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.

Getting Your Home Ready for Cooler Weather

As fall approaches, it’s a great time to tackle maintenance that protects your home and your budget.

Here’s a simple fall checklist:

• Clean gutters and downspouts

• Check caulking around windows and doors

• Schedule a furnace check and change filters

• Inspect roof shingles for damage or wear

• Drain and store hoses, and prepare outdoor faucets for freezing temps

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

These aren’t glamorous projects, but they matter — both for your comfort and for future buyers. A well-maintained home not only feels better to live in, it also shows better when it’s time to sell.

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.

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.