Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that.
It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it's easy for buyers to picture themselves living there.
It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything from simple tweaks to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget. But a little bit of time, effort, and money invested in this process can really make a difference when you sell – especially in today’s market.
A study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows staged homes sell faster and for more money than homes that aren't staged at all (see below):
The best part is, odds are you don’t have to stage your whole house to make an impact. According to NAR, here’s where buyers’ agents say staging can make the biggest difference (see graph below):
As you can see, agents who talk to buyers regularly agree, the most important spaces to stage are the rooms where buyers will spend the most time, like the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen.
While this can give you a good general idea of what may be worth it and what’s probably not, it can’t match a local agent’s expertise.
Agents are experts on what buyers are looking for where you live, because they hear that feedback all the time in showings, home tours, walkthroughs, and from other agents. And they'll use those insights to give their opinion on your specific house and what areas may need a little bit of staging help, like if you need to:
A lot of buyers can use the agent’s know-how as the only staging advice they need. But, if your home needs more of a transformation, or it’s empty and could benefit from rented furniture, a great agent will be able to determine if bringing in a professional stager might be a good idea, too. Just know that level of help comes with a higher price tag. NAR reports:
“The median dollar value spent when using a staging service was $1,500, compared to $500 when the sellers' agent personally staged the home.”
A local agent will help you weigh the costs and benefits based on your budget, your timeline, and the overall condition of your house. They’ll also consider how quickly similar homes are selling nearby and what buyers are expecting at your price point.
Staging doesn’t have to be over-the-top or expensive. It just needs to help buyers feel at home. And a great agent will help you figure out the level of staging that makes the most sense for your goals.
Which room in your house do you think would make the biggest impression on a buyer?
Let’s walk through your home together and chat about what will make your house stand out.
Do you think a brand-new home means a bigger price tag? Think again.
Right now, something unique is happening in the housing market. According to the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of newly built homes is actually lower than the median price for existing homes (ones that have already been lived in):
You read that right. That brand new, never-been-lived-in house may cost less than the one built 20 years ago in a neighborhood just down the street. So, if you wrote off a new build because you assumed they’d be financially out of reach, here’s what you should know. You could be missing out on some of the best options in today’s housing market.
1. Builders Are Building Smaller Homes
Builders know that buyers are struggling with affordability today. So, instead of building big houses that may not sell, they’re building smaller ones that will. According to the Census, the average size of a newly built single-family home has dropped considerably over the past few years (see graph below):
And as size goes down, the price often does too. Smaller homes use fewer materials, which makes them less expensive to build. That helps builders keep prices lower so more people can afford them.
2. Builders Are Offering Price Cuts and Incentives
In May, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 34% of builders lowered their prices, with an average price drop of 5%. That’s because they want to be sure they’re selling the inventory they have before they build more.
On top of that, 61% of builders also offered sales incentives – like helping with closing costs or buying down your mortgage rate. These are all ways builders are making their homes more affordable, so these homes sell in today’s market.
If you're trying to buy a home right now, be sure to talk to your agent to find out what builders are doing in and around your area. They can find new home communities, as well as builders who are offering incentives or discounts, and hidden gems you might not uncover on your own.
Plus, buying a newly built home often means there are different steps in the process than if you purchase a home that’s been lived in before. That’s why it’s so important to have your own agent who can explain the fine print. You want a pro in your corner to advocate for you, negotiate on your behalf, and make sure your best interests come first.
You could get a home that’s brand new, with modern features, at a price that’s even lower than some older homes. Let’s talk about what you’re looking for and see if a newly built home is the right fit for you.
If buying a home is on your to-do list, what would stop you from exploring newly built options?
If you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are you'll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life.
The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process.
Once you’re familiar with this terminology, you’ll have a better understanding of important details – from contracts to negotiations. So, when those big conversations happen, you’ll feel informed, in control, and able to make the best decision for your unique situation. As Redfin puts it:
“Having a basic understanding of important real estate concepts before you start the homebuying process will give you peace of mind now and could save you a fortune in the future.”
Here’s a breakdown of a few key real estate terms and definitions you should know, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and First American.
