Wednesday, June 11, 2025 / by Lme Realty Group
Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that.
What Is Home Staging?
It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it's easy for buyers to picture themselves living there.
It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything from simple tweaks to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget. But a little bit of time, effort, and money invested in this process can really make a difference when you sell – especially in today’s market.
A study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows staged homes sell faster and for more money than homes that aren't staged at all (see below):
Which Rooms Matter Most?
The best part is, odds are y ...
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for sellers, selling tips, agent value, open houses, staging
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 / by Lme Realty Group
If you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are you'll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life.
The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process.
Terms Every Homebuyer Should Know
Once you’re familiar with this terminology, you’ll have a better understanding of important details – from contracts to negotiations. So, when those big conversations happen, you’ll feel informed, in control, and able to make the best decision for your unique situation. As Redfin puts it:
“Having a basic understanding of important real estate concepts before you start the homebuying process will give you peace of mind now and could save you a fortune in the future.”
Here’s a bre. ...
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for buyers, first time home buyers, buying tips, agent value
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 / by Lme Realty Group
Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive.
What Are Concessions and Incentives?
When a seller or builder gives you something extra to help with your purchase, that’s called either a concession or an incentive.
A concession is something a seller gives up or agrees to in order to reach a compromise and close a deal.
An incentive, on the other hand, is a benefit a builder or seller advertises and offers up front to attract and encourage buyers.
Today, some of the most common ones are:
Help with closing costs
Mortgage rate buy-downs (to temporarily lower your rate)
Discounts or price reductions
Upgrades or appliances
Home warranties
Minor repairs
For buyers, getting any of these things thrown in can be a big deal – especially if you’re working . ...
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for buyers, buying tips
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 / by Lme Realty Group
If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?”
But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizing it. Most people don’t move because of their mortgage rate. They move because they want or need to. So, let’s flip the script and ask this instead:
What are the chances you’ll still be in your current house 5 years from now?
Think about your life for a moment. Picture what the next few years will hold. Are you planning on growing your family? Do you have adult children about to move out? Is retirement on the horizon? Are you already bursting at the seams?
If nothing’s going to change, and you love where you are, staying put might make perfect sense. But if there’s even a slight chance a move is coming, even if it’s not. ...
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for sellers, mortgage rates, selling tips
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 / by Lme Realty Group
Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:
". . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell."
That’s why, before you pick up a power tool or call a contractor, your first step should be talking to a local agent.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
If you plan to move relatively soon, you’ll want to get a jump start on your to-do list. And even if moving isn’t on your radar yet, life can change quickly – and a new job, a growing family, or shifting priorities can fast-track your plans. You don’t want to be scrambling to fix up your hom. ...
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for sellers, selling tips, home equity
