Newsletter • August 5, 2026

Builders are ditching hallways?! (Could these 6 home features be next?)

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I’m glad you’re here!
I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

•  Good news if old houses give you the creeps…

•  How can a brand-new home cost less than an existing one?

•  Builders are ditching hallways?!

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
Helping a buyer find “the one” is a feeling I can’t even describe… and one that never gets old.
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Good news if old houses give you the creeps…
If you’re the type of home buyer who gets the sense there’s a presence in the house while touring an older home, a recent study may help you sleep a little better.

Researchers say those eerie feelings may simply be caused by low-frequency vibrations from aging pipes and ventilation systems rather than anything supernatural.

But if you love the idea of owning a home with a little history and character, don’t worry… you’re still welcome to pretend it’s the former owner checking in every now and then.
 
 
How can a brand-new home cost less than an existing one?
Most people assume a brand-new home will cost more than an existing one. After all, that’s how it works with just about everything else. But today’s housing market has turned that assumption upside down in some areas. 

I recently published an article explaining why new construction can sometimes be the better value, and why it pays to consider all of your options before deciding which home is right for you.
 
 
 
 
“How’s the market?”
I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate data until it actually matters to them. So instead of stats, I just try to keep this fun and entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your place is worth? Or just want a quick market snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me! I’m always glad to give you any information, thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no obligation or pressure! I love any opportunity to talk about the market.)
 
 
Trivia Time
Developer Abraham Levitt is known for building the first suburban neighborhoods in the US. How long did it take for one of his homes to be built once the foundation was poured?

A)  16 minutes

B)  16 hours

C)  16 days

D)  16 months

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
Builders are ditching hallways?!
It turns out some builders are designing homes with fewer hallways in an effort to squeeze more usable living space into a smaller footprint in order to save buyers money.

That kind of makes you wonder, if hallways are fair game, what other parts of a house could builders get rid of to save buyers even more money? 

So let’s have a little fun with it…

Check out this list of 6 other things builders might want to consider getting rid of, in order for homebuyers to get more bang for less bucks!
 
 
The fact is…
Do you think they came with those little Allen wrenches and all those funny-looking screws?
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
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Newsletter • July 27, 2026

Who says it’s impossible for Gen Z to buy a home? Because it’s not what the stats are saying…

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I’m glad you’re here!
I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

•  Picture this…

•  Who says it’s impossible for Gen Z to buy a home?

•  9 ways to stay patient while saving up for a down payment

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
Let me know if you need a little help pulling off a power move like this. Literally and figuratively!
feelings-of-power
Picture this…
Real estate agents often recommend that sellers should “depersonalize” their homes by taking family photos down so buyers have an easier time picturing themselves living there instead.

But imagine walking into a house and finding a framed photo of… yourself.

That’s essentially what happened to two sisters staying at a vacation rental after they discovered a photo of their family hanging on the wall. Needless to say, it made for a pretty surreal moment… and probably one of the few times a family photo actually helped someone picture themselves in the house!
 
 
Who says it’s impossible for Gen Z to buy a home?
Buying your first home can feel nearly impossible these days, especially for Gen Z. If you go by what you see and hear on TV and social media, it can sound like there’s no hope.

Fortunately, that’s not entirely true.

Check out this article I recently published with some encouraging statistics showing that a record number of Gen Z buyers are proving it isn’t impossible after all.
 
 
 
 
“How’s the market?”
I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate data until it actually matters to them. So instead of stats, I just try to keep this fun and entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your place is worth? Or just want a quick market snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me! I’m always glad to give you any information, thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no obligation or pressure! I love any opportunity to talk about the market.)
 
 
Trivia Time
According to a 2024 survey by the National Association of REALTORS®, what is the #1 reason first-time homebuyers say they purchase a home?

A)  To stop paying rent

B)  For the tax benefits

C)  The desire to own a home of their own

D)  To get away from a noisy upstairs neighbor

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
9 ways to stay patient while saving up for a down payment
It’s certainly worth the wait and effort, but saving up for a down payment on a house can feel like it’ll take forever!

