Stephany Mai

JUST SOLD! This was a fun project and I LOVE how it turned out… check out the before and after photos 🤩

✅ Raised the ceiling at the kitchen, breakfast nook, master bathroom and guest bathroom

✅ Removed a wall to open up the kitchen area

✅ Changed den to become a usable bedroom

✅ Coat closet to become a library

✅ Accent walls in multiple areas including fireplace as the center piece of the house

Many more of features that added to the house to create this beautiful home for the new homeowner 😎

Moving can be expensive—and we aren’t just talking about the home purchase! Here are a few of our top tips to cut costs.

🚚 Declutter before you pack. Don’t spend money moving items that you no longer need. Instead, hold a yard sale to help fund your move.

🚚 Get multiple quotes. The cost of movers can vary widely, so explore a few options to ensure you aren’t being overcharged.

🚚 Avoid paying for packing supplies. Post on your community Facebook group or check with local stores for leftover boxes.

🚚 Pack strategically. If you nest items inside one another, you may be able to get away with a smaller, less expensive moving truck.

Want more advice? Send us a message or an email and ask for a free copy of our report, “10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move.”

📲 480.290.6280
📧 [email protected]

Are you relocating to a new area? A few simple steps to prepare can make all the difference on move-in day.

For example, it’s much easier to clean or remodel your home before all your belongings have been moved in. Schedule contractors to paint or install new flooring ahead of time so you can enjoy a truly fresh start.

Other steps, such as changing your address, need time to implement. Submit your request to the postal service and other relevant parties well in advance so all your important bills, notices, and deliveries make it to your new doorstep.

Save this “Relocation Pre-Arrival Checklist” for later. And for even more tips for a stress-less move, check out our Ultimate Relocation Guide!

🔗 https://stephanymai.myagent.site/the-ultimate-relocation-guide-from-finding-a-house-to-feeling-at-home/

Why do 89% of homebuyers enlist the help of a licensed real estate agent or broker?

Here are just a few of the advantages of having a professional advocate when you buy a home:

✅ Market Expertise. We’ll share our insight into the local market and the latest sales data so you can make an informed purchase.

✅ Property Exclusives. We’ll tap into our expansive network to bring you opportunities that go beyond what you’ll find online.

✅ Negotiation Skills. We know how to prepare and negotiate competitive offers to secure the best terms for you.

✅ Risk Reduction. We can help you avoid costly mistakes that eat into your timeline and budget and leave you with buyer’s remorse.

✅ Emotional Support. We’ll help you make rational and data-driven decisions during an often-emotional process.

Want to learn more about how we can help with your home purchase? Reach out for a free, no-obligation consultation.

📲 480.290.6280
📧 [email protected]

A.L.M.O.S.T….. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

Summer is almost here — and that means it’s moving season! Here are the steps you need to keep in mind if you’re planning to relocate.

🏙️ Choose a community.
Think about your priorities, like proximity to family, friends, work, or school.

🏡 Find a new home.
Begin by weighing the costs and benefits of buying a home versus renting one.

💰 Sell or rent out your current home.
Work with a real estate agent to maximize efficiency and profit.

📦 Plan for your departure.
Start packing, and reach out for moving company recommendations.

🔌 Prepare for your arrival.
Set up utilities at your new address, and tackle any disruptive home renovations in advance.

☕ Get settled in your new space.
Take time for self-care, and start building new connections in your community.

Check out our latest blog post for all the details you need for a successful move.

🔗https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ultimate-relocation-guide-from-finding-house-feeling-home-mai-k35ye

Do you know when you might need your agent to pull sales data on similar homes (aka comparables or “comps”) for a property? Here are a few scenarios:

🏡 You’re preparing to sell.
We can help you set an ideal list price based, in part, on what homes like yours have sold for in the recent past.

🏡 You’re thinking about buying.
We’ll use comps to assess whether or not a home’s asking price is reasonable and help you come up with a data-driven offer.

🏡 You’re taking out a home equity loan.
Comparables can help you estimate your home’s value — and if an appraisal comes in low, you can use comps to contest it.

Need some comparable sales data for your property? Don’t hesitate to reach out!

📲 480.290.6280
📧 [email protected]

As real estate professionals, we know what can go wrong with a home purchase. 🙈 So, here are 3 things we would never do when buying a home:

❌ Hold out for a “unicorn” property.
We decide what features matter most and focus on those.

❌ Go with the first mortgage quote.
We’ve seen how much terms and closing costs can vary, so we’ll always shop for the best deal.

❌ Let emotions drive our decisions.
We know how beneficial it is to stay rational and reasonable when negotiating a transaction.

Whether you’re purchasing your first home or your fifth, we’re here to provide expert advice and help you avoid pitfalls. Reach out for a free consultation.

📲 480.290.6280
📧 [email protected]

Did you know that while some home improvements can decrease your insurance premiums, others can raise them?

Improvements that can lower rates include:
📉 Upgrading your electrical system
📉 Adding a security system
📉 Replacing your roof

Improvements that can raise premiums include:
📈 Adding a pool or water feature
📈 Building an extension
📈 Installing a fireplace or woodstove

To learn more and get tips to save on home insurance, check out our latest blog post!

