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Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others

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As you think ahead to your own move, you may have noticed some houses sell within days, while others linger. But why is that? As Redfin says:

“. . . today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange mix: Some homes are flying off the market, while others sit for weeks.”

That may leave you wondering what you should expect when you sell. Let’s break it down and give you some actionable tips on how to make sure your house is one that sells quickly.

Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Pre-Pandemic

The first thing you should know is that, in most markets, things have slowed down a little bit. While you may remember how quickly homes sold a few years ago, that’s not what you should expect today.

Now that inventory has grown, according to Realtor.com, homes are taking a bit longer to sell in today’s market.

But before you get hung up on the ten-day difference compared to the past few years, Realtor.com will help put this into perspective:

“In April, the typical home spent 50 days on the market . . . This marks the 13th straight month of homes taking longer to sell on a year-over-year basis. Still, homes are moving more quickly than they did before the pandemic . . .”

By this comparison, if your house does take a little more time to sell this year, it’s not really a concern. It’s actually still faster than the norm. Plus, it gives you a bit more time to find your next home, which is welcome relief when you’re trying to move, too.

Just remember, some homes sell in less time than this. Some take even longer. So, what’s the real difference? Why do some homes attract eager buyers almost instantly, while others sit and struggle?

It comes down to having the right agent and strategy. Here are a few tips you need to know. 

1. Price It Right

One of the biggest reasons homes sit on the market is overpricing. Many sellers want to shoot for a higher price, thinking they can lower it later – but that backfires by turning buyers away.

What to do: Work with an agent to make sure your house is priced right. They’ll analyze recent comparable sales (what other homes have sold for recently in your area), so you know you’re pricing appropriately for today’s market and what buyers are willing to pay. As Chen Zhao, Economic Research Lead at Redfin, explains:

“My advice to sellers is to price your home fairly for the shifting market; you may need to price lower than your initial instinct to sell quickly and avoid giving concessions.”

2. Focus on the First Impression

A messy yard or a house that needs paint? It’ll turn buyers off. Since buyers decide within seconds whether they like a home, a good first impression is key.

What to do: Outside, clean up your front yard, tidy up your landscaping, power wash walkways, and add fresh mulch. Inside, declutter and depersonalize. And consider minor touch-ups like repainting in a neutral tone. Your agent will offer advice on what to tackle.

3. Strong Marketing & High-Quality Listing Photos

If your listing or your photos don’t look professional, you could have trouble drawing in buyers who think you’re trying to cut corners.

What to do: Instead, lean on your agent’s skills, expertise, and resources. They’ll help you make sure you have:

  • High-resolution listing photos showing the home in its best light.

  • Detailed descriptions that highlight differentiating features of your house.

  • Your listing on multiple platforms, including major real estate sites and social media.

4. The Location of the Home

You may have heard the phrase “location, location, location” when it comes to real estate. And there’s definitely some truth to that. Homes in highly sought-after neighborhoods tend to sell faster.

What to do: While you can’t change where your house is located, your agent can highlight the best features of your neighborhood or community in your listing. By showcasing what’s great about your area, they can help draw buyers into what life would look like in your house.

Bottom Line

Homes that sell quickly don’t necessarily have better features – they have better agents and a better strategy.

Are you thinking about selling? Connect with an agent to talk about how to get your home sold quickly and for top dollar.

SOURCE: Keeping Current Matters

How 3 Designers Would Perk Up Your Patio Decor for Around $300

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SOURCE: Realtor

If you don’t want to look back on this summer with serious FOMO, it’s time to give your outdoor space a little love. Below, three designers share their favorite patio decor ideas for around $300.

If you have outdoor patio furniture, but need a vibe: Accessorize! 

Chicago-based interior designer and stylist Kyle Schuneman recommends small and playful additions to make your patio feel fresh without a total overhaul. Start by grounding the space with an outdoor rug. “This will immediately dress up your space and is a much cheaper option than trying to fix up a patio floor or deck,” he says. “Keep it neutral with a simple pattern so it can work with what you already have.”  

Next, add an outdoor pouf or two. Not only are they great for putting your feet up and for extra seating, Schuneman says, “they also add pattern and color to make things pop.”

For a final touch, reimagine your mismatched pots. “Spray paint them a few different shades of the same color for a rich, layered effect.” Schuneman suggests creams, taupes, or grays.

If you want to keep the fun going after sunset: Install overhead lighting.

There was one thing on every designer’s list for a charming patio: lighting. “Lighting is as important outside as it is inside and makes things cozy at night,” says Schuneman. There are plenty of options to choose from, but Philadelphia-based designer Michelle Gage likes installing overhead lighting to add sparkle to your outdoor space. “They let the party continue after dark,” she says. 

Depending on your current setup, you may already have everything in place to string the lights—wood posts to screw in a few hooks or a tree to use as a solid wrapping point. If not, you’ll have to purchase a set of poles specific to the ground your patio is sporting. Either way, you’ll want to invest in a couple of mounting kits and some weatherproof lights.

