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.

New Year, Clear Plan: Your 12-Month Homeowner Checklist

Instead of setting vague goals like “get organized” or “do more house projects,” let’s create a simple 12-month homeowner checklist you can actually follow.

Here are a few big-picture items to consider:

• Review your mortgage and insurance
  Could refinancing, adjusting coverage, or bundling policies save you money?

• Schedule HVAC maintenance
  A quick check-up now can prevent costly surprises later.

• Plan one “value add” project
  Maybe it’s updating a bathroom, adding storage, or improving curb appeal. One meaningful project per year can really add up.

• Get a market check on your home’s value
  Even if you’re not ready to move, knowing your current equity helps with long-term planning.

If you’d like a personalized version of this checklist based on your home, I’m happy to help. Small, consistent steps over the year can make your home more comfortable now — and more valuable later.

Finish the Year Strong: How to Plan Your Next Real Estate Move

The end of the year is a great time to zoom out and look at the big picture.

Ask yourself:

• Is my current home still working for me?

• Do I see myself here for the next 3–5 years?

• Are there upcoming life changes — job, family, retirement — that might make a move practical or necessary?

You don’t need all the answers right now. But you do deserve clarity.

Here’s what planning ahead might look like:

• Reviewing the current value of your home

• Looking at what’s available in the areas you’d consider moving to

• Creating a simple timeline: what to do 12, 6, and 3 months before a move

• Talking with a lender to understand your price range and options

I’m always happy to sit down for a “no pressure, no obligation” planning session. Think of it as a strategy meeting for your next chapter — whether that’s next year or a few years down the road.

Gratitude, Housing, and Giving Back

November always makes me reflect on what “home” really means. Yes, it’s walls and a roof — but it’s also safety, stability, and a place to exhale.

Not everyone has that.

As a Realtor and a community advocate, I see both sides: the joy of closing days and the heartbreak of families struggling with housing, mental health, or addiction in the background. For me, real estate and community work will always be connected.

This month, I encourage you to consider:

• Is there a neighbor, friend, or family member who might need a little extra support?

• Could you donate gently used household items, bedding, or kitchenware to a local organization?

• Is there a way to use your time, talent, or resources to help someone feel more secure where they live?

When I help someone buy or sell a home, it’s never “just a transaction.” It’s about people, stories, and futures. I’m grateful every day for the trust my clients put in me — and I’m committed to giving back in meaningful ways.

If you’re interested in learning how housing, mental health, and substance use intersect — or ways to get involved — I’m always happy to share more.

Spooky Real Estate Myths — And the Truth Behind Them

October is a fun time to talk about things that go bump in the night… including some of the myths that haunt real estate conversations.

Let’s bust a few:

Myth 1: “I need 20% down to buy a home.”
Truth: Many buyers purchase with far less than 20% down. There are loan programs with 3–5% down, and in some cases even less, depending on your situation.

Myth 2: “I should price my home high and leave room to negotiate.”
Truth: Overpricing often backfires. The right price attracts the right buyers quickly, and in some markets, it can even lead to multiple offers.

Myth 3: “I can skip staging; buyers will see past my stuff.”
Truth: Most buyers can’t. Clean, decluttered, and lightly staged homes photograph better and usually sell faster and for more money.

Myth 4: “Zestimates and online values are always accurate.”
Truth: Automated estimates don’t walk through homes, see updates, or understand neighborhood nuances. They’re a starting point, not the final word.

If you’ve heard something about real estate that doesn’t quite sound right, ask. I’ll always be honest with you, even if the answer is “it depends” — and then we’ll talk about what it depends on.

Why Fall Is an Underrated Time to Sell Your Home

Spring gets all the hype, but fall can be an incredible time to list your home.

Here’s why I love the fall market:

• Serious buyers
  The “let’s just look and see” crowd tends to fade. Buyers who are still out shopping in the fall are usually motivated and ready to make decisions.

• Less competition
  With fewer homes on the market compared to spring and early summer, your home has a better chance to stand out.

• Cozy curb appeal
  Fall colors, mums on the porch, and warm lighting can make your home feel inviting and memorable.

• More realistic timelines
  Many buyers and sellers aim to be settled before the holidays, which can help keep everyone focused and moving forward.

If you’re worried you “missed” the spring rush, you may actually have an advantage. Let’s review your goals, your timeline, and what the numbers look like in your specific area so you can make an informed decision.

Back-to-School, Back-to-Routine: Is It Time to Move Closer to What Matters?

As school starts back up, routines return… and so does the reality of your daily drive.

Maybe you’re tired of long commutes to work, school, or activities. Maybe all your favorite people, faith community, or hobbies are across town. Or maybe you’re simply ready to live in a neighborhood that better matches the way you spend your time.

Here are a few signs it might be time to consider a move:

• You spend more time in the car than you do enjoying your home.

• Activities, friends, and family are all in a different part of town.

• You’re constantly saying, “It would be so much easier if we just lived closer.”

You don’t have to live in your “forever home” to make a smart move. Sometimes an in-between home, in the right location, can dramatically improve your quality of life.

If you’d like to explore neighborhoods that better match your routine — without pressure — I’d love to talk. We can look at commute times, school options, lifestyle, and resale potential so your next move makes sense on paper and in real life.

Mid-Year Market Check: What I’m Seeing Locally

By mid-year, patterns start to emerge in the housing market. While national headlines can sound dramatic, real estate is local — and what’s happening in other states may have very little to do with Central Iowa.

Here’s what I pay attention to:

• Inventory: Are there more homes available, or are we still tight?

• Days on market: Are homes selling quickly, or sitting longer?

• Price trends: Are prices holding steady, softening in certain price points, or still climbing?

• Buyer behavior: Are we seeing multiple offers in specific neighborhoods or price ranges?

For sellers, this information helps us position your home correctly from day one: pricing strategy, staging, marketing, and expectations.

For buyers, it shapes our offer strategy. In some situations, we need to move quickly and put our best foot forward. In others, we may have room to negotiate more confidently.

If you’re curious about what the market is really doing — not just what you’re hearing on the news — I’m happy to provide a custom market update based on your neighborhood, home type, and price range. Data plus real-world experience is a powerful combo.