🔗 https://stephanymai.myagent.site/6-strategies-to-save-on-home-insurance-premiums/

We’re grateful to have Juan from donating his time for photos and videos at event tomorrow, 5:30-7:30pm! Follow his IG pages & . I’ve personally worked with Juan for photos and staging; he’s fantastic!

We are excited to invite you to join us this Tuesday from 5:30-7:30pm !Connect with local female real estate investors for a fun evening of socializing, learning, laughter, and drinks. Stephanie Fiqueros, a local short-term rentals investor, will share insights on acquiring STR, financing, management, and STR empire-building. We look forward to seeing you there! Ask me for more details!

📈 Mortgage rates have remained stubbornly high.

But did you know that homebuyers can take over certain types of mortgages from the seller—at their original interest rates?

These loans, called assumable mortgages, may include U.S. government-backed FHA, VA, and USDA loans when certain criteria are met.

If you have an assumable loan with a low interest rate, it could be an important selling point for your home. Reach out for a free consultation to learn more!

📲 480.290.6280
📧 [email protected]

As real estate professionals, we know what works (and what doesn’t). Here are 3 things we would never do when selling our own homes:

❌ Skip the prep work.
We understand that buyers want a well-maintained, clean, and clutter-free home—and are turned off by anything less.

❌ Fail to keep our property available and show-ready.
We know that when a home isn’t available for a buyer to tour, they can quickly move on to the next option.

❌ Set an asking price that’s too high.
We recognize that pricing a home properly is the best way to achieve a fast and profitable sale.

Now that you know what we wouldn’t do, find out what we WOULD DO! Reach out to schedule a free home seller consultation.

📲 480.290.6280
📧 [email protected]

According to Bankrate, U.S. home insurance premiums are up an average of 23% in 2024. 😧

But, you can still save on rates if you’re strategic. Here are a few of our top tips:

🛍️ Shop Around
We recommend that you review at least three estimates while taking into account any differences in the policy terms.

💸 Increase Your Deductible
According to Nerdwallet, raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500, for example, could save you an average of 11% each year.

🔨 Make Strategic Home Improvements
Some projects—like updating your electrical system—can reduce your rates by making your home safer or less prone to damage.

Check out our blog post for even more ways to save
🔗 http://tiny.cc/insurance-premium

Downsizing doesn’t have to mean living in a cramped space. Smart design can make a small home feel more spacious.

Here are 3 features to look for and 2 to avoid:

✅ Built-in shelving adds storage space and draws the eye upward

✅ Flexible, multipurpose rooms make the most of limited square footage

✅ Highly-placed windows draw in light and add a spacious feel

❌ Unnecessary hallways can eat up precious space

❌ Awkward corners and unusable nooks disrupt flow

Check out our latest blog post for more tips to improve your lifestyle by downsizing your home.

🔗https://stephsdhomes.com/blog/Downsize-Your-Home--Rightsize-Your-Life--How-to-Choose-the-Ideal-Smaller-Home

Is your home feeling like more than you can manage in your current stage of life? It might be time to think about downsizing.

But to make the most of your move, you’ll need to consider more than just square footage. Here’s what to keep in mind:

🏠 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞: Are there hobbies you want to pursue in your new home? Do you want to be close to friends and family? Think about your ideal lifestyle and how your home can support it.

🏠 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: Small doesn’t have to mean cramped. Look for a home that’s designed to maximize storage space, natural light, and functionality.

🏠 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲:If you hope to age in your new home, look for features like single-story living and proximity to high-quality healthcare.

Want more downsizing tips? Check out our latest blog post.

🔗 https://stephsdhomes.com/blog/Downsize-Your-Home--Rightsize-Your-Life--How-to-Choose-the-Ideal-Smaller-Home

Fresh flowers are a classic real estate industry trick for better home showings and open houses!

Here are a few tips to keep cut flowers fresh longer:

🌼Start with a clean vase. Use diluted bleach and give your vase a good scrub to get rid of any bacteria before you add your arrangement.

🌸Add flower food. If you don’t have any on hand, you can provide nutrients by mixing 2 tbs lemon juice, 1 tbs sugar, and ½ tsp bleach into your vase water.

🌼Snip stems and remove leaves. Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and remove any leaves that will be submerged. This prevents bacterial growth and aids water and nutrient absorption.

🌸Replace water and recut stems. Trim stems every 3-5 days and add fresh water daily to keep the vase clean and flowers hydrated.

🌼Avoid heat and direct sunlight. Watch for overexposure, which can dry out flowers prematurely.

Do you have any tried-and-true tips for keeping flowers fresh? Let us know in the comments!

𝐈𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒, 𝐦𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧. That means bold hues, eclectic artwork, and contrasting textures and patterns.

While this look can be a great way to embrace your personal style, it could deter potential buyers if you aren’t careful.

Here are some do’s and don’ts if you are selling your home:

✅ Do: Balance statement pieces with a more neutral paint palette
❌ Don’t: Cover walls in polarizing shades, like bright pink

✅ Do: Try patterned wallpaper in a small room, like a powder room
❌ Don’t: Cover a large space in a too-bold or busy print

✅ Do: Curate the belongings you display
❌ Don’t: Allow your home to become cluttered or overly personalized

Head over to our blog to learn about more 2024 design trends and how they could impact your home’s resale potential.

🔗 https://stephsdhomes.com/blog/Upgrade-Your-Home-With-These-2024-Design-Trends