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Archives: August 2025

What to Look for During an Open House (And What to Ignore)

Open houses are one of the best parts of the home search. They give you a chance to explore different spaces, see what’s out there, and get a real feel for what could be your next home. But with so many details competing for your attention, it’s easy to get sidetracked by the little things.

That’s where we come in. Our team knows how to help you focus on what matters most, spot the details that truly impact your lifestyle, and decide which things are worth a second look. Here’s what to keep in mind during your next open house.

Open house | modern kitchen

Find a Floor Plan That Works for You

The way a home is laid out will affect how you live in it every day. As you walk through, think about how the rooms connect. Is the kitchen in a convenient location? Do the bedrooms offer enough privacy? Does the flow make sense for how you want to use the space?

Paint colors and light fixtures can be updated. Changing the floor plan is a much bigger project, so it’s worth paying close attention to how the home feels as you move through it.

Check That There’s Enough Storage

Storage might not be flashy, but it’s essential. Check closets, cabinets, the pantry, and any additional storage areas to see if they fit your needs. Having enough space for your belongings can make a big difference in how functional and comfortable a home feels over time.

We can also help you compare what’s typical for the area so you’ll know if a home is giving you more (or less) than the average.

Look for Signs the Home’s Been Cared For

A well-maintained home tells you a lot about how the previous owners cared for it. Check for things like clean baseboards, well-kept landscaping, and updated caulking in kitchens and bathrooms. On the other hand, make note of red flags such as stains on ceilings, musty odors, or cracks in the walls.

If you spot something that concerns you, we can help you decide whether it’s a quick fix, something to negotiate with the seller, or an issue worth investigating further.

Think About Easy Updates You Could Make

Sometimes you’ll walk into a home and notice carpet you’d replace, a wall color you’d change, or fixtures you’d upgrade. The good news? These are often easy updates.

Our team can help you determine whether those changes are minor projects or if they’re something you can negotiate into your offer. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s realistic before making a decision.

Explore the Neighborhood

An open house is the perfect time to see more than just the property. Drive or walk around the surrounding streets. Notice how well the other homes are cared for, the traffic flow, and the noise level.

We can also share insights about local schools, nearby parks, shopping, dining, and commute times; so you get the full picture before you make an offer. Picture yourself running errands, heading to your favorite coffee shop, or enjoying a weekend stroll. Does it feel like the right fit?

Couple and agent at open house

We’re Here to Help You Find the Right Fit

Knowing what to look for during an open house can save you time, help you focus, and make the buying process more enjoyable. We’ll be by your side through every tour, helping you weigh what’s important. If you’re ready to start your search, let’s connect. Together, we’ll find a home that checks all your boxes and feels like the right match for your lifestyle.

The post What to Look for During an Open House (And What to Ignore) appeared first on Dakno Blog.

The Top 5 Ways Sellers Sabotage Their Own Sale

Thinking about selling your home? Whether you’re getting ready for a bigger place, heading to a new city, or just ready for a fresh start, this is an exciting chapter. We’re here to help you make the most of it.

Over the years, we’ve helped a lot of people sell their homes, and we’ve seen what really works (and what tends to trip people up). If you want a smoother sale, better offers, and fewer headaches, here are the top 5 mistakes to watch out for and how to stay ahead of them.

1. Pricing It Too High

It’s totally natural to want top dollar for your home. But setting the price too high right out of the gate can actually scare off serious buyers. When a home sits on the market too long, people start wondering what’s wrong with it even if there’s nothing wrong at all.

How we help:
Our team uses the latest market data and a deep understanding of local trends to help you land on the right price. It’s all about finding that sweet spot that brings in interest and strong offers.

2. Skipping the Prep Work

We know life gets busy, and it can be tempting to throw a “For Sale” sign in the yard and call it a day. But trust us, buyers notice the details. A clean, fresh, well-prepared home not only photographs better, it also feels better when people walk through.

How we help:
We’ll walk you through the simple things that make a big difference. From decluttering to touch-up paint to making your space shine, we’ll show you what’s worth doing before showings begin.

3. Relying on Cell Phone Photos

A picture’s worth a thousand words, especially in real estate. Most buyers start their search online, and the photos they see there can make or break their interest. Dim lighting, awkward angles, or blurry snapshots just won’t cut it.

How we help:
We use professional photography to make your home stand out from the crowd. Bright, crisp, beautifully composed photos grab attention and show off your home’s best features. First impressions start online, and we make sure yours counts.

4. Overlooking Curb Appeal

The outside of your home is the first thing buyers see, both online and in person. If the yard is overgrown or the front door is looking a little tired, it can send the wrong message before buyers even step inside.

How we help:
We’ll share simple curb appeal tips that work. Think fresh mulch, a clean walkway, trimmed shrubs, or even a pop of color with a new plant or welcome mat. Little upgrades can go a long way toward making your home feel warm and inviting.

5. Trying to Do It All Alone

Some sellers think they can handle the process solo. While we admire the can-do attitude, selling a home is a big job. Between pricing, marketing, paperwork, and negotiations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

How we help:
This is what we do every day. Our team takes care of the details, keeps things on track, and helps you make confident decisions from start to finish. We’ve got your back, and we’re here to make the entire process easier and more rewarding.

Thinking About Selling?

If a move is on your mind, let’s chat. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or ready to list next week, we’d love to help. Reach out to our team today, and let’s talk about how to make your next move a great one.

The post The Top 5 Ways Sellers Sabotage Their Own Sale appeared first on Dakno Blog.