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Home Selling • Home Tips •
June 24, 2025
Finding the Perfect Next Home—Tips for Rightsizing With Purpose
Once your current home is sold, the exciting part begins finding your next home. Whether you’re looking for a condo, a smaller single-family home, or even a retirement community, your next home should fit your new lifestyle—not just your budget.
Consider what matters most to you now:
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One-level living for ease of mobility
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Proximity to family or health services
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Access to community amenities or public transit
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Low-maintenance living (think HOA-covered lawn care or no stairs)
Think about the future too. Will this home still serve your needs in five or ten years? Is it a place where you can truly settle in?
Work with a realtor who understands your goals and has experience helping clients navigate this unique stage of life. Rightsizing isn’t just a move—it’s a fresh start.
Need help planning your next move? I specialize in helping homeowners make confident, informed decisions as they downsize or right size. Let’s talk about your goals and create a strategy that fits your lifestyle. Reach out today to schedule a consultation!
Uncategorized •
June 17, 2025
Preparing Your Home for Sale When You’re Downsizing
Getting your home market-ready is one of the most important steps in the downsizing journey. Even if you’ve lived there for decades, it’s essential to look at your home through a buyer’s eyes.
Start with decluttering. Downsizing often means letting go of items that won’t fit in your new home. Sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, and toss. Enlist family members or a professional organizer to make the process smoother.
Next, tackle home improvements that offer a high return on investment. A fresh coat of paint, updated lighting fixtures, and basic landscaping can significantly boost your home’s appeal.
Stage for space. Remove excess furniture to help rooms feel larger and more inviting. Highlight areas that will resonate with buyers: a cozy reading nook, a sunny breakfast corner, or a welcoming entryway.
Create a timeline. Working with a realtor can help you set realistic deadlines for repairs, listing photos, marketing, and open houses. Having a plan in place will ease the stress and help you focus on your future move.
Uncategorized •
June 10, 2025
The Financial Benefits of Downsizing—More Than Just a Smaller Mortgage
Downsizing isn’t just about reducing square footage; it’s often a smart financial move. If you’ve built up equity in your current home, selling and moving to a smaller or more efficient property can free up cash for retirement, travel, or other life goals.
Here are some financial perks to consider:
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Lower Monthly Expenses: Smaller homes typically come with reduced utility bills, property taxes, and insurance premiums.
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Reduced Maintenance Costs: Less space means fewer repairs and lower upkeep expenses.
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Increased Equity: Selling a larger home in today’s market could yield a sizable profit, especially if your home is paid off or close to it.
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Freedom to Reinvest: You might use your equity to purchase your next home outright, invest in other assets, or simply boost your savings.
There are also tax considerations. If you’ve lived in your home for at least two of the last five years, you may qualify for a capital gains tax exclusion when selling. Always consult a financial advisor or tax professional to understand the full picture.
Home Selling • Home Tips •
June 7, 2025
Understanding Downsizing vs. Rightsizing—Which One Is Right for You?
As a homeowner, the time may come when you start to question whether your current home still fits your lifestyle. That’s when you might find yourself exploring the concepts of downsizing and rightsizing. While often used interchangeably, they aren’t quite the same.
Downsizing is typically associated with moving to a smaller home. Many homeowners choose to downsize after their children have grown, when maintaining a large property becomes burdensome, or to cut down on housing costs.
Rightsizing, on the other hand, is more about aligning your home with your current and future needs. It could mean moving to a smaller home, but it might also mean moving to a home that’s the same size but in a more convenient location or one with a layout better suited to your lifestyle—think single-level living, less yard work, or access to walkable amenities.
Ask yourself:
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Do I use all the space in my current home?
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Is maintaining this home becoming physically or financially difficult?
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What lifestyle changes do I envision in the next 5-10 years?
Making this decision can feel overwhelming, but with clarity and the right real estate guidance, it can lead to a more fulfilling next chapter.
Uncategorized •
May 27, 2025
Marketing That Sells – How I Get Your Home Seen and Sold
In today’s digital-first world, it takes more than a sign in the yard to get your home sold. Strategic marketing can mean the difference between a quick sale and months of frustration. Here’s how I market homes to get them sold fast:
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Professional Photography and Video High-quality visuals help your listing stand out online and draw in potential buyers before they even step inside.
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Staging and Styling I help you highlight your home’s best features and create an emotional connection for buyers.
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Online Exposure Your home will be featured on the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, and a wide network of real estate sites.
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Social Media & Email Campaigns I create buzz with targeted social media ads, listing posts, and email blasts to my network of buyers and agents.
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Open Houses & Agent Previews I host events to get qualified buyers through the door and showcase your home’s full potential.
Want to see how I’ll market your home? Let’s talk — I’d be happy to share a sample marketing plan customized for your property.
Uncategorized •
May 25, 2025
Pricing Your Home Right – The Strategy Behind the Numbers
Pricing Your Home Right — The Strategy Behind the Numbers
Pricing your home is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make as a seller. The right price will attract buyers, shorten time on the market, and maximize your profit. Here’s what to consider:
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Start with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) Look at recent sales of similar homes in your area. This data helps establish a competitive and realistic price.
