Courtney H oustonGroup
THE UNSEEN VALUE of a home
We often measure a home’s worth by square footage, location, and price per acre, but what about the intangibles? The way morning light floods a kitchen, the quiet charm of an old oak tree in the backyard, or the feeling of instant ease when you step through the front door—these are the elements that make a house a home.
Whether you’re searching for your next property or preparing to sell, take a moment to consider: What makes a home feel special to you? Those details matter more than any spreadsheet.
WHAT BUYERS ARE REALLY LOOKING FOR IN 2025
IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT MODERN FINISHES AND PRIME LOCATIONS ANYMORE. BUYERS TODAY WANT:
✔ Purposeful Spaces – Home offices, wellness rooms, and multi-functional areas
✔ Connection to Nature – Large windows, outdoor living spaces, and native landscaping
✔ Turnkey Appeal or Character – Thoughtful updates that balance charm with convenience
If you’re thinking about buying or selling, let’s make sure we highlight the unique feeling of your home—not just the features.
REAL ESTATE Q&A selling edition
QUESTION
When is the best time to sell?
ANSWER Spring and summer tend to be the busiest seasons, but the best time to sell is when it makes the most sense for you. A wellprepped home will sell in any market with the right strategy.
QUESTION
Do I need to make repairs before listing?
ANSWER Not always! Small touch-ups like fresh paint, landscaping, and deep cleaning can go a long way. If there are larger issues (like an aging roof or outdated systems), I can help you decide whether it’s worth fixing or adjusting the price accordingly.
QUESTION
How do I figure out what my home is worth?
ANSWER Online estimates (looking at you, Zillow!) can be wildly inaccurate. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) from a local expert (me!) will give you a true picture based on real, up-to-date data.
QUESTION
How long will it take to sell?
ANSWER This depends on your local market, pricing strategy, and how well the home is presented. A well-priced home in great condition can sell quickly—sometimes in days!
Selling doesn’t have to be overwhelming—I’m here to guide you through every step and make sure you get top dollar with the least amount of stress!
THE HOME YOU LOVE IS MORE
THAN NUMBERS
Yes, real estate is about location, square footage, and market value. But what makes a home feel special? For me, it’s the little things—how the morning light hits a room just right, the charm of an older home with history, or even something as simple as a well-loved piece of furniture.
Right now, I’m obsessed with colordrenched rooms, bold wallpaper, and mixing patterns. I wish more people felt confident embracing their personal design style instead of just following trends! A home should feel like you, not just something staged for resale value.
LET’S TALK ABOUT
COLOR:
the design trend I can’t get enough of
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with color-drenched rooms—bold hues, layered patterns, and wallpaper that transforms a space into something completely unique. Gone are the days of playing it safe with neutrals! More and more, I’m seeing homeowners and designers embrace color and texture in ways that make a house feel like a personal statement rather than just another listing.
Thinking of selling? Strategic design choices (yes, even bold ones!) can make a home stand out and feel intentional. Thinking of buying? Don’t let outdated paint colors scare you—there’s so much potential in a space when you’re willing to have a little fun with it.
REAL TALK: the one thing every buyer seller should do
If I could give one piece of advice to buyers and sellers, it would be this: Interview multiple agents before choosing who will represent you!
YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT ISN’T JUST HANDLING PAPERWORK—THEY’RE YOUR ADVOCATE, STRATEGIST, AND NEGOTIATOR. NOT EVERY AGENT WORKS THE SAME WAY, AND NOT EVERY AGENT WILL BE THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU. BEFORE MAKING A DECISION, ASK:
✔ What’s your experience with homes in this area?
✔ How do you handle negotiations?
✔ What’s your approach to marketing/listing a home?
✔ How will we communicate throughout the process?
BUYING OR SELLING A HOME IS TOO BIG OF A DECISION TO LEAVE TO CHANCE—MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SOMEONE IN YOUR CORNER WHO TRULY UNDERSTANDS YOUR GOALS, YOUR MARKET, AND YOUR VISION.
BIGGEST MISTAKES buyers sellers make &
Choosing the wrong agent – The right agent should know how to negotiate, structure contracts, and advocate for you. If they can’t do that, you’re already at a disadvantage. (Pro tip: Interview your agent before hiring them!)
Not checking financials before buying – Owning a home should be exciting, not stressful. Make sure your finances are solid so you don’t end up house-rich but cash-poor.
Underestimating small but impactful upgrades – Sometimes, it’s the little changes that add huge value to a home—like updated lighting, modern hardware, or fresh landscaping.
LET’S TALK REAL ESTATE WITHOUT THE NOISE
IF YOU’RE TIRED OF THE SAME MARKET UPDATES AND WANT REAL, HONEST INSIGHT INTO HOMEOWNERSHIP, INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, OR VACATION RENTALS, I’M HERE FOR IT.
REPLY TO THIS EMAIL, TEXT ME, OR LET’S GRAB A COFFEE AND TALK ABOUT YOUR GOALS.
WARMLY,
Courtney Houston
