The glimmers of warmth and sunshine that come with fake spring are the hallmarks of spring break in Iowa. Those sunshine dopamine bursts found me planning a flower garden and enjoying community events after winter hibernation. Thanks to having all four seasons in one week, I also found myself cleaning mud off dogs and floors, digging out summer clothes one day and the following day, regretfully putting on a parka.

An underrated part of the life of a realtor is the connections that we develop in the community. Remember that game, the six degrees of Kevin Bacon? I can play that game in Des Moines and probably connect to the entire city at this point.

I’ve noticed a trend in people’s New Years wishes this year; they are subdued. There is a tangible feeling of gratitude for surviving 2024 and a yearning for better in 2025 that feels more pronounced than in years past, and more widespread.

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

I had my air ducts cleaned - totally worth it. I tried new carpeting cleaning technology - not worth it. I took advantage of my own home warranty - totally worth it….

One of my favorite rediscoveries of the last year is thrifting and sourcing….

Election year real estate is a wild market, and in recent times the velocity only seems to amplify with every election cycle….

In the last year, I started a new AirBNB business with Adam, expanded my real estate client services package and laid the groundwork for the next phase: design and renovation consultation. The Draper didn’t just scratch my renovation and preservation itch, it brought into clear focus for Adam and I how much noise there is in the remodeling market.

I have an AirBNB - Meet The Drapr. It is our forever home, that we will share for now with other MCM fans as an AirBNB. We have poured blood, sweat and tears into every aspect of the home to ensure that this MCM time capsule is preserved.

What i have realized in the last two years is that my life is a treasure trove of experiences and people because of real estate. In the last 30 days, I have been fortunate enough to see real estate with my clients between the super concise price point of $20,000 and $2 million,

It has been an exceptionally busy month on the personal and professional fronts. As with every June, you find me musing on new beginnings. The most exciting news is that my daughter graduated high school and is moving into her first apartment as a college student. It’s a reminder how much homes are not just a payment or a place to live-they represent new beginnings and a vision for your future.

In over 15 years in the housing industry, I have never seen a market like this one. The picture above is of a lovely home I listed and sold the same day for the highest price of any comparable home within miles. This beautiful home was impeccable and UPDATED and that is the tale of this market.

If you attended November’s client appreciation party or the Hop into Uptown event last month, you met Amy. And the very fact that I can hold these events and make them a permanent part of connecting with my clients is due to her joining the team. I am notorious for ideas and then delegation and she is the best at turning ideas into a delightful reality. For the love, the woman made me 7 foot tall styrofoam peeps. She is amazingly talented, resourceful and discerning. Her talents naturally led to her new role as a realtor on my team and a resource for all my clients.

This truly is a story about my amazing clients J&S. These adventurous, delightful humans are always looking for new opportunities. They said yes to the chance to own a historic home near Drake and withness the rehabilitation from the studs up to

the wild child combo of historic charm and new construction.

Here’s the financial amazingness, they are buying a home for more

than $100,000 less than the carrying cost the builder has in it. And they get a tax abatement.

A weekend getaway anwhere was on the table. Adam invited me for a 4 day quick trip and said the magic words, “You pick.” I wanted a temperate climate with outdoor activities, charm and to feel rejuvenated. So, I chose....Arkansas. Nearly everyone I have shared this with expresses concern, befuddlement or something short of disdain but far from approval. Arkansas? Apparently it is not on people’s destination list. But it should be. Arkansas is AMAZING. Do not sleep on a quick trip there, it is truly a choose your own adventure.

The market is taking off. Pent up demand from the rapid rise in interest rates this fall has brought buyers back to the market in increasing numbers as rates trend downard. I’m noticing an increase in buyers waiting in the wings, in short, ready to pounce in the next 6 weeks to avoid the rush of the spring market.

For sellers, my listings have been moving quickly because they are prepped for sale, priced well and presented to the market in the best possible light. The rest of the seller‘s market is more mixed. Prepartion, presentation and marketing make all the difference.

We break down real estate myths and basic economics in this episode with Meghan O’Brien.

With the current COVID-19 Pandemic, I wanted to have a conversation about the baseline economic factors that are at play. I am lucky to have a friend who is both an economist and real estate professional, so I invited her on the show.