Dee Greene Hill

Philadelphia Area REALTOR®

Your Philadelphia real estate & lifestyle guide

Your Learning Journey Starts Here

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As the back-to-school season begins, consider expanding your skills and knowledge this fall. In 2025, a wealth of free online resources will be available for anyone looking to continue their education, acquire new skills, or simply explore a topic of interest.

Whether you want to learn a new language, get a second degree, or get insight into investing or real estate, keep reading for some tools that will help you reach a new goal. 

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you.” – B.B. King

Level Up Your Learning: Essential Educational Tools

Duolingo

I know many people love this app because it’s a great way to learn a new language. It’s completely free, and the lessons are easy to access and feel like a game. What I find really cool is that there are no hidden fees, so everyone gets the same full experience. You can also customize your learning journey by moving through the bite-sized lessons at your own pace. 

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Coursera

Coursera offers a flexible, self-guided online learning experience accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or background. Whether your goal is to acquire a new skill, delve into an unfamiliar topic, or earn a professional certification to enhance your resume, Coursera allows you to tailor your educational path. The platform provides a wide array of free courses, alongside paid options for more advanced studies.

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Philadelphia Continued Education

Interested in furthering your education but not interested in relocating from the Philadelphia area? The city works with local organizations to offer services to residents 16 and older who are looking to grow their civic skills. Contact adultedu@phila.gov for more information!

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Udemy

Udemy is a popular online learning marketplace where experts teach a wide range of courses, from professional skills to personal interests. Learners get lifetime access to self-paced content after purchase.

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The CE Shop

Ready to embark on a new career path in real estate? The CE Shop provides comprehensive online pre-licensing courses, designed to equip you with all the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. And I’m always available to answer any questions about getting your license in PA!

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Your Next Obsession: Podcasts That Will Make You Smarter

The Real Estate Podcast at Bigger Pockets

Hosted by Dave Meyer, this podcast is the longest-running podcast at Bigger Pockets and breaks down real estate investment strategies. The Real Estate Podcast provides plenty of tips for listeners with new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

HAVE A LISTEN

The Ramsey Show

Dave Ramsey, author and personal finance expert, walks listeners through financial strategies as callers call in to the podcast with their financial questions and life stories. Dave offers honest, crucial advice during times of need and financial stress. Listen in to know how you can avoid financial pitfalls and be a wise steward of your wealth. Dave’s company, Ramsey Solutions, has a variety of real estate resources as well, from podcast episodes, mortgage calculators, and blogs.

HAVE A LISTEN

AI Is Your New Sidekick

Many worry that artificial intelligence will soon take over jobs, but understanding the facts reveals a different truth. AI is designed to enhance business operations, particularly in Customer Relationship Management, employee training, and boosting overall productivity. To learn more about how AI can benefit your business, read this article.

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AI can act as your personal assistant, drafting emails, summarizing articles, brainstorming ideas, and organizing schedules. It frees up your time and mental energy for important tasks or personal passions.

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Why is it so important? 

AI mimics human intelligence to solve complex problems and make decisions rapidly. It automates tasks, analyzes data for efficiency, and streamlines customer interactions. AI is also expected to impact global challenges like climate change and healthcare. However, challenges such as bias, privacy, and workforce disruption necessitate ethical development.

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Beyond the Budget: Smart Strategies to Fast-Track Your Down Payment

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As a real estate agent for almost 18 years and a homeowner for 23, I know firsthand that saving for a down payment isn’t easy. Crafting a budget and consistently sticking to it can feel like an uphill battle, but if homeownership is a goal you’re serious about, it’s a battle you can win. It takes sacrifice and a solid plan, but I want you to know you’re not alone and that it is absolutely possible. Let’s explore some practical strategies and insights to help you fast-track your way to your financial goals.

The cornerstone of financial success is a robust personal budget. If you haven’t already, begin by establishing one. Here’s a five-step method to help you reach your financial objectives.

Create Your Personal Budget

  1. Figure out your after-tax income
    • Know exactly how much money you are bringing in each month. This is your take-home pay, also known as net income, and the starting point for all your budgeting calculations. 
  2. Choose a budgeting system – There are several methods you can use. The most popular is the 50/30/20 rule.
  3. Track your progress
    • A budget is only effective if you stick to it. Use a spreadsheet, an app like ‘Monarch Money.’ This way, you can also identify areas where you might be overspending.
  4. Automate your savings
    • Make saving a non-negotiable for your new budget and routine. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings or investment accounts every payday. 
  5. Practice budget management
    • Your financial situation will change over time, so your budget should be flexible. Regularly review your income and expenses to prepare to make adjustments as needed. 

You’ve mastered your budget and are diligently saving for a down payment—that’s a huge step! You’ve laid a strong foundation, and now it’s time to explore the next part in your journey towards a new home and boost your savings.

