Market News • Newsletter • May 18, 2026

Solar panels can be a bright idea, but…(6 things they can impact when selling your home)

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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:

•  A not-so-dead dead-end street

•  Sunlight shouldn’t outshine everything else

•  Solar panels can be a bright idea, but…

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
Pop quiz!
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A not-so-dead dead-end street
One reason people love living on a dead-end street or cul-de-sac is because there’s usually less traffic and therefore… less noise.

Unfortunately, residents in one London neighborhood are being woken up in the middle of the night because they live on one.

Waymo self-driving cars have reportedly been mistakenly driving down their street, only to realize there’s nowhere to go and back all the way out because it’s too tight to turn around. And when they do, they blast a loud warning alarm that sounds like a siren the entire time.
 
 
Sunlight shouldn’t outshine everything else
A real estate website recently introduced a new “Sun Score” feature designed to estimate how much natural light a home gets throughout the day. And while that may sound useful, it also raises an interesting question: how much information is too much information when searching for a home?

Today’s buyers already have access to more ratings, scores, and data than ever before. While tools like this can be helpful, they can also make it easy to overanalyze smaller details while losing sight of bigger priorities.

I recently published an article that takes a closer look at the topic, and why it’s important not to let a bright room completely cloud your judgment when house hunting.
 
 
 
 
“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
The famous playwright, George Bernard Shaw, had a backyard writing shed with what unique feature?

1)  It rotated to follow the sun.

2)  It had a secret underground passage from his house.

3)  It had a small stage for actors to perform his latest work.

4)  It had no windows so he wouldn’t be distracted.

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
Solar panels can be a bright idea, but…
Solar panels can absolutely lower energy bills and make a home more appealing to some buyers. But depending on how they’re financed, owned, or installed, they can also create a few unexpected complications when it comes time to sell.

So I thought you might find this quick list of things homeowners should know about solar panels before putting their home on the market helpful—especially since a lot of buyers and sellers don’t realize some of these issues even exist until they’re already under contract.
 
 
The fact is…
Makes you wonder what “Sun Score” those homes would’ve gotten!
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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 12, 2026

12 classic mom sayings…that double as real estate advice

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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:

•  Can you imagine moving every 26 days?

•  66% of buyers think they need “perfect” credit to buy a house…

•  12 classic mom sayings that double as real estate advice

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
Listen, I’m not saying this is the right thing to do… I’m just saying I understand the thought process 😜
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Can you imagine moving every 26 days?
Moving is not something most people want to make a habit of. The average American moves around 11 or 12 times in their lifetime, but those moves are usually spread out over decades.

So can you imagine having to move every 26 days… and then move right back to where you came from just 24 hours later?

Well, one family does exactly that in order to spend most of the year living at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort in an RV.  Because of resort rules, they can only stay for 26 consecutive days before having to leave for at least 24 hours.

Fortunately for them, their home is on wheels. So every few weeks, they pack up the RV, spend a day somewhere else, and then head right back to Disney.
 
 
66% of buyers think they need “perfect” credit to buy a house…
A recent survey found that 66% of potential homebuyers believe they need near-perfect credit to qualify for a mortgage—or at least to secure a good interest rate.

The reality is, most buyers are purchasing homes with credit scores that are far from perfect. But if you don’t realize that, it’s easy to spend years assuming you’re not ready yet instead of actually exploring your options.

I recently published an article that dives a little deeper into where this misconception comes from, why the range of acceptable credit scores is often wider than people think, and why it’s worth talking to a few lenders before assuming the answer is no.
 
 
 
 
“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 global movement began with a man building a tiny wooden house in his yard to honor his book-loving mother?

A)  Tiny House Nation

B)  Book Nook Collective

C)  Little Free Library

D)  The Reading Porch Project

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
12 classic mom sayings that double as real estate advice
Moms have a signature way of getting their point across—usually through one-liners that are both universal and impossible to forget. As it turns out, a lot of those classic “mom-isms” also translate surprisingly well into real estate advice.

So I thought you might get a kick out of this list of 12 classic mom sayings you’ve probably heard dozens of times… but never realized could apply to buying or selling a house.
 
 
The fact is…
OK, building a house from scratch with no experience is impressive… but was she able to get the kids to clean their rooms and pick up their socks?
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
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Newsletter • March 25, 2026

Should you renovate, or relocate? A fun quiz to help you decide

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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:

•  Mirror, mirror on the… what the heck is THAT?!

