<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Vickie Garrett, Realtor®️]]></title><description><![CDATA[I'm a local Bay County Realtor with over 20 years of experience.  Let me help you find your next valuable property!]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:11:55 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[What Makes a Great Long-Term Rental Property? A Checklist for Smart Investors]]></title><description><![CDATA[When executed wisely, rental properties can deliver steady cash flow today and significant wealth tomorrow. But success starts with preparation—knowing how rentals make money, who is best suited to invest, what to look for, and where to start.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/what-makes-a-great-long-term-rental</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68b60d8bb4f7fa41b81c8f0c</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Market]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[investment]]></category><category><![CDATA[long term rental]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 22:01:01 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_0ccd1c2ffc534be5b0c997219fb7bea8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Real Estate Market Update: What Mid-Year Indicators Mean for Your Next Move]]></title><description><![CDATA[In this comprehensive market update, I examine four key factors influencing today's housing market and provide actionable strategies for navigating these evolving conditions.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/mid-year-real-estate-market-update</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6864514bf5ef6aa514704d91</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Buying Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Selling Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[For Sale By Owner]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Market]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:49:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_5e73168c76df4b1194aea1ab7c1f78ad~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Selling Your Home In 2025? Here's Six of the Top Homebuyer Priorities in 2025 (And How To Deliver)]]></title><description><![CDATA[I’ve outlined six of the top homebuyer priorities in 2025, along with a clear action plan to help you position your property for success. Whether you're weeks or months away from listing, these insights will help you attract serious offers and maximize your return.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/six-of-the-top-homebuyer-priorities-in-2025</link><guid isPermaLink="false">682626a2cb9d75bf715726cb</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Selling Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[For Sale By Owner]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Tips]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2025 18:04:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_6d026adf24424e79ac36bf3b9986423f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 Roadblocks to Affordable Homeownership (And Ways to Move Past Them)]]></title><description><![CDATA[In this guide, I’ll explore five common roadblocks to affordable homeownership and actionable solutions to help you overcome them.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/5-roadblocks-to-affordable-homeownership</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67f695056986efc420f41f6e</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Saving]]></category><category><![CDATA[Down Payment]]></category><category><![CDATA[Buying Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[House Hunting]]></category><category><![CDATA[First Time Home Buyer]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category><category><![CDATA[Discount Points]]></category><category><![CDATA[Working with a Realtor]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:13:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_a0a6e7cd912e44739ccd40ff010d6ec6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Home-Related Tax Deductions]]></title><description><![CDATA[Read this post for common home-related tax deductions, eligibility requirements, and tips on how to maximize your savings.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/home-related-tax-deductions</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67cf2eb79ada70fa657a13f9</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Taxes]]></category><category><![CDATA[Tax Savings]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2025 19:00:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_d33147924cc04f31a3d2a68b3849ba4f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_628,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[4 Home Remodeling Projects with the Highest ROI]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here are four remodeling projects with the highest ROI and some tips on how to get them done.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/4-home-remodeling-projects-with-the-highest-roi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67aa73e7cabfc8567f00c455</guid><category><![CDATA[Home Design]]></category><category><![CDATA[Home Tips]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:24:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_1936205e381a46e78ef69ecf15543a0c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 2025 Real Estate Report]]></title><description><![CDATA[Top housing experts and economists give a glimpse of what mortgage rates, home values and the national real estate market will do in 2025.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/2025-real-estate-report</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6776ed2241529e33e7d266a3</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Market]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 20:30:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_e6325af4d4614fb293cf9cc805815c51~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tech the Halls: Smart Home Gadgets for a Stress-Free Holiday Season]]></title><description><![CDATA[Read on for some of the best smart home solutions to simplify your holidays.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/tech-the-halls</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6758be16206a75c7857c1f0e</guid><category><![CDATA[Gift Guide]]></category><category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category><category><![CDATA[Home Tips]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 10 Dec 2024 22:45:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_2cba8330208e43469f0c41fdce18bbb8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[7 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Contractor]]></title><description><![CDATA[In this guide, we'll explore seven mistakes to avoid when hiring a contractor to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/7-mistakes-to-avoid-when-hiring-a-contractor</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66f1dd39b2653ff3f51efeb8</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Home Design]]></category><category><![CDATA[Home Tips]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Sep 2024 22:03:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_37d98bededd3412b8e118ef9e1a7c72d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top 4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Mortgage]]></title><description><![CDATA[I've rounded up four of the most important factors to consider when narrowing your list of potential mortgage options.