If only there were a fast-forward button. (Or a surefire way to win the lottery!)

Unfortunately, there isn’t. It simply takes time and patience.

In the meantime, check out these 9 fun ways to stay patient while saving for your future home. They just might make the wait feel a little shorter.
 
 
The fact is…
That sounds like a little more than a down payment!
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.
Newsletter • July 15, 2026

Not that it’ll be a problem if you’re working with me, but…What if the perfect house hits the market while your agent is away?

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I’m glad you’re here!
I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

•  If you’re looking for a reason to buy a house with a resort-worthy pool

•  What if the perfect house hits the market while your agent is away?

•  6 things to say before your real estate agent goes on vacation

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
I’d love a reason to be searching for a property like this! Anyone looking for a house with a resort-worthy pool?
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If you’re looking for a reason to buy a house with a resort-worthy pool
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing. You save up your money, take time off work, and picture yourself spending lazy afternoons lounging by the pool with a good book or a cold drink.

Unfortunately, that’s not always how it plays out.

A video from a popular holiday resort recently went viral after dozens of guests were filmed sprinting through the pool area in an all-out race to claim the best lounge chairs for the day.  Apparently, waking up early isn’t enough anymore. Some travelers have even resorted to sleeping in pool chairs overnight just to secure a good spot!
 
 
What if the perfect house hits the market while your agent is away?
Despite all the jokes real estate agents make about working from the beach, answering emails poolside, or taking phone calls while standing in line at a theme park, there are some parts of the job we simply can’t do remotely. Showing houses is one of them.

I recently published an article explaining what to do if the perfect house hits the market while your agent is on vacation… and why calling another agent may create more complications than you might expect.

(And yes… I’m the type of agent who makes sure these things are already in place for my buyers before I ever sneak away for a vacation! 😉)
 
 
 
 
“How’s the market?”
I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate data until it actually matters to them. So instead of stats, I just try to keep this fun and entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your place is worth? Or just want a quick market snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me! I’m always glad to give you any information, thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no obligation or pressure! I love any opportunity to talk about the market.)
 
 
Trivia Time
Null Stern Hotels in Switzerland are known for providing hotel rooms without:

1)  Bibles in the drawer

2)  Beds

3)  Walls

4)  TVs

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
6 things to say before your real estate agent goes on vacation
We already talked about why your agent being away doesn’t have to create problems. But if you really want to help them (ahem… me) relax, there are a few things they’d (okay… I’d) probably love to hear before heading out of town. 

 
 
The fact is…
I mean, if you’re going all that way, you might as well stay for the full two weeks, right?
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.
Newsletter • July 8, 2026

Which hurts more? Losing a house… or paying too much? (And how to avoid both of those things.)

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I’m glad you’re here!
I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

•  Come for the AC, stay for the meatballs…

•  Which hurts more? Losing a house… or paying too much?

•  9 thoughts you go through after submitting an offer on a house

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
If you’ve ever lost out on a house you loved, you probably know exactly what this feels like. If not… hopefully I can help you avoid finding out the hard way.  
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Come for the AC, stay for the meatballs…
If you’ve ever traveled overseas during the summer, you’ve probably noticed that air conditioning isn’t nearly as common as it is here in the U.S. As a brutal heat wave continues across parts of Europe, people in France have apparently discovered one of the best places to cool off… IKEA.

Videos have been circulating online showing shoppers stretching out on sofas, relaxing in living room displays, and generally making themselves right at home while escaping the heat. 

To be fair, IKEA practically invites people to wander around and imagine themselves living there. But perhaps the least they could do is buy a plate of Swedish meatballs before heading back out into the heat. 
 
 
Which hurts more? Losing the house… or paying too much?
It’s not uncommon for buyers to worry about whether they’re paying too much for a house. It’s totally human and understandable. But what people often don’t think about is how they’ll feel if they lose it altogether.

I recently published an article about why losing a house you truly love can sometimes sting more than wondering if you overpaid for one… and a few simple ways to help avoid both of those feelings.