•  Would you pay to improve a neighbor’s yard?

•  Should you renovate, or relocate?

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
If your name is on here… maybe that’s a sign. And if it’s not, but you want to be on that list, let me know and I’ll add it. 😄
people-buyers-this-year
Mirror, mirror on the… what the heck is THAT?!
Real estate agents often catch other agents accidentally reflected in bathroom mirrors or trying to hide behind shower curtains in listing photos. It can be funny… but also a little painful to see.

If you can’t pull it off cleanly, it’s probably better to hire a pro — or at least get good at editing photos.

Well, AI is making it easier to clean up little photo mishaps without needing to be a Photoshop expert. But one agent recently learned the hard way that it’s still worth checking the final result after AI added a creepy-looking creature crawling out of a mirror — and he somehow missed it before posting the photos.
 
 
Would you pay to improve a neighbor’s yard?
Most homeowners know curb appeal matters when they’re getting ready to sell. But a recent survey suggests your neighbor’s yard might matter more than you think. In fact, nearly half of homeowners said they’d consider chipping in to improve a neighbor’s lawn if it meant their own home would sell faster or for more money.

It’s an interesting idea… but it’s not necessarily an offer your neighbor will appreciate, even if it comes with free lawn care. So I recently published an article about why this can be a tricky conversation — and a few tactful ways to think about it if you ever find yourself in that position.
 
 
“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
Officials from the Swedish island of Gotland launched the “World’s Ugliest Lawn” competition in order to do which of the following:

A)  Shame people into taking more pride in their curb appeal

B)  Normalize ugly lawns so people don’t feel ashamed

C)  Raise enough money to sod their entire island

D)  Promote water conservation

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
Should you renovate, or relocate?
For some, renovating a home is a thrilling opportunity to reimagine their space and build instant equity. For others, it’s the start of a multi-month saga involving uncontrollable delays, budget explosions, and a fine layer of drywall dust that may linger until your next renovation project.

Sometimes the right move is to pick up that hammer and get to work. Other times? You might be better off selling and finding a home that’s already “just right.”

So before you rip out your cabinets or start shopping for tile you saw on Instagram, take this fun little quiz to find out if you’re ready to renovate, or ready to relocate.
 
 
The fact is…
Here’s a fun fact for all of you who love mowing your lawn!

And a not-so-fun fact for the rest of you… 
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
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Newsletter • March 18, 2026

“Good fences make good neighbors”…As long as you keep these tips in mind!

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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:

•  Something fishy is going on here…

•  “Good fences make good neighbors”

•  6 ways finding your dream home is like finding a four-leaf clove

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
I love this sentiment! But if your home starts feeling a little too cozy when everyone shows up, I’m always happy to help you find one with a little more room.
quote-irish-proverb
Something fishy is going on here… 
You may have come across a story going viral about a man claiming he was kidnapped by a gang of dolphins, taken underwater, and forced to build a multilevel, multifamily structure made from coral.

If the story sounded a little unbelievable to you, your instincts were correct. Local police say the entire thing was just a hoax meant to grab attention and generate clicks online.

But if you were hoping to hop on the waiting list for a unit in the building once it was finished… it sounds like you’ll have to keep waiting.
 
 
“Good fences make good neighbors”
Speaking of viral stories, you may have seen one making the rounds about a homeowner who discovered their neighbor’s fence was built a couple of feet over the property line. Instead of apologizing or discussing how to fix it, the neighbor reportedly claimed “squatters’ rights” and insisted the land was now theirs. Most likely that claim won’t hold up, but it sounds like the courts will have to sort it out.

Situations that extreme are rare, but fence disputes between neighbors actually happen more often than people realize. Which is why I recently published an article with several tips worth keeping in mind if you’re thinking about installing a fence of your own.

It’s a lot easier to plan things out upfront than to argue about them after the posts are already in the ground.
 
 
“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 the following household cleaning supplies do many people have a superstition about, believing that it’s bad luck to bring the one you used in your old home into your new home?

A)  Your old dustpan

B)  Your old broom

C)  Your old toilet brush

D)  Your old vacuum

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
6 ways finding your dream home is like finding a four-leaf clover
Since it’s St. Patrick’s Day week, I thought you might get a kick out of this lighthearted list comparing house hunting to searching for a lucky four-leaf clover.
 
 
The fact is…
Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
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Newsletter • March 12, 2026

Things agents say now that would’ve made no sense in the 1980s. Plus, it’s amazing what we take for granted!

