Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Who Can Qualify for a VA Loan (Even If They Don’t Think They Do)

As a real estate agent & advisor, part of my job is helping buyers uncover options they didn’t realize they had. 

One of the biggest missed opportunities I see involves VA loans. Many people who qualify as a “veteran” under government guidelines don’t identify that way personally—and because of that, they never explore VA financing. Over the years, I’ve helped multiple buyers learn that their service history was enough to unlock benefits they assumed were out of reach.

If you're unsure, I can absolutely help you figure your status, get you in touch with the right lender, and game plan with you.

Contact me HERE

Who qualifies? 
If you fall under any of these scenarios below...

1. Active Duty Service Members

  • Currently serving, after 90 consecutive days of active service (wartime)

  • Or 181 days (peacetime)

Many assume you have to be out of the military already—not true.


2. Veterans (Honorably Discharged)

You may qualify if you served:

  • 90 days during wartime

  • 181 days during peacetime

  • 24 months of continuous service (or the full period you were called to serve)

Even shorter service periods can qualify depending on when and why you served.


3. National Guard & Reserve Members (Big One People Miss)

This is one of the most commonly overlooked groups.

You may qualify if:

  • You served 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves

  • OR you were activated for federal service (Title 10) for at least 90 days

  • OR you were discharged due to a service-related disability

Many Guard and Reserve members assume VA loans are “active-duty only”—they’re not.


4. Recently Separated Service Members

If you:

  • Completed your service

  • Received an honorable discharge

  • Separated fairly recently

You may still qualify even if you don’t consider yourself a “veteran” yet.


5. Surviving Spouses

VA loan eligibility may extend to:

  • Un-remarried surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty

  • Or veterans who passed away due to a service-related disability

This is another group that often doesn’t realize they qualify.


Why So Many People Don’t Realize They’re Eligible

  • They didn’t serve “long enough” (they often did)

  • They were Guard or Reserve

  • They didn’t deploy

  • They aren’t retired military

  • No one ever explained VA eligibility clearly

VA loan rules are based on service type and duration, not combat experience or career length.


The Easiest Way to Know for Sure

Eligibility is confirmed through a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

  • A lender can usually pull this in minutes

  • No commitment, no pressure

  • It simply confirms whether the VA recognizes your service for loan benefits


Are VA Loans Assumable? Answer: Yes

VA loans are assumable, which means a qualified buyer can take over the seller’s existing VA mortgage at the same interest rate, remaining balance, and terms—instead of getting a brand-new loan.

Here’s how it works and who can assume one:

How VA loan assumption works

  • The buyer applies with the current loan servicer for a VA loan assumption approval

  • The buyer must meet credit and income standards (similar to qualifying for a mortgage)

  • The buyer assumes the remaining loan balance, not the original purchase price

  • If the home value is higher than the loan balance, the buyer usually brings cash or secondary financing to cover the difference

  • Once approved, the buyer becomes fully responsible for the loan

Who can assume a VA loan

This is where many people get surprised πŸ‘€

1. Veterans or active-duty service members

  • If the buyer is VA-eligible, they can assume the loan and substitute their own VA entitlement

  • This restores the seller’s VA entitlement, allowing the seller to use another VA loan in the future

2. Non-veterans (yes, civilians too)

  • VA loans can be assumed by non-veterans

  • The big caveat: the seller’s VA entitlement typically remains tied up in the loan

  • This can limit how much VA loan benefit the seller can use later unless the loan is paid off or assumed by another eligible veteran

Why assumable VA loans matter right now

In a higher-rate environment, assumable VA loans can be a huge advantage, especially if the existing rate is well below today’s market rates. Buyers may save hundreds per month, and sellers can market their home with a powerful differentiator most people don’t even realize exists.

Why This Matters

VA loans offer:

  • $0 down payment

  • No monthly mortgage insurance

  • Competitive interest rates

  • More flexible credit guidelines

For many buyers, this can mean thousands saved upfront and every month.

****************

VA Loan Fun Facts:

Annual VA Loan Usage

  • In fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guaranteed about 416,000 VA loans — meaning that many individual VA-backed loans were issued that year. 

  • Previous years show similar activity, with hundreds of thousands of loans guaranteed annually — though exact totals fluctuate with market conditions and interest rates. 

