of!

Shout Out - Welcome Home Decor

Have you ever wondered how to update a living room, closet, or other "issues" area in your home?  Have you just not known where to start an organizing project? 

 Jennifer at Welcome Home Decor has some answers for you!  She is local in Rochester, and has awesome rates for her services.  

Check out her website and make sure to tell her that Erin sent you!

Pin of the Week

Good Morning Everyone!

That day is coming... Here in Minnesota, it's hard to show your love when bundled down in a parka, maybe a couple pairs of socks and mittens, and anything else you need to stay warm. 

Why not show your love with a cute door decoration?  I am sure that some of you still have a holiday (we won't even say which one!) decoration on your door.  It's alright, but everyone can use a little pick-up and the front door is the perfect place for one. 

Pink and red hearts not your thing?  Don't worry, you can be unique with a decoration like this:

 I know my front door is jealous!

Check out my "Pin of the Week" board for more cute decorations, tips, and ideas! 

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting my new blog!  My goal is to provide timely, FUN information about the real estate world as it relates to you.  Sometimes there will be introductions to professionals in industries you should get to know, other times there will be updates on news relating to you, and maybe even a few surprises. 

Let me introduce myself: 

As you have already read, my name is Erin Plizga, and I have been a Rochester, MN area native for over 20 years.  I have been married to my husband, Dan, for 6 years and we live outside of Stewartville, MN. 

I have a passion for advocating for people.  I am genuine, creative, and motivated.  My move into the real estate business gives me a perfect platform to devote myself to helping clients with a very personal aspect of their lives.  Whether it is finding that perfect home, town-home, or country estate, I will work with my buyers to find the best property at the best price, and guide them through inspections, checks, and closing!  When they are ready to list their home, I help them make informed decisions on staging, reviewing offers, marketing, and getting to the finish line - closing! 

I have experience in many types of real estate transactions - from building to buying, selling to flipping, negotiating to closing.  There isn't a single phase of the buying or selling journey that I won't be with you for.  Don't wait - the best time to start looking or listing is NOW!