Whether you’re actively house hunting or just thinking about buying someday, I think you’ll find the perspective helpful.  
 
 
 
 
“How’s the market?”
I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate data until it actually matters to them. So instead of stats, I just try to keep this fun and entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your place is worth? Or just want a quick market snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me! I’m always glad to give you any information, thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no obligation or pressure! I love any opportunity to talk about the market.)
 
 
Trivia Time
Which of these buildings is the world’s first air-conditioned office building?

A)  Empire State Building – New York, NY

B)  Milam Building – San Antonio, TX

C)  Wrigley Building – Chicago, IL

D)  Eastern Columbia Building – Los Angeles, CA

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
9 thoughts you go through after submitting an offer on a house
Making an offer on a house can feel like crossing the finish line… until about 30 seconds later when your brain suddenly decides it’s time to think through every possible outcome.

If you’ve ever bought a house, you’ll probably relate to more than a few of these! And if you haven’t yet, consider this a fun little preview of what’s waiting for you. 😄
 
 
The fact is…
I guess the balloons at my open houses are safe… unless I accidentally use 300 weather balloons.
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
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Newsletter • June 29, 2026

Which is better? Boardwalk or B&O Railroad…What Monopoly (and The Beatles!?) can teach us about real estate

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I’m glad you’re here!
I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

•  Don’t bank on Beatlemania

•  What Monopoly (and The Beatles!?) can teach us about real estate

•  8 games you probably don’t want to play against a real estate agent

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
Just to make sure you know I’m flexible, if you prefer a 5-star rating system, I’m also accepting responses in the form of 4.8 to 5 stars 😄
scale-9-to-10
Don’t bank on Beatlemania
Most people feel like there’s something special about their home, whether it’s the memories attached to it, the upgrades they’ve made, the neighborhood, or a story that makes it stand out from every other house nearby.

But as the owner of a house where George Harrison once stayed is finding out, even something truly unique doesn’t always guarantee a line of buyers.

It was originally listed for $105,000 in March, but has reportedly been struggling to find a buyer and is now relisted for $99,000.

On one hand, it’s a reminder that buyers don’t always value the same things sellers do. On the other hand, maybe it’s just a slow market and needs a little more time to… let it be.
 
 
What Monopoly (and The Beatles!?) can teach us about real estate
Whether you’re a fan of The Beatles, Monopoly, or have been thinking about buying an investment property someday, I think you’ll enjoy this article I recently published.

It takes a look at how John Lennon and George Harrison approached the game of Monopoly while on tour… and why the properties people are most drawn to (in the game, or in real life) aren’t always the ones that make the most sense to buy.

I think you’ll find the perspective especially interesting if buying an investment property has crossed your mind. But even if investing isn’t on your radar right now, I still think you’ll get a kick out of it.  
 
 
 
 
“How’s the market?”
I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate data until it actually matters to them. So instead of stats, I just try to keep this fun and entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your place is worth? Or just want a quick market snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me! I’m always glad to give you any information, thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no obligation or pressure! I love any opportunity to talk about the market.)
 
 
Trivia Time
Why was the royal family banned from playing the classic real estate game, Monopoly?

1)  Queen Elizabeth II thought it made family members too vicious.

2)  They’re not allowed to touch money, whether it’s real or fake.

3)  It’s not considered a “classic” enough game for a royal to play.

4)  It takes too long to finish playing a full game.

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
8 games you probably don’t want to play against a real estate agent
Game nights can be a great way to relax with friends and family, have some fun, and share a few laughs. But they also have a way of bringing out people’s competitive side!

If you enjoy playing games but enjoy winning even more, you may want to think twice before sitting down to play against a real estate agent. We tend to pick up some surprisingly useful skills in our line of work that might give us an unfair advantage.

But just in case you find yourself inviting one over for game night, here’s a fun list of 8 games you might want to tell them there are too many missing pieces… and choose another one instead.
 
 
The fact is…
If only you could use Monopoly money as a down payment! 
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.
Newsletter • June 22, 2026

The American Dream doesn’t always start with the dream home. Even for Arnold Schwarzenegger… and apparently Sigourney Weaver!

