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Staging Your Home Matters
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions aren’t just important; they are everything. Staging your home matters. In today’s market, buyers often scroll through dozens of listings online before ever stepping foot inside a home. That means your property needs to shine from the start of the home buyer’s journey. Meaning in addition to staging your home, professional photography takes equal importance.
Whether you’re working with a cozy condo or a sprawling estate, staging can make all the difference in how quickly your home sells—and for how much.
What Is Home Staging?
At its core, staging is the process of preparing your home to appeal to the broadest range of buyers. It involves arranging furniture, adding decor, and even adjusting lighting or paint colors to highlight the home’s best features and create a warm, welcoming vibe.
Think of it as dressing your home for success. You wouldn’t go to a job interview without looking your best—and neither should your home when it’s trying to attract a buyer.
Why Staging Works
✅ It Helps Buyers Visualize Living There
Most buyers don’t have the imagination to see beyond your personal photos or eclectic furniture choices. A well-staged home offers a clean, neutral canvas that helps buyers imagine their own lives unfolding in the home.
✅ It Highlights the Home’s Potential
Staging draws attention to the best parts of your home—whether it’s natural light, a spacious layout, or a cozy fireplace—and minimizes distractions that might otherwise go unnoticed (think outdated fixtures or awkward room shapes).
✅ It Increases Perceived Value
According to the National Association of Realtors, staged homes typically sell for 5–10% more than non-staged homes. That’s a serious return on a relatively small investment.
✅ It Can Lead to Faster Offers
Homes that are staged spend less time on the market. That means fewer showings, less hassle, and potentially multiple offers in a shorter timeframe than the un-staged counterpart.
Staging Doesn’t Have to Mean a Full Makeover
Worried that staging means hiring an interior designer and buying all new furniture? Don’t be. Staging can be as simple as:
- Decluttering and depersonalizing
- Rearranging existing furniture
- Adding fresh flowers or a pop of color
- Brightening up rooms with lighting and mirrors
- Refreshing tired walls with a neutral coat of paint
Many real estate agents (including me!) offer staging consultations or access to professional stagers as part of my listing package—so you’re not in it alone.
Windermere Ready Program
Need help with staging, repairs, or cosmetic upgrades? Ask me about the Windermere Ready program. It allows sellers to prepare their home for the market with expert guidance and the option of upfront funding for home improvement projects—with no upfront cost. It’s a game-changer for sellers who want to maximize their home’s value.
Final Thoughts
In today’s visual-first world, staging isn’t just an added bonus—it’s a smart strategy. The goal is simple: make buyers fall in love with your home from the moment they see it. With the right staging, your property can stand out, sell quicker, and command top dollar. Staging in this photo is by SavvyNess Interior, Design & Build.
Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership
Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home. Maybe you’re one of them and you’re wondering:
- Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home?
- Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt?
Having questions like these is normal, especially when you’re thinking about making such a big purchase. But you should know, you may be putting your homeownership goals on the backburner unnecessarily.
Can You Qualify for a Home Loan if You Have Student Loans?
In the simplest sense, what you want to know is can you still buy your first home if you have student debt. Here’s what Yahoo Finance says:
” . . . student loans don’t have to get in your way when it comes to becoming a homeowner. With the right approach and an understanding of how debt impacts your home-buying options, buying a house when you have student loans is possible.“
And the data backs this up. An annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shows that 32% of first-time buyers had student loan debt (see graph below):
While everyone’s situation is unique, your goal may be more doable than you realize. Plenty of people with student loans have been able to qualify for and buy a home. Let that reassure you that it is still possible, even as a first-time buyer. And just in case it’s helpful to know, the median student loan debt was $30,000. As an article from Chase says:
“It’s important to note that student loans usually don’t affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage any differently than other types of debt you have on your credit report, such as credit card debt and auto loans.”
If your income is steady and your overall finances are solid, homeownership can still be within reach. So, having student loans doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wait to buy a home.
Having student loans doesn’t mean buying a home is off the table. Before you count yourself out, talk to a lender to get a clearer picture of what you can afford and how close you are to taking the first step toward homeownership.