SOURCE: Realtor

April Market Watch with Chris Doucet

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April 16th Weekly King County Market Watch NW marketingcenter--

Home Energy Audit: An Essential Guide To Improving Your Home’s Efficiency

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Source: Realty Times

You want a comfortable, energy-efficient home—but where do you start? A home energy audit is your first step. It uncovers hidden energy drains, saves you money, and reduces your carbon footprint. Best of all? You can do a lot of it yourself.

This guide walks you through why energy audits matter, how to perform one, and the upgrades that deliver the biggest bang for your buck. Read on to learn more.

Why a Home Energy Audit is Worth Your Time

Think of your home as a system. If one part leaks energy, the rest works harder to compensate. That means higher bills and unnecessary wear on appliances.

Luckily, a professional home energy audit carried out by certified experts and/or companies (or even a do-it-yourself (DIY) check) pinpoints the following issues:

•  Air leaks that let heat or air conditioning (AC) to escape;

•  Poor insulation which drives up total household energy use;

•  Old appliances guzzling extra power;

•  Inefficient lighting - adding to already sky-high costs; and so much more.

Did you know that fixing the abovementioned issues can slash your energy bills by up to a third—sometimes even more more. Plus, many upgrades pay for themselves in just a few years.

How to Conduct a DIY Home Energy Audit

You don’t always need a pro. A thorough DIY audit takes a few hours and requires minimal tools to perform. Here’s how to do it right.

Step 1: Locate Air Leaks

Air leaks are silent energy thieves. Check the following parts of your home:

•  Windows and doors (hold a lit incense stick near edges—if smoke wavers, you’ve got a leak);

•  Electrical outlets and switches on exterior walls;

•  Attic hatches, vents, and ductwork; and the like.

Seal gaps with weatherstripping, caulk, or spray foam for an instant efficiency boost.

Step 2: Inspect Insulation

Poor insulation forces your at-home heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to overwork. Key spots to check include your attic (should have at least 12–15 inches of insulation), exterior walls (tap them—hollow sounds may mean insufficient insulation), and at-home basement and crawl spaces (look for exposed gaps).

If insulation is thin or missing, consider adding fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose, or spray foam.

Step 3: Evaluate Heating and Cooling Systems

Your HVAC system eats up nearly half of your energy bill. Ask yourself the following questions:

•  Is your furnace or AC over a decade or more old? (Upgrading to the latest energy-efficient models can save you about a fifth on your energy consumption costs.)

•  Are filters dirty? (Replace them every month or so depending on the amount of accumulated dirt present.)

•  Are ducts leaking? (Use mastic sealant—not duct tape—to fix them.)

A quick self-inspection on your heating and cooling systems at home can do wonders.

Step 4: Check Appliances and Lighting

Old appliances are energy hogs. Look for refrigerators, washers, and dryers with low or outdated energy savings ratings, incandescent bulbs (swap them for LEDs, which use a whole lot less electricity), and phantom loads (unplug devices or use smart power strips).

Step 5: Examine Water Heating Efficiency

Water heaters account for a considerable percent of your home's energy use. Improve efficiency by lowering the thermostat to 120°F, insulating exposed pipes and the tank (if you're using an electric unit), and fixing leaky faucets because they waste hundreds of gallons a year if left unchecked.

With the abovementioned pointers, you're more than ready to do a DIY home energy audit sans an expert's help.

When to Call a Professional Energy Auditor

A DIY audit helps, but a pro brings expertise and high-tech tools like thermal cameras to spot hidden heat loss, blower door tests to measure air leakage rates, and combustion analyzers that check your furnace's safety.

Consider hiring an auditor if you suspect major air leaks or insulation gaps at home, your energy bills are sky-high with no obvious cause, and you’re planning big renovations and want expert advice.

Worry not; many utilities offer discounted or free audits—check with your provider.

Top Money-Saving Tips You Should Consider

Lock in savings year-round at home with the following energy-saving tips:

•  Use energy monitoring tools such as smart plugs to track real-time usage of devices and whole-home energy monitors to identify hidden drains.

•  Optimize your thermostat settings for different seasons of the year. During winter, set your thermostat at 68°F when awake and lower when asleep/away. On the other hand, set your thermostat at 78°F when home and higher when out during the summer. If you're able to, you can switch to smart thermostats to save yourself from the hassle of doing manual adjustments.

•  Maintain your HVAC system. Schedule annual professional tune-ups, clean vents and ducts, and keep outdoor units free of debris.

•  Harness natural heating and cooling at home; open south-facing curtains in winter for solar heat and close blinds in summer to block heat. Finally, use ceiling fans to your advantage.

Aside from the above mentioned, did you know that there are financial rebates available that you can utilize? Read on to learn more about them.

Financial Incentives and Rebates

Want to cut upgrade costs from the findings of your home energy audit? Take advantage of government tax credits like tax breaks for installing solar panels or heat pumps, utility rebates for efficient appliances or new insulation, and financial support programs from non-profits.

Check your local energy office or top energy sites for current deals available.

Closing Words

A home energy audit isn’t just about saving money—it’s about living smarter. Fixing leaks, optimizing systems, and using energy wisely means lower bills, better comfort, and a lighter environmental footprint.

Start with a DIY check, then consider a pro audit if needed. Every upgrade, big or small, adds up. Your home—and wallet—will thank you.

Source: Realty Times