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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:

•  Would you grab coffee here?

•  Saving for a house isn’t as easy as many experts make it sound

•  Things agents say now that would’ve made no sense in the 1980s

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
On one hand, I’m obviously just joking…

But the longer days really are a huge deal to me (and my buyers) at this time of year!
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Would you grab coffee here?
Whether it’s a home or a business, the old saying about location, location, location being the three most important things in real estate usually holds true. When it comes to businesses, that normally means a spot that’s easy to find, easy to reach, has plenty of parking, and hopefully plenty of walk-in traffic.

But apparently the exact opposite can work too…

If you’re looking for a caffeine kick and an adrenaline rush, this cliffside café might be worth checking out. Just make sure you have reservations before rappelling down to sip your coffee while dangling over the ocean.
 
 
Saving for a house isn’t as easy as many experts make it sound
It seems like every few years someone comes up with a new way to make saving for a house down payment sound not only possible, but easy. There was the “Latte Factor,” where buyers were told skipping their daily coffee would do the trick. Then came the warnings about avocado toast. Now there’s something called the “$27.39 Rule,” which suggests simply saving that much per day.

If only it were always that easy!

The advice is well-meaning and meant to be encouraging, but at times it can come across as a bit tone deaf. That’s why I recently published an article sharing some perspective on why saving for a down payment can feel so difficult — and why even small, consistent progress still matters more than any catchy rule..
 
 
“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
Doing which of the following in your house everyday increases your chances of becoming a millionaire by 206%?

A)  Making your bed.

B)  Turning down the thermostat by 5 degrees.

C)  Only flushing the toilet every third time you use it.

D)  Cooking your meals in the microwave instead of in the oven.

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
Things agents say now that would’ve made no sense in the 1980s
Technology has changed so much since the 80’s! While we may not have flying cars, or live on Mars quite yet, a lot of our world would look and sound like a sci-fi novel to people just a few decades ago.

For a little fun, perspective, and appreciation for how far things have come in the world of real estate, I recently put together a fun list of things agents say today that would have made absolutely no sense back in the 1980s. It’s a funny little reminder of just how much the real estate world has changed.
 
 
The fact is…
Not a bad idea for saving up a down payment!
re-fact-change-collection
That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
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Newsletter • March 3, 2026

Real estate contract cancellations are at a “record high” (I put that in quotes for a reason…)

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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:

•  On the fence about robots taking over?

•  Real estate contract cancellations are at a “record high”

•  Stock photos are hilarious!

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
And just like that, Halloween will be right around the corner again!
bring-on-spring
On the fence about robots taking over?
Some people think we should be worried about robots taking over the world. Some aren’t worried about it at all. Only time will tell how concerned we should be, but for now, it looks like we have some time before it’s a real threat.

At least based upon what happened to one homeowner in California…

A food delivery robot went through her garden uprooting plants, and then drove through her fence and dragged a portion of it along for the ride to its next stop. 
 
 
Real estate contract cancellations are at a “record high”
According to recent headlines, real estate contract cancellations are at their highest January level since 2017. However, while that might sound alarming, it’s only a 0.6 percentage point increase compared to last January, and a 2.7 percentage point increase compared to January 2017.

Unfortunately, headlines are often designed to grab your attention, not necessarily make things sound normal.

While the claims are factually correct, cancellations are normal, and the increases are not as drastic as they may sound. If you want a more objective take on what’s going on, check out this article I recently published. 
 
 
“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 which U.S. city are the McDonald’s “Golden Arches” turquoise, rather than yellow?

A)  Santa Fe, NM

B)  Sedona, AZ

C)  Asheville, NC

D)  Miami, FL

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
Stock photos are hilarious!
There are lots of misperceptions about what it’s like to be a real estate agent.

But it’s easy to see why people outside the industry would have a skewed view of an agent’s life when you look at it through the lens of stock photos! For example, check out these nine things agents are often depicted doing in stock photos for a quick laugh.

And if you’ve never looked through stock photos of people in your career, it might be fun to give it a try the next time you’re bored. 
 
 
The fact is…
Selling for less makes sense when you use a word like that… but taking longer to sell is a really interesting tidbit!
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
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Newsletter • February 23, 2026

Before you even head out to grab some paint samples……………………Here are tips to help you save time and money

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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:

•  Can you hear me now?

