SWMRealty Blog

It has been quite cold in 417 Land over the last couple of weeks. It seems that Winter has finally decided to officially say hello. It's easy when it gets so cold out to start feeling cooped up or stuck in the house. I thought it might be a good idea to share a unique date night idea where the only cold you will have to face is a 5 foot walk from your car to your date. 

The Moxie Cinema is such a special place in Springfield MO. It is a smaller, more intimate movie theater that shows independent films versus the Hollywood Blockbusters. It's such a great place if you enjoy foreign, artistic or just out right beautiful/absurd films. I have been several times myself. I end up leaving with...

Valentine's Day can be one of those holidays where people gift a lot of stuff. Good stuff, don't get me wrong. Who doesn't like chocolate? But some of us have started searching for ways to create new experiences rather than giving out random things. So here are some ideas to help you create that special experience this year for you and your significant other that you can get quick, even if you wait until the last minute.

S'MORES KIT

Did you know that you can actually buy a smore's roasting kit. You don't have to start a fire or try your best to roast those marshmallows in the microwave (just don't do it). Cozy up inside with your favorite blanket, get some graham crackers, hershey...

Now that we are well into the beginning of 2020, I'm sure you have heard the phrase "New Year, New You." I've been hearing it in conversations, seeing it in marketing campaigns, etc. This can apply in many areas of your life, including your home. It only makes sense to change up your home decor for the new year. Well here is something you should know before you start purchasing those new decor items....

2020 IS ALL ABOUT THE DRAMA!

We are talking dramatic, monochromatic color schemes in bold colors. And I'm not just talking about the walls, painting trim to match the wall color is definitely in for 2020! You can also expect to see prints galore. With so many options for easier wallpap...

There are a select few in this world who look forward to moving, but for most of us it can be stress inducing and a source of chaos. Moving does take a lot of work. There are a lot of things to think about, but there are ways to keep stress levels down as you move your life from one house to another. These tips can help you stay ahead of the game and tackle moving day once it gets here.

1) AVOID PROCRASTINATION AT ALL COSTS

It's easy to think that packing won't take that long, this can wait until next week, I'll make those phone calls later, but this is a trap that you do not want to get stuck in. Moving always takes more time than we anticipate. It is a great idea to start planning y...

I recently was having a conversation with an individual I had just met. They didn't know that I worked in the Real Estate Industry. This individual was doing some future dreaming about retirement and mentioned that she may want to eventually downsize when that time comes. She continued on by saying that anytime she has purchased a home in the past, she called the agent on the sign in the front yard. Therefore, she has never worked with an actual Buyer's Agent. I would like to share some information with you about the difference in types of agents and who represents who in a Real Estate Transaction.

When you find a house for sale by driving by, the name on the for sale sign is the Listi...

Come join us this Saturday for the 55th Annual Ozark Christmas Parade!! Free Hot Cider will be served at our office!

If you are getting ready to list or buy a home, you might start noticing that the Real Estate industry likes their abbreviations. You start hearing things like FSBO, HOA, COMPS, etc. Some of you may know what these mean, but for a first time home-buyer, maybe not and that is ok. Today, I would like to explain HOA. 

WHAT DOES IT STAND FOR?

Home Owners Association

WHAT IS A HOME OWNER'S ASSOCIATION

It is an organization in a subdivision that makes and enforces rules for the properties and their residents.

WHY WOULD I WANT TO LIVE IN A SUBDIVISION WITH AN HOA?

HOA's are there to set and enforce rules and there is usually a small fee that homeowners have to pay either monthly or yearl...

Having been in the Real Estate Industry for several years now, I have seen many moves happen. I've seen some of those moves happen very smoothly and some seem to come together at the very last minute. A Real Estate transaction can be stressful. One way to remove some stress from your plate is to be prepared and have a plan when it comes to packing. Efficiency is key here. Here are a few tips to help get you started off right.

Avoid waiting until the last minute. The moment that you decide to sell or buy a new home should be the same moment that you start packing. Procrastination causes some of the worst stress when it comes to moving time. Keep ahead of it the best that you can. It wil...

Temperatures haven't gotten cool yet, but Fall is right around the corner, Monday actually. Time to get out the Flannels, drink some pumpkin spice lattes and cozy up with a blanket. Fall is hugely celebrated in the Southwest Missouri area. After months of a hot Summer, residents are ready for a change. To help you enjoy Fall this year, I have put together a list of Fall Events to celebrate the new season!

Silver Dollar City's Harvest Fest (Branson)

Sept 25 - Oct 26

Apple Butter Makin' Days (Mount Vernon)

Oct 11 - Oct 13

Rutledge Wilson Farm Harvest Fest (Springfield)

Sept 28 - Oct 27

I hope Fall brings you good company and good times!

The weather is starting to change and the media is filled with Pumpkin Spice everything. Unless you live in the midwest you may not know what this means but if you do you're gearing up for Fall!! One of the best parts about the Midwest is the four seasons you get to enjoy and one of the best is fall. With tons of outdoor festivals, bonfires and cool nights there is always tons of fun to be had. One of the best festivals in the Ozarks in the Annual Cider Days festival on Historic Walnut Street. This year the festival runs September 21st -22nd starting at 10 am daily, the streets will be filled with art, food, beer gardens, live music and tons of fun for the whole family. Do you want more i...

