One of the most common concerns I hear from my clients is “Sara, I really want to sell my house. We’re ready to move but there’s nowhere for me to go.” I get it. I really truly do. Nobody wants to be homeless and moving is stressful enough that adding in the unknown of having nowhere to […]

The only way to avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance) is to have at least 20% for a down payment. For a long time buyers thought they needed this to move forward on a home. But in reality, when interest rates are as low as they are, sometimes it makes more sense to put less money […]

More and more sellers with their homes on the market are using surveillance cameras when it is being shown by agents to potential buyers.  Home surveillance cameras are allowing owners to monitor the activity inside and outside their home. While some agents have reported seeing them around homes, to date, multiple listing systems don’t require […]

I am not one to make resolutions but I did make one for 2019 – and that is to declutter my life.  I know I am not alone in this new craze of tidying up – thanks to the new Netflix series, Tidying Up, by Japanese cleaning guru Marie Kondo.  And thanks to everyone jumping […]

Friday Find – Iowa Food Cooperative You will always hear me promoting buying local and supporting local business.  This month’s Friday Find is the Iowa Food Cooperative and it is the perfect way to help support Iowa’s local food economy.   The Iowa Food Coop is a community of producers (farmers, growers, etc.) and consumers (those […]

Yes, the spring house hunting season may have more inventory, but don’t discount winter as a perfect season to find your next home!  Here are a few of the perks of pursuing your new home as the temperatures drop. Motivated to Move When home sellers list their place in the winter, it usually means their […]

Just because its cold and snowy outside doesn’t mean you can’t up your game and make your home an eye-catcher on the street.  Also, a great idea if you are listing your home this winter – it is sure to warm buyers’ hearts when they visit your home. Here are a few tips to help […]

Every seller wants to get the best deal for their house. So why not just price your house to the moon? After all, you can just bring it down if you need to, right? There can be a few problems with that. If you price high and then slowly start bringing it down…and down…and down…buyers […]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Des Moines has some of the most AMAZING parks!  And one of my favorites is on its way to becoming even better. Think Hyde Park in London or Central Park in New York…ok, maybe not quite as big, but equally as awesome!! Water Works Park is […]

Selling your house should not be a frustrating process.  But sometimes – it can take longer than expected to get an offer.  Part of my job as your Realtor® is to collect feedback from agents of potential buyers as to why your home wasn’t the right fit for them. This feedback helps me and the sellers […]