Staci Russell Realtor

The National Association of Realtors recently released a stat that 41% of buyers started their home buying journey by looking at homes online.

I'm honestly surprised this number wasn't higher, given how easy it is to scroll the latest listings.

And of course there's no real harm in browsing, but if you actually want to take the step of buying a house this year, I hope that contacting your agent is a close second step, because browsing homes for too long can lead to confusion and information overwhelm!

If you hope to buy your next (or first) house in the next 12 months, scroll away! But promise you'll reach out to your agent (if you're reading this, there's a good chance I'm the one for you!).

Reaching out doesn't mean you have to start the process of meeting with a lender or scheduling showings right away. It just means you have a professional on your side from day one, so you have a safe place for questions and a guide looking out for you!

BTW, a lot of my clients first reach out right here on IG, so you can DM me anytime!

Taking the "yikes!" out of navigating the market with this post (you'll wanna save this!)

But first, the caption...

Buyers and sellers are much more educated with what's happening in the market. They are researching information online long before they ever reach out to an agent.

(This is why I take the time to share so much on here with you, because I want to make sure you're getting accurate info!!)

With all the information out there, it can be easy to find yourself feeling analysis paralysis. In other words, you have SO MUCH INFO that you're just paralyzed and not sure what to do next.

So consider this post the skinny. It's what you *really* need to know about the market right now, especially if you're considering buying or selling in 2024.

Swipe the carousel to get the skinny!

I've got some news for you...this year's seller's market is coming early. As in...it's here.

According to Realtor.com’s latest market update, there was a 7.9% increase in active listings!

For some of you, that makes you feel like 🤯 and for others maybe you're more like 😩. My goal? It's to take you from 😩🤯 to 😌.

If selling feels like there's so much work to do and it feels a little vulnerable because what if no one wants to buy it and also what if something goes wrong...

With me as your listing agent, the vibe is less frantic and more five star resort (think chill and approachable but with every detail taken care of so you can relax and enjoy your stay) 😚

Here are some ways I help you stay relaxed throughout the process and even help you have fun while selling your home...

IF YOUR STANLEY COULD TALK it would say two things ✌️

1 - You totally need me in another color! And...

2 - You can’t afford to miss the mark when marketing your home.

And your Stanley would know.

The 40oz Stanley tumbler has been first hit the market in 2016, but due to lack of demand, went off the market. That is, until some wise women (of course!) discovered the tumbler and reimagined it as a product marketed to women.

SALES SKYROCKETED 🚀

Marketing and messaging is everything and if you or your agent disregards it, you're leaving money on the table.

It's crazy to think that words typed on a keyboard onto a listing description can actually mean the difference of thousands of dollars. That photos and video footage of your home could create more demand (have you SEEN women fighting over Stanley's at Target?) and increase the perceived value of your home.

When you ignore marketing trends, your home can either wind up overpriced or underpriced (both are bad) and your listing will become stale.

Why am I telling you this? For one I don't want you to leave money on the table. And two, this happens to be my specialty.

When I market my listings, I tell the story of the home and invite others to be a part of it, making your home the most sought after and shareable listing out there.

In other words, your listing is a 2024 Stanley, not the 2016 Stanley.

If you need to maximize your profit on your home and need professional guidance, comment LISTING below and I can help!

But now to the important stuff: are you a Stanley girlie too?

Wake up, it's time to say, "I do," to homeownership!

Your car is full of boxes and you're ready to publicly declare your love and commitment for your home.

It's officially closing time! 💍 Only this time, there's no need to wear a long white dress! Comfy shoes and a hoodie will do, because everyone knows as soon as you're done signing 500 million papers, you're off to unload moving trucks!

Then it's *finally* party tIme! Your reception will consist of you popping the champagne on the porch 🍾 and turning on your favorite playlist in the kitchen as you unbox dishes and set up your new bedroom!

I always refer to the first year in your house as the honeymoon phase. Everything is fun and the little quirks in the house are considered charming. My hope is that your love for your home lasts several years, but unlike a marital commitment, most relationships with homes aren't destined to be together forever.

When life happens and your home needs change, I'll be right here ready to help you find someone new to love your home and search for a new place for you to make memories in!

Because that's what Home Matchmakers, like myself, do! I'm committed to finding the perfect fit for you, as many times as you need!

I want you to ask yourself 3 clarifying questions Swipe to see, then come back to the caption!

As we look at each possible match and you ask yourself these questions, it will eventually become clear which home is the one for you! That's when it's time to propose!

Making an offer can be a scary step, but it's a lot easier when you know it's the one for you (and when you have a pro on your side walking you through each step!)

