A Guide for Your Journey Home

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Home Sale with the MLS

At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, we know that selling your home is a big deal, and making the right choices can make all the difference, including the decision to list your home on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Recent research highlights why the MLS is still the go-to tool for home sellers. Here’s why you should consider it: Maximum Exposure to Potential Buyers Think of the MLS as the ultimate spotlight for your home. By listing on the MLS, your property gets seen by most real estate agents in your area. This means more eyes on your home and a higher chance of finding the perfect buyer quickly. Access to Popular Home Search Sites When you list on the MLS, your home may automatically appear on popular real estate sites. This means your property can be showcased to an even wider audience of potential buyers. More visibility usually means more offers! Transparency and Trust The U.S.’s MLS is the gold standard for real estate. It provides a secure and accurate database of homes for sale, which helps maintain transparency. Buyers and Sellers can trust the up-to-date information about their markets. Competitive Advantage Homes listed on the MLS help further a competitive and open market. Research shows that homes marketed on the MLS tend to sell for more money compared to those sold off-MLS. This competitive edge can help you get a higher sale price for your home.Source: Clear Cooperation: The Consumer Weights In by 1000WATT Membership Professional Guidance Real estate agents using the MLS have access to a treasure-trove of data and insights to help ensure you have support for all stages of a transaction including pricing and negotiating offers. Reaching the Most Buyers A recent consumer survey found that 73% of homeowners preferred listing their home on the MLS but this preference skyrocketed to 92% when consumers learned that off-MLS homes typically sell for less.Source: Clear Cooperation: The Consumer Weights In by 1000WATT Membership Enhanced Marketing Opportunities The MLS allows your home to be marketed through various channels, including direct distribution to other agents and public home search sites. This multi-channel approach ensures your property is seen by a diverse audience, increasing the likelihood of finding the right buyer. Better for Sellers Nearly all respondents in the survey (96%) believed that the American MLS system is better for sellers compared to systems without an MLS.  Listing your home on the MLS offers numerous benefits that can help you achieve a successful sale – however a seller measures success whether by a quick closing, maximum sale price or other critical terms.  At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, we are committed to helping you navigate the buying and selling process confidently and easily. Visit BHGRE.com to learn more about how we can assist you in your real estate journey.   Source: Clear Cooperation: The Consumer Weights In by 1000WATT Membership The post Unlock the Full Potential of Your Home Sale with the MLS appeared first on Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life.

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8 Most Romantic Cities in the United States

