Alexa Bradford - EXP Real Estate

Hot Take: Home upgrades before selling can be completely unnecessary.

Here's why: Not all upgrades are created equal.

For example: Sellers refacing their cabinets. While this update will look great, the expense of the project is likely not necessary for the sale.

The truth is some changes won't significantly alter buyer interest or selling price, especially if they don't align with a buyer’s taste or preferences.

So, before you rent the sander or swing the hammer, work with your agent to strategize on the best investments to maximize your home's value.

Do you agree or disagree? Share your perspective below.

Colorado Realtor friends!!
Does anyone have a single family coming up in Louisville or Lafayette - 3+ bed 2+ bath 2+ car garage. Updated systems (HVAC, roof, electrical panel). Well maintained, lot size is also important! Under 825k please!

Invitation to an open house tomorrow!

This cute, cute home provides easy and convenient living. Save with the leased solar panels that are only $38.00 per month.
Has a finished basement for extra space!

Come see me tomorrow!
17470 E 95th Place
Commerce City

12:00-2:00PM

Homeownership feeling like a far away fantasy?
I know the feeling.
Today, I’m sharing some philosophies from the man who wrote the book on personal finance. These tips have helped me tremendously (and have brought many closer to their home-owning dreams).
Please welcome to the stage: Warren Buffett

Monitor your finances: Be aware of the inflows and outflows by tracking income and expenses using budgeting tools like Copilot or You Need a Budget (YNAB).

Automate savings and investments: Set up automatic transfers to prioritize saving before other expenses, where possible.

Monthly progress meetings: Regularly review your spending and budget to stay focused and celebrate any wins.

Extra cash toward your goals: Put any windfalls (tax refunds, birthday gifts, bonuses) straight into savings.

Open a HYSA: A high-yield savings account (free) can earn you between ~ 4-5% annually. Use any extra income to build a 6-month emergency fund, then tackle medium-term goals (hello house!).

Resist lifestyle inflation: Keep it simple—stick to the older paid off car and save those extra dollars.

Tackle debt: Prioritize paying off high-interest debt and navigate interest rates and loan terms adeptly to reduce your overall burden.

Avoid unnecessary expenses: New gadget on your mind? Ask yourself if it aligns with long term goals. To be sure, sit on it for a month before purchasing.

If these tips make you eager to reach your homeownership goal, keep the momentum going by commenting below — I’ll send you my 90-Days to Homeownership Guide, no strings attached. Just a step-by-step plan to keep you making progress in 2024.
Source: 34 Frugal Living Tips That Really Work: Warren Buffett's Saving Money Habits - New Trader U

We packed the open house when my sellers agreed to this...
They followed my listing prep checklist
With many years of experience and listings sold, I’ve learned a few key ways to make your home POP on open house day.
Disclaimer: Your home might make headlines for the crowd it draws. (Kidding... kind of). Here’s a quick summary:

Cleaning police

Take no prisoners. Dust and wipe down every surface, corner, hidden nook, blind and fan. Invest in a steam cleaner. The before and after may shock you but, from personal experience, the satisfaction is unparalleled.

De-cluttering Dynamo

Bulky furniture or too many personal items can make a home appear smaller than it really is. Consider temporarily renting a storage unit for any excess belongings.
A tip I try to follow: If I haven’t used something in 6 months, I give it a second chance at life by donating.

Handyman Hero

That tool belt? It was made for you. Tighten the leaky faucet, fix the squeaky door hinge, and paint the spot on the ceiling.
The fewer issues a buyer can spot, the more appealing your home becomes.

Exterior Achiever

We shower, brush our teeth, shave, and dress nicely when meeting someone new. I want that same energy for the exterior of your home.
Crisp and clean windows, a manicured lawn, fresh mulch, and a few pops of seasonal flowers go a long way for our first impression!

