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Confidence is just as valuable as competence in real estate negotiations. Leadership requires confidence, but true power to effect change is the balance between confidence and humility.
Our experienced team has blended best practices in marketing, finance, and negotiations to collectively close more than $1B in transactions. Simply put, we are committed to our clients’ success. As a ‘one-stop-shop’, we were a pioneer in representing and educating clients about the entire real estate and home loan process. Our services include residential buyer and seller representation, commercial real estate, and lending expertise all under one roof.
Interested in joining our brokerage?
BROKER & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Lyndsey Johnson, MiCP
Moving Before Christmas?
Moving into a new home can be stressful, and doing so just before the holiday season adds another layer of complexity. However, with a bit of planning and creativity, you can settle in quickly and still enjoy the magic of Christmas in your new space. Here are some practical tips to help you unpack, organize, and bring holiday cheer to your new home. 1. Prioritize Essentials for Easy Unpacking Before moving, pack a "holiday essentials" box with must-haves like: Christmas decorations (think: stockings, ornaments, and lights). Baking supplies or family recipes for holiday treats. Seasonal clothing and cozy blankets. Label this box clearly and keep it accessible during the move. Once you’re in your new home, unpack the essentials first to start feeling at home. 2. Create a Cozy Space First Focus on setting up the main living areas: Arrange the living room so you can gather comfortably as a family. If you celebrate Christmas with a tree, set it up right away to create a festive atmosphere. Add string lights or candles for instant warmth and cheer. The sooner your home feels cozy, the easier it will be to unwind after a long day of unpacking. 3. Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive Moving can be chaotic, but don’t let it overshadow your Christmas traditions. Some ways to celebrate include: Hosting a small, casual holiday dinner with close family or friends. Watching classic Christmas movies together in your newly arranged space. Playing holiday music while unpacking to make the process more enjoyable. 4. Make Use of Your New Neighborhood Moving is a great excuse to explore local holiday events. Check out: Christmas markets for unique decorations and gifts. Neighborhood light displays or parades. Community events like tree lighting ceremonies or caroling groups. This is also a great way to meet your new neighbors! 5. Don’t Aim for Perfection Remember, the holidays are about connection and joy—not picture-perfect decorations or events. A few festive touches, like hanging a wreath on the door or placing garlands on the mantel, can make your new home feel festive without overwhelming you. 6. Plan for a Fresh Start in the New Year The holidays are a whirlwind, so make a to-do list for January to tackle tasks like fully organizing your new home or decorating further. That way, you can relax knowing you’ll have time to settle in after the season. Moving before Christmas doesn’t mean giving up the holiday spirit. By focusing on what matters most—family, traditions, and a little festive magic—you can create a memorable Christmas in your new home. So, embrace the change and let your new home be the backdrop to a holiday season you’ll always remember.
Holiday Staging Magic: Deck Your Home to Sell!
The holiday season is a magical time, but it can also be a prime season for selling your home. Buyers searching during this time of year are often motivated, and your home’s festive atmosphere can create a warm and inviting first impression. However, striking the right balance between holiday cheer and showcasing your home’s best features is key. Here are some tips to stage your home for holiday showings effectively. 1. Keep Decorations Minimal but Festive Holiday décor can enhance your home’s appeal, but too much can overwhelm or distract buyers. Stick to a neutral, cohesive theme—think elegant whites, soft golds, and silvers. Avoid large inflatables or overly personal items like handmade ornaments that may make it harder for buyers to envision themselves in the space. 2. Highlight Key Features with Lighting Twinkling lights are a hallmark of the season, and they can also be a great tool for drawing attention to your home’s best features. Wrap string lights around a beautiful banister, highlight a fireplace mantle, or outline your home’s exterior to boost curb appeal. Choose warm, white lights for a sophisticated look like these string lights. 3. Showcase a Cozy Atmosphere Create a welcoming, homey vibe with simple additions like a plush throw blanket, warm-toned candles, or a tasteful centerpiece. If you have a fireplace, light it during showings (or use battery-powered candles for a no-mess alternative). Add a touch of seasonal greenery with a simple wreath or garland to enhance the cozy charm. 4. Keep the Tree Tasteful and Proportionate If you put up a Christmas tree, make sure it complements rather than competes with your space. A tree that’s too large can make a room feel cramped, while a tastefully decorated tree can enhance your home’s warmth and holiday spirit. Stick to a neutral color scheme and avoid overcrowding the branches with ornaments. 5. Maintain Cleanliness Amid the Festivities Holiday showings can be tricky with busy schedules, but keeping your home clean is non-negotiable. Sweep away pine needles, tidy up after baking sessions, and ensure clutter (holiday or otherwise) is minimized. This will help buyers focus on the home, not the mess. 6. Enhance Curb Appeal with Subtle Outdoor Decor First impressions matter, especially in winter when the landscape can look dull. Add a touch of charm with a simple wreath on the door, potted evergreens, or a garland wrapped around your porch railings. Avoid over-the-top displays that may distract buyers. 7. Appeal to the Senses Create a sensory experience by playing soft holiday music during showings or filling the air with the scent of cinnamon or fresh pine. Avoid overpowering fragrances and stick to subtle, natural aromas that create a welcoming environment. 8. Don’t Forget Your Target Audience Consider your potential buyers when decorating. For instance, if your area attracts families, subtle holiday stockings or a cozy kids’ nook might appeal. For luxury homes, lean into elegant, high-end décor to reflect the property’s character. 9. Photograph Thoughtfully If your home will be marketed online during the holidays, ensure any decorations enhance rather than overshadow your home’s features in listing photos. Seasonal touches can help your home stand out, but too much can make photos look cluttered or dated once the season passes. 10. Know When to Remove the Décor While holiday staging can add charm, leaving decorations up too long after the holidays can make your home feel out of sync. Be prepared to remove décor promptly once the season ends to keep your listing fresh and relevant. By striking the right balance of festive flair and timeless elegance, you can create an inviting atmosphere that resonates with buyers. A well-staged home can make buyers picture themselves celebrating the holidays in your space, making it all the more memorable—and marketable. Happy selling, and happy holidays!
