Shaina McAndrews with Compass Real Estate

Something that I think a lot about is my carbon footprint. I do what I can in my personal life but what about for work? There are some parts of doing business that are difficult to bypass but I can be carbon neutral over time. I started donating monthly to offset each transaction's CO2 by planting trees. For August, the project picked was in Oregon. Some months it is a local project (look up on your township website to see if there is a Shade Tree Commission!). I hope this encourages you to do the same for your work or life carbon footprint:) I am also working on getting my real estate team on board to plant trees for our combined work. #onetreeplanted #carbonemissions #carbonfootprint #donatetrees #powerhousecompass

When was the last time you had your chimney caps checked? Don't let water in your house- be proactive and maintain your house! #chimneycap #birdseyeview #pleasedontfall #ihopeidontfall

Priority Tasks Before Moving In You did it. You moved into a new home you love and now you’re dreaming of how you’re going to decorate it. But before getting into all of that, there are still some other tasks that need to be at the top of your priority list. Changing the Locks... Double check them even if you’ve been told that there are new locks installed. It’s better to take safety measures and know that no one else has keys to your home. Call in a locksmith if you want to spend a little money or it can be done yourself. Call an Exterminator A great exterminator can take care of any pests that have been lurking in your home. Get the House Cleaned up If it isn’t already, clean out the refrigerator, wipe down counters, cabinets, oven if needed, and plumbing fixtures. Prior occupants might have had pets or young children so it’s best to steam clean. This will free your floors of any junk or allergens. Mechanical Equipment Cleaned Getting your heating and cooling systems cleaned is crucial and make sure to get a service contract just in case it stops working suddenly. Get some Closet Organizers Keep in mind of where everything is going to get placed so it can be accommodated in your closet space. A shelf or a coat hook can go a long way for making room or organization. Meet the Neighbors You want to reach out to your neighbors as soon as possible. It’s good to establish yourself within the community and you can get advice on some home repairs like which plumber to use. Having these as priorities will help you move into a clean, working home. And then, you’re ready to move in with all your belongings and start making it yours! #newhome #montcopa #movingday #homeowner

Home Buying Myths: Buying a home can seem like a huge undertaking. You don’t need to be a first time home buyer to find the process overwhelming. There is so much information available, how can you tell what’s true and what’s a myth? Understanding the difference can help you make the best decision for you and your family goals. Top Home Buying Myths And the Truth The First Step is finding the Right House Before you head out shopping, speak with a lender to unders...tand your financial options and how much house you can afford. You Can’t Buy a Home Without Perfect Credit The truth is there are many loans available which still offer good interest rates for those without that perfect score. You Need 20% Down Payment First time home buyers can use FHA financing for as low as 3.5% down. There are other programs too, such as VA and some conventional loans with less than 20% down also. You Don’t Need an Agent An agent not only knows the market and can help you with value, but also customary charges, negotiations and solutions to common hiccups. Schools Don’t Matter if you don’t have Kids The neighborhood is always important to home values, regardless of whether you yourself have children. New Homes Don’t Need a Home Inspection Every home should have a home inspection by a licensed inspector to check for existing or potential problems. Buying a home is an important financial decision. Take the time you need to understand the process and learn from the professionals; don’t assume that everything you read is true. #myths #realestate #homeowner #powerhousecompass #ambler #montcopa

If you're a first time home buyer, you're probable both excited and nervous to purchase your first home! You have plenty of questions for your real estate agent and the best thing is to work with someone who can educate you in a meaningful way. A Real Estate agent isn't trying to sell you every home you step inside. The connection you have to a property typically comes naturally. Your agent is really there to help you purchase a home, to walk you through the process from start to finish. Reach out to me if you would like someone to have your back while you buy (or sell)! #realtorlife #agentforyou #philly #firsttimehomebuyer

Which one of these luxury amenities would you like most on your wishlist? Vote in comments! #luxuryhome #mainline #opuselite #philly #winecellar #agirlcandream

The most expensive home in Pennsylvania right now! Check out this 222 acre home in Chester County and dream a little https://homes.opuselitere.com//2320-S-Valley-Road-Berwyn-P

Market Update! Despite a pandemic and other economic factors this past year, the housing market inventory and demand stayed strong and increased compared to 2019. It may be Winter but the housing market HAS NOT cooled down. It is an excellent time to buy or sell. Reach out and let's get started! #housingmarket #philly #montco #ambler #conshy #abington #jenkintown #springfield #opuselite #phillyrealestate

New #Philly listing and it's already under contract! Happy for my investor clients and we are on to the next. They treated me to breakfast and had me go through my super secret list of available properties for investors. #ontothenext #neverstopneverstopping #daysoffdontexist #phillyrealestate

In today's competitive market, I hear this A LOT! "Do I really need to spend hundreds of dollars on a home inspection?"... The answer is YES! A thousand times YES! Here's Why: 1. You may think the house you are under contract to purchase is in perfect shape, but some of the costliest problems are difficult to spot: leaks, termite damage, foundation issues, poor ventilation, faulty wiring, and drippy appliances. 2. A home inspection gives you the chance to have a professional inspector see if there are any problems that need to be addressed, replaced, or fixed <---And advises how soon they should be done! 3. When it's all said and done, you'll have an accurate picture of what you're walking into when you buy. Wouldn't you hate shelling out money set aside for new furniture on a new support beam because you didn't realize it needs correcting asap? Yeah.. me too.. Plan to pay between $450-$650 on your home inspection. You won't get this money back if the sale falls through, however, it is a safety measure I recommend to my clients. #phillyrealestate #phillyinvestor #homeinspection #buyerbeware

Protect your hoses and pipes this winter. When the temperature begins to drop, turn off all exterior faucets and store your hoses somewhere safe for the winter.

What not to do when it comes to your home -that’s why we’re here! As experts in real estate, we’ll help you make the right choices for you and your home. Call today! #realestate #montco

Quick Read- new blog post! 7 Tips for Hiring a Contractor http://ow.ly/Meet50xJDeT #montco #philly #delco #bucksCo #chesterCo #Homebuying #Investment #contractor