Scent has a powerful impact on our emotions—and it can make or break how potential buyers react to your home.

That’s why it’s essential to make sure your home smells its best before an open house or showing. Here’s how:

Give it a good scrub. Wipe down all surfaces, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. Use neutral-scented products whenever possible.


Take out the trash. Empty all trash cans, even well-sealed ones, to keep any smells from escaping. Plus, no one wants to see your garbage!


Clean the carpets. Eliminate built-up dirt and pet dander by having your carpets professionally cleaned. They’ll look better, too.

BONUS:
Whip up a treat! Baking cookies is a classic real estate agent’s trick to make a home smell warm, cozy, and inviting.

Want more pro tips like these? Get in touch for a copy of our complete “Seller’s Checklist: A Timeline to Prep Your Home for Sale.”  ...

8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate
 
Mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride this year, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. And even the experts are divided when it comes to predicting where rates are headed next.1
 
This climate has been unsettling for some homebuyers and sellers. However, with proper planning, you can work toward qualifying for the best mortgage rates available today – and open up the possibility of refinancing at a lower rate in the future.
 
How does a lower mortgage rate save you money? According to Trading Economics, the average new mortgage size in the United States is currently around $410,000.2 Let’s compare a 5.0% versus a 6.0% fixed-interest rate on that amount over a 30-year term.
 




Mortgage Rate
(30-year fixed)


Monthly Payment on $410,000 Loan
(excludes taxes, insurance, etc.)


Difference in Monthly Payment


Total Interest Over 30 Yea; ...

No matter what’s going on in the housing market, the process of selling a home can be challenging. Some sellers have a hard time saying goodbye to a treasured family residence. Others want to skip ahead to the fun of decorating and settling into a new place. Almost all sellers want to make the most money possible.
Whatever your circumstances, the road to the closing table can be riddled with obstacles — from issues with showings and negotiations to inspection surprises. But many of these complications are avoidable when you have a skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent by your side.
For example, here are seven common mistakes that many home sellers make. These can cause anxiety, cost you time, and shrink your financial proceeds. Fortunately, we can help you avert these missteps and set you up for a successful and low-stress selling experience.  
MISTAKE #1: Setting an Unrealistic Price
Many sellers believe that pricing their homes high and waiting for th ...

Higher Rates and Short Supply: The State of Real Estate in 2022
The last two years caught many of us off guard—and not just because of the pandemic. They also ushered in the hottest housing market on record, with home prices rising nationally by nearly 19% in 2021, driven primarily by low mortgage rates and a major supply shortage.1
But while some had hoped 2022 would bring a return to normalcy, the U.S. real estate market continues to boom, despite rising interest rates and decreasing affordability.
So what’s driving this persistent demand? And is there an end in sight?
Here are three factors impacting the real estate market right now. Find out how they could affect you if you’re a current homeowner or plan to buy or sell a home this year.
MORTGAGE RATES ARE RISING FASTER THAN EXPECTED
Over the past couple of years, homebuyers have faced intense competition for new homes—in part due to historically low mortgage rates that were a result of the Feder ...

5 Ways to Write a Winning Offer in Today’s Real Estate Market
 
Our nation is in the midst of a serious housing crunch. Last year, a lack of inventory and soaring prices left many would-be homebuyers feeling pinched. But now, with interest rates climbing, many of them are also feeling desperate to lock in a mortgage—which has only added fuel to the fire.1
 
Fortunately, if you’re a buyer struggling to find a home, we have some good news. While it’s true that higher mortgage rates can decrease your purchasing budget, there are additional ways to compete in a hot market.
 
Yes, a high offer price gets attention. But most sellers consider a variety of factors when evaluating an offer. With that in mind, here are five tactics you can utilize to sweeten your proposal and outshine your competition.
 
We can help you weigh the risks and benefits of each tactic and craft a compelling offer designed to get you your dream home—without givt ...