•  Before you even head out to grab some paint samples…

•  “Broom clean” is hard to define

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
Your “perfect house” might be rare, but I’m pretty confident we can find it well before the next leap year rolls around in 2028.

Just to be safe, let me know what you’re looking for so I can start keeping an eye out! 😉
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Can you hear me now?
We’ve probably all had moments where a neighbor’s noise made us lose a little sleep — loud music, late-night gatherings, maybe a barking dog that just won’t quit. For the most part, you just grin and bear it. But if it’s a bit too loud or too often, perhaps you share a few choice words with your neighbor about it.

But one woman was so fed up with noisy neighbors that she grabbed a megaphone and began blasting insults and swearing at them in the middle of the night… for nearly two years!

But if you ever feel tempted to solve a neighbor dispute with a megaphone, know that she ended up getting sentenced to three months in jail and was given a $3,600 fine.
 
 
Before you even head out to grab some paint samples…
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to update your home before it hits the market. But if you’ve ever tried to pick the perfect color, you know what it’s like to stand in the paint aisle staring at 47 slightly different shades of “warm neutral” and hope you don’t make the wrong choice.

Which is probably why a recent article I came across reported that more and more homeowners are hiring paint color consultants to avoid getting it wrong.

But before you spend money on that, you might want to check out this article I recently published. It breaks down what those services typically cost — and shares a few other ways to get solid guidance on choosing the right color… including just giving me a ring before you start updating.
 
 
“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
What’s the name of the custom color Walt Disney World created to hide doors they don’t want people to notice or enter?:

A)  Go Away Green

B)  Mickey Mouse Mauve

C)  Walt’s White

D)  Beat It Black

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
“Broom clean” is hard to define
You’re supposed to leave your house in “broom clean” condition for the buyer when you sell your house, which leaves a lot of room for interpretation. It often boils down to sellers feeling like they left the place looking immaculate, and buyers wondering if the seller even owned a broom.

But it is kind of subjective…

Which is probably why so many sellers think they’re being super thoughtful when they leave certain things behind, but buyers end up feeling like you just left them something to figure out what to do with or get rid of.

So to take some of the subjectivity out of it, here’s a list of 5 things you shouldn’t leave behind when selling your house, even if you think you’re doing the buyer a favor.
 
 
The fact is…
It might, but it still might be a smart move to give me a call before you run out and paint your door black!
re-fact-black-doors-2
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 • February 18, 2026

5 funny home features to help couples live together in peace

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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 kind of open house any seller wants

•  What to do when you love a house that’s priced too high

•  5 funny home features to help couples live together in peace

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
If yours is “Emoh Maerd,” I’d be glad to make a few introductions. 😍
crush-backwards
Not the kind of open house any seller wants
A lot of homeowners picture their agent advertising an open house and having a steady stream of buyers come through when it hits the market.

What they don’t picture is a random teenager advertising a pop-up party online, charging a cover fee, setting up a DJ in the living room, and lighting off fireworks in the bedroom.

But in San Diego County, that’s exactly what has happened in several vacant homes listed for sale.

As you can imagine, the party-goers leave behind quite a mess, and some expensive repairs. Still better than a squatter, I suppose… but you can add this to the list of reasons it’s not a bad idea to have timer lights, cameras, or a security system in place when a home is sitting vacant.
 
 
What to do when you love a house that’s priced too high
With Valentine’s Day week here, it feels fitting to talk about what happens when you fall in love… with a house that’s priced higher than it should be.

A lot of buyers feel like their only options are to wait it out or walk away. And while that’s often the advice you’ll hear, it’s not always the only strategy.
Sometimes there’s an opportunity to step up thoughtfully, make your interest known, and open the door to a productive conversation before the seller ever drops the price.

I recently published an article that breaks down how this works, just in case you ever find yourself falling in love with a house that the seller has overpriced.
 
 
“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 letter of the alphabet does NOT appear in the name of any U.S. state?

1)  Q

2)  X

3)  Z

4)  J

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
5 funny home features to help couples live together in peace
Valentine’s Day flowers, candy, and a nice dinner are great… but sometimes keeping the peace at home takes a little more than one romantic evening a year.


So I figured it’d be fun to share this (mostly) tongue-in-cheek list of 5 home features that could make cohabitation a little less stressful at times. They’re probably not practical solutions, but at least they’ll give you something to joke about with your significant other!
 
