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When it comes to protecting your home, it's important to understand the difference between a home warranty and home insurance. Though they may seem similar at first glance, they serve very different purposes. Let's break down what each covers and who can benefit from having them. WHAT IS A HOME WARRANTY? A home warranty may fully or partially cover the repairs or replacements of major home systems and household appliances when they break down due to normal wear and tear. They can typically be purchased for either newly-built or older homes and usually lasts a year, with the possibility of renewing the contract annually. WARRANTY COVERED Most home warranty plans cover common household appliances, including washers dryers dishwashers refrigerators and ovens. They also extend to home systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. If you have additional features like a pool or sprinkler system, you can usually pay extra for coverage. IS A HOME WARRANTY REQUIRED? Unlike homeowners insurance, a home warranty isn't mandatory. However, it can be a great option for those looking to avoid unexpected repair bills, especially if your appliances are older or you don't have a large emergency fund set aside for repairs. WARRANTY NOT COVERED While a home warranty can offer peace of mind, it does have limitations. issues caused by faulty installation, and proper maintenance, or misuse typically aren't covered. It's important to understand the specifics of your policy to avoid surprises. WHO SHOULD CONSIDER A HOME WARRANTY? Home warranties are especially useful for homeowners with older appliances or systems that  may be nearing the end of their lifespan. If you're worried about the cost of repairs or replacements, a home warranty can provide some financial relief. It's also a great option for a new homeowner who wants extra protection while adjusting to the responsibilities of owning a home. INSURANCE COVERED Homeowners insurance typically covers the structure of your home, personal belongings, and additional living expenses if you need to temporarily relocate due to damage. Common perils covered include fire, theft, vandalism, and wind storms. Liability coverage is another key component, protecting you from financial responsibilities if an accident occurs on your property. IS HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE REQUIRED? Well it's not legally required to have homeowners insurance, most lenders will require it before approving a mortgage. Even if it's not mandated, having homeowners insurance is a wise choice for anyone looking to protect their biggest investment. INSURANCE NOT COVERED Standard homeowners insurance policies usually don't cover damage from earthquakes, floods, mold or pests. Depending on where you live, you may need to purchase additional coverage for these risks. Your home is often your largest investment, and protecting it is something I truly care about. Home insurance and home warranties can play an important role in safeguarding your property and your peace of mind—but coverage isn’t one-size-fits-all. I always encourage homeowners to consider their options carefully, read policies in detail, and never hesitate to ask questions so there are no surprises later. Below are a few home insurance and home warranty providers to explore as you decide what coverage best fits your needs.

When inventory levels are rising, timing becomes crucial. Here's how sellers can optimize their outcomes this spring: START LISTING PROMPTLY Entering the market in March can give you an advantageous position before the peak months. This early start allows you to capture the interest of buyers who are eager to make a move as the seasons change. EMPHASIZE RENOVATIONS New paint, improved landscaping, and energy saving features can draw in potential buyers. These enhancements can make your property more appealing and help it stand out in a competitive market. PRICE COMPETITIVELY With a wider selection available, setting the right price is likely to attract offers. An appropriately priced home not only attracts more attention but can also lead to a quicker sale. ADAPTABILITY IS KEY Being willing to accommodate buyers’ schedules or offer concessions can expedite your sale. Flexibility can be the deciding factor for many buyers who have specific needs or constraints. As the market shifts, the most successful sellers are those who prepare intentionally, price with strategy, and remain adaptable throughout the process. Spring is a strong selling season, but it is also competitive, and thoughtful planning goes a long way in maximizing results. If you are considering selling this season and want clarity on timing, preparation, or pricing in the current market, I’m here to help you build a plan that fits your goals and timeline.

Many buyers assume spring is the best time to purchase a home, thanks to the surge of listings and increased activity. However, informed buyers are finding that winter can offer unique and valuable opportunities worth exploring. LESS BUYER COMPETITION The housing market typically slows down in January, with fewer buyers actively searching. With less demand, homes face fewer competing offers, reducing the chances of intense bidding wars. MORE MOTIVATED SELLERS Sellers who list during the winter months often have strong reasons for moving, such as job relocations or life changes. Because of this, they may be more eager to negotiate and reach an agreement quickly. OPPORTUNITIES FOR SAVINGS Winter sellers are often more flexible when it comes to price adjustments, repairs, or closing concessions, which can lower the overall cost for buyers. QUICKER TRANSACTIONS Since overall market activity is slower, lenders, inspectors, and title companies often have more availability, leading to smoother and faster closings. In the end, buyers who shop during the winter months can position themselves ahead of the spring rush. With reduced competition and sellers ready to negotiate, winter can be an ideal time to find the right home at a fair value. While the weather may be chilly, the winter real estate market can offer some surprisingly warm opportunities.