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/choosing-your-mortgage</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66ad140af2202fa7e28800d4</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Buying Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Down Payment]]></category><category><![CDATA[Mortgage Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[First Time Home Buyer]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:30:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_58694cb05d3d42a092940157a51cd626~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[7 Weekend Projects to Boost Your Property Value]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here are seven weekend projects that will enhance your home’s current charm and long-term value.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/boost-your-property-value</link><guid isPermaLink="false">66a2b1d480f7bb9341bd89d3</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Home Design]]></category><category><![CDATA[Home Tips]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 25 Jul 2024 21:07:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_67baeaac447b42e0a18640c77be8f080~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Ultimate Relocation Guide: From Finding a House to Feeling at Home]]></title><description><![CDATA[In this Relocation Guide, I’ve outlined six steps to make your move easier so that you can focus on the adventure ahead!]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/the-ultimate-relocation-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">663b77093a73711708e3cade</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Selling Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Buying Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[House Hunting]]></category><category><![CDATA[Move Up Home]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Moving]]></category><category><![CDATA[Downsizing]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2024 22:16:18 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_ca42006adc3f48849d53a57759744366~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[6 Strategies to Save on Home Insurance Premiums]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here are my top six strategies to slash insurance premiums while maintaining the protection you need.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/6-strategies-to-save-on-home-insurance-premiums</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6615c15ed0c370563c162912</guid><pubDate>Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:06:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_b3660ca2e2404335a4cf7e082391e7ac~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Downsize Your Home, Rightsize Your Life: How to Choose the Ideal Smaller Home]]></title><description><![CDATA[You don't have to compromise on comfort when downsizing. I can help you strategize your next move and identify the best new home for you.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/downsize-your-home-rightsize-your-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65f087b08158308e46340e13</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Selling Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Buying Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Empty Nester]]></category><category><![CDATA[Downsizing]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:31:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_c9e8d408ce94473d9ca4da7165dc0b7a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Upgrade Your Home With These 2024 Design Trends]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the best parts of owning a home is the freedom to make it truly your own with design choices that reflect your personality and...]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/2024-design-trends</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65d79156e60074873998360c</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Selling Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Home Design]]></category><category><![CDATA[Home Tips]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 22 Feb 2024 20:31:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_74f9740660e84833971d9db6d9476d00~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Real Estate Market Forecast: Opportunities for Home Buyers and Sellers in 2024]]></title><description><![CDATA[Information on the current state of the housing market, the potential opportunities for buyers &#38; sellers, &#38; economists' predictions for 2024]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/real-estate-market-forecast-opportunities-for-home-buyers-and-sellers-in-2024</link><guid isPermaLink="false">659c6b90b034d0b79859075e</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Selling Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Buying Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Market]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Mortgage Tips]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 08 Jan 2024 22:02:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_49d5e9b026234e6b89ac5aca524685ce~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Celebrate Sustainably: 5 Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Holiday at Home]]></title><description><![CDATA[It's the most wonderful time of the year. But for many families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it's also the most wasteful....]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/5-ideas-for-an-eco-friendly-holiday-at-home</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65779ca6ee6b5d7cc1167165</guid><category><![CDATA[Gift Guide]]></category><category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category><category><![CDATA[Home Tips]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:09:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_f0a6cc3c3252461da80d972301e5ca9d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tips to Furnish Your New Home for Less]]></title><description><![CDATA[I've rounded up some of my favorite ways to save on home essentials when furnishing your new home, and I'm sharing them with you!]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/tips-to-furnish-your-new-home-for-less</link><guid isPermaLink="false">654ab5caba206b33954b6c71</guid><pubDate>Tue, 07 Nov 2023 23:02:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_c9b8a0639c474c1ab8198db13b8d9295~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Income Properties Are Trending, But Is Landlord Life for You?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here are three signs that owning a rental property could be right for you.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/income-properties</link><guid isPermaLink="false">651c84fab117457266596d43</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Buying Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Market]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Investing]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:42:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_be2d598303fe430da1859817f4fa5cdf~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top 7 Tips To Attract the Best Offers for Your Property]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here are my top seven strategies to attract the best offers and maximize your real estate returns.]]></description><link>https://www.vickiesvaluableproperties.com/post/top-7-tips-to-attract-the-best-offers-for-your-property</link><guid isPermaLink="false">64fa1be2af18bc54466c053e</guid><category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Selling Real Estate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Real Estate Tips]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 07 Sep 2023 19:18:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3038eb_24dab6469d4b4f4096ce0984b88a6ef7~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_628,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Vickie Garrett</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>