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Why You Should Think Like a Seller When Buying a Home

When you are buying a home, you are likely thinking about how it fits your life. Is the kitchen big enough? Does it have a home office? Is the backyard right for pets or kids? But what if I told you that thinking like a seller can make you a smarter buyer? It might sound backward, but approaching your home search with resale in mind can help you make a better investment, avoid future headaches, and even save you money in the long run. Here’s why you should always have your future resale value in mind, even on day one:…
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How to Read Between the Lines in a Real Estate Listing

When you are scrolling through homes online, it's easy to get swept away by beautiful photos, catchy descriptions, and enticing phrases like "charming fixer-upper" or "cozy starter home." But as a real estate agent, let me tell you, there is often more to the story than meets the eye. Learning to read between the lines of a real estate listing can save you time, prevent disappointment, and help you find the right home faster. Here is how to decode what those listings are really saying: "Needs TLC" = Bring Your ToolboxIf you see phrases like "needs TLC," "great bones," or…
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Getting Approval for a Short Sale

If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments and facing the possibility of foreclosure, you're not alone and you are not out of options. One path worth considering is a short sale, which can help you avoid the long-term impact of a foreclosure on your credit report. As a mortgage originator, I have helped many homeowners navigate this process. A short sale occurs when your lender agrees to accept less than the full amount owed on your mortgage to settle the debt. In this scenario, you sell your home for less than the remaining balance on your loan, and…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 2nd, 2025

The PCE Index release—the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator—has shown favorable results. However, the overwhelming sentiment remains one of uncertainty due to the ongoing trade wars. With these conflicts still in full swing, inflation is expected to rise in the near future at a faster-than-anticipated pace. Following the recent trade truce with China, consumer sentiment has improved, though the long-term impact remains uncertain. As expected, consumer spending has declined noticeably, as the tariffs have led to short-term price increases. PCE IndexThe cost of living barely rose in April — and the rate of inflation slowed even closer to prepandemic levels…
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How to Stage a Home Without Furniture Using Creative Tricks with Lighting, Scent, and Small Details

Selling a home without furniture can be challenging. Empty rooms can feel cold, echoey, and impersonal, making it difficult for buyers to picture themselves living there. While full-scale staging can work wonders, it’s not always in the budget or timeline. The good news? You can create warmth, character, and connection using a few simple tricks.Here is how to make a vacant house feel like a welcoming home, no furniture required. 1. Start with Lighting That SpeaksNothing makes a home feel empty faster than dim, harsh, or unflattering lightning. Good lighting instantly boosts warmth and comfort. Replace outdated or dark bulbs…
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How a Bad Buyers Agent Can Hurt Your Sale and How to Protect Your Deal

When selling your home, you put your trust in your own real estate agent to price it right, market it well, and guide you through negotiations. But what many sellers don’t realize is that the buyer’s agent, someone you didn’t hire, can also impact your success. And unfortunately, if that agent is inexperienced, unresponsive, or unprofessional, it could hurt your sale more than you think. Let’s break down how a bad buyer’s agent can complicate your sale, and how to protect your deal from falling apart. Poor Communication Can Derail the TimelineA great transaction depends on clear, timely communication between…
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