Appraisal: A report providing the estimated value of the home. Lenders rely on appraisals to determine a home’s value, so they’re not lending more than it’s worth.
Contingencies: Contract conditions that must be met, typically within a certain timeframe or by a specified date. For example, a home inspection is a common contingency. While you can waive these to try and make your offer more competitive, it’s generally not recommended.
Closing Costs: A collection of fees and payments made to the various parties involved in your home purchase. Ask your lender for a list of closing cost items, including attorney’s fees, taxes, title insurance, and more.
Down Payment: This varies by buyer, but is typically 3.5-20% of the purchase price of the home. There are even some 0% down programs available. Ask your lender for more information. Chances are, unless specified by your loan type of lender, you don’t need to put 20% down.
Escalation Clause: This is typically used in highly competitive markets. It’s an optional add on in a real estate contract that says a potential buyer is willing to raise their offer on a home if the seller receives a higher competing offer. The clause also includes how much a buyer is willing to pay over the highest offer.
Mortgage Rate: The interest rate you pay when you borrow money to buy a home. Consult a lender so you know how it can impact your monthly mortgage payment.
Pre-Approval Letter: A letter from a lender that shows what they’re willing to lend you for your home loan. This, plus an understanding of your savings, can help you decide on your target price range. Getting this from a lender should be one of your first steps in the homebuying process, before you even start browsing homes online.
You don't need to have all these terms memorized, but a little knowledge goes a long way. Brushing up on the basics now means fewer surprises later – and more clarity when you buy a home.
What unfamiliar real estate term or phrase have you come across that wasn’t on this list?
Let’s connect and talk through it so you have a solid understanding of what it means and where it may show up in the homebuying process.
If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a lot of wealth – just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? It’s something that could help change your child’s life.
Since affordability is still a challenge, a lot of first-time buyers are struggling to buy a home in today’s market. Even if they have a stable job and a solid plan, buying can still feel out of reach. But that’s where your equity could make all the difference.
To give you an idea, the average homeowner with a mortgage has $311,000 worth of equity, according to Cotality (formerly CoreLogic). That’s significant. And some parents are using a portion of their equity to help their children become homeowners, too.
According to Bank of America, 49% of buyers between 18 and 26 got money from their parents to use toward their down payment (see chart below):
Even though the data doesn’t specify how many parents used their equity, the wealth they’ve built through homeownership may have helped make it possible – especially given how much equity the average homeowner has today.
While what’s right for each person’s specific situation will vary on a case-by-case basis, that’s a powerful legacy to pass on. It helps those younger people buy a home, build equity of their own, and begin the next chapter of their life with a little less financial stress and a lot more stability. And for those parents? It’s a way to turn what they've built into something deeply meaningful.
This isn’t just about money. For many homeowners, it’s about being the reason their child gets to say, “we got the house.” And giving them the kind of head start they might’ve only dreamed of at their age. And here’s the part that really sticks. Compare the Market says:
“Of those who did receive monetary aid from parents and grandparents to buy a house, 45% of Americans said they would not have been able to purchase a house without financial support from parents and grandparents.”
Your equity could be the thing that makes homeownership possible for your children when they might not be able to do it on their own. So, here’s the question.
If helping your kids buy a home was more feasible than you thought, would you want to explore that option?
If you want to learn more or find out the best way to make it happen, talk to your lender and a financial advisor you trust.
Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:
". . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell."
That’s why, before you pick up a power tool or call a contractor, your first step should be talking to a local agent.
If you plan to move relatively soon, you’ll want to get a jump start on your to-do list. And even if moving isn’t on your radar yet, life can change quickly – and a new job, a growing family, or shifting priorities can fast-track your plans. You don’t want to be scrambling to fix up your home if your timeline changes.
Smart updates now = fewer headaches later.
By planning ahead, you can spread out the work over time, which is easier on your wallet and your stress levels. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the upgrades while you’re still living there and have the peace of mind your house is ready to impress when it's time to list.