Staging Magician

Staging has been shown to increase a home's sale price by 1-5% and decrease the time it spends on the market. (Say less!)
We’ll hire the pros for this and we’ll watch their magic unfold.
I’d love to send over my Seller Guide, it’s packed with tangible steps for getting your home listing-ready, including that checklist I mentioned! Comment "Sell" and I'll send it your way (no strings attached)
Source: Profile of Home Staging

What is the “Lock in effect”??
An unwillingness on the part of homeowners to trade in their lower-rate mortgages for higher ones.
Here’s where this trend stands today:
In Q3 2023, fewer Americans had mortgages below 6% than in 2022 due to moving. And what causes people to move regardless of interest rates? Major life events, including the 5 D's: diapers, diplomas, diamonds, divorce, & death
• Between Q3 2022 and Q3 2023, more homeowners chose to move, accepting higher mortgage rates.
•The lock-in effects still contributes to inventory shortages, but listings have started to rise due to slightly lower rates (under the 8% peak of 2023).
• Homeowners with historically lower mortgage rates (between 3% and 4%) are more likely to “suffer from” the lock-in effect than those with rates between 5% and 6%.
Rather than focusing on the rate, I’m telling buyers to focus on the affordability of the monthly payment.
If you want to talk about buying this spring — and what it would take to get you in a home of your own, schedule a 15 minute discovery call with me. The link is in my bio - I’d love to connect.
Source: Is the Lock-In Effect Fading? How to Help Homeowners Navigate Today’s Interest Rates - BAM

This is a tale about resilience.
And the protagonists of this story are millennials.
They’ve faced their fair share of challenges with higher interest rates, home prices, and the struggle to save for a down payment while renting.
The market conditions have not been the friendliest.
It was reported that 67% of millennials regret not buying a home when rates were lower.
A remarkable 78% of you are still open to the idea of buying a home
Even if it means navigating higher-than-average mortgage rates and making some compromises.
Today I’m sharing a few clever ways I’ve seen millennials get started on their home buying journeys, despite the setbacks.
Getting in the game:
Buying a home just to get into the game, living in it for two years, then using the proceeds to level up to a more desirable home. The key here is to start building equity — then keep going!
House hacking:
Buying a duplex or home with a mother-in-law suite and renting it out on airbnb or to a longer term tenant to reduce costs.
Creative financing:
Looking into creative financing options - there are some incredible loan programs that offer reduced or 0% down payments. (I’d be happy to connect you with a stellar lender who can put together a few great options!)
Recasting:
I’ve seen some paying slightly over the asking price to seal the deal then recasting or refinancing their mortgage at a later date to reduce monthly payments. (Of course, it’s critical to not overextend yourself).
If you're interested in taking the first steps towards owning your own place - Grab some time on my calendar (link in my bio). Your path to homeownership could be closer than you think!

It's time to go *Boujie on a Budget*
In all my time real-estating, I've seen some impactful upgrades that give the homes a fresh look AND are easy on the wallet.
These are a few of my favorites:
• Replace faucets and cabinet hardware. Estimated cost: $150-$400 for a kitchen faucet and $5-$25 per cabinet pull.
• Upgrade door k***s and hardware. Estimated cost: $28 per passage door and $31 per privacy lock.
• Swap builder-grade switch plates for decorative ones. Estimated cost: $5-25 per plate, depending on style.
• Refresh rugs. Check out Rugs USA or Loloi on Amazon. Both sites partner with designers, like Rifle Paper Co and Arvin Olano for elevated looks. Estimated cost: $189 for a 5x8 rug.
I'm a huge proponent of making small changed that go a lonnnng way.
Want more tips about small projects with big impact? Reach out - I’ll share what I’m seeing local DIYers take on these days.