 Long-Term Perspective

  • Over the life of the program (since 1944), the VA has now guaranteed over 29 million VA home loans

  • Nearly 4 million service members and veterans currently have active VA-guaranteed loans

What This Means:

While millions of veterans are eligible for VA loans based on service, only a fraction actually close one in any given year — for instance, around 400–500 k loans annually recently. That gap highlights both the scale of the opportunity and the potential number of eligible buyers who aren’t currently using the benefit!

Reach out to me anytime! God bless you & yours if you have served or are serving! 

I truly appreciate your sacrifice!



Tuesday, December 16, 2025

If I Wanted to Buy a Home, Here’s Exactly What I’d Do First

Buying a home is exciting — but it’s also one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. And while most people start the process by scrolling listings, touring homes, or imagining themselves in a new kitchen or backyard, that’s not where I’d begin.

If I were buying a home today, here’s exactly what I’d do first — and why this approach removes stress, saves time, and leads to better decisions.


Step One: Start With the Numbers (Not the Listings)

Before scrolling listings.
Before touring homes.
Before falling in love with finishes or floor plans.

I’d start with the numbers — and the very first call I’d make would be to a licensed realtor in your area that could get you in touch with a trusted lender.

Getting pre-qualified isn’t about pressure or locking yourself into anything. It’s about clarity. A lender helps you understand your real buying power — not what a website estimate says, not what your friend paid for their house, and not a number you’re guessing in your head.

Your income, credit score, monthly debts, down payment, and long-term goals all play a role. When a lender breaks that down clearly, everything else in the process starts to make sense.

This step alone eliminates a huge amount of uncertainty and prevents wasted time looking at homes that don’t actually fit your financial picture.


Why Online Estimates Aren’t Enough

Online calculators and home value estimates can be useful tools, but they don’t tell the full story. They don’t know:

  • Your credit profile

  • Your existing debts

  • Your preferred loan programs

  • Whether you’re eligible for grants, incentives, or special financing

Only a real conversation with a lender can do that. And having that conversation early puts you in control — not the other way around.


Step Two: Understand the True Monthly Cost of Homeownership

Next, I’d walk through the real monthly cost of owning a home.

Not just the mortgage payment — but:

  • Property taxes

  • Homeowners insurance

  • HOA dues (if applicable)

  • A realistic maintenance and repair buffer

This step is huge because comfort matters. A home should support your lifestyle, not stress it.

Just because you qualify for a certain price point doesn’t mean that’s where you should land. The goal isn’t to “buy the most house possible.” The goal is to choose a payment that still allows you to live, save, travel, invest, and enjoy your life.

This is where smart buyers separate themselves from rushed buyers.


Step Three: Set a Comfortable, Confident Budget

Once I know those numbers, I’d hone in on a budget that feels good — not just on paper, but in real life.

A confident budget is one that allows flexibility. It accounts for:

  • Changes in expenses

  • Future plans

  • Unexpected repairs

  • Peace of mind

When you know your range, every decision after that becomes easier and faster. You stop second-guessing yourself. You stop chasing listings that don’t fit. You start making intentional, informed choices.

That confidence shows up in negotiations, timelines, and ultimately in the home you choose.


Step Four: Game-Plan Before You Shop

From there, it’s all about preparation and strategy.

Maybe that means:

  • Paying down a credit card

  • Adjusting savings goals

  • Waiting for a bonus or commission

  • Giving yourself a few months to strengthen your position

There’s power in preparation. You’re no longer guessing or hoping things work out — you’re building toward a clear goal.

This is often the most overlooked step, yet it’s the one that creates the smoothest transactions and the best outcomes.


Why Preparation Makes You a Stronger Buyer

Here’s what happens when you take these steps early:

  • You move faster when the right home hits the market

  • Your offers are stronger and cleaner

  • Sellers take you more seriously

  • You feel calm instead of rushed

And when the timing does make sense, you’re ready. You’re decisive, competitive, and confident — because you’ve already done the work.


Start With the Foundation

If buying a home is on your radar — whether it’s next month, next year, or “someday” — start with the foundation.

Connect with a real estate agent who can:

  • Introduce you to a reputable local lender

  • Help you understand your true buying power

  • Create a plan that fits your lifestyle and long-term goals

Buying a home isn’t about rushing the process. It’s about building clarity, confidence, and momentum.

When the moment is right, you’ll be positioned to move forward with confidence — and without regret.

