The Armando & Valerie Group

As summer begins to wind down, it's that time (again) to start thinking about getting your home ready for the back-to-school season. A well-organized home can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth transition for both parents and kids.

Swipe for a few of our favorite tips to help you get organized and set the stage for a successful school year! →

What’s one thing you do to get ready for the new school year? Share your tips below!

That’s right — We're not here to be salesy and pressure you into moving, and we don't care if you want to continue renting, either. Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or just have questions about the market, we are here for you. Our goal is to be a resource and guide always, no strings attached.
... and NO, you are not wasting our time.

Have a question about what improvements have the best return in the event that you sell? Wondering what your current equity position is? Curious to understand the first steps of the homebuying process? Trying to figure out what you can afford?

Important discussions are necessary so that you can understand all of your options in order to find the best route for your unique situation.

Let us be your resource — We are just a text, call, or DM away!

When trying to achieve a goal, remember to take consistent action, and don't expect the road to be free of bumps, bruises, or detours. Every small step brings you closer, and it's the journey and the consistent effort that truly count.

Perfection is an illusion, and striving for perfection sets you up for failure. Striving for progress over perfection means being relentless in learning, growing, evolving, and improving.

So embrace each challenge, celebrate every win, and keep moving forward.

When it comes to protecting your home and what is likely your largest investment, having a personal connection with your homeowner’s insurance agent can make a world of difference.

Knowing your home insurance agent personally ensures your home is well-protected and gives you peace of mind, knowing a reliable professional is looking out for your best interests. Schedule a face-to-face meeting and take the time to get to know your agent—you'll appreciate the benefits that come with it.

Swipe for just a few reasons why you should get to know your insurance agent personally. →

If you’re looking for a great insurance agent (with great rates), we’d be happy to connect you with some of the best in the business. Send us a DM!

Although inventory levels may be rising, they are still at record lows. So, finding a home in today’s market can (still) be a bit challenging. That's where we come in! With a little creativity, persistence, and determination, there are ways that we can help you find the home you're looking for — on or off the market.

Swipe to learn about a few ways we help find our buyers their new home in this market. →

Yes, timing is crucial in real estate, but sitting around waiting for something to happen? That's not our style. With a little perseverance and optimism, we are confident we'll find that perfect place for you to call home.

Looking for a team who does things a little differently? Send us a message — We'd love to chat about what you're looking for in a home and how we can help you find it.

Okay, so here's the bad news: Summer is almost over.

But, the good news: I've got the ultimate end-of-summer bucket list for you to soak up these last few weeks of the season! →

What’s on your end-of-summer bucket list?

Moving out of the area?

As real estate agents, we know how important it is to work with the best of the best in the industry. We work with amazing referral partners across the country and would love to connect you with a top-notch local agent who knows the ins and outs of your new area, ensuring you get the best support no matter where you’re headed.

Reach out, and let's get you moving!

Life is about the moments we cherish, not just the tasks we check off. Let this be your sign to prioritize joy, embrace spontaneity, and be present in the now.

Celebrate the little wins and create memories that will last a lifetime. Instead of getting bogged down by endless to-do lists, focus on making each day special.

What memory will you make today?

Here’s a hard truth: Your first home probably won't be your forever home. In fact, the average homeowner spends about 8 years in their home and will own at least three houses in their lifetime. Dreams change, life happens, and sometimes (especially in our current market), your "dream home" may be out of reach.

So, instead of stressing over finding the "perfect" house, consider looking for a "good for me right now" home.

Still not convinced? Here’s why it's something you should consider...

➀ Flexibility: Your needs and lifestyle can change over time. A "right now" home gives you the flexibility to adapt and move as your circumstances change.

➁ Equity Growth: Starting with a more affordable home can be a smart financial move —
you can build equity and potentially upgrade to your dream home down the road.

➂ Less Pressure: Focusing on a "right now" home can reduce the pressure to find something perfect and can allow you to actually enjoy the home-buying process without feeling overwhelmed.