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I’m glad you’re here!
I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

•  Not the type of “dream” home they were hoping for

•  The American Dream doesn’t always start with the dream home

•  Ever find yourself looking at houses you can’t afford online?

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
Your dream home doesn’t always happen in one move… sometimes it’s a few good moves stacked together.
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Not the type of “dream” home they were hoping for 😬
Apparently when you say you’re looking for your dream home, you have to be a little more specific about the type of dream!

A real estate agent in Arkansas was recently walking up to a house with his buyer and found a large black snake slithering up the front door as if it was waiting to tour the house too. If that wasn’t enough to send them back to the car, they soon discovered more snakes hiding in the eaves and even inside the electrical panel.

The agent and his client literally described the experience as “an actual nightmare.” 

I’m curious… would you still want to see the house? 
 
 
The American Dream doesn’t always start with the dream home
June is National Homeownership Month, which may not feel all that exciting if buying a home seems further away than ever.

But one thing that often gets overlooked is that not every homeowner started with the house they originally pictured in their head. For a lot of people, the path involved compromises, tradeoffs, creative thinking, or simply taking a first step that looked different than they expected.

I recently published an article about why the path to homeownership doesn’t always happen the way people imagine, why the first home isn’t always the dream home… and what Arnold Schwarzenegger has to do with any of it.

 
 
 
 
“How’s the market?”
I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate data until it actually matters to them. So instead of stats, I just try to keep this fun and entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your place is worth? Or just want a quick market snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me! I’m always glad to give you any information, thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no obligation or pressure! I love any opportunity to talk about the market.)
 
 
Trivia Time
Which unusual place did actress Sigourney Weaver live in for a period of time while attending Stanford University?

A)  A treehouse

B)  The school auditorium

C)  Her car

D)  A hotel

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
Ever find yourself looking at houses you can’t afford online?
Checking out amazing houses online has become something of a national pastime. So know that you’re not alone if you occasionally find yourself going down the rabbit hole of looking at drool-worthy real estate you may never actually step foot in… let alone buy.

But whether you’re actively house hunting, hoping to buy someday, or just addicted to the daydream of it all, everyone seems to have one thing in common: looking at houses they can’t afford.

So I published a list of nine thoughts you’ve likely had while doing exactly that, just to show you how normal it is.
 
 
The fact is…
Not sure how Instagram got dragged into it, but it’s nice to see younger buyers are willing to make sacrifices for their dream home! 
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.
Newsletter • June 15, 2026

Not Too Hot. Not Too Cold. Is this housing market just right for buyers?

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I’m glad you’re here!
I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

•  How hot is this new listing?

•  Not too hot. Not too cold. Is this housing market just right for buyers?

•  3 tips for buying a home in a hot market

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
Technically, you should call me so I can analyze inventory, absorption rate, days on market, and all that fun stuff… but this might work too 😄
st-joseph-statues
How hot is this new listing?
Well, that really depends on the day…

The world’s tallest thermometer recently hit the market in California. For $1.8 million, the new owner gets a 134-foot roadside attraction, a little over 4 acres in the desert, and a retail building they can turn into a coffee shop or fast-casual spot for road-trippers to grab a bite.

It’s probably not a reliable gauge of the overall real estate market… but considering it’s located in the desert, this one certainly qualifies as a hot listing. 
 
 
Not too hot. Not too cold. Is this housing market just right for buyers?
That story about the world’s tallest thermometer got me thinking about how often people talk about the real estate market being “hot”… and how many buyers seem to be waiting for the market to cool down before jumping in.

Ironically, when the market does start cooling down and becoming more buyer-friendly, people often get nervous and assume something must be wrong.

So I recently published an article taking a closer look at whether the market conditions many buyers have been hoping for may have quietly arrived… without a giant thermometer announcing it.
 
 
“How’s the market?”
I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate data until it actually matters to them. So instead of stats, I just try to keep this fun and entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your place is worth? Or just want a quick market snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me! I’m always glad to give you any information, thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no obligation or pressure! I love any opportunity to talk about the market.)
 