To get in touch with a top realtor in the Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana area

 visit this link here.

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

What’s Really Happening in Today’s Housing Market — Inventory Rising, Momentum Slowing

U.S. Housing Update: 

U.S. housing inventory rose 12.6% year over year in November, marking the 25th straight month of growth, though the pace of growth continues to slow. Buyer activity remains soft, with homes spending 3 days longer on the market and prices slipping 0.4% year over year. Demand has cooled most sharply in the South and West, while the Northeast and Midwest remain more competitive due to tighter supply.

At the same time, delistings are surging. Roughly 6% of listings are pulled off the market each month, a sign that many sellers are walking away when they don’t get their desired price. This trend is reshaping supply and signaling growing seller frustration.

Another major shift: buyers are flocking to “refuge markets” — historically affordable cities where prices are still attainable. These lower-cost metros are now seeing some of the strongest price growth in the country as buyers stretch their dollars.


Baton Rouge Real Estate Update: What’s Really Happening in Today’s Housing Market

If you’ve been watching the housing market and wondering, “Is now actually a good time to buy or sell?” — you’re not alone. Across the country, the market is shifting, and while national headlines can sound dramatic, places like **Baton Rouge are feeling this a little differently.

Here’s what’s happening in plain English πŸ‘‡

Inventory Is Up — And That’s Actually Good News for Buyers

For more than two straight years, the number of homes for sale across the U.S. has been rising. That means buyers finally have more options, fewer bidding wars, and more negotiating power.

Even though cities in the West and South are slowing down, the Midwest and Northeast are still tight. Markets like Baton Rouge tend to sit in a balanced middle ground — not overbuilt, not completely starved for homes.

What this means locally:

  • Buyers have more choices than we’ve had in years

  • Homes aren’t flying off the market in 24 hours anymore

  • You can actually think before making an offer

Homes Are Sitting Longer (But That’s Not a Bad Thing)

Nationwide, homes are staying on the market a few extra days compared to last year. That’s not a crash — it’s a normalization.

In Baton Rouge, this creates better opportunities for:

  • Negotiating closing costs

  • Asking for repairs

  • Avoiding rushed, emotional decisions

Instead of “offer over asking or lose the house,” it’s more like “let’s make a smart, clean deal.”

SEARCH HOMES IN YOUR AREA HERE

Sellers Are Getting Frustrated (And You Can Use That to Your Advantage)

A big trend right now is delistings — sellers pulling their homes off the market when they don’t get their price.

Roughly 1 in every 16 listings nationally is getting removed instead of sold. That tells us something important:
Sellers are starting to realize the market isn’t what it was in 2021–2022.

In Baton Rouge, that usually shows up as:

  • Price drops after a couple weeks on market

  • Sellers more open to paying closing costs

  • Motivation increasing behind the scenes

The “Hidden” Hot Markets Are Winning (And Baton Rouge Fits the Profile)

Across the country, the strongest appreciation isn’t happening in flashy coastal cities. It’s happening in affordable, mid-sized markets — exactly the kind of bracket Baton Rouge falls into.

These are places where:
✅ Prices are still reasonable
✅ Income-to-home-price ratios make sense
✅ Cost-conscious buyers are moving

Baton Rouge checks a lot of those boxes. It’s not a “refuge market” headline city, but it has the same type of fundamentals.

That’s why our market hasn’t crashed, even with higher rates. It’s stayed steady.

What This Means If You’re Thinking About Buying

Right now is actually one of the best environments we’ve had in years if you’re a buyer because:

  • Less competition

  • More seller flexibility

  • More options

  • Room to negotiate price and terms

You don’t need to rush — but you can win if you move smart.

What This Means If You’re Thinking About Selling

This isn’t a “list it and it sells itself” market anymore. Pricing and strategy matter.

Homes that are:

  • Priced correctly

  • Properly marketed

  • Professionally presented

…are still moving well in Baton Rouge. The difference is the lazy listings are no longer getting rewarded.


Bottom Line for Baton Rouge

We’re not in a crash.
We’re not in a boom.
We’re in a strategic market.

And the people winning right now are the ones who understand the shift — not the ones waiting on headlines.

If you are someone that has been on the side watching and waiting, but are interested in more information about the market, your homes value, considering a plan but certainly patiently waiting...