  1. Invest in rental properties without the hassle of mowing lawns, dealing with tenants, or fixing maintenance issues. You can invest as little as $100. 
    • Browse curated homes that have been vetted for this investment purpose from Arrived.com, an online tool vetted by Jeff Bezos and other world-class investors.
    • Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase and start watching the investment take shape in your bank account. 
    • You can learn more about this and other ways of investing here. 
  2. Unlock Your Current Home’s Potential: Start by assessing your financial readiness to purchase a new home and get pre-approved for a loan.
    • Find Your New Home: With your pre-approval in hand, find your new property and create a detailed timeline for the move.
    • Prepare to Become a Landlord: To prepare your current home for renters, research local laws and your mortgage terms. Then, get the property rent-ready, set a competitive price, and use platforms like TurboTenant.com to screen for qualified tenants.
    • Cover Your Costs: Once you’ve moved into your new home and your renters have moved in, use the rental income to help cover your new mortgage payments.
  3. Other ways to save or earn money:
    • Cancel subscriptions and trim down monthly expenses like phone plans, streaming, apps, etc. 
    • If you can, pay off high-interest debts and credit cards
    • Buy in bulk or prep for your grocery trips with a plan
    • Try the 30-day rule to curb impulse buys. If a more expensive item catches your eye, wait 30 days. If you still want it after a month, it’s likely a worthwhile purchase.
    • Refinance your car loan
    • Reduce eating out and meal prep instead!
    • Join Rover and walk dogs or pet sit for your local neighbors.
    • Sell unwanted furniture, clothes, and other items on Facebook or host a garage sale before winter. 
    • Rent out that spare bedroom or your basement on Airbnb. 

Transform Your Backyard BBQ: Oversized DIY Games & Delicious Grill Recipes

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Ready for another reason to enjoy the outdoors? DIY oversized outdoor games and grill up some tasty meals to transform your next BBQ into a memorable event! Philadelphia area summers are fleeting—hot, humid, and gone too soon. Maximize your outdoor fun before winter’s chill returns. I’ve compiled some fantastic budget-friendly ideas to elevate your summer party game.

Choose a recipe or DIY project, personalize it, and then share your experience with me!

FIRST, MAKE IT TASTY!

Grilled Carne Asada

The key is the tasty marinade that needs to soak for at least 2 hours and fresh ingredients! 

See Recipe!

Mexican Bean Salad

My go-to for a BBQ and a fan favorite! No mayo or dressing so it won’t spoil while you prepare your other dishes on the grill!

See Recipe!

BBQ Sweet Potatoes

Healthy and delicious side or starter with natural sweetness balancing out a BBQ flavoring.

See Recipe!

SECOND, DIY IT!

Lawn Scrabble!

Enjoy this classic and strategic game outdoors!

1. Purchase at least 34 feet of 1×4 wooden boards in the lumber section of Home Depot, cut/saw into 3.75’’ to make 100 square tiles.

2. Sand and smooth with sandpaper.

3. Use black paint to paint the letters + scoring numbers, do a simple Google search to find the point values.

4. Seal the tiles with a Rust-Oleum cover.

5. Use your yard as the board and get scrabbling!

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Dominoes

Cut and paint your own Dominoes with these steps!

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Bottle Ring Toss

Easy DIY! Create your own team colors and use recyclable items.  It’s also great for the kiddos to have a hand in.

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Plinko Board

A little harder to make with more steps and measurements!

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Beyond the Handshake: Networking

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Networking in real estate is generally the same way you network in other professions. Growing your network and honing your networking skills can be essential when starting a new business or joining a new profession. When you prioritize quality relationships over sheer numbers, maintain regular communication and nurturing, you can create long-lasting connections.  

The principles of building valuable connections, whether in real estate or any field, truly shone through at this year’s unforgettable Compass national retreat in Denver.

What an incredible experience it was to finally reconnect with the Compass community at our annual national retreat, held this year in the beautiful Mile High City! Having not attended since 2019, I was particularly excited to dive back into the vibrant energy of the Compass family.

The three-day retreat is packed with opportunities for growth and connection. From insightful keynote speeches and engaging panel discussions to the always-anticipated networking events, every moment was designed to foster collaboration and camaraderie.

A major highlight was the annual Compass Cares Classic, a fantastic golf, tennis, and pickleball event that benefited local Denver charities. It’s truly inspiring to be part of an organization that prioritizes giving back!

I also cherished the chance to meet up with my smaller networking and affinity groups in person, like the Compass Mom Collective and Compass LOVE Fellowship. Connecting with these groups, who we usually only see virtually, was invaluable. And let’s not forget the fun events, like Karaoke for a Cause!

Attending the Compass National Retreat in Denver was a truly productive and purposeful trip. I’m so glad I made the intentional time and investment to be there. The connections forged and the insights gained will undoubtedly yield a great return, further highlighting the immense importance of networking in our professional and personal lives.

