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.

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.

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.