Staci Russell Realtor

The National Association of Realtors recently released a stat that 41% of buyers started their home buying journey by looking at homes online.

I'm honestly surprised this number wasn't higher, given how easy it is to scroll the latest listings.

And of course there's no real harm in browsing, but if you actually want to take the step of buying a house this year, I hope that contacting your agent is a close second step, because browsing homes for too long can lead to confusion and information overwhelm!

If you hope to buy your next (or first) house in the next 12 months, scroll away! But promise you'll reach out to your agent (if you're reading this, there's a good chance I'm the one for you!).

Reaching out doesn't mean you have to start the process of meeting with a lender or scheduling showings right away. It just means you have a professional on your side from day one, so you have a safe place for questions and a guide looking out for you!

BTW, a lot of my clients first reach out right here on IG, so you can DM me anytime!

All the single ladies! (and every other lady!) ⬇️

If we haven't met, I’m your Northwest Houston Realtor & home matchmaker. I call myself a matchmaker because my whole business is rooted in relationships.

Relationships with my clients, clients relationships with their homes, etc. I take the time to get to know my clients, hear what matters most to them, figure out what home features would best compliment their lifestyle, and then I set you up!

With me as your home matchmaker, you're never alone. I'm with you every step of the way! This week I'm breaking down each step of the process from first date to the altar!

To kick this off, drop an emoji (or two) that describe how you feel about Valentine's Day!

Preparing for the big day (CLOSING!) can be stressful, but when you have a professional on your side, you're much more likely to say, "I do" without cold feet or overwhelm!

The next step towards popping the champagne on your new front porch is to get prepared!

I compare this to your bridal shower. You need to start gathering everything you need for your new home!

Even if you already live on your own, each house has its own needs. For example, maybe your current house has glass shower doors but your new one requires shower curtains! Or maybe you're in an apartment but your new home has a yard to care for.

Here's my hot tip: just like you register for your bridal shower, consider registering for your new home!

This can help keep you organized (and only buying what's necessary).

Next is the ultimate kickoff to the celebrations: the bachelorette party (new homeowner edition).

Free advice worth THOUSANDS ⬇️

Blame it on Fixer Upper or the thousands of home reno Insta accounts, but most of us are guilty of driving by an old, run down house and thinking about what we would do to fix it up.

The paint colors we'd choose. The hardwood floors we'd uncover. The way we'd "preserve the charm" but add "modern amenities" (because walk in closets are non negotiable, right?)

As an agent I get to walk clients through homes that have been renovated all the time. I've seen beautiful transformations and I've seen, well...not so beautiful transformations.

Not all flip homes are created equal because not every home renovator holds themselves and their work to the same standards.

So when I walk through a flip home...I look past the paint colors and the new countertops and the flooring and I look for one thing...

Bandaids. 🩹

Gross right? Don't worry, I'm not talking about actual bandaids that have been left behind. I'm talking about bandaid fixes. ❤️‍🩹

"Repairs" or "improvements" that are merely cosmetic for the sake of the home *looking* nicer.

Bandaid fixes invite a whole world of trouble for buyers weeks, even months after purchasing, because they were meant for the short game...not for long term use. 🤕

Sometimes buyers are so charmed by the outward aesthetics and shiny new appliances that they forget to ask about the inner workings of the house. Inspectors *should* catch any issues, but sometimes they are missed!

Remember, choosing paint colors and fixtures you love can all be done AFTER you move into a home with a firm foundation and systems and materials that keep you safe AND save you money. 👏

If you're interested in buying a freshly renovated home, I'm your girl! Let's walk through it together and find you a home you feel good about!