Tomorrow we'll dive into what happens next, but for now, I'm dying to know, what are some of your next home must haves and deal breakers?

All the single ladies! (and every other lady!) ⬇️

If we haven't met, I’m your Northwest Houston Realtor & home matchmaker. I call myself a matchmaker because my whole business is rooted in relationships.

Relationships with my clients, clients relationships with their homes, etc. I take the time to get to know my clients, hear what matters most to them, figure out what home features would best compliment their lifestyle, and then I set you up!

With me as your home matchmaker, you're never alone. I'm with you every step of the way! This week I'm breaking down each step of the process from first date to the altar!

To kick this off, drop an emoji (or two) that describe how you feel about Valentine's Day!

Preparing for the big day (CLOSING!) can be stressful, but when you have a professional on your side, you're much more likely to say, "I do" without cold feet or overwhelm!

The next step towards popping the champagne on your new front porch is to get prepared!

I compare this to your bridal shower. You need to start gathering everything you need for your new home!

Even if you already live on your own, each house has its own needs. For example, maybe your current house has glass shower doors but your new one requires shower curtains! Or maybe you're in an apartment but your new home has a yard to care for.

Here's my hot tip: just like you register for your bridal shower, consider registering for your new home!

This can help keep you organized (and only buying what's necessary).

Next is the ultimate kickoff to the celebrations: the bachelorette party (new homeowner edition).

Let’s be real…you’re didn’t open your IG app today for a market update 😴

You’re probably looking for tips on how to hang garland or for a fool-proof sugar cookie recipe and all things HOLIDAYS 🎅

So I’m not gonna bore you with your typical market update…instead, I’m gonna talk about our favorite Christmas movie characters (and let *them* explain the market instead)! 😉

Buddy the Elf - this is YOU! 🧝Whether you're buying or selling, you're just smiling (because it's your favorite!) and excited to get moving! Some people may think you're a bit naive but, like Buddy, you know what matters most to you and your goals are crystal clear, so keep your eyes on Santa..I mean, the prize!

Clark Griswold - your lender. Your lender is more than a numbers guy/gal. They have their eye on the BIG picture: getting you HOME so you can create fun old fashioned memories with your people and will go to great lengths to get you there! 🎄

Marv and Harry - These guys are the obstacles ❌ Even the smoothest of transactions have at least one obstacle to overcome. Appraisals, inspection issues, title work hurdles...In *most* transactions, there is at least *one*! But like Harry and Marv, the bark is usually a lot bigger than the bite. They can be overcome! It just takes a (battle) plan and the determination of Kevin McCallister!

The Grinch - aka the FEDS 🤪I know, I know, but deep down these guys been burned before and they’re just trying to do what’s best for the market...even if we wouldn't want to touch the current interest rates with a 39 and a half foot pole. Things may stink right now but just like the Grinch can't actually ruin Christmas, the feds can't actually ruin your plans...we may just have to get creative!

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Your friendly agent just trying to light the way 🚨 through the foggy market with a clear sense of direction and contagious optimism. Some people may think I'm crazy to keep shining so bright with all the housing haze, but I'm positive I can lead the way and get you HOME 🏡

Free advice worth THOUSANDS ⬇️

Blame it on Fixer Upper or the thousands of home reno Insta accounts, but most of us are guilty of driving by an old, run down house and thinking about what we would do to fix it up.

The paint colors we'd choose. The hardwood floors we'd uncover. The way we'd "preserve the charm" but add "modern amenities" (because walk in closets are non negotiable, right?)

As an agent I get to walk clients through homes that have been renovated all the time. I've seen beautiful transformations and I've seen, well...not so beautiful transformations.

Not all flip homes are created equal because not every home renovator holds themselves and their work to the same standards.

So when I walk through a flip home...I look past the paint colors and the new countertops and the flooring and I look for one thing...

Bandaids. 🩹

Gross right? Don't worry, I'm not talking about actual bandaids that have been left behind. I'm talking about bandaid fixes. ❤️‍🩹

"Repairs" or "improvements" that are merely cosmetic for the sake of the home *looking* nicer.

Bandaid fixes invite a whole world of trouble for buyers weeks, even months after purchasing, because they were meant for the short game...not for long term use. 🤕

Sometimes buyers are so charmed by the outward aesthetics and shiny new appliances that they forget to ask about the inner workings of the house. Inspectors *should* catch any issues, but sometimes they are missed!

Remember, choosing paint colors and fixtures you love can all be done AFTER you move into a home with a firm foundation and systems and materials that keep you safe AND save you money. 👏

If you're interested in buying a freshly renovated home, I'm your girl! Let's walk through it together and find you a home you feel good about!