It's time to go *Boujie on a Budget*
In all my time real-estating, I've seen some impactful upgrades that give the homes a fresh look AND are easy on the wallet.
These are a few of my favorites:
• Replace faucets and cabinet hardware. Estimated cost: $150-$400 for a kitchen faucet and $5-$25 per cabinet pull.
• Upgrade door k***s and hardware. Estimated cost: $28 per passage door and $31 per privacy lock.
• Swap builder-grade switch plates for decorative ones. Estimated cost: $5-25 per plate, depending on style.
• Refresh rugs. Check out Rugs USA or Loloi on Amazon. Both sites partner with designers, like Rifle Paper Co and Arvin Olano for elevated looks. Estimated cost: $189 for a 5x8 rug.
I'm a huge proponent of making small changed that go a lonnnng way.
Want more tips about small projects with big impact? Reach out - I’ll share what I’m seeing local DIYers take on these days.

From good to GREAT

When it comes to an agent making an impact at a listing, the little things *are actually the BIG things.*

Of course, it's critical for us to nail the obvious things like killer photos & videos, staging and pricing your home right...but there's more!

Go ahead and swipe for what I believe to be small tweaks that take a listing from good to great.

Follow me on instagram for more!

🏡 🏡

Did you know that Spring is peak home buying season, with 40% of purchases happening between March and June?!

If you’re buying a home this Spring, it’s time to put on your game face and get ready to compete. Here are a few tips to help you win the bidding war and secure your dream home...

Be ready to act fast.
In a hot market, homes don’t last long. Be prepared to act quickly and make an offer as soon as you find the perfect home. *Ahem* this means getting pre-approval from a lender before starting your search.

Be prepared to make a strong offer.
In a competitive market, you may need to make an offer above the asking price to stand out. Be prepared to move fast and make a strong offer to secure your dream home. Don’t worry, I have a few more tricks up my sleeves to help your offer stand out!

Be flexible.
Be open to different neighborhoods, home styles, and move-in dates. The more flexible you are, the more options you’ll have. Pro tip: Create a wants vs. needs list before you start searching.

I love helping clients come out on top of a bidding war and lock down their dream home. The sooner we can start preparing for your purchase the better, send me a message and let’s get started!

Statistics:
*According to NAR, spring is often the busiest season for home sales, with 40% of typical existing-home purchases taking place between March and June.

Fact: It pays to be a homeowner. Why? One word: Appreciation. Your home's value is set to rise over the next 5 years, and here's the proof.

According to Pulsenomics’ Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES), over 100 experts –comprised of economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts– agree that home prices will continue to rise annually, between 3-4%, through 2027.

Let's bring that to street level.

Imagine you invested in a $400,000 home at the start of 2023. Thanks to HPES forecasts, your property could potentially gain a whopping $71,000 in added value over the next half-decade. Now, that's what I call a return on investment.

The takeaway here is clear - being a homeowner truly pays off in dividends. You haven't just purchased a property; you've acquired a growing asset that boosts your wealth year after year.

If you're contemplating the leap into homeownership, let's connect. Together, we'll explore how your home can be a wealth-building investment.

Source: Experts Project Home Prices Will Rise over the Next 5 Years

Did you know that the color of your home can significantly impact its sale? Picking the right hue could be the game-changer that makes your home stand out!

If you’re thinking about repainting your home's exterior to attract potential buyers, stop scrolling and check this out.

Best colors for your home's exterior:

• White
• Neutrals and earth tones
• Light or dark gray
• Cool blue and gray blue

Exterior colors to avoid:

• Yellow
• Brown
• Red

What’s your take? Do you agree or disagree? Comment below!
Source: What Color House Sells The Best? | Rocket Homes

Winter has us in its grip, and while it may be tempting to up the thermostat, heating can cost a pretty penny.

Before buying blankets in bulk, swipe for a few ways to stay toasty in your home:

1) Watch out for drafts.

Even small drafts can cause significant temperature drops. Common spaces include under doors and around windows. Replacing seals, adding caulk, or using a rolled-up towel can help keep the warmth in.

2) Choose Energy Star appliances.

If you’re replacing appliances soon, opt for appliances certified with high Energy Star ratings for about $450 annual savings on energy consumption.

3) Upgrade to efficient lighting.

Replace traditional light bulbs with more energy-efficient LED alternatives. Same brightness less energy usage.