If you’re not sure which projects are worth your time and money – here's some information that can help. A study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows which upgrades typically offer the best return on your investment (ROI) (see graph below):
If an update you're already thinking about overlaps with those high-ROI upgrades, great. Odds are it'll improve your quality of life now and your home’s value later.
But don’t take this list as law. This is based on national data and is the sort of thing that's going to vary based on what’s most sought-after where you live. That’s where your agent comes in. As an article from Ramsey Solutions says:
“The best way to gauge what you can expect in terms of resale value on home improvements—especially if you’re planning to sell soon—is to talk to a real estate agent who is an expert in your market. They’re sure to know the local trends, and they can show you how other homes with the features you want to add are selling. That way, you can make an educated decision before you start ordering lumber and knocking down walls.”
You'll just want to make sure you don't overdo it. Too many high-end updates can make your home the priciest in the neighborhood. That might sound great, but it can actually turn buyers away if it's outside their expected price range for the area. The right agent will help you make smart updates that buyers will love, without going overboard.
Whether the project is big or small, it pays to be strategic. And an agent is a key piece of that strategy.
It doesn’t matter whether you plan to move soon or not, it can still pay off to make strategic updates that’ll help you love your home now and stand out later.
What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it? Let’s make sure it’ll pay off when the time comes.
As you think ahead to your own move, you may have noticed some houses sell within days, while others linger. But why is that? As Redfin says:
“. . . today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange mix: Some homes are flying off the market, while others sit for weeks.”
That may leave you wondering what you should expect when you sell. Let’s break it down and give you some actionable tips on how to make sure your house is one that sells quickly.
The first thing you should know is that, in most markets, things have slowed down a little bit. While you may remember how quickly homes sold a few years ago, that’s not what you should expect today.
Now that inventory has grown, according to Realtor.com, homes are taking a bit longer to sell in today’s market (see graph below):
But before you get hung up on the ten-day difference compared to the past few years, Realtor.com will help put this into perspective:
“In April, the typical home spent 50 days on the market . . . This marks the 13th straight month of homes taking longer to sell on a year-over-year basis. Still, homes are moving more quickly than they did before the pandemic . . .”
By this comparison, if your house does take a little more time to sell this year, it’s not really a concern. It’s actually still faster than the norm. Plus, it gives you a bit more time to find your next home, which is welcome relief when you’re trying to move, too.
Just remember, some homes sell in less time than this. Some take even longer. So, what’s the real difference? Why do some homes attract eager buyers almost instantly, while others sit and struggle?
It comes down to having the right agent and strategy. Here are a few tips you need to know.
One of the biggest reasons homes sit on the market is overpricing. Many sellers want to shoot for a higher price, thinking they can lower it later – but that backfires by turning buyers away.
What to do: Work with an agent to make sure your house is priced right. They’ll analyze recent comparable sales (what other homes have sold for recently in your area), so you know you're pricing appropriately for today’s market and what buyers are willing to pay. As Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin, explains:
“My advice to sellers is to price your home fairly for the shifting market; you may need to price lower than your initial instinct to sell quickly and avoid giving concessions."
A messy yard or a house that needs paint? It’ll turn buyers off. Since buyers decide within seconds whether they like a home, a good first impression is key.
What to do: Outside, clean up your front yard, tidy up your landscaping, power wash walkways, and add fresh mulch. Inside, declutter and depersonalize. And consider minor touch-ups like repainting in a neutral tone. Your agent will offer advice on what to tackle.
If your listing or your photos don’t look professional, you could have trouble drawing in buyers who think you’re trying to cut corners.
What to do: Instead, lean on your agent’s skills, expertise, and resources. They’ll help you make sure you have:
You may have heard the phrase “location, location, location” when it comes to real estate. And there’s definitely some truth to that. Homes in highly sought-after neighborhoods tend to sell faster.
What to do: While you can’t change where your house is located, your agent can highlight the best features of your neighborhood or community in your listing. By showcasing what’s great about your area, they can help draw buyers into what life would look like in your house.
Homes that sell quickly don’t necessarily have better features – they have better agents and a better strategy.
Are you thinking about selling? Let's talk about how to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar.
It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great.
Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford. And why sell if you’re not sure where you’re going to go?