When I decorated my boys’ rooms, I wanted something that felt fun now but could grow with them as they get older. I leaned into classic colors, simple furniture, and a few personal touches that reflect who they are without screaming “little kid.” It’s sweet, practical, and still totally them. Call me OCD, but I really like to start with a solid plan, so I make a design board and a budget for each space before I just randomly purchase items. Here's Eli's room:   Let me know what you think! The military vehicle poster from PopChart is one of my personal favorite finds.

I've had several clients ask to purchase staging pieces from different properties, but staging companies are rarely willing to sell their inventory. (Understandable, it could be a hassle to purchase and re-purchase furniture and decor.) This week I had a client ask to buy the gold floor mirror in the entry of a home they were interested in. The stager wanted to hang onto that mirror, but I knew I could find something similar! Here are my picks at several price points:

Searching for last-minute Valentine's gifts and decor? I've got you! These items are great from February 14th all the way through spring. Some of my favorite things include Simple Modern tumblers (I have them in SO many colors) and the Design Works Ink Notebook - I use these for everything and I love that the spiral allows the notebook to fully open and stay that way. Happy shopping!

Pantone's color of the year is a little too peachy for my taste to incorporate in large spaces, but these paint colors for 2024 are all in the range of the perfect cool blue color palette that I love. Each of the design boards I gathered below coordinate with one of the paint colors of the year: Skipping Stones from Dunn-Edwards, Upward by Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore's Blue Nova and Renew Blue from Valspar. The predicted design trends for the year are cozy, collected and classic - you can't go wrong there. Let me know what you think! First up, Renew Blue! This classic neutral style (and that amazing sofa) have my heart. Grand Millennial vibes paired with Skipping Stones shown below. Kind of fancy, completely classic, and that side table from Target is a steal of a deal!                               This room may be my favorite. Sherwin Williams: Upward pairs nicely with antique elements that never go out of style. Cozy, classic, and collected.                                 Stepping a little outside of my comfort zone with a mustard couch and Midcentury lines. Benjamin Moore's Blue Nova is moody and funky with bright gold accents.                                 Which room & paint color are your favorite? I'd love to know!

The general homestead exemption mandated for Texas school districts is $140,000. If your house is appraised at $300,000, you’ll only pay taxes on the home as if it was worth $160,000. Since I live in Texas, I’ll address homestead exemptions specifically for our state and my area in particular. Contact your local appraisal district for more information. I’ve been helping first time home buyers for years, and I always remind them (and my more seasoned clients, too!) to apply for their homestead exemption after closing. There are 4 different types of exemptions, and I’m typically encouraging buyers to apply for the General Residence Homestead Exemption. The other types of exemptions are Disabled Person, Person Age 65 or Older and 100 Percent Disabled Veteran. I’ll show you the steps for the General Residence exemption since that’s the most common exemption, but before I do that I need to answer a question: What is a homestead exemption? Homestead exemptions remove part of your home’s value from taxation, so they lower your property taxes. Who doesn’t want that? The general homestead exemption mandated for Texas school districts is $140,000. If your house is appraised at $300,000, you’ll only pay taxes on the home as if it was worth $160,000. Not all homes qualify for the exemption, so you’ll have to meet certain criteria before the benefit kicks in. General Residence Homestead Exemption Requirements You must own the property in the year you are applying for the exemption. The property must be used as your primary residence. The address of the property must match the address listed on your driver’s license. Easy enough, right? Right! I’ll walk you through the online process for filing an exemption in Lubbock County, and if you’re looking for the link to your appraisal district you can scroll through the list of counties on the Texas Comptroller's website. Enter the address of the property you are applying for an exemption. Click on the HS Exemption Link on the property page. A partially completed exemption form will appear, fill in all of the applicable missing information. Once you're finished, click Sign & Submit. You should receive a confirmation message that your application was received. For more information and a helpful FAQ page, go to the Texas Comptroller’s Site or simply send me a message!