Feel free to reach out to me anytime! 225-341-0081

https://tylerterrebonne.evgeaux.com/

Monday, December 8, 2025

Custom Home Listing Alerts Built Around Your Exact Needs

 Searching for a home online can feel overwhelming. You scroll through hundreds of listings, filter and re-filter, and still miss homes that could be a perfect fit. That’s exactly why I offer custom tailored home searches built around your exact wants, needs, and lifestyle.

Instead of relying on generic home search websites, I create personalized listing alerts designed specifically for you.

How Custom Home Searches Work

Once you reach out, I’ll ask a few simple questions about what you’re looking for, including:

  • Price range

  • Preferred neighborhoods

  • Home size and layout

  • Must-have features (garage, pool, large yard, new construction, etc.)

  • Any deal-breakers

From there, I build a smart home search profile that automatically delivers the newest and most relevant homes straight to your inbox.

Search for homes in your desired area right here

Get New Listings Sent Straight to Your Email

You’ll receive weekly email updates with:

  • The latest homes that match your criteria

  • Price reductions you might otherwise miss

  • Homes before they gain heavy online exposure

  • Opportunities you won’t find by casually browsing

No spam. No junk listings. Just homes that actually make sense for you.

Your current home value, instantly, RIGHT HERE!



Access to Off-Market Deals & Hidden Opportunities

Some of the best homes never hit public search websites. Through my network, internal tools, and local relationships, I’m able to share:

  • Off-market opportunities

  • “Coming soon” listings

  • Homes being quietly prepared for sale

  • Distressed or value-driven properties

These are the kinds of deals most people never see.

Who This Is Perfect For

Custom home searches are ideal if you:

  • Don’t want to waste time browsing random sites

  • Want an advantage in a competitive market

  • Need a local expert filtering homes for you

  • Want honest guidance, not pushy sales tactics

Get Started in 30 Seconds

Setting this up is simple — all you have to do is reach out to me and tell me what you’re looking for. I’ll handle the rest and make sure you’re seeing the right homes, not just more homes.

πŸ“© Email: tyler.terrebonne@evrealestate.com
πŸ“ž Call/Text: 225-341-0081

Your home search should work for you — not the other way around.

Friday, December 5, 2025

The Great Housing Reset: What the 2026 Market Holds for Buyers and Sellers

After years of turbulence, bidding wars, and record-breaking home prices, the U.S. housing market is finally shifting toward long-awaited stability. 

Analysts predict that 2026 will usher in a “Great Housing Reset”—a more balanced, buyer-friendly environment shaped by easing mortgage rates, modest price growth, and gradually expanding inventory.

While this isn’t the market crash some headlines have teased, it is a meaningful transition—one that brings opportunities and challenges for buyers, sellers, and homeowners nationwide.

Key Housing Market Takeaways for 2026

1. A More Balanced Market

Say goodbye to the chaos. The extremely hot seller's market of past years is finally cooling, giving buyers more negotiating power and creating more stable conditions overall.

2. Mortgage Rates Slowly Ease

After hovering above 6% for much of 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is expected to dip into the low-6% range. Some analysts predict we could even see sub-6% rates by late 2026.

This slight shift—while not dramatic—could open the door for thousands of reluctant buyers.

3. Inventory Rises (But Still Below Normal)

Home inventory is projected to increase for the third straight year, offering buyers more choices.
But the lock-in effect is still real—millions of homeowners with sub-4% mortgages remain reluctant to sell, keeping supply below pre-pandemic norms.

4. Price Growth Stays Modest

National home prices are expected to rise between 1% and 4%. However, some Sun Belt markets—especially pandemic “boomtowns”—could see slight price declines.

5. Existing Home Sales Pick Up

Lower rates + more listings = improved sales activity. Analysts expect a bump in existing home sales, though predictions vary depending on region and affordability.

A Deeper Dive Into the 2026 Housing Forecast

For Buyers

More Negotiating Power
With rising inventory and reduced competition, buyers can negotiate more confidently—especially around price, repairs, and closing costs.

Regional Variation Matters More Than Ever

  • Northeast & Midwest: Expected to remain steady and competitive.

  • South & West: Some markets could cool after years of explosive growth.

  • Pandemic-era boomtowns: The sharpest softening in demand and pricing.

First-Time Buyers Get a Small Break
Lower rates and more inventory may help, but affordability remains tight. High prices and wage stagnation over the past decade still create barriers.