Are You Ignoring Your Biggest Financial Asset?
You probably check your bank account regularly—but when was the last time you checked on the equity in your home?
For many people, home equity is their largest financial asset, yet it gets far less attention than a checking or savings account. But here’s the truth: real estate is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth.
Why Home Equity Matters
Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on it. As you pay down your mortgage and property values rise, your equity quietly grows—often faster than what you’ve saved in the bank.
If you’re a homeowner, that equity could be your ticket to financial flexibility: using a HELOC, refinancing, or even tapping into it during retirement without selling your home.
Thinking About the Future?
Buying a home early gives your equity more time to grow—and that can pay off big in the long run. While rent disappears every month, mortgage payments build ownership and value. Over time, your home becomes more than just where you live—it becomes a cornerstone of your financial security.
What Should You Do?
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Get a home valuation to see how much equity you have
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Explore your options like a HELOC, smart refinance, or downsizing
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Start now if you haven’t purchased yet—the earlier, the better
Your bank account shows your balance today. Your home equity reflects your future potential.
Want to know what your home is worth or what your options might look like? Let’s talk.
Maximize Your Tax Refund: Invest in Your Future Through Real Estate
Maximize Your Tax Refund: Invest in Your Future Through Real Estate
Tax season often brings a pleasant surprise – a refund. As of February 7, 2025, the IRS reported an average refund amount of $2,065. That is an 18.6% increase from the previous year. Check out the details here.
If you’re contemplating how to make the most of this windfall, consider channeling it into real estate. Continue reading to discover several ways you can maximize your tax refund by investing in real estate.
Building Wealth Through Homeownership
Homeownership is a proven strategy for building wealth. Consider this, median sales price for all the Northwest MLS Housing Market (Washington State), rose to $640,000 in 2024. This is up 6.7% from the year prior. This positive increase reflects steady appreciation over the years.
By investing in property, you not only secure a place to call home but also position yourself to benefit from potential market gains.
Smart Ways to Utilize Your Tax Refund in Real Estate
Boost Your Down Payment
Saving for a down payment is often a significant hurdle for prospective homeowners. While the traditional 20% down payment offers benefits like avoiding private mortgage insurance, it’s not a strict requirement. If 20% seems unattainable you’re not alone. NerdWallet exposed that in 2023, first-time buyers typically put down 8% of the home’s purchase price.
Whether your goal is 20 or 8% your tax refund can bring you closer to this goal. The closer you are to your goal makes homeownership more attainable.
Cover Closing Costs
Closing costs encompass various fees, including loan origination, appraisal, and title insurance, typically ranging from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. For example, you would pay between $10,000 to $25,000 in closing costs in addition to the down payment on a $500,000 home loan.
Allocating your tax refund toward these expenses can ease the financial load at closing, allowing you to preserve other savings.
Purchase Mortgage Points
If current interest rates are a concern, consider using your refund to buy mortgage points. Each point, costing 1% of your loan amount, can reduce your interest rate, leading to substantial savings over time.
This upfront investment can lower your monthly payments and decrease the total interest paid over the life of the loan.
Make Extra Principal Payments
Applying additional funds directly to your mortgage principal can shorten your loan term and reduce the total interest paid. Even small extra payments can have a significant impact over time. Always consult with your lender to ensure there are no prepayment penalties.
Hot tip: Consider making an extra payment every year (perhaps your tax refund) and you could save thousands in interest over the course of the loan. For example, if your monthly mortgage payment is $3,000 and you making one extra payment a year it has the potential to save you $100,000 in interest and could cut 6 years off your mortgage.
Just imagine your future self, lounging in your dream home, sipping a cup of coffee, and thinking, “I’m glad I invested that tax refund wisely!” By making strategic decisions today, you can pave the way for a comfortable and secure tomorrow.
Partner with a Real Estate Professional
Embarking on the real estate journey can be complex. You don’t have to navigate it alone. A knowledgeable real estate agent can provide personalized advice, helping you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. If you’re ready to explore your options, connect with me today. Let’s turn your tax refund into a steppingstone toward your dream home.