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Avoid Overpricing While it’s tempting to shoot high, overpricing can turn off serious buyers and lead to extended time on the market, ultimately requiring a price drop.
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Understand Buyer Psychology Buyers often search in price brackets (e.g., $300K–$325K). Pricing just under a round number (e.g., $299,900) can attract more eyes.
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Be Open to Adjusting The market will speak. If showings are slow or offers aren’t coming in, your price may need to be revisited.
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Work with a Pro Your real estate agent brings local knowledge, pricing tools, and negotiation experience to help you hit the sweet spot.
Want to know what your home is worth? Contact me for a free home valuation — no strings attached!
Uncategorized •
May 24, 2025
Prepping Your Home for Sale – The Ultimate Seller’s Checklist
First impressions matter — and when it comes to selling your home, presentation is everything. Before listing your home, it’s crucial to ensure it’s clean, inviting, and free of distractions. Here’s your ultimate pre-listing prep guide:
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Declutter Every Room Less is more. Clear countertops, pack away personal items, and reduce furniture to make rooms feel larger.
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Deep Clean A spotless home speaks volumes. Consider hiring a professional cleaner to get into every corner — from baseboards to ceiling fans.
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Make Minor Repairs Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, and burnt-out bulbs. Small issues can make buyers wonder what else is wrong.
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Boost Curb Appeal The outside of your home sets the tone. Trim bushes, mow the lawn, add fresh mulch, and consider a pop of color with flowers or a new welcome mat.
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Stage for Success Highlight your home’s best features with smart furniture placement, neutral decor, and plenty of natural light.
Bonus: Download my “Home Seller’s Pre-Listing Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure your home is ready before it hits the market: https://bit.ly/m/Kim-Ingram-Real-Estate
Home Selling •
May 19, 2025
Is It Time to Sell? 5 Signs You’re Ready to List Your Home
Selling your home is a big decision, and timing can make a huge difference in both your financial and emotional outcome. If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to sell, here are five key signs that it might be:
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You’ve Outgrown the Space (or Have Too Much of It) Life changes — like a growing family, an empty nest, or lifestyle shifts — often mean your home no longer fits your needs. If your current home is too small or too big, it could be time to move.
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You Have Significant Equity Over the years, your home’s value may have increased, giving you equity that could be used as a down payment for your next property. If you’ve built strong equity, selling now could give you the financial boost you need.
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The Market is in Your Favor A seller’s market — where there are more buyers than homes for sale — typically results in faster sales and higher offers. Keep an eye on inventory levels and recent sales in your area.
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You’re Ready for a Change Sometimes, the desire for a new location, a different community, or a change in lifestyle is enough reason to make a move. If you feel stuck or uninspired in your current home, listen to that gut feeling.
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You’re Financially and Emotionally Prepared Selling a home can be stressful. Make sure you’re prepared for the process, from showings to negotiations. If you’re ready to commit to the journey, it’s a good sign you’re ready to list.
Ready to take the next step? Download my free “Are You Ready to Sell?” self-assessment checklist to see where you stand. https://bit.ly/m/Kim-Ingram-Real-Estate
Green Homes •
February 25, 2025
The ROI of Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Why Buyers Love Green Homes
Green homes are more popular than ever, and energy-efficient upgrades can significantly boost your property’s value while saving you money. Here’s why buyers love eco-friendly homes and how you can maximize ROI with green improvements:
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Energy-Efficient Windows: Installing double- or triple-pane windows not only lowers energy bills but also has an ROI of up to 70%.
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Solar Panels: While the upfront cost can be high, solar panels can provide long-term energy savings and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers. They can add significant value to your home.
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Smart Thermostats: Affordable and easy to install, smart thermostats save energy and attract tech-savvy buyers.
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Improved Insulation: Upgrading your home’s insulation is a simple way to reduce energy costs and improve comfort, with an ROI of about 60%.
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Energy-Efficient Appliances: Replacing old appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated models is a buyer-friendly move that enhances the overall appeal of your home.
Pro Tip: Many green upgrades qualify for tax incentives or rebates, adding even more value.
Want to go green? Reach out to learn how energy-efficient upgrades can make your home stand out in today’s market.
Home Tips •
February 18, 2025
The Remodeling Mistakes Homeowners Should Avoid
Remodeling can be a great investment, but it’s easy to make mistakes that cost you time and money. Here are the top remodeling pitfalls to avoid:
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Over-Improving: Avoid going overboard with upgrades that don’t align with your neighborhood’s standards. A high-end kitchen in a mid-range home might not yield the ROI you expect.
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Ignoring Buyer Preferences: While your taste matters, focus on updates that appeal to the majority of buyers. Neutral colors and classic styles tend to have broader appeal.
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Skipping Permits: Always secure the necessary permits for major projects. Unpermitted work can delay sales and reduce your home’s value.
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DIY Overload: Some tasks, like plumbing or electrical work, should be left to professionals. Poorly done DIY projects can turn off buyers and lead to expensive fixes.
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Not Setting a Budget: Remodeling without a clear budget can quickly spiral out of control. Plan carefully and include a cushion for unexpected expenses.
Avoid the guesswork. Let’s collaborate on a remodeling plan that’s smart, efficient, and tailored to your goals.