For Sellers

Shift Your Expectations
The days of 20+ offers over asking are behind us. Buyers are more cautious, and listings may sit longer.

Pricing Strategy Is Critical
Homes priced correctly from day one will sell fastest. Overpricing could lead to extended DOM and price cuts.

The Lock-In Effect Continues
If you hold a 2%–3% mortgage, moving may feel painful. 

Still, life events—upsizing, downsizing, relocating—will keep inventory trickling in.

Your Home Value Instantly, Just Visit Here

Industry Trends Influencing the Housing Market

1. Major Real Estate Industry Shifts (NAR Settlement)

The recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement has reshaped:

  • How commissions are negotiated

  • MLS Handbook rules

  • Transparency in compensation
    This could affect buyer and seller costs, agent relationships, and transaction structures heading into 2026.

2. The Remote Work Ripple Effect

Remote and hybrid work continue to influence migration patterns:

  • Some urban cores are regaining traction

  • Suburban and rural areas are stabilizing

  • Certain Sun Belt metros are cooling as affordability worsens

3. Rental Market Adjustments

Rent growth is slowing, and some markets may see slight declines.
This could encourage renters to wait longer before buying—or give them breathing room to save more aggressively.

What’s Next? The Bottom Line

The 2026 “Great Housing Reset” is shaping up to be the most balanced market in a decade. While it won’t suddenly become “easy” for buyers—or an automatic win for sellers—it will feel more rational and predictable.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply watching the market, 2026 will reward:

  • Patience

  • Strong strategy

  • Localized market knowledge

Staying ahead of these trends now can help you make smarter decisions as the market shifts.

____________________________________________________

Have Questions or Still Unsure About Entering the Market? I’m Here to Help.

Navigating a shifting market—especially one heading into a major reset—can feel overwhelming, whether you're buying, selling, or simply weighing your options. If you have questions, concerns, or just want a clearer understanding of what these 2026 changes mean for your situation, I’m always here as a resource.

Whether you’re actively preparing to make a move or still on the fence, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m happy to walk through your goals, provide a personalized market outlook, or simply answer any lingering questions so you can make the most confident decision possible.

Call or text me anytime at 225-341-0081
Email: tyler.terrebonne@evrealestate.com

Your next move deserves clarity—and I’d love to help you get it.

Contact Me Directly Here on My Personal Site

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Interest Rate Changes & What that Looks Like for Your Mortgage Payment

 




For every $100,000 borrowed, a 0.5% change in interest rate equals about a $30–$35/month difference in your mortgage payment.

It doesn’t sound like much, right? But this small number becomes pretty significant when you scale it up.

Why This Matters for Today’s Buyers

In a market where interest rates fluctuate, understanding how this affects your payment gives you more control and clarity. Whether you're buying a $250,000 home or a $600,000 home, rate movements can change your budget faster than price changes.

Let’s look at real examples:

  • $300,000 loan
    A 0.5% increase = about $90–$105 more per month

  • $500,000 loan
    A 0.5% increase = about $150–$175 more per month

  • $750,000 loan
    A 0.5% increase = about $225–$260 more per month

Over the life of a 30-year mortgage, that’s tens of thousands of dollars.

How This Impacts Your Buying Power

Buyers often focus on timing the market or waiting for prices to drop—but the bigger question is:

Where will interest rates be when you're ready to buy?

A home price dropping by $5,000–$10,000 may feel helpful…
But a 0.5–1% movement in rates can outweigh that savings instantly.

That’s why the best time to buy is typically when:

  • You’re financially ready

  • You find a home that fits your needs

  • You can secure a rate that works for your budget

  • You feel confident about your long-term monthly payment

Local Insight: Greater Baton Rouge Market

In the Greater Baton Rouge area, affordability remains heavily influenced by interest rates. With inventory staying competitive and buyer activity steady, understanding how rate changes shift your monthly payment helps you get ahead of the market—not react to it.

If you’re waiting for “the perfect time,” interest rate movement might matter more than home prices themselves.

Thinking of Buying? Let’s Run the Numbers Together.

Every buyer’s situation is different—income, loan type, down payment, and credit score all play a role. If you want a clear breakdown of:

  • What interest rate changes mean for your budget

  • How much home you can afford today

  • What your monthly payment would look like at different rates

I can help you run the numbers in minutes.