Bonus? Smart bulbs like Phillips Hue let you set your lights on a schedule and choose from an endless array of colors and hues.

4) Inspect home heating systems.

Avoid malfunction and energy waste by having your heating system inspected and serviced by a professional.

Looking for more money-saving tips for slashing heating costs this winter?

Comment 'winter', and I’ll send over my full money-saving checklist for Winter Home Maintenance. Let's explore how we can make your home energy-efficient together.

Ready to sell ASAP but want to maintain a pace that feels right to you? Here are your options:

Option 1: Quick

• List your property at a fair price.
• Be strategic in evaluating offers. The highest bid isn't always the safest choice.
• Seek strong terms: more earnest money, pre-approvals, and a flexible closing date.

Don't risk falling out of escrow. Let an experienced agent navigate the deal-making process.

Option 2: Quicker

• Employ the 'low-price-high-interest' approach.
• Set an enticing price to attract immediate interest.
• Ensure your agent markets the property effectively to avoid buyer suspicion. The goal is to intrigue, not cast doubt.

Option 3: Quickest

* Explore a cash offer from an investor.
* Know going in it will be less than market value.
* Close in just days with no showings, repairs, or appraisal.

Need help choosing the best-selling speed for your goals? Let's chat and create a plan to transform your property from a listing to a success story.

For the past few years, interior design trends have largely stayed the same. This year? The talented crew at Studio McGee predicts some bold shifts in the design world.

Swipe for a few that may catch your eye this year:

1) Country club aesthetic: A style that wraps your rooms in the tranquility of whites, creams, and playful greens — just like the country club golf course.

2) Natural and luxe pairings: This trend is all about merging natural elements like plaster and stone with modern, sleek finishes like glass and straight lines.

3) Warm reds: Dusty pinks, deep burgundies, and earthy red undertones will give our homes a cozy, comfortable feel in 2024.

4) Understated opulence: Rich velvets, fluted glass, European bedding with piped borders, fringe, and marble. A blend of elegant simplicity and intricate craftsmanship.

5) Italian-inspired pieces: Ironwork, plaster ceiling medallions, marble, busts or sculptures. Don't be surprised to see touches of the Renaissance coming to a home decor store near you.

6) Statement tile and flooring: Expect to see exciting tile combinations, both on walls and floors, to make an expressive statement about your style.

What do you think? Are you a fan?? Have you already started to see these trends come to life? Comment below!

*Reminder* You don’t have to be actively buying or
selling a home to start a conversation with me.

How can I build or improve my credit score in preparation for applying for a mortgage?

How can I start researching neighborhoods or areas I might be interested in?

Should I make any improvements to my current home before selling?

What financial factors should I consider before buying or selling?

How do you expect the real estate market to change this year?

What can I do now to start preparing for buying/selling a home in 2-3 years?

19% of all homebuyers consider their pets' needs when choosing a neighborhood. As we celebrate Love Your Pet Day, here’s what pet-loving buyers often prioritize during the buying process:

• Spacious lots and acreage
• Walkability
• Parks and recreation areas

There's no denying it—our furry friends bring warmth and love into our homes. If you're planning to buy a home that caters to you and your pet's needs, let's connect and find that puuurfect space for you both!

Source: A Stunning Stat: There Are More American Households With Pets Than Children.

This proven pricing strategy might just surprise you…

Instead of aiming for the highest listing price, consider setting it slightly lower than the market suggests. Why? Because it can create a buzz around your property, drawing in multiple offers and creating a competitive atmosphere.

And here's the kicker: When buyers sense that they might miss out on a great deal, they often push the final sale price above the initial listing. That means you could end up with more money in your pocket than you expected!

One more thing: Not only does this strategy help you get the best possible price in the current market, it means the property will sell quickly. This strategy leverages buyer competition and urgency to your advantage.

Curious to learn more about this strategy and other tips for a successful sale? Comment 'SELL' below or DM me, and I’ll send you my Seller Guide.

