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Blogs
Below you'll find posts from my two blogs, Daily Gratitude and Bits & Pieces. In Daily Gratitude posts, I reflect on things that we might not always remember to be grateful for. In Bits & Pieces , I share practical advice on things that I've experienced throughout my life in areas like relationship, home maintenance, and self-care.


Pricing and Positioning Like a Pro
Pricing your home is one of the most important and trickiest parts of selling. Set it too high and you risk scaring away buyers. Set it too low and you leave money on the table. In this post, we’ll look at how to position your home smartly so it stands out in your market, sparks excitement, and sells for the best possible price. Price it Right From the Start – Overpricing can stall your listing and make buyers question value. Understand “Days on Market” Psychology – Homes s
karenycopeland
Nov 241 min read


Preparing Your Home the Smart Way
Selling your home starts long before you put up the “For Sale” sign. It begins with preparation, the kind that makes buyers fall in love the moment they walk through the door. In this first part of the series, I’ll talk about the simple, often-overlooked things that can make your home shine in photos and in person. A few small changes can create big results when it comes time to sell. First Impressions Start Online – Your listing photos are the new curb appeal. A clean, bri
karenycopeland
Nov 162 min read


52 Little-Known Secrets About Selling a Home
An 8-Part Series by a Former Real Estate Broker Who’s Helped Sellers Since 1991 Selling a home is one of life’s biggest financial decisions and whether you’re working with a realtor or tackling it on your own, the process can feel overwhelming. I know, because I’ve lived it from every angle. For 26 years, I worked in real estate licensed in Maryland from 1991 to 2017 helping hundreds of homeowners prepare, price, and sell their properties. I eventually owned and managed my ow
karenycopeland
Nov 42 min read


Fall Home Maintenance: Prep Before the Chill
Fall is your window to get your home ready for cold weather—without freezing your fingers in the process. A little work now can save you from headaches later. Here are 8 must-do fall tasks: Clean and store garden tools – Wash and dry them before storing to prevent rust. A light coat of oil on metal parts helps them last longer. Inspect your heating system – Schedule a professional furnace or HVAC check before the first cold snap. Replace filters to keep your system running
karenycopeland
Oct 161 min read


Summer Home Maintenance: Stay Cool and Save Money
Summer is the perfect time to tackle a few home tasks that keep things running smoothly and help you avoid bigger issues down the road. Here are 5 must-do summer tasks: Clean your gutters - Summer storms can clog gutters with leaves and debris. Service your A/C – Clean or replace filters and have your system checked to avoid mid-July breakdowns. Check for water leaks – Hoses, faucets, and irrigation systems can leak and spike your water bill. Inspect windows & doors – Sea
karenycopeland
Aug 31 min read


Don’t Let Your A/C Break Down This Summer
Is your air conditioner working harder than it should? A quick filter change can make a big difference. Clogged filters force your A/C to run longer and push harder—costing you more in energy and repairs. Swap filters every 30–60 days in summer, and have your system checked by a pro once a year to keep things cool and efficient. A little prevention now could save you a whole lot of sweating later.
karenycopeland
Aug 21 min read


Are Your Bank Accounts Safe? Understanding FDIC and NCUA Insurance
When it comes to your money, peace of mind is priceless. You work hard for every dollar—so knowing that your savings are protected matters more than ever.
karenycopeland
Jul 62 min read


5 Things to Know about Your Credit Report
Everyone has heard of a credit report. But many people don’t know exactly where to get a copy of their report, or why they should check their report periodically.
karenycopeland
Jun 222 min read


7 Mistakes Most First-Time Home Buyers Make
Buying a home isn’t easy or cheap. Between closing costs, the down payment, the home inspection, appraisal and other expenses, buyers can be tapped out emotionally and financially before they can even call the home their own.
karenycopeland
Jun 223 min read
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