What You Need To Know About Homeowner’s Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance is a must-have to protect what’s probably your biggest investment – your home. And while you never want to think about worst-case scenarios, the right coverage is basically your safety net if something goes wrong. Here’s how it helps you.
- Covers Repairs and Rebuilding Costs: If your home is damaged by fire, storms, or other covered events, your policy helps pay for repairs or even a full rebuild.
- Protects Your Belongings: Many policies can also cover personal items like furniture, electronics, and clothing if they’re stolen or damaged.
- Provides Liability Coverage: If someone gets injured on your property, homeowner’s insurance can help cover medical bills or legal expenses.
In the simplest sense, it gives you peace of mind. Knowing you have protection against unexpected events helps you worry less. And with such a big purchase, having that reassurance is a big deal.
And while your first insurance payment will be wrapped into your closing costs, you’ll want this to be a part of your budget beyond closing day too. That’s because it’s a recurring expense you’ll have once you get the keys to your home.
Here’s what you need to know to help you budget for this important part of homeownership today.
Costs and Claims Are Rising
In recent years, insurance costs have been climbing. According to Insurance.com, there are four big reasons behind the jump in premiums:
- More severe weather events and wildfires are leading to higher claims.
- Insurance companies are pulling out of high-risk areas, reducing options for homeowners in some states.
- Past rate increases haven’t kept up with the rise in claims.
- The cost to rebuild or repair homes has gone up due to higher material and labor costs.
Basically, disasters are happening more often, repairs cost more, and insurers have to adjust their rates to keep up. Data from ICE Mortgage Technology helps paint the picture of how the average yearly premium has climbed over the last decade (see graph below):
What You Can Do About It
Homeowner’s insurance is a must to protect your home and your investment. But with costs rising, you’ll want to do your homework to balance the best coverage you can get at the best price possible.
Homeowner’s insurance rates vary widely based on location, provider, and coverage. Shop around and compare quotes before settling on a policy. And don’t forget to ask about discounts. Things like security systems or bundling with auto insurance could help lower your insurance costs.
Bottom Line
When you’re planning to buy a home, it’s important to look beyond just your mortgage payment. You’ll also want to budget for your homeowner’s insurance policy. It gives you a lot of protection against the unexpected. And while it’s true those costs are rising, there are things you can do to try to get the best price possible.
Helping my clients connect with trusted insurance providers—if they don’t already have one—is just one of the many full-service benefits I offer.
Washington State Home Inspection Rules—Did You Know?
Washington State Home Inspection Rules—Did You Know?
Home inspections can be nerve-wracking for both buyers and sellers, but Washington State’s laws might surprise you!
🔹 Buyers usually want to share what they found in an inspection—whether to justify a request or out of a sense of fairness. But here’s the catch: they can’t!
🔹 Why? If a seller receives an inspection report, they are legally required to disclose that information to future buyers. To avoid this, Washington’s contracts require written permission from the seller before any details can be shared. Otherwise, the buyer waives their contingency with no explanation.
🔹 This is why many buyers simply ask for a closing credit without specifying why—it’s not a trick, just how the law works! For sellers, this can be frustrating, but a skilled agent can help navigate these negotiations so everyone feels confident in the process.
🔹 The exception? If a buyer requests a specific repair, they can name the item, but they can’t provide photos or inspection details unless the seller gives permission.
One of my fellow Windermere colleagues, Heather Maddox, shared this in a recent post, and the topic sparked so much interest that I wanted to keep the conversation going!
What are your thoughts? Drop them below!
Happy International Women’s Day!
Happy International Women’s Day!
Women have an illustrious history in the real estate industry — but it’s not a very long history. In fact, in the U.S., female aspiring homeowners weren’t even allowed to finance purchases on their own until the 1970s. Thankfully, women have achieved high levels of real estate–related success since then, both as homeowners and as industry professionals. 👏
I’m passionate about helping women achieve homeownership, whether it’s buying their first home, investing in real estate, or finding a place that truly fits their next chapter. Homeownership is a powerful tool for financial independence and stability, and I love guiding women through the process with knowledge, confidence, and support. My goal is to ensure every woman I work with feels informed, secure, and excited about building wealth and stability through real estate.