Whether this is the very first home you have owned, or you have been a homeowner for years, it always seems like there is a lot of information to remember when it comes to caring for your home. Life gives us enough to do lists, so I wanted to share two of my favorite apps that let me forget about to do's and let my phone remind me instead. I have personally used these and they can really be a lifesaver.

The first one I would like to introduce you to is Happy Plant.

This app helps you care for you plants. It can remind you to water them and it also allows you to keep a record of how your plant is doing. As a plant lover,  it is so fun to look back and see how much my plants have progre...

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know this year has included a lot of plants. I now have 6 plants in my office and still want more! Luckily, indoor plants are easier to take care of in our ever-changing Missouri weather. I also have several plants outside my home. Fall will be approaching soon with cooler temperatures, but I'm just not ready to say goodbye to all of my outdoor plants. For those who are in the same boat as me, I decided to research what plants are best for surviving through the cooler Fall season. Here are a few of my favorites that I found...

Of course, the first plant that I thought of was Mums. They are super easy to take care of and bloom in the most beauti...

Here we are in August. Summer is coming to an end and it won't be long before we start seeing everything pumpkin spiced. The 417 is going to shift from colors of green to oranges and reds. Most importantly, it is back to school time! Get your school supplies, squeeze in those lost minute Summer vacations and soak up every last ounce of warm weather and sunshine that you can get. 

For your convenience, I thought I would include the school calendars for the Springfield, Nixa, Ozark and Republic Areas. Not only can you confidently know the first day of school, but you can plan ahead with the scheduled days out on each of the school calendars. You can find your calendars below.

Springfiel...

Do you want that Urban lifestyle or Suburban Lifestyle? Urban living is considered living inside city limits. The area is more heavily populated and houses are generally closer together. Suburban living is going to be those areas that surround the city. Houses are usually farther apart and living in the suburbs generally offers a bit more privacy than urban living. So which lifestyle are you looking for?

URBAN LIVING

When living inside the city/town, generally things are close by. Commutes will be shorter, you will get home from work earlier and you will most likely live in a location that makes having a social life convenient. Also, your subdivision may provide certain amenities...

Yes, you read that right, the 80's are making a comeback. Neon colors, pastels, softer lines and rounder furniture will be showing up way more in home decor, but with a modern twist. You may be imagining clashing bright colors, but with this modernized twist, things are much more cohesive and playful with simple touches of brighter colors.

A big color for the year is green. I'm talking forest green, pastel green and neon green. People used to avoid green all around when it came to home decor, but this is the one you will start seeing in your home decor magazines, blogs and even in our apparel. Not only will we see more green, but less maroon that used to be so commonly paired with a de...

If you have reached a point in your life where you are ready to buy a house for the first time, this post is for you! This can be an exciting and daunting time for first time home buyers. It is a process and it can seem overwhelming, leaving us wondering where to even begin. This is why I have put together some information to help you get started. I also developed a material packet (available at the bottom of this post) that includes checklists and reminders that you can print off and use once you decide you are ready to make your move.

Let's start at the first step that you should take...

Speak with your lender and get pre-approved.

     - This is such an important step to your ho...

It's one of Americas favorite holidays and it's finally here! Are you ready to see the night feel up with lights and fire? With tons of firework shows going on all around we want to make sure you have the best seat in the house. Check out these Firework Shows!!! 

1. Kimberling City: On the night of July 4th the Port of Kimberling Marina will light up the sky's. The best seat in the house will be from the water just under the Kimberling City bridge, but if you don't have water access go to the south side of the bridge and watch from the over look area next to the old Kimberling City Inn.  CLICK HERE

2. Fireworks in the Park, 4 p.m., Battlefield City Park, 5434 S. Tower Drive. Inflata...

I don't know about you, but I began my countdown to July 4th! This is such a fun time of year to live in the Ozarks. There are lakes and rivers all within a short drive from Springfield, making 4th of July celebrations endless. For those looking to stay right here in Springfield, I wanted to give you the breakdown of the fireworks happening right here.

Hammons Field is hosting another year of a fireworks display. You can catch some baseball, enjoy the 90's cover band, The Mixtapes right from the field and then watch an incredible display of fireworks to top off the evening.

This event takes place on July 3rd. Gates will open at 5:10 with the first pitch being thrown at 6:10. 

For m...

Father's Day is this Sunday! It's amazing how quickly time goes by. It feels like Mother's Day was just yesterday. For Mother's Day, I put together some ideas to help you with last minute gift ideas for the moms out there. I figured it would be a good idea to help you out with Father's Day gift ideas as well!

It would be best, of course, to take into account what your dad is like. Does he enjoy the outdoors, electronic gadgets, sports, etc...I've put together a few different ideas depending on what your dad would enjoy.

#1 A Tree Hammock (check out Ozark Adventures)

For the dad's out there that love camping, this is such a great idea. Camping is all about relaxing and taking in the c...

It's the season for vacation fun and traveling. You may have found yourself on sites such as Air BnB or VRBO, which have become popular alternative options to staying in a hotel during your travels. These have picked up in popularity across the country. Travelers are searching for a unique experience, and staying somewhere other than a traditional hotel room adds to that experience.

With the hype of these short-term rentals, you may have found yourself curious about investing in one to host yourself. It is a way to earn some extra income on the side if that is what you are looking for. Springfield MO recognized the demand for these short term rentals and recently passed a bill covering...