 
Trivia Time
In what country do homes generally depreciate in value and end up being torn down and replaced after about 30 years?

1)  Japan

2)  China

3)  United States

4)  India

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
3 tips for buying a home in a hot market
We’ve been talking about how some signs suggest the market may be cooling down and becoming a little more buyer-friendly.

But that doesn’t mean every market, neighborhood, price range, or house suddenly got the memo.

Some areas and price ranges are still as competitive as ever. And even in a cooler market overall, a well-priced house can still attract multiple offers and sell over asking price.

 
 
The fact is…
Interesting perspective to keep in mind if you’ve been waiting for the market to go into a deep freeze rather than simply cool off. 
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.
Newsletter • June 8, 2026

Looking for a house with a pool? You may see me do a belly flop…

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I’m glad you’re here!
I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

•  Looking for a house with a pool? You may see me do a belly flop…

•  Will installing a pool add value to your home?

•  When a contractor says, “This will increase the value of your home”…

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
Fortunately, buying or selling a house usually involves fewer sharks! 🦈
swim-ocean-for-you
Looking for a house with a pool? You may see me do a belly flop…
As a real estate agent, I haven’t fallen into a pool while showing a house (yet!), but I can definitely relate to this poor guy…

A hotel porter recently went viral after accidentally walking straight into a swimming pool while carrying guests’ luggage. Fortunately nobody was hurt, but I imagine there was at least a brief moment where he considered changing careers.

Of course, now that I’ve said this, watch me accidentally belly flop into someone’s backyard pool while showing a house this summer!
 
 
Will installing a pool add value to your home?
Recent data suggests that only about 8% of homes in the United States have a swimming pool.

That might make installing one seem like a no-brainer if increasing your home’s value is the goal. After all, if relatively few homes have pools, shouldn’t having one automatically make your home more valuable?

Maybe. But as with most things in real estate, it ultimately comes down to supply and demand.

I recently published an article that takes a deeper dive (ahem… pun intended) into the topic and explains why installing a pool may still make perfect sense even if resale value isn’t the biggest return you get from it.
 
 
 
 
“How’s the market?”
I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate data until it actually matters to them. So instead of stats, I just try to keep this fun and entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your place is worth? Or just want a quick market snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me! I’m always glad to give you any information, thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no obligation or pressure! I love any opportunity to talk about the market.)
 
 
Trivia Time
Which state has the highest number of residential swimming pools?

1)  Arizona

2)  California

3)  Florida

4)  Texas

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
When a contractor says, “This will increase the value of your home”…
Since we were just talking about whether installing a pool adds value to your home, I thought it was the perfect time to touch on something related… how home improvement companies often claim a particular upgrade will increase your home’s value.

One of the most common assumptions homeowners make is that if a contractor says an upgrade will pay for itself, it automatically will.

Unfortunately, it’s usually not that simple.

So I put together a list of six things worth keeping in mind anytime someone is promising their product or service will increase what your home is worth.
 
 
The fact is…
This is reassuring. Apparently 41% of pools are a lot harder for me to accidentally fall into while showing houses this summer! 🤣
re-fact-home-pools
That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.
Newsletter • June 1, 2026

The odds of seeing a bear at an open house are low…but never zero!

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I’m glad you’re here!
I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

•  The odds of seeing a bear at an open house are low… but never zero

•  Data says home sellers over 70 may be leaving money on the table

•  Put your home-selling instincts to the test

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
As you’re about to see… avoiding bears may actually become a theme in this newsletter. 😄
Image here
The odds of seeing a bear at an open house are low… but never zero
People don’t always think of New Jersey as a place overflowing with nature and wildlife. But it is called the Garden State for a reason.

And sometimes that nature strolls right up to your front door… and rings the doorbell.

A black bear recently wandered onto a homeowner’s porch in Sparta, NJ, looked directly into their Ring doorbell camera, and then casually walked away with another bear waiting nearby. 
 