#celebratingstrongwomen #internationalwomensday #womeninrealestate #realestateagent #skagitvalleyrealestate #lovewhatyoudo #realtor #allinforyou #windermererealestate
Headed Back Into the Office? You May Decide To Move
It’s no secret that remote work has surged over the last few years. And that flexibility gave a lot of people the freedom to move — and work — from wherever they wanted.
But now, a growing number of companies are requiring employees to return to the office. And that’s leading some people to make decisions about where they live and if they need to move.
How Return-to-Work Policies Are Impacting Housing
During the rise of remote work, a lot of employees took the opportunity to move away from expensive or crowded city centers. Some opted for suburban neighborhoods and larger homes with yards, while others relocated to more rural areas. But lately, more people are returning to the city.
And according to data from Bright MLS, more than half of workers surveyed would have to rethink where they live or deal with long drive times if their job enforced a return-to-office policy (see chart below):
And maybe you’re one of them. If you moved farther out of the city during the work-from-home era, you may be facing a longer commute that you never expected to make daily. Once you’ve done it a few times, you might find it’s something you can get used to and isn’t as bad as you may have thought.
But sometimes, it’s just too hard to make it work — no matter how much you try. A drive or train ride that seemed fine once or twice a week can feel like too much of a grind five days in a row. It may also cost too much to commute so often, take too long, or cut too far into your free time. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, notes:
“During the pandemic, when remote work became the norm, homebuyers were able to move farther out . . . But workers do not have the same flexibility that they used to, and some are going to have to make a tough choice if and when their employer calls them back into the office full-time.”
If you’re thinking you may want to move, don’t stress. Talking to an agent can help you weigh your options. Whether it’s finding a home closer to work, balancing commute time with affordability, or even selling a home in one area to buy in another, having a pro on your side makes the process easier.
If having to be back in-office has you considering a move, let’s connect.
2024 Year in Review
Are You Asking Yourself These Questions About Selling Your House?
Some homeowners hesitate to sell because they’ve got unanswered questions that hold them back. But a lot of times their concerns are based on misconceptions, not facts. And if they’d just talk to an agent about it, they’d see these doubts aren’t necessarily a hurdle at all.
If uncertainty is keeping you from making a move, it’s time to get the real answers. The ones you deserve. And to take the pressure off, you don’t have to ask the questions, because here’s the data that answers them.
1. Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now?
If you own a home already, you may be tempted to wait because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be a lot more feasible than you think, and that’s because of how much your house has likely grown in value.
Think about it. Do you know anyone in your neighborhood who’s sold their house recently? If so, did you hear what it sold for? With how much home values have gone up in recent years, the number may surprise you. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical homeowner has gained $147,000 in housing wealth in the last five years alone.
That’s significant – and when you sell, that can give you what you need to fund your next move.
2. Will I Be Able To Find a Home I Like?
If this is on your mind, it’s probably because you remember just how hard it was to find a home over the past few years. But in today’s market, it isn’t as challenging.
Data from Realtor.com shows how much inventory has increased – it’s up nearly 25% compared to this time last year (see graph below):
Even though inventory is still below more normal pre-pandemic levels, it’s improved a lot in the past year. And the best part is, experts say it’ll grow another 10 to 15% this year. That means you have more options for your move – and the best chance in years to find a home you love.
3. Are Buyers Still Buying?
And last, if you’re worried no one’s buying with rates and prices where they are right now, here’s some perspective that can help. While there weren’t as many home sales last year as there’d be in a normal market, roughly 4.24 million homes still sold (not including new construction), according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). And the expectation is that number will rise in 2025. But even if we only match how many homes sold last year, here’s what that looks like.
- 4.24 million homes ÷ 365 days in a year = 11,616 homes sell each day
- 11,616 homes ÷ 24 hours in a day = 484 homes sell per hour
- 484 homes ÷ 60 minutes = 8 homes sell every minute
Think about that. Just in the time it took you to read this, 8 homes sold. Let this reassure you – the market isn’t at a standstill. Every day, thousands of people buy, and they’re looking for homes like yours!
