Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Seller Advice •
June 5, 2025
The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell
The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell
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.
What Is Home Staging?
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):
Which Rooms Matter Most?
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.
How an Agent Helps You Decide What You Need To Do
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:
- Declutter and depersonalize by removing photos and personal items
- Arrange your furniture to improve the room’s flow and make it feel bigger
- Add plants, move art, or re-arrange other accessories
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.
Bottom Line
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.
Homeowners •
June 3, 2025
Real Estate-The Best Long Term Investment
Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment
Lately, it feels like every headline about the housing market comes with a side of doubt. Are prices going up or down? Are we headed for a crash? Will rates ever come down? And all the media noise may leave you wondering: does it really make sense to buy a home right now?
But here’s one thing that doesn’t get enough airtime. Real estate has always been about the long game. And when you look at the big picture, not just the latest clickbait headlines, it’s easy to see why so many people say it’s still the best investment you can make – even now.
According to the just-released annual report from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for the 12th year in a row. That’s over a decade of beating out stocks, gold, and bonds as America’s top pick.
And this isn’t new. Real estate usually claims the #1 title. But here’s what’s really interesting. This year’s results came in just after a rocky April for the stock and bond markets. It shows that, even as other investments had wild swings, real estate has held its ground. That’s likely because it gains value in a steadier, more predictable way. As Gallup explains:
“Amid volatility in the stock and bond markets in April, Americans’ preference for stocks as the best long-term investment has declined. Gold has gained in appeal, while real estate remains the top choice for the 12th consecutive year.”
That says a lot. Even though things may feel a bit uncertain in today’s economy, real estate can still be a powerful investment.
Yes, home values are rising at a more moderate pace right now. And sure, in some markets, prices may be flat in the year ahead or even dip a little – but that’s just the short-term view. Don’t let that cloud the bigger picture.
Real estate has a long track record of gaining value over time. That’s the kind of growth you can count on, especially if you plan to live in that home for a long time.
That’s part of why Americans continue to buy-in to homeownership – even when the headlines may sound a little uncertain. As Sam Williamson, Senior Economist at First American, says:
“A home is more than just a place to live—it’s often a family’s most valuable financial asset and a cornerstone to building long-term wealth.”
Bottom Line
Real estate isn’t about overnight wins. It’s about long-term gains. So, don’t let the uncertainty in a shifting market make you think it’s a bad time to buy.
If you’re feeling unsure, just remember: Americans have consistently said real estate is the best long-term investment you can make. And if you want more information about why so many people think homeownership is worth it, let’s chat.
Homeowners •
May 30, 2025
Home Projects That Add the Most Value
Home Projects That Add the Most Value
Some Highlights
- Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, you want to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Because not all of them will be worth it.
- Before you decide what upgrades to tackle, talk to an agent who knows what’s in demand in your area and where you’re most likely to recoup the costs.
- Let’s connect so you know which projects are actually worthwhile.
Buyer Advice and Aid •
May 29, 2025
Is It Better to Rent or Buy?
Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?
You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now?
With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not for everyone right away. You should only buy a home when you’re ready and able to do it, and if the timing is right for you.
But here’s the thing you need to know about renting.
While it may feel like a safer bet today – and in some areas might even be less expensive month-to-month than owning – it can really cost you more over time.
In fact, a recent Bank of America survey found that 70% of aspiring homeowners worry about what long-term renting means for their future. And they’re not wrong.
Owning a home may seem way out of reach, but if you make a plan now and steadily work toward it, homeownership comes with serious long-term financial benefits.
Homeownership Builds Wealth Over Time
Buying a home isn’t just about having a place to live – it’s a step toward building your future wealth.
Why? Home prices typically rise over time, which means the longer you wait, the more expensive it is to buy. And even in some markets where home prices are softening today, the overall long-term trend speaks for itself (see graph below):
And as home values rise, so does your equity when you’re a homeowner. That’s the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe. So, with every mortgage payment, that equity grows. Over time, that becomes part of your net worth.
Today, the average homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40X greater than that of a renter. That’s a shocking difference, and the dollars in the visual below don’t lie (see graph below):
And it’s one of the big reasons why Forbes says:
“While renting might seem like [the] less stressful option . . . owning a home is still a cornerstone of the American dream and a proven strategy for building long-term wealth.”
The Biggest Downside of Renting
So, short-term, why does renting feel like a simpler choice? Lower monthly payments, less responsibility, no strings attached. But long-term? It can sting.
For decades, while home prices have been rising, rent has gone up too. And while rent has held rather steady more recently, history shows the overall trend is up and to the right. That makes saving for a home more complicated than ever (see graph below):
That kind of financial uncertainty has a real impact. In the same Bank of America survey, 72% of potential buyers said they worry rising rent could affect their current and long-term finances.
Because rent doesn’t build wealth. It doesn’t come back to you later. It pays your landlord’s mortgage – not yours.
So, whether you rent or own, you’re paying a mortgage. The question is: whose mortgage do you want to pay?
Renting vs. Buying: What Really Matters
Think of it this way. Renting means your money is gone once you pay it. Owning means your payment builds equity – like a savings account you can live in. Sure, buying comes with responsibility. But it also comes with the kind of reward that grows over time. And that’s why you need a solid plan to get there.
As Joel Berner, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, explains:
“Households working on their budget will find it much easier to continue to rent than to go through the expenses of homeownership. However, they need to consider the equity and generational wealth they can build up by owning a home that they can’t by renting it. In the long run, buying a home may be a better investment even if the short-run costs seem prohibitive.”
Bottom Line
Renting may feel more do-able today. But over time, it could cost you more – without helping you build anything for your future.
If homeownership feels out of reach today, you’re not alone. And the first step toward getting out of the rental trap is to set a plan. Let’s connect, set your specific goals, and explore your options – so you’re ready when the time is right.
