Crystal Lance

My biggest advice is to get your finances and your team in place before you fall in love with a house. Talk to a lender early, get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified), and have a clear idea of what you’re comfortable spending each month not just what you can spend. That makes your offers stronger and keeps you from stretching yourself too thin. Be clear about your priorities, but stay flexible. Very few homes check every single box, especially in competitive markets. Decide what’s non-negotiable (location, number of bedrooms, commute, etc.) and what you can compromise on (paint colors, flooring, cosmetic updates). Don’t skip inspections or rush big decisions out of fear. It’s easy to feel pressure when homes are moving quickly, but this is still a major investment. A good strategy, solid advice, and the right timing matter more than just “winning” a house. And finally, work with someone who knows the local market and will actually advocate for you. The right guidance can save you money, stress, and a lot of second-guessing and make the whole process a lot more enjoyable.

First impressions matter more than most people realize. Simple things like decluttering, deep cleaning, and taking care of small repairs can make a huge difference in how your home shows and how quickly it sells. You don’t have to renovate everything but you do want your home to feel clean, well-maintained, and easy for someone else to picture themselves living there. Pricing is also critical. Overpricing usually leads to longer time on market and tougher negotiations later. A well-priced home, based on real data and current market conditions, creates more interest, more showings, and often better offers. Be flexible and prepared. The more available your home is for showings, the more buyers you’ll reach. And when offers come in, look at the full picture not just the price, but the terms, timelines, and financing. Finally, lean on good guidance. Selling a home is part strategy, part marketing, and part negotiation. The right plan from the start can save you time, stress, and money and help you walk away with the best possible outcome.

I’ve worked with a wide range of clients, from first-time homebuyers to experienced buyers and sellers, including many military and veteran families navigating PCS moves. I’ve helped clients downsize, upsize, buy starter homes, and purchase with VA loans, as well as sellers at different price points and stages of life. Whether someone is relocating, buying their very first home, or making their next move, I focus on meeting them where they are and guiding them through the process with clarity and confidence.

One recent transaction that really stands out to me was a listing where the clients truly trusted the process. They took my advice on prepping their home, were flexible with showings, and we priced and marketed it strategically. Because of that, we had strong interest right away, received multiple offers over asking price, and were able to get the home under contract quickly. The transaction stayed smooth all the way through closing, and seeing everything come together so well for my clients was incredibly rewarding.

I got started in real estate during COVID. I was expecting my fifth child at the time and really wanted a career that offered more flexibility for my family’s schedule. What started as a practical decision quickly turned into something I truly love helping people navigate big life changes, find the right home, and feel confident in the process. It’s been incredibly rewarding to build a career that supports both my family and my clients.

Yes. Before real estate, I worked in a variety of roles including human resources, administrative work, education, and counseling. I also hold a Master’s degree in psychology. All of that experience helps me better understand people, communicate clearly, manage details, and guide clients through what can be a very emotional and high-stress process. I use those skills every day to advocate for my clients, keep transactions organized, and make sure their needs are truly heard and addressed.