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For many homeowners, retirement changes how they think about home . The house that once felt just right may now feel like more work than it’s worth—more maintenance, more space to manage, and more expenses than you really want in this season of life. And that’s leading a growing number of people to explore downsizing for retirement . You’re not alone in this thinking. Nearly 12,000 people turn 65 every day , and that trend will continue for the next several years. As retireme

🌷 If you’re planning to sell this spring, you might think waiting until the snow melts and the tulips pop is the right move. But in today’s market, getting started early can make all the difference. Buyers have more choices than they did just a few years ago, which means homes need to shine to stand out. Starting now gives you breathing room to handle repairs, make thoughtful updates, and avoid that stressful last-minute scramble before the spring rush hits. Focus on What Ac

It’s hard to scroll lately without seeing some version of this claim: “Big investors are buying up all the homes.” And if you’re a buyer who’s lost out on a few offers, that idea probably feels pretty believable. When prices are high and competition is tight, it’s easy to assume giant companies are swooping in and taking everything off the market. But here’s the truth: what people think  is happening and what the data actually shows aren’t always the same. So let’s take a dee

House hunting is exciting. Dreaming about neighborhoods, scrolling listings late at night, imagining your life in a new space… it’s such a fun season. But here’s the truth I always share with my clients: pre-approval is what turns dreams into real possibilities. Whether you’re hoping to buy soon or just starting to explore the idea, getting pre-approved is one of the smartest first steps you can take. Let’s break down why. 1. What Is Pre-Approval, Really? Pre-approval isn’t a

Here’s How To Get Ready (Without the Stress) Momentum is quietly building in the housing market—and it’s happening sooner than many people expected. According to new data from NerdWallet , more Americans are beginning to seriously think about buying a home again. Last year, 15% of respondents said they planned to purchase a home within 12 months. This year, that number climbed to 17%. A 2% increase might seem small, but in a market that’s been cooling for a while, it’s a mean

A Simple Exercise That Can Open More Doors If your search feels frustrating—or you’re scrolling listings thinking, “Nothing feels right” —this one step can completely reset your perspective. Write down everything you want in a home. Then sort it into three buckets: Must-Haves These are your true non-negotiables. The things that make daily life work: Number of bedrooms or bathrooms Commute time Safety and accessibility Being close to family, school, or work Nice-to-Haves Featu

Renting can  feel simpler — no repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about rates. You pay the bill and move on with your life. But here’s the part that so often gets overlooked: Renting doesn’t build your future. Owning does. Homeownership has consistently been one of the strongest ways Americans build wealth — simply by living in a home they own. And the long-term math? It’s a whole lot clearer than you might expect. 🔍 Renting vs. Owning: The Real Difference When you rent

Absolutely — I’d love to help you turn this into a warm, faith-inspired, Minnesota-nice blog post that fits your brand beautifully. Here’s a polished version you can pop right onto your website or newsletter! 💛🏡 Why Homes That Sit Longer Can Mean Big Savings for Today’s Buyers If you’ve been watching the housing market lately, you may have noticed a little shift — and trust me, it’s one worth paying attention to! As a Minnesota realtor who’s all about helping you make wise,

Here’s the truth: the homeowners who succeed in today’s market aren’t the ones waiting for the “perfect moment.” They’re the ones who start with the right expectations and strategy. A lot of sellers who didn’t get the results they wanted this year weren’t dealing with a bad market — they were dealing with a gap between expectation and reality. Realtor.com reports that 57% more homes were taken off the market compared to last year. They listed, but they didn’t sell — and it

If you’ve been feeling like it’s taking longer to buy your first home, you’re not imagining it. According to the latest real estate market report for 2025 , the median age of first-time buyers  is the oldest it’s ever been. And while that headline might sound discouraging, there’s actually a lot of good news hidden behind the shift — especially if you're navigating today’s market. Let’s break down what’s driving this trend and what it means for your own homeownership journey.

I’m seeing a lot of buyers hit pause right now, waiting for rates to dip into the 5s. And while I understand wanting the best possible rate, here’s the honest truth: that small drop may not make the difference you think it will. The Savings You’ve Already Gained Rates were over 7% this spring. Since then, they’ve eased into the low 6s — and that shift alone has already lowered the typical payment on a $400,000 home by nearly $400 a month. Those are real savings, and many buye

You may have seen headlines about home prices dipping, and it’s natural to wonder what that means for your home’s value. The good news: even with slight price softening in some markets, most homeowners are still far ahead — thanks to strong equity gains over the past few years. Equity Follows Home Prices When prices go up, equity grows. When prices cool, equity growth slows — but that doesn’t erase the major gains homeowners have built since 2020. During the record-low invent

There’s a lot that happens between getting an offer and handing over the keys. Most sales go smoothly, but lately, a few have hit bumps right before the finish line — and most of those hiccups are avoidable with the right prep and guidance. What’s Causing Some Deals To Fall Apart Recent data from Redfin shows about 15% of pending sales fall through — slightly higher than usual. The leading cause isn’t financing, but inspection and repair issues . Here’s why: Buyers are stretc

If you paused your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not out of options. With more homes available, prices stabilizing, and mortgage rates easing, buyers today have something they haven’t had in a while: choices. Experts agree that affordability is finally improving. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains, slower price growth and slightly lower rates are creating new opportunities for buyers to step back in. Inv

Cracking the code to today's real estate market

Thinking about selling your home? You’ve probably heard that staging can make a big difference, but what exactly is home staging—and is it worth the effort? Let’s break it down so you can feel confident about your next steps! What Is Home Staging? Home staging is all about showcasing your home’s best features. It involves arranging furniture and decor to create a space that feels inviting, functional, and picture-perfect for potential buyers. Whether it’s a quick refresh or a