➃ Room to Grow: A "right now" home doesn’t mean settling. You can still find a place that meets your needs and provides room to grow and make it your own.

Ready to find the right home for you right now? Reach out! We'd love to help put together a plan to get you moving.

Reminder! Your monthly homeowner checklist ✔️

Besides being the hottest month of the year, August is a time of transition — vacation season is winding down, and the school year is about to begin ... making it the ideal time to clean out your closet and donate any old or unwanted clothes, as most people are shopping for back-to-school outfits.

Start getting organized for the school year by adding a drop center in the entryway, organizing the kids' workspace, and creating a shared family calendar.

And don't forget to enjoy the final few weeks of summer! ☀️

Save this post for later and pick 1 or 2 off the list every weekend! What are you tackling first?

If your goal is to buy a home by the end of the year, it's time to get proactive. Wondering where to start? We are here to help! Swipe through this post to better understand the first steps in the home buying journey. →

By taking these steps now, you'll be well-prepared to find and buy a home by the holidays! Ready to get started? Let’s connect and grab coffee to chat about your goals.

It can be challenging to have your home on the market while still living there. Showing requests can pop up at any time, and while you might receive ample notice for some, others may only give you a 30-minute heads-up before potential buyers arrive — and every showing counts.

Here are a few quick tips we give our sellers that will help you get your home show-ready in 30 minutes or less! →

PRO TIP: Before you head out the door, do a quick walkthrough to make sure you didn’t miss anything major. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect!

What's your passion? What drives you? Setting a goal that truly excites you can turn every morning into a burst of motivation and purpose. Whether it's mastering a new skill, launching a business, or making a positive impact somewhere in your life or the lives of others — find that goal that lights a fire in your soul. 🔥

Challenge yourself to dream big, set goals that inspire you, and create a life that we're excited to live every single day!

Everyone knows the expression, "Find a job you love, and you won't work a day in your life." While we don't know if that is completely true, we can say this: We absolutely love being real estate agents and the joy it brings us every day.

Our days are long and varied, we often work weekends, our schedule revolves around our clients, and paychecks are never guaranteed. That being said, the pros FAR outweigh the cons.

We get to surround ourselves with people we deeply admire and enjoy while constantly creating new, lasting relationships and friendships. We get to help people during some of the most significant moments of their lives. We are constantly learning and overcoming new challenges. And SO much more (but we won't bore you).

Swipe for a little insight into what fuels us and why we find this career so fulfilling. →

Ever wondered what you can negotiate when submitting an offer? Beyond price, there are several key points to consider.

Swipe to learn about what you, as the buyer, have the power to negotiate with the seller when submitting an offer! →

Typically, there will be at least one or two rounds of back-and-forth negotiations. Be prepared because waiting for a response can be a nail-biting experience.

Looking to snag a deal on your new home? Reach out — we'd be happy to share our strategy for our current market.

Today, we are revealing what our sellers say actually helped them sell their homes quickly and for the best possible price.

Swipe through this post to learn more about how we help our sellers prepare their homes for a successful sale. →

Thinking about moving? Let's connect— We are here to help you every step of the way.

Ever noticed how powerful positive energy can be? It's like a magnet that draws people in, making a lasting impression before you even say hello. Whether you're entering a room, meeting someone new, or tackling a challenge, your energy sets the tone.

Let's make sure our vibes speak volumes about who we are: approachable, confident, and ready to connect. You have the power to influence the atmosphere around you. So, shine bright and let your energy do the talking!

Wondering where home prices are headed? Sorry to burst your bubble... but they probably aren't going down anytime soon.

The Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae, which includes insights from over 100 economists, real estate experts, and market strategists, was recently released and predicts a steady rise in home prices until at least 2028. Swipe to see the details! →

Thinking about moving? Let’s connect to ensure you have the latest information so that you can make an informed decision. Have questions about interest rates? Send us a DM!

