April Guerra

First, get clear on your numbers early. Not just what a lender says you can afford, but what you actually feel comfortable paying each month. That includes taxes, insurance, and HOA fees if there are any. When you know your comfort zone, everything else gets a lot less stressful. Second, get pre approved before you fall in love with a house. I see buyers get emotionally invested and then hit a wall when the numbers don’t line up. A solid pre approval does two things, it protects you from heartbreak and it makes your offer stronger in the seller’s eyes. Third, understand that the list price is just a starting point. What matters is how the home is positioned in the market, how long it’s been listed, and what similar homes have actually sold for. A good offer isn’t always the highest one, it’s the cleanest and most confident one for the seller. Fourth, don’t skip inspections just to “win.” I’ve seen too many buyers regret that later. Inspections are about information, not fear. You’re not looking for a perfect house, you’re looking for a house you understand. Fifth, think about your life a few years from now, not just today. Your commute, future family plans, work from home needs, and resale value all matter. Buying a home should support your lifestyle, not box you in. And finally, work with someone who will tell you the truth, even when it’s not what you want to hear. A good Realtor isn’t there to push you into a deal, they’re there to guide you, protect you, and help you make a smart move you’ll feel good about long after closing day. If you’re even in the “just thinking about it” stage, that’s the perfect time to start the conversation. That’s where the best plans are made.

First, price it based on the market, not the memories. I know that’s hard. You raised kids there, hosted holidays, put a lot of love into that home. Buyers don’t see that story, they see numbers, condition, and options. Pricing correctly from day one is the single biggest factor in how fast and how well your home sells. Second, presentation matters more than most people realize. You don’t need a full remodel, but clean, bright, and neutral go a long way. Decluttering, fresh paint in the right spots, and good photos can easily mean the difference between strong early interest and weeks of silence. Third, understand that the first two weeks are critical. That’s when your home gets the most eyes on it. If we miss that window because of overpricing or poor positioning, we usually end up chasing the market instead of leading it. Fourth, don’t take feedback personally. If buyers say something about the layout, the flooring, or the price, it’s not an insult, it’s data. The sellers who stay objective and flexible tend to net more in the end. Fifth, strategy matters just as much as marketing. Timing, negotiation, concessions, and knowing when to hold firm versus adjust all play a role. A strong offer isn’t always the highest one, it’s the one most likely to close smoothly. And finally, work with someone who will be honest with you from the start. You want a Realtor who will tell you the truth before the house goes live, not after it’s been sitting. Selling your home is a big financial move, and it deserves a clear plan, calm guidance, and someone who has your best interest at heart. If you’re thinking about selling, even months down the road, that’s the best time to start planning. The sellers who prepare early almost always come out ahead.

I’ve worked with a pretty wide range of clients. I work with first time buyers who want someone to slow things down, explain the process clearly, and make sure they feel confident before making such a big decision. I work with move up and move down buyers, families who need more space, empty nesters who want something easier to maintain, or homeowners who are adjusting to a new season of life. I’ve helped relocation clients, both coming into the Austin area and moving within Texas, who need local insight, honest neighborhood guidance, and someone they can trust when they can’t always be here in person. I work with sellers who want a clear plan, realistic pricing advice, and strong positioning so their home stands out and sells smoothly. I also work with busy professionals and single parents who don’t have time to chase details and want a Realtor who stays organized, proactive, and communicative throughout the process. What all of my clients tend to have in common is that they want transparency, steady guidance, and someone who treats their transaction like it actually matters, because it does. No matter where someone is starting, my goal is always the same, to make the process feel manageable, strategic, and a lot less stressful than they expected.

One that really stands out for me was a buyer I worked with who was trying to sell and buy at the same time, which is one of those situations that can get stressful fast if it’s not handled carefully. They had a solid home but were nervous about timing, they didn’t want to sell too early and feel rushed, and they didn’t want to buy first and feel exposed financially. We started with a clear plan, priced their home strategically, prepped it just enough to make it shine, and lined up their financing so they had options. Once their home went live, we had strong activity right away and negotiated an offer that gave them the flexibility they needed. That breathing room allowed us to secure their next home without panic or pressure. On the buy side, we wrote a clean, well structured offer that stood out, even without being the highest price, and kept the transaction moving smoothly through inspections and closing. What I loved most about that transaction was how calm it felt for the client by the end. They went from feeling overwhelmed to feeling in control, and they closed both sides knowing they made smart, intentional decisions. Those are the deals I’m most proud of, the ones where strategy and communication take the stress out of a big life move and leave people excited about what’s next.

I actually got started in real estate before I ever became licensed. Early on in my career, I worked for a custom home builder in San Antonio. I was greeting clients, helping behind the scenes, and handling accounting, so I got a front row seat to how homes are built, priced, and sold, and how important the customer experience really is. Over the years, I stayed close to real estate through business, marketing, and finance roles, and I also bought my first home at 24 without using a Realtor. That experience stuck with me, because I realized how much easier and more strategic that process could have been with the right guidance. Eventually, it just made sense to bring everything together. I became licensed so I could combine my business background, local knowledge, and people skills to help clients make confident decisions during one of the biggest financial moves of their lives. For me, real estate isn’t about quick deals. It’s about walking people through big transitions with clarity, honesty, and a plan, and making sure they feel supported from the first conversation all the way through closing and beyond.

Yes, and it’s something my clients really benefit from, even if they don’t always see it right away. I hold an MBA, which gives me a strong foundation in finance, market analysis, and strategy. That shows up when I’m pricing a home, evaluating offers, negotiating terms, or helping buyers understand the long-term financial impact of a purchase. I don’t just look at what sounds good today, I look at what makes sense on paper and over time. I’m also consistently investing in real estate specific training and coaching, especially around listing strategy, buyer psychology, negotiation, and market shifts. I stay current on what’s actually working in today’s market, not just what worked a few years ago. Beyond formal education, my background in business, marketing, and community leadership plays a big role. I understand how to position a home so it stands out, how to communicate clearly and professionally, and how to manage complex timelines and moving parts without things falling through the cracks. All of that means my clients get more than someone opening doors. They get a Realtor who thinks strategically, communicates honestly, and treats their transaction like a serious financial decision, because it is.