Recent Articles

August 15, 2019

5 Step Strategy for Downsizing Your Home

by Melissa Stevenson

In our “bigger is better” culture, there’s an expectation that each home should be larger and grander than the last. But life changes like divorce, kids leaving for college, or even the simple act of growing older can prompt us to find a smaller home that better suits our shifting needs and lifestyle. In fact,…

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July 11, 2019

Will Your Remodel Pay Off?

by Melissa Stevenson

Will Your Remodel Pay Off? The Best (and Worst) Ways to Spend Your Budget Most new homeowners have something about their property that they want to change. And as family needs and design trends shift over time, many will eventually choose to remodel. Some homeowners make updates to their property before listing it to maximize…

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June 5, 2019

5 Steps to Make Your Home the Best on the Block

by Melissa Stevenson

Serious About Selling? 5 Steps to Make Your Home the Best on the Block We all want to be good neighbors. But when it comes to selling your home, it’s not just about “keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s about outshining them at every opportunity! If you’re looking to sell your home fast and for…

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May 11, 2019

Top 6 Home Organization Upgrades

by Melissa Stevenson

  Thanks to Marie Kondo and her hit Netflix series “Tidying Up,” home organization is a hot topic right now. Marie encourages her viewers to minimize their possessions and keep only those items that “spark joy.” With spring in full bloom, now is the perfect time to do some spring cleaning and add organizational systems…

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April 14, 2019

Top 10 Myths That Trip Up First-Time Home Buyers

by Melissa Stevenson

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably received your share of advice from family and friends. Add to that the constant stream of TV shows, news segments, and social media posts that over-simplify the home buying process for easy entertainment. With so much information to sift through, it can be tough to distinguish…

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March 8, 2019

True Market Value

by Melissa Stevenson

What’s Your Home Actually Worth? Discover What Buyers Will Pay in Today’s Market It’s easy to look up how much money you have in your savings account or the real-time value of your stock investments. But determining the dollar value of a home is trickier. As a seller, knowing your home’s worth helps you price…

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February 16, 2019

Top 8 Home Design and Remodeling Trends for 2019

by Melissa Stevenson

If you’re a current homeowner, or in the market to buy, you’re probably curious about the latest trends in home design. Sellers who make strategic updates before listing a property can generate increased interest from buyers and, in some cases, a premium selling price. And buyers should consider which features of a home will need…

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January 4, 2019

Real Estate 2019

by Melissa Stevenson

What’s Ahead for Real Estate in 2019? As we begin another year, everyone wants to know: “Where is the housing market headed in 2019?” It’s not only buyers, sellers, and homeowners who are impacted. The real estate market plays an integral role in the overall U.S. economy. Fortunately, key indicators point toward a stable housing…

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November 18, 2018

Great Time to Sell or Buy in the Winter

by Melissa Stevenson

‘Tis the Season: 5 Reasons Why Winter is a Great Time to Buy or Sell a Home It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t try to buy or sell a home during the fall and winter months. This is generally considered the “offseason” in real estate. Many sellers mistakenly believe that the cold weather will…

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September 18, 2018

Are You Covered? Homeowners Insurance Guide

by Melissa Stevenson

No one likes to think about disasters. Severe weather, fire, theft—or even a seemingly small issue like a broken pipe—can wreak havoc on your home and result in thousands of dollars in damages. Fortunately, a good homeowners insurance policy can offer you peace of mind that you and your family will be financially protected if…

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Melissa was fabulous. She listened to what I wanted and delivered just that! Above all this was my first time purchasing a home and I virtually knew nothing. Melissa was so knowledgeable about the entire process. I learned so much working with her and it was a pleasure to get to know her.

Marnie Koeppel Bartonville, IL January 28, 2020

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How to Quickly Prepare For a Listing Photo Shoot   By Lindsay Goebel Last Updated March 15, 2024 2 min read Professional photography is the #1 factor that will determine how much money your property will sell for. While the quality of the photography is important, it’s just as important to make sure your house is clean and organized to…

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