πŸ“² Tyler Terrebonne | Engel & VΓΆlkers Baton Rouge
πŸ“ž 225-341-0081
πŸ“§ tyler.terrebonne@evrealestate.com



Monday, December 1, 2025

Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet for Busy Parents (2025 Edition)

 If you’re looking for Elf on the Shelf ideas, easy last-minute elf setups, or a complete Elf on the Shelf cheat sheet, you’ve landed in the right place. Whether you're a first-time elf family or a seasoned parent running out of creativity, this guide gives you everything you need to keep the holiday fun going—without the daily stress.

In this blog, you’ll find simple, creative, kid-approved ideas. Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the magic without scrambling at 10PM every night.


πŸŽ… Why Parents Love Using an Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet

Elf season is magical for kids… but for adults, it can feel like a month-long scavenger hunt for creativity. A cheat sheet helps you:

  • Save time

  • Avoid running out of ideas

  • Plan ahead (or don’t—these are perfect for last-minute nights)

  • Keep your kids excited all December long

  • Reduce the mental load of daily elf placement

This guide is engineered to help with all of that—and optimized for anyone searching for Elf on the Shelf help, ideas, or inspiration this season.

Top 25 EASY Elf on the Shelf Ideas for 2025

(Perfect for no-mess, no-stress setups!)

1. Elf in the Christmas Tree

Classic, simple, and festive. Just tuck your elf into the branches.

2. Elf Takes a Marshmallow Bath

Fill a small bowl with marshmallows and sit your elf inside.

3. Elf Reading a Holiday Book

Prop the elf with any Christmas book you have.

4. Elf Draws Silly Faces on Family Photos (using sticky notes!)

No damage, all fun.

5. Elf Hiding in the Pantry with Snacks

Leave a tiny note: “I got hungry!”

6. Elf Makes a Snow Angel in Flour

Just a sprinkle—easy cleanup.

7. Elf Watching a Christmas Movie

Set the elf in front of the TV with the remote.

8. Elf Wrapped in Toilet Paper

"Help! I rolled too far!”

9. Elf Hanging from a Ceiling Fan

Kids go nuts for this one.

10. Elf with a Mini Zipline

Use string or ribbon and attach with a paperclip.

11. Elf Playing a Board Game

Pose your elf mid-game with a few pieces out.

12. Elf Drinking Hot Cocoa

Use a mini mug or shot glass.

13. Elf Coloring a Picture

Print a mini coloring sheet and give your elf a crayon.

14. Elf Stuck in a Tissue Box

“Too cozy to get out!”

15. Elf in a Shoe Sleigh

One shoe + ribbon = instant elf sleigh.

16. Elf Takes a Spa Day

Cotton balls, washcloth robe, the works.

17. Elf Snowball Fight

Use mini marshmallows as “snowballs.”

18. Elf Playing with Toy Cars

A guaranteed hit with kids.

19. Elf Hanging on the Fridge Door Handle

Easy, visible, and funny.

20. Elf Makes a Christmas Countdown

Write it on a sticky note or small card.

21. Elf Snack Attack

Elf surrounded by Christmas cookies.

22. Elf Getting into Mom or Dad’s Coffee

Leave a note: “Needed caffeine!”

23. Elf in the Freezer

“Brrr! Feels like the North Pole!”

24. Elf with Toothpaste Squeezed in a Heart Shape

Cute and quick.

25. Elf Leaves a Kindness Challenge

A sweet idea for families who love meaningful moments.

Bonus: Last-Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas (When You Remember at 12:59 AM)

These are the fastest setups on the planet:

  • Move the elf from one room to another—done.

  • Stick the elf in a cup and place it on the counter.

  • Lay the elf on the couch “taking a nap.”

  • Put the elf next to the cereal box at breakfast.

  • Have the elf “hold” a marker next to a note saying “I’m watching!”

These require under 10 seconds. Yes, really.



Elf season doesn’t have to be stressful. With this Elf on the Shelf cheat sheet and your free printable, you’ll have enough ideas to keep the magic alive all month long—without the daily panic.

πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„πŸŽ„

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How to Actually Increase Your Credit Score (What Works, What Doesn’t, and Why It Matters)

If getting out of credit card debt is about stopping the bleeding, increasing your credit score is about rebuilding strength. And despite w...