But here’s the thing: the market’s shifting. And it might be time to hit play again.
More homeowners are jumping back into their search to make a move this year. Builders are finishing more homes. And together, that’s creating more options for you when you move – maybe even the home you’ve been waiting for.
More homes = more possibilities.
But there’s more to it than that. When you sell, you don’t want to feel like it’s impossible to find your next home. At the same time, you also don’t want inventory to be so high, it takes ages for your house to sell. Right now, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
This data will help paint the picture for you. According to Realtor.com, inventory has jumped 28.5% since this time last year, but it’s still below pre-pandemic levels in most markets – and here’s why this is such a sweet spot (see graph below):
Basically, there are more homes to choose from when you make your move, but not so many that you’ll struggle to sell your current house. Your home should sell quickly if you work with an agent to make sure it’s priced right and prepped to impress.
More options. Less chaos. Solid demand: That’s the real sweet spot.
But here’s something else to consider. Data from Realtor.com also shows inventory has been on the rise for 17 straight months. And experts agree it’s likely to continue climbing throughout the year. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub explains:
“The fact that inventory is rising year-over-year . . . strongly suggests that national active housing inventory for sale is likely to end the year higher.”
So, this may actually be the best time to sell. Your house may stand out more now than it would as the year goes on and inventory grows even more. Wait too long, and you may be one of many trying to stand out later this year.
If you’ve been waiting for the housing market to give you a sign – it just did. Whether you’re looking to move up, scale down, or relocate completely, this might be the best balance we’ve seen in a while.
What’s holding you back from taking advantage of this sweet spot? Let’s talk through it and see what’s possible.
If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make. Why? Because, like anything in life, the right prep work makes things clearer.
The best time to get serious about buying is before you’re ready to buy. Here’s why.
One of the biggest benefits of pre-approval is how it helps you understand your buying power. As part of the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on your income, debts, credit score, and more. That number is power.
Once you have that clarity, you’re no longer guessing. You know what you’re working with. And that gives you the information you need to be able to plan ahead. That way, you’re not falling in love with homes that are outside of your price range – or missing out on ones that aren’t.
You don’t have to be ready to buy to be ready to buy.
It happens all the time – someone scrolls through listings just for fun, and then BAM – they fall in love with something they see online. But by the time they scramble to connect with an agent and then get pre-approved with a lender, someone else beats them to it, and they lose the home. And you don’t want that to happen to you.
While you can’t control when the right home shows up – you can be ready for it.
Pre-approval isn’t about jumping the gun or rushing your timeline. It’s about making sure you’re ready when it’s go-time. As Experian explains:
“Waiting too long to get a preapproval, however, could leave you at a disadvantage . . . you could find the perfect home, but another buyer could snatch it up while you're waiting for the lender to review your preapproval application. . . getting a preapproval just before you begin actively looking at homes may be your best option.”
Instead of rushing to figure out your numbers, trying to get documentation for your home loan together, and watching the house you love slip away while you wait to hear from your lender, you’re already in the game.
It’s like showing up to the starting line with your shoes tied and your warm-up done – while everyone else is still looking for parking.
But pre-approvals do have an expiration date, so be sure to ask your lender how long it’s good for. Bankrate offers this insight:
“Many mortgage preapprovals are valid for 90 days, though some lenders will only authorize a 30- or 60-day preapproval. If your preapproval expires, getting it renewed can be as simple as your lender rechecking your credit and finances to ensure there have been no major changes to your situation since the first time ‘round.”
The thing is, if you’ve been pre-approved – even if you’re just thinking about casually looking – you have a much better sense of how to navigate your home search within your budget. Plus, you’ll be ready if the perfect home comes along. So why not make it happen?
Getting pre-approved doesn’t mean you have to buy a house today. But it does mean you’ll know what you’re working with when the right one shows up. If you want to get pre-approved, connect with a lender to get that process started.
In the meantime, let’s have a conversation about what’s on your mind and what you’re looking for.
If the perfect house popped up tomorrow, would you be ready to make a move?
Now that spring is here, more and more buyers are jumping back into the market, and competition is heating up.