Before you reach for that sledgehammer....

Let's talk about these tried and true, budget-friendly kitchen reno tips:

• Don't ditch those cabinets! Painting or refacing can save you $15,000 to $20,000 compared to a full replacement.

• Elevate your walls with high-quality paint for a room transformation that won't break the bank.

• If your current kitchen layout works, stick with it to avoid pricey plumbing and electrical changes.

• Instead of hardwoods, consider copycat luxury vinyl for flooring that's durable, stylish, and wallet-friendly.

Intrigued by these tips? Let's dive deeper. DM me, and let's chat about how to turn your dream kitchen into a reality without blowing your budget. Plus, we'll take a look at the upgrades seeing the highest ROI.

Source: How to Stretch a Kitchen Remodeling Budget
The Importance of Quality Paint.

Looking to buy a home? Here, for your bookmarking pleasure, are the top 10 things to look for:

Neighborhood: A great house deserves a great neighborhood. Research local schools, amenities, and the overall vibe.

Floor plan: Imagine your daily life in this space. Can you see yourself living here comfortably? Is there room to grow into it?

Major home systems: Get to know the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. A home inspection can save you from expensive surprises.

Exterior: First impressions matter. Assess curb appeal, maintenance needs, and potential repairs.

Natural light: Bright spaces can improve your mood and save on energy bills. Open those curtains and take a good look.

Signs of damage: Keep an eye out for any red flags like water damage, mold, or structural issues.

Garage: Does it fit your car(s) and storage needs? Don't forget this crucial space.

Renovation needs: Assess and price any updates or renovations. It's all about making the house your own.

Ready to start your journey? I've got a Home Buyer Guide tailored to help navigate today's market. Comment "Buy" and let me send it your way.
Source: https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/home-buying/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-house

“If you want top dollar for your home, you should price it high. You can always come down if you need to.”

Hands up if you’ve heard this. Or if you’ve heard people say:

“Just wait it out. You’ll eventually get the offer you want if you’re willing to wait.”

Or, my favorite:

“Zillow says my home is worth $ ________.”

Sigh.

Want to know the real talk?

What really matters when selling your home is having an agent who knows what they're doing. And for sure, it doesn’t have to be me, but please, be done with pie-in-the-sky pricing and find a qualified, experienced agent who is selling homes right NOW in your neighborhood.

I remind every one of my sellers how hard they’ve worked and how much they deserve every dime out of their homes. To make that happen, we go over these three tips:

1) Prep it well. If you want top dollar, you've got to be willing to do some work upfront to get your home looking its best. Minor repairs, major decluttering, and fresh paint go a long way.
2) Price it well. The market has been all over the place recently, so it’s critical to pull as much data as possible when settling on a price. Too high? Buyers won’t bite. Too low? Sellers leave money on the table. I want my sellers to feel good about their listing price, but it's gotta be backed by the data.
3) Promote it well. Starting with those listing photos. Your home’s first showing is online - and there’s no better way to set your home apart from the rest than with professional listing photos. It's a small investment for a huge return.

What are you hearing about selling in our area? Let me know in the comments - or send me a DM to chat.

While it might not involve touchdowns or flashy halftime shows, buying a home is a game of its own – one that requires careful planning and a lot of prep.

Is buying on your mind? Here's a winning Home Buying Game Plan:

• 9 months out: Schedule a buyer consult with a trusted local agent.
• 3-4 months out: Get pre-approved.
• 2 months out: Begin your online window shopping, eyeing homes that match your criteria.
• 1-2 months out: Start the home-shopping process. Time to get inside some homes!
• 14-30 days under contract: It's like the two-minute drill before the big game.
• Game Day: Closing Day!

Save this post for later, and when you're ready, schedule a call via the link in my bio – I'm here to help you score that dream home!

While Super Bowl Sunday is thrilling, the real excitement lies in what comes next...

If you're playing around with selling, here's why the day after the Super Bowl should pique your interest.

