Buying or Selling Around the Holidays: Smart or Crazy?

I hear this question a lot: “Is it crazy to buy or sell during the holidays?”

Not necessarily.

Pros for sellers:

• Less competition on the market

• Buyers touring in cold weather are usually serious

• Holiday décor can make homes feel warm and inviting (as long as it’s not overdone)

Pros for buyers:

• Potentially more motivated sellers

• A clearer picture of how a home feels in winter (heating, light, snow/ice, etc.)

The key is to protect your time and energy. We can work together to set boundaries around showings, travel, and events so you’re not overwhelmed.

If you’re considering a holiday-season move, let’s map out what that would actually look like so you can make a calm, informed decision.

Behind the Scenes of a Real Estate Transaction

From the outside, it can look like a home sale is just: list → showings → offer → closing. In reality, there are dozens of people and moving parts involved.

Behind the scenes, I’m coordinating with:

• Lenders

• Inspectors

• Appraisers

• Title and closing companies

• Other agents

• Transaction coordinators and support staff

I’m tracking deadlines, negotiating inspection items, making sure paperwork is accurate, and solving problems quickly so you don’t have to.

When you hire me, you’re not just hiring someone to stick a sign in the yard or open a few doors. You’re hiring an experienced guide who knows how to keep the process moving, protect your interests, and get you to the closing table with as little stress as possible.

Investing in Real Estate: Where to Start

You don’t have to buy a huge apartment building to be a real estate investor. Sometimes, it starts with one smart purchase.

Here are a few common ways people invest:

• A long-term rental

• A short-term or vacation rental (where allowed)

• A “move-up” home where you keep your current property as a rental

• A property you improve over time for future resale

Before you jump in, it’s important to understand:

• Local rental demand and typical rents

• Maintenance and vacancy costs

• Financing options and down payment requirements

• City regulations, zoning, and licensing (especially for short-term rentals)

If you’re curious about investment properties but don’t know where to start, let’s have a conversation. I can help you look at numbers, neighborhoods, and realistic expectations so you can decide if it’s a good fit.

Relocating to (or within) Central Iowa: What to Know

Whether you’re moving to the Des Moines metro from out of state or simply shifting from one suburb to another, a relocation is a big deal.

Here’s how I help clients make the transition smoother:

• Neighborhood comparisons – Commutes, schools, amenities, and future growth.

• Virtual tours and video walk-throughs – Especially helpful if you’re not here in person yet.

• Connections – Lenders, inspectors, contractors, and local resources so you’re not starting from scratch.

• Closing coordination – Timing your sale and purchase to reduce stress as much as possible.

If you or someone you know is considering a move to Central Iowa, I’d love to be a resource — whether you’re ready now or still in the “just exploring” phase.

Selling in a Changing Market: What You Can Control

Markets change. Interest rates move, buyer activity shifts, headlines get noisy. The good news? As a seller, there are still several things you can absolutely control:

• Condition – Clean, repaired, and well-presented homes win.

• Presentation – Professional photos, clear descriptions, and strong online presence matter.

• Accessibility – The easier it is to show your home, the more buyers will see it.

• Pricing strategy – The right price attracts attention and creates momentum.

My job is to help you focus on what you can control, navigate what you can’t, and position your home so it stands out — regardless of what the headlines say.

If you’re thinking about selling and feeling unsure because of the “market,” let’s talk about what’s actually happening in your price range and neighborhood. Data plus a solid plan can bring a lot of peace.

Backyard Spaces Buyers Love

Outdoor living has become more important than ever. Buyers are no longer looking for just a yard — they’re looking for a usable space.

Here’s what tends to catch buyers’ eyes:

• A defined seating or dining area

• Simple landscaping that looks good but isn’t overwhelming

• Shade options (umbrella, pergola, or mature trees)

• A safe, contained area for kids or pets

• Low-maintenance surfaces like composite decking or pavers

You don’t have to build a magazine-worthy backyard to make an impact. Thoughtful, practical improvements can help buyers imagine themselves relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the space — and that emotional connection matters.

If you’re curious which backyard upgrades would make the biggest difference for your specific property, I can help you prioritize.

Remodeling vs. Moving: How to Decide What Makes Sense

At some point, almost everyone asks: “Should we remodel this house, or is it time to move?”

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some key questions:

• Does the current layout allow for the changes you want?

• Will the neighborhood support the improved value after you invest in renovations?

• How long do you realistically plan to stay if you remodel?

• Would moving get you more of what you want with less disruption?

I often help clients by:

• Providing a realistic value range before and after potential updates

• Comparing that to likely purchase prices in areas they’d consider moving to

• Connecting them with trusted contractors and lenders for real numbers, not guesses

If you’re stuck at this crossroads, let’s talk it through. Sometimes the smartest decision is to stay and improve. Sometimes, it’s to take your equity and go find what you really want.

Spring Cleaning with a Purpose: Decluttering to Move (Someday)

You don’t have to have a “For Sale” sign in the yard to start preparing for a future move. In fact, the best time to declutter is before you’re on a deadline.

Here’s a simple approach:

1. Start with the easy wins
   Linen closets, junk drawers, expired products, and old paperwork are low-emotion areas that build momentum.

2. Think like a future buyer
   What would you want to see? Clean closets, less furniture, and open surfaces all signal that a home is cared for and spacious.

3. Use three categories
   Keep, donate, discard. If you wouldn’t pack it and move it, why hang onto it now?

4. Take photos
   Sometimes, seeing a room in a photo helps you notice visual clutter you don’t pick up on in person.

Whether you’re moving this year or five years from now, decluttering is one of the best gifts you can give your future self — and your future listing photos.

Buying a Home with a Partner or Spouse: The Conversations to Have First

House-hunting with someone you love can be fun — and it can also reveal just how differently you each define “perfect.”

Before you start touring homes, it helps to talk through a few key topics:

• Budget and comfort zone
  What monthly payment feels realistic (not just what you qualify for)?

• Non-negotiables vs. preferences
  For one of you, a big kitchen might be non-negotiable. For the other, it might be a three-car garage.

• Location priorities
  Commute times, schools, proximity to family, and lifestyle all matter.

• Timeline
  Are you willing to do projects, or do you want “move-in ready” only?

As your Realtor, I’m not just opening doors; I’m helping you navigate these conversations with less stress and more clarity. My goal is for both of you to feel heard, understood, and confident in your decision.