Remodeling vs. Moving: How to Decide What Makes Sense

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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.

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

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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.