 
Data says home sellers over 70 may be leaving money on the table
A recent study found that homeowners over the age of 70 often receive lower prices for their homes compared to younger sellers. But before anyone takes that personally, there are some very understandable reasons why that may happen.

I recently published an article breaking down a few of those reasons, along with some simple ways homeowners can better protect themselves and make more informed decisions when it comes time to sell.
 
 
 
 
“How’s the market?”
I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate data until it actually matters to them. So instead of stats, I just try to keep this fun and entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your place is worth? Or just want a quick market snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me! I’m always glad to give you any information, thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no obligation or pressure! I love any opportunity to talk about the market.)
 
 
Trivia Time
A girl in Los Angeles County, CA was recently given a permit to keep what kind of animal on her residential property?

A)  Unicorn

B)  Platypus

C)  Miniature hippo

D)  Sloth

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
Put your home-selling instincts to the test
Selling a home comes with a surprising number of decisions, tradeoffs, and judgment calls. Price too high or price too low? Renovate or leave things alone? Accept the first offer or hold out for another?

So I thought you might have a little fun with this quick quiz that puts you in a few common real estate situations to test whether your instincts would help or hurt you when it comes time to sell.
 
 
The fact is…
You see! Open houses do help you avoid bears!
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
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Newsletter • May 26, 2026

A garbage can costs how much?! And 5 other surprising costs of homeownership essentials…

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I’m glad you’re here!
I’ve put together a nice assortment of bite-sized pieces of real estate news, entertainment, and resources I think you’re going to enjoy. (And maybe even learn a thing or two you never knew you wanted to know!)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s on tap:

•  He had no excuse to not know what time it was!

•  A garbage can costs how much?!

•  7 creative ways to avoid talking to your neighbors

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
As an agent, I can also confirm that some buyers get just as excited when a seller throws in a 12-year-old fridge to sweeten the deal!
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He had no excuse to not know what time it was!
A Florida man was recently arrested for performing what could best be described as some “unwanted handyman services.”

Apparently he decided to head over to his neighbor’s house at 3AM to “fix” their Ring camera light. But the late-night timing wasn’t the only issue…

He was reportedly wearing nothing but sandals, a headlamp… and a watch.
 
 
A garbage can costs how much?!
When people think about the hidden costs of owning a home, they usually picture things like unexpected repairs or higher-than-expected utility bills.

But there are some much smaller costs that just seem shockingly expensive simply because nobody prepares you for the price tag. Like the first time you’re standing in the aisle of a home improvement store and wondering whether you accidentally grabbed the premium luxury version of… a garbage can.

I recently published an article highlighting that, and 5 other surprisingly common expenses that homeowners often don’t think about until they’re standing in a store wondering, “Wait… this costs how much?”
 
 
 
 
“How’s the market?”
I get that question a lot, and I’m always happy to answer it! But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why this newsletter doesn’t include weekly stats or price updates.

Besides, most people don’t care about real estate data until it actually matters to them. So instead of stats, I just try to keep this fun and entertaining.

Curious about a specific house? Wonder what your place is worth? Or just want a quick market snapshot?

Just hit reply and ask me! I’m always glad to give you any information, thoughts, or data you want. (And of course, no obligation or pressure! I love any opportunity to talk about the market.)
 
 
Trivia Time
Until 2001, residents of Victoria, Australia were required by law to hire a licensed contractor for which of the following basic home maintenance tasks?

A)  Gutter cleaning

B)  Changing a light bulb

C)  Fixing a leaky faucet

D)  Installing a smoke detector

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
7 creative ways to avoid talking to your neighbors
We all have neighbors we enjoy catching up with… and then there are those moments where you’re bringing in groceries, dragging your $80 trash can to the curb, rushing somewhere, or simply not in the mood for an unexpected 20-minute conversation.

So I thought you might get a kick out of this list of some creative ways to avoid talking to neighbors! They’re not super practical, but they might make you feel a little better about simply pretending to check your phone or having your earbuds in.
 
 
The fact is…
So this is the guy you can thank the next time you’re buying one of those surprisingly expensive trash cans 😄
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
Want to unsubscribe from this newsletter? Simply reply and let me know.