Are you looking to get started on your network or want to improve your current connections? I’ve compiled some tips and ideas for you to consider…

How to get started:

  • Develop an ‘Elevator Pitch’: Practice a concise and compelling summary of yourself and your goals within 60 seconds. This will be a lifesaver for anytime you are put on the spot or at events with new faces. 
  • Have Questions Ready: A few alternating questions in your head will help you forge a better connection and conversation with someone new.
    • “What are you looking forward to in the coming months?”
    • “What are you most passionate about right now?”
    • “What do you like to do when you shut down for the day?”
    • Follow up with, “Tell me more about that.”
  • Organization: Find a system or CRM platform that will house all your networking friends, notes on conversations, last meeting or contact dates, and more. This will ultimately be your network in digital form.

What can you do to keep up with your network and maintain it?:

  • Be Proactive: attend events or throw events for your network. 
  • Follow Up: The fortune is in the follow-up. After an event or gathering, make sure to send a thank-you note or text. If you meet a new prospective contact, make sure to personally reach out.
  • Online Presence: This is your most powerful tool in today’s world. By staying consistent on social media, through email, and/or with active engagement, you’ll remain top-of-mind within your network.

My Tips: 

  • Authenticity fosters trust, a vital element for long-term business success. Genuine connections last and are more meaningful than superficial ones. Allow your true self to be seen. Remember, your vibe attracts your tribe.
  • Quality over quantity, it’s better to have a few deep, meaningful connections than hundreds of superficial ones. 
  • Join a relevant group or community, industry associations, local chambers, or even hobby groups can offer a new, like-minded connection. I am a part of the Compass Mom Collective and have gained valuable friendships and referrals.

Mindful Moves: Creating a Healthy Home and a Healthy Mind

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This was taken at Grounds for Sculpture in NJ. This visit was a Mental Health Day for me and a real estate friend!
This was taken at Grounds for Sculpture in NJ. This visit was a Mental Health Day for me and a real estate friend!

As a REALTORⓇ, my role extends beyond mere transactions. I’m often a confidante, a problem-solver, and sometimes even a bit of a therapist.  Whether assisting buyers in finding that perfect place to build their dreams or guiding sellers through letting go of a home filled with memories, the process often involves significant emotional aspects and challenges to navigate. I’m happy to help! I believe in creating healthy homes and a happy community, and that means supporting my clients in every way I can. That’s why I’m passionate about connecting with our community, supporting local events and charities, and providing resources to help people thrive.

May is Mental Health Awareness month, so it’s the perfect time to talk about mindfulness, self-care, and the importance of mental well-being. Keep reading for local resources everyone should have on hand, plus some easy tips for boosting your mental health right at home, and more. 

Local Resources You Should Know About…

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, use the following information to get help or just talk to someone. 

Call or Text 988 | National 24/7 crisis hotline for immediate support in mental health or substance abuse.

888.545.2600 | Community Behavioral Health 27/7 hotline for mental health and substance abuse.

Healthy Minds Philly | (Philadelphia Region) For free, 24/7 online behavioral health screening and resources.

Therapy is for everyone…

It’s a tool for figuring things out, personal growth, and navigating life’s ups and downs.  

Open Path Collective (affordable therapy) 

Inclusive Therapists 

Psychology Today Directory

Therapy Den Directory

Neurodivergent Therapists 

Mental Health Match

Therapy for Latinx Asian Mental Health Collective 

Therapy for Black Girls 

Therapy for Black Men

Boost Your Mental Health at Home…

Your home should be your sanctuary, a place where you can recharge and feel good. Here are some simple ways to create a more positive and supportive environment: 

Create an exercise space | Establish a designated area within your home for exercising, even if it’s just a small one.

Create a spa night | Dedicate one night each week to self-care. Relax your body and mind by taking a candlelit bubble bath with soothing soaks while listening to a podcast or audiobook.

Prioritize sleep | Create a bedroom that you look forward to coming home to. Be mindful of the activities you do before bed and create a routine. Improve your sleep by learning about sleep hygiene and implementing some easy strategies.

Bring the outdoors in | There are major benefits to a home with a lot of natural light; it simply improves your mood and allows for house plants. Why not grab a plant, real or fake, if you haven’t already? 

Limit your screen time | Surprised? No. Simple…put down your phone, turn off the TV, and take a walk.

Financial Fundamentals for First-Time Women Buyers: Mortgage Pre-Approval

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This post is part of our women homebuyer series

You’re smart to think ahead. The best approach to buying a home with few financial surprises is to learn how homes are financed, find out how and where to get financial assistance, and understand all the costs involved in addition to the cost of the house. Mortgage pre-approval is an important first step in your financial preparation.

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A Suburban Home Designed with Trees in Mind

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Photography: Stoffer Photography Interiors

When it came to inspiration for their new home, a Chicago couple looked no further than the towering trees and woodsy surroundings of the project site. From its wood-clad exterior to the mix of natural finishes inside, this house is for the nature lover who also enjoys a touch of luxury.

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A New Build That Pays Tribute to Mid-Century Modern Design

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Photography: Julia Lynn

Inside and out, this newly constructed home expertly translates mid-century design principles into a livable, light-filled escape overlooking the Stono River in Charleston, SC. The home’s connection with the surrounding landscape heavily influenced its design–from walls of glass to a site orientation that best captures sunset views. It’s truly a paradise for nature lovers and mid-century design lovers alike.

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