In a rapid-fire seller’s market, you need more than great finances and a quick-on-the-draw offer to land the home of your dreams. You need guts, grit, and every advantage to edge out the competition—even if your offer is thousands above asking. ⁣

Enter appraisal gap coverage.⁣
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⁣Appraisal gap coverage affords a middle ground between including an appraisal contingency in your offer (drag!) and waiving it completely (agh!). ⁣


It sounds like an insurance policy, but it's not. It's strategic language in your purchase contract that states you’re willing to pay the difference between the appraised value and the contract price, up to a certain amount.⁣
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If a seller is studying two equal offers and one has appraisal gap coverage but the other offer doesn’t, they’ll go with the one with the gap coverage.⁣
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Have hopes of buying this fall but feel a tad hesitant? Let's have a conversation—I'd love the chance to guide you through the buying process and make sure your offer is the one on top!

Upsize or Downsize: Which is Your Best Move?


Deciding if it is time for your family to upsize or downsize is not always a clear choice. There are factors to consider that might push you to take the leap or stay put for a while longer. Whether you are thinking about upsizing so your family can spread out or purging possessions so you can downsize, here are some questions to ponder.

1. How are you using your current space?

Do your family members feel like they don’t have adequate privacy or space to do their own thing?  Are you tired of working at the dining table and really need an office or workshop? Is having the kids share bedrooms just not working out? Maybe an upsize is warranted. On the other hand, do you have rooms that aren’t being used, or are you tired of paying property taxes on more house than you need? Check for the downsize column!

2. Have you considered the maintenance costs?

If upsizing is on your mind, consider the added costs for maintaining a larger home and property, whether in money or time. Will you be able to keep up with cleaning, lawn care, and general maintenance issues that come with owning a home? If you are ready to cross maintenance off your to-do list, perhaps you are ready to downsize to a more manageable property or one where the HOA handles part of the job.

3. What are your outdoor space needs?

Are you ready to give up having a yard or garden to downsize to a maintenance-free space? Do you have pets that need outdoor space? Do you need more outdoor space for your children to play or your dog to run around in? The size of the house is one thing, but the property is important also.

4. Have you looked to the future?

What do you expect your needs to be in the next five, ten, or twenty years? Do you want a large home where your children and grandchildren will come for vacations and holidays, or will you be spending those times at their homes? Will you want to entertain groups of friends, or do you foresee going out for your entertainment? What will happen if your spouse passes; will you want to stay in the home on your own?

5. Do the financial implications add up in your favor?

Can you handle the higher costs involved with a larger home, or are you ready to cut costs with a downsize? Consider where you stand on your current mortgage. Are you alright with starting a new mortgage at this point in your life, or are you in a position to purchase in cash? What are the tax implications for your move?  

6. Is it the right market to upsize or downsize?

A seller’s market is hot for those looking to sell a larger home and downsize. Upsizing may be riskier in a big seller’s market, but if your family would be happier in a larger home, it might be worth the leap.

Whatever questions you have about purchasing your next home, I’d be honored to assist you. So let’s work together to make sure your next move is the right one.

The other day a friend asked if there's really a method to the madness for getting top dollar when selling. 


Good news! There is. If you scooch in a little closer, I’ll pass along a few of my best-kept secrets (usually reserved exclusively for clients!).
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• Price it right. Setting the right price for your home is the single most important decision you'll make when you decide to sell. Don’t worry—I can help get it right from day 1!
• Keep your cards close. So far as you can help it, don’t spill to buyers why you’re selling. If they sense you need to sell quickly, it could affect their offer.
• Storage speaks. Buyers LOVE LOVE LOVE storage. Do whatever it takes to put your home’s closets and storage nooks on full display—even if it means clearing ‘em out.
• Enhance the entry. You use it as a place to unload your wallet, keys, mail, or loose change....when you’re selling, swap out the gadgets for a vase of fresh-cut flowers or a thriving houseplant.
• Clean is everything. Clean, clean, and then clean some more! Remember, you'll be up against a few BRAND NEW homes at your price point. Don’t miss top dollar for lack of a little elbow grease.
• Depersonalize and declutter. Get rid of a third of your stuff—even rent a storage unit if necessary. A good visual to keep in mind? Picture transforming your home into a rental property.

There's lots more I could share but that's it for today. If you'd like to chat more about how you can get top dollar for your home, I'd love to connect. Call me today!