Like many people, I was really glad to slam the door shut on 2020. Last year, when the pandemic hit I was consumed by anxiety about the health and safety of my loved ones, and to be honest, I did not know what was going to happen with my real estate business. Under typical circumstances,…
Ask Sharon: Ask Sharon: How can I stage my house to look its best this summer?
Getting ready to sell your house this summer? Congrats! While it may seem strange, we do recommend different tasks for summer sellers as they “stage,” or visually prepare, their home’s interior and exterior. To make sure that your house really stands out and draws in the largest possible number of buyers, follow my…
Ask Sharon: Ask Sharon: What should buyers should look for at an open house?
Many early-stage buyers love to check out open houses as an introductory exercise. And I encourage it! It can be really helpful to start recognizing what you want (and don’t want) for your future home. But open houses can also take up a large chunk of your weekend, so it’s important to use that time…
Ask Sharon: Five fast home fixes every first-time homebuyer should know
When your house starts to misbehave, it can be easy to start thinking fondly of your last landlord, who had to deal with all these logistics. But don’t fear! Many common issues in houses are easy to solve, even if you aren’t particularly handy. Here are five fast home fixes that any homeowner can tackle…
Sharon Steele’s 2019 Year in Review
2019 was my most successful year to date, and although there were many challenges and ups and downs, I am so proud to have ultimately assisted 50 clients with their real estate needs. THANK YOU to my family, friends, clients, and colleagues for all the support and love throughout the year! Here’s wishing everyone nothing…
Ask Sharon: How can I tell if my house needs a new roof?
Have you ever pulled into your driveway, looked up and thought, “When did my roof start to look so old?” It’s an unfortunately common occurrence for homeowners who have been in their residence long enough to take roofing for granted. While roofs claim to have a 30-year life span, most don’t make it to their…
Ask Sharon: Downsizing tips for seniors who are ready to sell
As baby boomers begin to retire, the call to downsize is growing louder and louder. But despite the millions of homeowners downsizing each year, many of my clients find that the preparation is more overwhelming and emotional than they were expecting. That’s why I strongly recommend that seniors who are ready to downsize follow a…
Ask Sharon: What home improvement projects should I take on before selling?
Before the house hunt went digital, sellers used to work to create curb appeal for their properties by updating the exterior condition of their home. The idea was for sellers to take on exterior home improvements that would entice buyers as they drove by and saw the “For sale” sign in the yard. Today, of…
Ask Sharon: Five tips for buyers considering new construction
So you’re ready to build your dream house. Congratulations! Some of my happiest buyers have been those who watch their homes come to life in real time. Of course, building a house has unique challenges. And over the years, I’ve come to understand the main issues that builder-buyers face. Here are my top five new…
Ask Sharon: Creak! Pop! What are the sounds my house is making?
Bang in the night, or clang in the morning? Pop in the daytime and drip in the evening? Houses can make bizarre noises that can be hard to pinpoint or evaluate. Here are some common sounds your house might be making, and the easiest ways to quiet the ruckus. What are the sounds your house…
Ask Sharon: How can I tell if a house has “good bones?”
According to HGTV, there are two types of houses — brand-new builds and aging homes with “good bones.” But aside from being an older home that’s still standing, what exactly does it mean if a house has good bones? And what should you look for if you’re hoping to find a house with a rich…
Ask Sharon: How do I ace the final walk-through when buying a home?
Your final walk-through checklist By the time you complete your final walk-through as a homebuyer, you are typically just two steps away from owning a house (remember how long that checklist was when you first started it?) And while that’s an incredibly thrilling time, it also means that you are just two steps away from…