• The day after the Super Bowl signifies the start of the spring real estate season, revving up after the holiday lull.

• Mid-February means motivated buyers are beginning their house-hunting journey, providing sellers with an opportunity to face less competition.

• Listing your property in February and March not only means less competition but also faster closing times. Banks tend to have fewer mortgage applications, expediting paperwork processing.

• With motivated buyers and less competition, sellers who list early may even see a higher sale price.

Feel free to DM me or comment below — let's work together to create your game plan and explore if selling soon(er) might be the right move for you.

OPEN HOUSE ALERT!!
Open this Saturday 12:00-2:00PM
Saturday Feb 17th 12:00-2:00PM

Hope to see you there!

Just moved in? Here's how to quickly fall in love with your new neighborhood:

1) Host a housewarming and invite neighbors over for drinks and appetizers.

2) Get involved. Attend local town hall meetings to listen and learn the latest news and happenings.

3) Explore meetup.com for local interest groups. Shared hobbies are a fantastic way to connect.

4) Peruse a local farmers market to support local businesses and take in the community vibe.

5) Join your area’s association. Most neighborhoods have an association. Join yours to get involved and meet neighbors!

6) Take after-dinner strolls. Explore the neighborhood by going on leisurely walks at a time when most of your neighbors are home. It's a great way to discover hidden gems and meet fellow residents.

What's the best way for new neighbors to settle in? Share your thoughts and what's worked for you below.

You wake up, sip your coffee, browse the MLS listings, and there it is — your house, unsold.

If this is you this February, consider making these tweaks to turn that 'for sale' into 'sold'.

1) Adjust the price.

A high price tag is often the biggest obstacle to a quick sale. Maybe it's a tad too high compared to the neighborhood average or isn’t in line with your home’s condition. Perhaps it’s time to reopen that conversation with your agent.

2) Improve the condition.

A chip in the paint or a squeaky door could turn potential buyers away. Maintaining your property and doing necessary repairs shows buyers your house is ready to be their home.

3) Stage and declutter.

Ever been to a crowded store where you couldn't find anything you wanted? That's how buyers feel in a cluttered house. Creating a visually appealing, spacious environment can do wonders.

4) Work with the right agent.

If your home isn't getting the right amount of showings or offers, it might be time to reevaluate your agent. Discuss details about how they’re working to sell your home, find out what they’re doing, and confirm you're both on the same page.

Ready to figure out your next best move? Comment 'Sell' to grab my Selling Guide where I cover all the ins-and-outs of a successful sale.

Ever wondered about the various factors influencing your home's worth? Here's a quick rundown:

1) Proximity to amenities, schools, and transportation.
2) Square footage and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
3) Age and condition.
4) Recent sales prices of similar homes in your area.
5) The current state of the local property market.
6) Special features, home upgrades, and construction quality.
7) Local factors like employment rates and overall economic health.
8) The number of homes available vs. buyers.

Want to know what your home is worth in today’s market? DM me your address and email, and I'll send you a Comprehensive Market Analysis specific to your home.

Unexpected home expenses can catch you off guard...

Here are three practical ways to ensure you're financially prepared for any curveball:

1) Build a safety net.

Setting aside a small amount each month, even as little as $50, creates a financial cushion for those unforeseen home-related challenges. Set up an auto-draft to a high yield savings account (HYSA) and earn some interest while you save!

2) Review your insurance.

Approximately two out of every three homes in America are underinsured. Take the time to review your homeowners insurance to ensure it adequately covers your needs.

3) Plan for replacements.

Understand the remaining lifespan of major items like your roof, water heater, and appliances. This allows you to budget for future replacements, preventing unexpected financial strain.

Want some extra help handling unexpected home costs?

Comment 'maintenance' and I'll send along my free Homeowner’s Maintenance Tracker, which includes a detailed appliance tracker to help you stay organized, plan for replacements, and keep surprise costs at bay.

Source: Underinsured Home Insurance FAQ - Nationwide.