Blog
Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
9
Think Like a Buyer
The mistake I see a lot of people making - especially in this market - is aggressively pricing their home to see if buyers will bite.
If it doesn't happen, they reduce the price.
This might feel like a harmless strategy.
But the reality is that 75% of the initial attention your listing gets is in the first 72 hours.
If you overprice your home, a potential buyer who likely would've been interested, will skip your home and move onto better options.
That's why the advice I give my clients is to think like a buyer.
Pricing is hard to get right because the market is always moving.
But if you can see it through this lens, it can help avoid a downward spiral of inactivity, stress, and price reductions.
I'm currently updating several clients on their 2025 home values. If it'd be helpful to get...
9
Still Shopping? Great Spots in St. Louis for Last-Minute Holiday Gifts
If you still have some holiday gifts to check off your shopping list, you don't have to settle for generic presents that aren't ideal for your recipients. Fortunately, St. Louis gift shops have you covered with their distinctive, high-quality presents that people on your list will love to receive.
Holiday Shop Local Around St. Louis
Down the Rabbit Hole Boutique
Address: 6438 Fyler Ave., St. Louis, MO 63139
If you're looking for unique gifts, Down the Rabbit Hole Boutique is definitely worth a stop. The interesting shop bills itself as "A Wonderland of Handcrafted, Vintage, and Repurposed Goods."
2
A Unique Advantage for Sellers
A lot of sellers hit this point in the year and feel the tug to take their home off the market.
The holidays don't exactly pair well with constant tidying and disappearing for every showing.
But here's the advantage sellers have during the holiday slowdown…
A lot of people will take their home off the market and relist.
Which means the homes that stay active get a disproportionate share of buyer attention.
And buyers are out there. In fact, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is near the lowest level in a year, which is probably why mortgage applications just jumped 8% in a week.
Thought I'd share this because I see this a lot. It's common for sellers to miss how much leverage they can have during a so-called "slow" season.
P.S. If you're tor...
25
Reasons to Be Optimistic About the Market
A lot of homeowners are watching the market right now and thinking the same thing -
"Maybe we should wait to list."
I was just analyzing the recent market data and this stood out to me:
- Buyers aren't waiting for spring. Weekly home sales are 15% higher than last year, the strongest November since 2021. (HousingWire)
- Affordability is improving. ICE Mortgage Monitor shows the monthly payment on a typical home dropped to ~30% of a typical income. Affordability is still a challenge, but it's at the best level we've seen in over two years.
- Well-priced, move-in-ready homes are drawing serious buyers. These are the ones selling fastest.
Even if you don't *have* to sell (but want to), there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic. :)
P.S. If it's been more than 6...
25
Balancing Seasonal Decor and Staging to Sell
Ready to list your home among St. Louis homes for sale? With the holidays fast approaching, you'll want to keep decorations tasteful and appealing. You want your space to feel warm and inviting, but you also need to ensure festive touches don't distract from your home's best features or overwhelm potential buyers. Striking the right balance between seasonal style and staging can help your home stand out and avoid lingering on the market.
The Foundation: Staging Comes First
Your home needs a solid staging foundation before you think about adding seasonal elements. Strategic staging creates a neutral canvas for potential buyers to picture themselves in the space, no matter the time of year. This involves removing personal items, arranging furniture to improve flow, and giving each room a clear purpose. After you set this base, you can add seasonal touches that boost, not distract from, your home's natural appeal.