Building vs. Buying
Choosing between building a custom home and buying an existing one is a big decision that many families face. Both options come with their own set of advantages and challenges, and understanding these can help you make the best choice for your family's lifestyle, budget, and timeline. In this article, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of each approach, along with key factors to consider to help you determine which option may be best suited to your family's needs. 1. Understanding the Pros and Cons of Building a Home Building a home from scratch can be an exciting adventure, giving you control over every detail, from the layout to the finishing touches. However, it also requires time, flexibility, and, often, a larger budget. Here are some points to weigh: Pros of Building a Home Customization: Building allows you to create a home that matches your family’s exact preferences, from the floor plan to the appliances. Modern Amenities: New homes are typically equipped with the latest in technology and energy efficiency, which can save money and reduce your carbon footprint over time. New Home Warranty: Many builders offer warranties on new construction, which can cover major repairs or replacements in the first few years, providing added peace of mind. Long-Term Satisfaction: Creating a custom space can lead to greater long-term satisfaction since the home is tailored to fit your family’s unique lifestyle. Cons of Building a Home Longer Timeline: Building can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on the project scope, permitting processes, and other delays. This can be a challenge if you need to move soon. Higher Costs: Customizing a home often involves higher upfront costs compared to buying an existing home. Financing a new construction loan may also be more complex. Decision Fatigue: With so many choices, from paint colors to cabinetry, decision-making can feel overwhelming. If you're not ready for frequent choices, the process could be stressful. 2. The Benefits and Drawbacks of Buying an Existing Home Buying a home can offer immediate benefits like a quicker move-in timeline and potentially lower costs, but it may also mean compromising on some of your “dream home” features. Here’s what to consider: Pros of Buying an Existing Home Quicker Move-In: Unlike building, which can take months, buying an existing home often allows for a much faster move-in timeline—especially helpful if your family needs to relocate quickly. Lower Upfront Costs: In most cases, buying an existing home may be less expensive than building from scratch, depending on the local market and the type of property. Established Neighborhoods: Existing homes are often in established neighborhoods with mature landscapes, schools, and amenities, offering a sense of community and stability. Less Stress: With fewer decisions and a simpler financing process, buying an existing home can be less stressful than managing a build. Cons of Buying an Existing Home Compromise on Features: You may need to compromise on some design features or adapt the layout of an existing home to fit your needs. Potential for Repairs: An older home may need more repairs or renovations, which can add costs over time and may disrupt your living experience. Lower Energy Efficiency: Older homes may lack the energy-efficient systems found in new builds, leading to higher utility bills and a larger environmental impact. 3. Key Factors to Consider When Deciding Between Building and Buying Each family’s needs are unique, so weigh these essential factors to help determine which option is best for you: Budget Consider both the initial costs and the long-term financial impact. While building might require a larger upfront investment, you may save on future upgrades and maintenance. On the other hand, buying an existing home can be more budget-friendly upfront, but it may require investments in renovations and repairs later on. Timeline If you need to move soon, buying an existing home may be the more practical option. But if time is on your side and you have the patience for the process, building could be worth the wait for a completely customized home. Future Flexibility Think about how your family might change over the years. If you’re planning for long-term living, a custom-built home can give you the space and flexibility to adapt over time. However, if you’re open to moving again in a few years, buying an existing home might provide more flexibility without the same level of investment. Lifestyle Needs Consider your family’s lifestyle and priorities. If you envision a home with unique design elements or tailored spaces, building allows you to achieve that dream. Conversely, if you value being in a specific neighborhood with amenities close by, buying may offer those community perks right away. 4. The Hybrid Option: Buying and Renovating If you like the idea of customizing but don’t want the long wait, consider buying an existing home and renovating it to better fit your needs. This option can offer a middle ground between building and buying, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both—an established location with personalized touches. Final Thoughts Both building and buying are excellent options, but the best choice depends on your family’s priorities, budget, and timeline. Take the time to explore your local real estate market, speak with builders, and consider meeting with a real estate professional to discuss your options. Making an informed decision will ensure that, whether you choose to build or buy, you’ll be moving into a home that truly meets your family’s needs and aspirations. Happy house hunting—or building!