If you’re serious about landing a home you’ll love, you need more than just a wish list. You need a smart strategy – and that starts with working with a great agent who can help you put together a strong offer.
Here are some top tips your agent will share with you that are helping buyers stand out (and win) in today’s market.
It’s tempting to start with a super low offer in an attempt to save money. But in a competitive spring market, that could backfire. If the price isn’t reasonable, you could offend the seller and lose out to a better bid. As NerdWallet says:
“If you really want the property, you should avoid offending the seller. So, be wary of placing a so-called lowball offer. One of the most obvious risks of making a lowball offer is outright rejection. . . As a buyer, you’ll need to find a balance between making a fair offer and running the risk of losing the property.”
Your agent can help you understand local pricing trends and what a fair, yet strong offer looks like this season.
If you’re worried about competing bids, an escalation clause can help. If you have an escalation clause and the seller gets another offer, it increases yours up to a certain max amount you set. That way you don’t lose out over a small difference. Investopedia explains it like this:
“An escalation clause is a way to automatically escalate your bid by a certain dollar amount, up to a certain ceiling, to compete with other bids.”
Work with your agent to decide if this tactic fits your situation and budget. Just be sure not to stretch beyond what you’re truly comfortable spending and that the home is likely to appraise for the amount you offer.
If the appraisal comes in lower than your offer, you may have to make up the difference out of pocket. Your agent can help you weigh these risks and determine the best approach for your specific situation.
While some concessions (like help with closing costs) might be possible, too many demands could make another buyer’s cleaner offer more attractive. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) notes:
“There are many factors up for discussion in any real estate transaction—from price to repairs to possession date. A real estate professional who’s representing you will look at the transaction from your perspective, helping you negotiate a purchase agreement that meets your needs . . .”
An agent who knows what’s working for other buyers in your area can help you prioritize the most important asks – and avoid ones that could turn off the seller.
Sometimes, it’s not just about price, it’s about timing. Does the seller need extra time to move out? Or do they want to move as soon as possible? Flexibility here can work in your favor. By adjusting your timeline (if you’re able to), you could stand out against other offers. According to Atlas Van Lines:
“Everyone will have a unique timeline depending on the size of the move, the distance they are moving from or to, and personal preferences. It is important to be flexible and adapt the timeline as needed while ensuring you allocate enough time for each step.”
Your agent can communicate with the seller’s agent to find out what matters most, including timing.
Spring is here – and more buyers are entering the market. Let’s work together to make sure your offer stands out.
What’s one thing you want to feel confident about before making an offer this spring?
If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of homes for sale over the past few years, here’s some good news. You have more options, so it may finally be time to kick off your home search again. As Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, explains:
“Now is the best time to buy in the last two years. Mortgage rates are comparable to what they were two years ago, and prices remain high. However, there is significantly more inventory . . .”
The number of homes for sale has grown compared to last year, and even more options are on the way. While this is typical for the busy spring season, here’s why this is so important right now.
Homeowners are listing their houses at the highest pace we’ve seen in a while.
Over the past few months, the number of new listings, or homes that have recently been put on the market for sale, has been steadily rising (see graph below):
Basically, more people are putting their homes on the market each month – whether they’re moving up, downsizing, or relocating. And this trend is a positive sign for the housing market.
Sellers who may have been on the fence the past few years are starting to jump back in. That’s helping to boost overall inventory and create better opportunities for both buyers and move-up sellers alike.
But it’s not just that the number of fresh options is up month-over-month; there’s also been a jump compared to last year.
According to Realtor.com, new listings in March were 10.2% higher than last year, making it the biggest March for new listings since 2021 (see graph below):
For anyone who’s been waiting for more choices, this is exactly what you’ve been hoping for – because more homes coming onto the market means more options and a better shot at finding one that fits your needs.
To make sure you don't miss out on any of the latest listings for your area, lean on a local real estate agent.
If you're thinking about making a move this spring, now may be the time to start exploring your options. With more fresh listings hitting the market, you may find a home you love waiting for you.
What features or neighborhoods are at the top of your wish list?