Our days are busy, our to-do lists can seem endless, and at times, it can feel like we're stuck in a never-ending cycle.

Let this be your sign to slow down and enjoy your home, your sanctuary, in the midst of the busyness. Swipe → for a few simple ways you can learn to love where you live even more this Summer.

In between vacations, camps, and trips to the pool, Summer is a great time to explore other attractions that are a little further from home (but don't require you to pack a bag)!

We are always looking for fun outings that you can easily do in one day. Is there a day trip you love to take every Summer? Let us know below!

Curious about what homebuyers are saying are the most desired features in a new home?

Swipe → for a list of the home features and interior design choices homebuyers have searched for the most in 2024.

Ready to sell or want advice on home improvements and what upgrades will increase your home's value? Let's chat!

Such a simple statement, yet so difficult for many of us to follow.

Choosing the people who choose you means reevaluating your current relationships, establishing healthy self-care habits, and understanding personal boundaries.

It also requires finding the strength to distance yourself from those who make you feel bad or don’t appreciate you. Sometimes this is necessary to protect yourself and your mental health. Sometimes this is temporary, and sometimes it’s not.

Surround yourself with those who choose you, uplift you, and support your journey. Life is too short to spend time with people who don’t appreciate your worth.

Have you ever stood in your home, looked around, and thought, "Should I move? Is now the right time to sell? Will I find a home that fits our lifestyle better?"

If the thought of a higher interest rate has made you hesitant about making a move, we get it. After all, it may seem as though holding onto your current home with a lower rate is the safer choice.

But here's the thing: LIFE HAPPENS. Regardless of interest rates or home prices, if you feel like you've outgrown your current space or it's just not quite fitting your needs anymore, it might be time to make a change.

Swipe for a few reasons why you might want to consider making a move, regardless of your current lower interest rate. →

If you're still unsure about what to do or just want to chat about your options, message us. We're always happy to help!

Moving to a new area can be both exciting and also a bit nerve-wracking. To make the transition as seamless as possible, there are a few key things you'll want to think about and research before the big move.

Swipe to learn about a few things that we would do if we were moving to a new area. →

If you're relocating to our area — reach out! We would love to help. Relocating to a different area or state? We'd be more than happy to interview local agents for you to help you find the best fit.

Buying a home is one of life's most significant milestones, which is why it pays to have someone there who can advocate for your best interests and help you navigate all the hurdles that will inevitably pop up.

Here are just a few ways you'll benefit from working with a buyer's agent. →

Above all, a buyer's agent is your advocate: They are committed to answering your questions, interpreting contracts, and ensuring you're protected (and happy) throughout the process.

With social media constantly showing us the *best* pieces of everyone's lives, it's easy to get caught up in the comparison game.

But constantly comparing our lives to others can lead to dissatisfaction and a never-ending feeling of not being good enough.

It's important to remind yourself that everyone's journey is unique. Wherever you are in life with whatever you’re doing – you’re going to be ahead of some and behind others. That’s okay. Own where you are. Take time to embrace and celebrate that.

Your path may be different, but it's leading you exactly where you need to be.

We have the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people every single day, each with unique backgrounds, interests, goals, and needs... and it's why we LOVE what we do.

We truly enjoy getting to know each person, building rapport, and earning their trust. Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer realizing their dream of homeownership, a couple finding their forever home, or someone transitioning due to a major life event, it's our passion to guide them through these transformative moments.

It's important to us that you understand that when you work with us, you're more than just a client — you're a friend we have the privilege of guiding through one of the most pivotal moments of your life. You are our top priority, and our goal is to ensure you truly feel that. We want to be your trusted advisors and confidants throughout the process and long after. ♥️

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

Wishing everyone a day filled with red, white, and blue celebrations, good food, and great company. Today we celebrate the birth of our amazing nation, where freedom and fun go hand in hand.

Wishing you a fabulous 4th of July filled with laughter, love, and plenty of fireworks!