I’ve always believed my job doesn’t end at the closing table!

My goal is to be a resource for you long after you’ve moved in—whether you’re thinking about selling, curious about home values, or just have those random homeowner questions that pop up along the way.

There are three questions that I get asked a lot. They may even be something that you’ve been wondering about too. So I thought I’d share my answers here for you to make things a little clearer.

1) What do I need to do to get my home ready to sell?
The good news: you don’t have to spend thousands to make your home shine. A few simple updates can go a long way in helping buyers fall in love with your space.

Here are some of my favorite quick wins:

• Start packing up non-essentials—think seasonal gear, extra décor, or anything you don’t use every day. You’ll eventually need to pack it up to move anyway, so better to have it out of the way. And I’m a fan of getting those “donate” items out of the way too. (I actually leave a bag or box in the corner of my closet to add items to all year long as I decide they no longer bring me “joy” *thanks Marie Kondo 😉)
• DEEP CLEAN like crazy—nooks, crannies, baseboards, and grout all count. While those little details may not show up in a listing photo, a buyer will notice when they enter the home. No matter the age of a home, when it’s not clean, neat, and sparkling, it may look older than it is…and buyers will just see “work” in their future and likely be turned off.
• Repaint walls in a fresh, neutral color. A $30-60 gallon of paint can totally transform a room. And painting baseboards also makes a HUGE difference; there’s something about a bright white border around the entire room that makes a home pop.
• Declutter kitchen counters and pantries (yes, even that peanut butter from 2020…and then we need to talk because peanut butter doesn’t last 2 weeks in my house!). Rule of thumb, clean off ALL of your horizontal surfaces. When buyers see a cluttered kitchen it can lead them to think there is no storage.
• Let the light in—remove heavy window treatments that might be dated and clean your windows. I know privacy is important for you (and for buyers), so having clean, working blinds that can be opened for showing and open houses is important. It’s also good to have all the lightbulbs throughout your home be the same color tone.
• Stage each room with purpose—if it’s a bedroom, show it as a bedroom. This is the most critical thing to help buyers know what the space is or could be used for. Not sure about a space?…we can talk through it.
• Update small details—paint cabinets, swap out hardware, or change light fixtures for a modern look. These simple updates go a LONG way in helping an older home feel updated.
• Freshen up bathrooms—clean grout, reglaze an old tub, and make everything sparkle. Again, the theme is clean, clean, clean.

Small changes can have a big impact. Think “clean, bright, and welcoming” over “expensive remodel.” And remember, these things also don’t need to happen overnight. When I meet with my sellers, we create a clear planned that is timed to meet your needs and capabilities…and I’ve also got lots of resources to help you.

2) Can I estimate how much I’ll make from selling my home?
Yes! When you’re ready to talk about selling, I put together something called a net sheet. This breaks down your estimated expenses (like commissions and closing costs), subtracts your mortgage payoff, and shows you a realistic range of what you can expect to walk away with at closing.

I know that choosing to sell your home is a big decision, so clarity and confidence stays front of mind for me. I’ll walk you through each line item of the net sheet so you’re never surprised by a fee or cost.

3) Should I refinance?
While I’m not getting this question too much over the last couple of years due to higher interest rates than we previously had, it is still a question I hear from time to time. The answer really depends on your situation.

Here are a few things to know:

• Most lenders require at least 20% equity to refinance.
• Refinancing comes with costs (usually around 1% of your loan amount).
• It’s only worth it if you’ll be in the home long enough to recoup those upfront costs with your monthly savings.

If you’re wondering whether refinancing makes sense for you, I can connect you with a trusted lender who will run the numbers and help you decide if it’s worth pursuing.

So these are the questions I hear most often, but I’m always curious about yours! If something’s been on your mind—whether you’re staying put, thinking about selling, or just not sure what’s possible—reach out anytime. I’m here to be your go-to resource for all things real estate.