A romantic trip with your spouse is a great way to nurture or rekindle your relationship, but even if you’ve been thinking about getting away, you might not know which cities to visit. There’s no shortage of places to escape for a dreamy vacation in the United States. So, whether you want to spend quiet time on a beach, walk hand-in-hand down a historic street, or experience another type of blissful encounter together, there’s a place that will be perfect for both of you.While you can undoubtedly hop a flight to Europe or the Caribbean for romance, don’t rule out the epic adventures you and your significant other can enjoy in your home country. In the U.S., there are plenty of options for bonding on weekend drives to spectacular places or longer encounters lasting an entire week or month.And, you don’t have to wait for an anniversary or a special occasion. Your relationship is special, so take some time to consider when and how you can make your romantic travel dream a reality. Make a point to set aside some dates on your calendar to focus on letting your love flourish.Are you unsure where to travel to fan the flames of love? We have you covered. Our editorial team has researched the top romantic spots in the United States and selected eight cities that offer everything couples would want: stunning scenery, amazing restaurants, a vibrant culture, and gorgeous hotels.These are our picks for the eight most romantic cities in the U.S.1. Sedona, ArizonaSedona captivates with its striking terrain, charming shops, and brilliant night sky. Couples visiting this romantic U.S. city can enjoy hiking, wine tasting, and stargazing, among many other memorable activities. Looking for an especially serene and scenic point of interest to explore together? Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which sits perched in the red rocks of beautiful Sonoma, or slip away to one of the city’s world-class spas.2. Miami, FloridaMiami is an ideal spot for romance for couples who don’t want to run out of things to do together. Beautiful beaches, chic cafes, incredible architecture, and lively music create a vibe that should energize even the most stagnant relationship. Where should you stay for a romantic trip in Miami? Center yourself downtown near South Beach, where lively nightclubs and music bring a one-of-a-kind energy to date nights, or remove yourself from the bustle of the city center and rest in Coconut Grove. Just don’t miss an opportunity to explore one of the most incredible U.S. cities as a team.3. Nashville, TennesseeYou don’t have to love country music to find romance in Nashville, but it helps if you do. All couples can surely appreciate the unique gems in this city like the Botanical Garden and Museum of Art. But for a true Nashville experience and ultra-romantic getaway, you’ll want to live the life of a cowboy or cowgirl in love and cuddle next to each other for a show at the famous Ryman Auditorium. The Grand Ole Opry is also a fun spot to visit as a couple, and of course, its fun to check out all the bars on Broadway with a special someone.4. New Orleans, LouisianaWhile wild street parties and voodoo dolls aren’t romantic, smooth jazz and intimate courtyards are, and New Orleans has these romantic offerings and much more. The historic city made famous by Bourbon Street and the French Quarter is overflowing with cozy corners and sensual sounds that will bring you and your spouse closer together. When visiting New Orleans as a couple, set aside plenty of time to discover this destination’s rich history and iconic buildings, among other unique features.5. Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston has a wonderful restaurant scene, with many unique settings for romantic meals and intimate date nights over drinks. Couples visiting this U.S. city can take leisurely walks down cobbled streets lined with colorful historic homes and trek along miles of sandy seashore or through a lush park.6. Kailua-Kona, HawaiiTucked into the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, Kailua-Kona is a charming town where you and your loved one can spend moment after moment on pristine beaches and golf courses, in eclectic shops and restaurants, and more. This romantic locale features picture-perfect white sand shores, ideal for picture taking and sunbathing, and it allows couples to enjoy fun activities as a pair like snorkeling and wildlife watching.7. Aspen, ColoradoCozying up to a warm fire, taking a hot-air balloon ride, and relaxing in a 5-star luxury hotel like the St. Regis are just some of the romantic things to do in Aspen. Of course, this city is known for its skiing and snowboarding, too. So, whether you and your partner want to spend quality downtime together or get active as a couple, you’ll find that this U.S. destination offers it all.8. St. Augustine, FloridaNot all couples think about Florida first when trying to decide where to go for a romantic vacation. But this state surprises with its abundance of destinations that foster loving encounters, such as the cute and picturesque St. Augustine. Downtown St. Augustine has hundreds of years of history to uncover, along with many excellent waterfront eateries and bars to linger in. For an extra-romantic trip to St. Augustine, visit during December and stroll through the Night of Lights, when nearly three million white lights adorn the city’s buildings.Ready to sell your home luxury home or look for a new one? Visit Distinctive Collection by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate when you’re ready.The post 8 Most Romantic Cities in the United States appeared first on BHGRE Distinctive Collection.

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Small Steps, Big Dreams: Your 2025 Home Goals Start with Micro-Wins

As we step into 2025, many of us are dreaming big about our future homes. But here's a secret: those big dreams become reality through small, consistent actions. Let's break down how micro-goals can help you achieve your home aspirations this year. Breaking Down Big Goals: For First-Time Homebuyers: January: Start tracking your spending February: Set up a dedicated down payment savings account March: Check your credit score and address any issues April: Research first-time homebuyer programs May: Connect with a local lender June: Begin your home search For Current Homeowners: Create a monthly home maintenance calendar Set aside small amount each month for repairs Tackle one room organization project monthly Plan seasonal curb appeal improvements Schedule regular HVAC check-ups Start a home improvement fund For Those Planning to Sell: January: Deep clean one room per week February: Declutter closets and storage spaces March: Address minor repairs April: Update landscaping May: Fresh paint where needed June: Stage for photos and showings Remember, every major achievement started with a single step. Whether your goal is to buy your first home in the Sioux Falls area, upgrade to a larger space in Brandon, or downsize to a cozy spot in Tea, we're here to help you create and achieve your 2025 real estate goals. Ready to turn your 2025 home goals into reality? Let's start with a conversation about your dreams and create a personalized plan to achieve them. Schedule a free consultation or explore our home search tools to begin your journey today! Pro Tip: Write down your micro-goals and celebrate each achievement, no matter how small. Every step forward is progress toward your dream home!

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