 
The fact is…
I’ve seen some pretty weird things included in the sale of a house, but a hand in marriage is definitely not one of them!
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That wraps it up for this week!
Be on the lookout for the next one!
 
 
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Newsletter • February 10, 2026

A fear a lot of first-time buyers don’t talk about. (And many don’t even realize it…)

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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:

•  In the market for a new birdhouse?

•  A fear a lot of first-time buyers don’t talk about

•  Dating and buying a home have more in common than you’d think

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
A few days is probably pushing it… but hey, I’m always up for a challenge if you’re in a pinch.
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In the market for a new birdhouse?
Most real estate offices don’t get much walk-in traffic these days, so it’s always a surprise when someone actually shows up at the door.

But imagine how surprised the agents were when a peacock recently strutted right up to the entrance of their real estate office in Tennessee, casually checking the place out like it had an appointment.

If you really want to surprise me next time you’re thinking about buying or selling, feel free to stop by instead of calling or texting… and if you want to do it with a little extra flair, a peacock costume wouldn’t hurt.
 
 
A fear a lot of first-time buyers don’t talk about
When people say they’re not sure they’re ready to buy a home yet, they often blame prices, rates, or competition. And sometimes that really is the issue. But for a lot of first-time buyers, there’s something sitting a little below the surface that doesn’t always get mentioned… or even recognized.

For many potential first-time buyers, the idea of getting pre-approved for a mortgage feels intimidating, which can stop them before they even get to the point of worrying about prices, rates, or competition.

I recently published an article about why that fear is far more common than people admit, and why getting pre-approved is usually much less scary than it sounds. Give it a read if this feels familiar — or feel free to share it with a first-time buyer you think might benefit 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 monumental structure did a woman named Erika LaBrie marry in 2007?

1)  The Eiffel Tower

2)  Big Ben

3)  The Lincoln Memorial

4)  The Leaning Tower of Pisa

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
Dating and buying a home have more in common than you’d think
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I couldn’t resist sharing this funny list of ways buying a home is a lot like dating!

Got anything you’d add to the list based upon your experiences buying a house or dating?
 
 
The fact is…
All I can say is 😲!
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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 • February 3, 2026

If only my house had _________________. Does a new home actually equal happiness?

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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:

•  As luck would have it…

•  If only my house had _________________.

•  6 funny ways for sellers to choose which buyer wins a bidding war

But first, let’s start it off with my…
Meme of the Week
It doesn’t have to be on the market or Valentine’s Day for me to play matchmaker! Let me know what you’re looking for and I’ll keep my eyes peeled for you!
valentines-matchmaker-agent
As luck would have it…
A 70-year-old Louisiana man was sleeping in his living room when a car crashed through his house and landed right on top of him.

Fortunately, he was okay. In fact, he felt good enough to ask the ambulance driver to stop on the way to the hospital so he could buy a lottery ticket, figuring it must have been his lucky day.

But this wasn’t his first lucky day… His house has been hit by cars five times since he’s lived there. Some might call that the unluckiest location imaginable — but he seems to prefer a very glass-half-full approach to life.
 
 
If only my house had _________________.
It’s actually fairly normal for people to look around their home and feel like they’d finally be happy — and never have to move again — if it just had this, that, or another thing.

A lot of people try to sort that feeling out by talking to friends, family, or even running scenarios through ChatGPT. That can all be helpful, but sometimes it just creates more noise.

So if this is something you’ve been feeling and wondering about, you might want to check out this article I recently published about why looping in a real estate agent earlier than most people do can actually be really 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
What is the actual meaning of the word “igloo” in the Inuit language?

A)  Frozen glue

B)  House

C)  Dome home

D)  Ice tent

Click the answer you think is correct.
 
 
6 funny ways for sellers to choose which buyer wins a bidding war
It probably sounds ideal to have multiple offers when you’re selling your home — and don’t get me wrong, it absolutely is!

But it’s also not quite the no-brainer many sellers expect it to be. Saying “no” to one or more buyers can actually be harder (and more stressful) than saying “yes” to the one you choose. And when the offers are close, picking between them isn’t always easy.

Unless you’ve been through it yourself, it’s hard to appreciate just how stressful a multiple-offer situation can be. Whether you’ve experienced it as a seller, hope to one day, or are in the middle of it right now, this funny list of creative ways for sellers to choose between buyers should at least give you a good laugh.
 
 
The fact is…
If you’ve ever dealt with building codes, permits, or inspections, this will feel frustratingly familiar.
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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.