Jerry Sager - Realtor

Still thinking about listing? Good news – summer buyers are out, and inventory remains tight.

☀️ Highlight your outdoor spaces: clean up the patio, refresh cushions, and trim any overgrowth.

🪴 Add greenery near entryways and windows for curb appeal.

🕯️ Swap in seasonal accents like citrus bowls, crisp linens, and soft lighting for evening showings.

These small updates can keep your listing competitive even as the season shifts.

Real estate headlines have been buzzing with news about the NAR lawsuit settlement, but what does it actually mean if you’re buying or selling in 2025?

In plain English: sellers may no longer be expected to cover the buyer’s agent commission.

Buyers will have more room to negotiate directly with their own agents.

It’s a huge shift that introduces more flexibility, but also added complexity.

The right agent can walk you through what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what you need to know before you sign.

📌 Message me if you want a breakdown based on your goals.

Riverstone Realty Group is here, Birmingham! We can't wait to start this new chapter with all of you!

✨ Big News ✨ After years of building Red Hawk Realty Group together, Steve and Jerry have decided to head in different directions and pursue new adventures in real estate! This isn’t goodbye—it’s the start of two exciting new chapters. We’re so grateful for your continued support and can’t wait to show you what’s next!

In today’s scroll-and-swipe world, photos are your home's first showing.

Here’s why strong visuals are a must:

📸 97% of buyers start their home search online
📸 Listings with high-quality photos get more clicks (and more showings)
📸 Homes with professional photography sell faster and often for more

Think of it this way: the photos don’t just show the space – they tell the story. And if that story doesn’t grab attention in the first few seconds, buyers may scroll right past.

It's truly that simple.

Getting ready to list? Let’s make your home impossible to ignore.

Thinking of making an offer? Before you do, ask your agent these questions:

➡ What’s the seller’s motivation or timeline?
➡ Are there other offers on the table?
➡ What contingencies should we include – or skip?
➡ What’s the right offer strategy based on this home and this market?

The goal isn’t just to make an offer, but instead, to make a smart one.

Have questions? I’d love to point you in the right direction on your next home purchase.

Yes – staging works. And the numbers back it up.

According to the National Association of Realtors:

➡ 81% of buyers say it helps visualize the property as their future home
➡ Staged homes sell faster and often for more
➡ Even basic staging, like decluttering, fresh linens, and styled shelves, can make a huge impact

It’s not about perfection. It’s about connection.

Want to know what staging steps are worth it for your home? I’ll walk you through it.

❌ Sellers always forget this one thing ❌

And no...it’s not staging.

Nope... it's not pricing either.

It’s getting a pre-listing inspection.

Why it matters:

➡ It uncovers potential issues early
➡ Gives you time to fix things proactively
➡ Reduces surprises during the buyer’s inspection
➡ Makes your listing feel more transparent and prepared

It’s a small step that can save major stress – and sometimes thousands – in negotiations.

Thinking of selling? Let’s talk strategy.

Buying a fixer-upper can be smart, but it’s not for everyone. Here's why:

✅ Pros:

• Lower price point
• Potential for big equity gains
• Full creative control

❌ Cons:

• Rising material and labor costs
• Unexpected repairs
• Longer timeline to move-in

Before you go all-in, it helps to know the scope and your budget.

Let’s walk through what to expect so you can make a confident move.

Even a small shift in rates changes what buyers can afford.

📌 A 1% increase in mortgage rates can reduce buying power by up to 10%. That means a $500K budget could feel more like $450K!

Buyers are adjusting by:

✔ Expanding their search areas
✔ Prioritizing move-in-ready homes
✔ Getting pre-approved earlier to lock in better terms

Staying ahead of the numbers is key – especially in a fluctuating market.

Need help crunching yours? Shoot me a DM.

Selling a tenant-occupied property takes strategy (and a little extra care).

Here’s what helps:

➡ Check your lease terms. Can you sell now? What notice is required?

➡ Communicate early and clearly. A cooperative tenant can help show the home in its best light.

➡ Consider offering incentives like reduced rent or relocation assistance for smoother transitions.

➡ Know your legal rights – and theirs. Laws vary by state.

It’s doable, and it’s worth doing right.

Want to chat about the best approach? I’m here to help.