Lisa Neves

"Buy the right home for your life, not the perfect home in your imagination." Many buyers get caught up looking for a house that checks every single box and end up missing great opportunities. A home can be updated over time, but you can't easily change things like location, commute, lot size, neighborhood, or school district. A few other key points I think every buyer should hear: 1. Get Pre-Approved Before Falling in Love There's nothing worse than finding the perfect home and discovering it's outside your budget or another buyer was ready to make an offer immediately. 2. Focus on Monthly Payment, Not Just Purchase Price A $10,000–$20,000 difference in price often doesn't change the monthly payment as much as people think. The payment needs to fit comfortably into their lifestyle. 3. Leave Room in Your Budget Don't buy at the absolute top of what a lender approves. Life happens—repairs, vacations, hobbies, kids, pets, and emergencies all cost money. 4. Be Prepared to Act Good homes don't always sit on the market. Know your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers before you start shopping. 5. Think About Resale Value Even if they plan to stay forever, most people move sooner than expected. Consider future buyers when evaluating a home. 6. Don't Skip the Inspection Even new homes can have issues. An inspection is one of the best investments a buyer can make. 7. Trust the Process Buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. There will be paperwork, deadlines, and moments of uncertainty. That's where having a good lender and agent matters.

"The first 2–3 weeks on the market are your biggest opportunity. Price it right from the start." A home gets the most attention when it first hits the market. If it's overpriced, buyers may skip it, and even after price reductions, it can become the listing that buyers wonder, "What's wrong with it?" Here are the key points I'd share with a seller: 1. Price for the Market, Not Your Memories You may have wonderful memories and thousands invested in improvements, but buyers compare your home to what's available today—not what you've spent over the years. 2. First Impressions Matter Buyers often decide how they feel about a home within minutes. Decluttering, cleaning, fresh paint, landscaping, and minor repairs can make a significant difference. 3. Be Flexible With Showings The easier it is for buyers to see your home, the more opportunities you'll have for offers. 4. Listen to the Market If you're getting showings but no offers, buyers may be seeing value concerns. If you're getting very few showings, the price may be too high. The market gives feedback quickly. 5. Focus on Net Proceeds, Not Just Sale Price The highest offer isn't always the best offer. Financing, contingencies, closing costs, and timelines all matter. 6. Prepare Emotionally Selling a home can be emotional. Buyers may comment on things you love about the property. Try to view feedback as market information rather than personal criticism. 7. Hire an Agent Who Communicates Sellers deserve regular updates, honest feedback, marketing exposure, and guidance through negotiations—not just someone who puts a sign in the yard.

I have worked with a variety of buyers and sellers, including first-time home buyers, growing families, retirees, and clients seeking recreational, rural, and acreage properties. I have also assisted homeowners preparing to sell and individuals exploring financing options and down payment assistance programs. I enjoy working with clients at all stages of life and take pride in providing education, clear communication, and personalized guidance throughout the process.

One transaction I'm especially fond of is one I'm currently working on. I'm helping my son's childhood best friend purchase his first home, and it's been incredibly rewarding to be part of such an important milestone in his life. As a first-time home buyer, there have been a lot of questions about financing, the home-buying process, inspections, and what to expect at each step. I've enjoyed helping educate and guide him through the process so he feels confident and informed when making decisions. Watching someone you know take the steps toward homeownership and seeing their excitement as they move closer to achieving that goal is a great feeling. Experiences like this remind me that real estate is about much more than transactions—it's about helping people achieve their dreams and begin a new chapter in their lives.

I have personally bought and sold houses over the years and some of the agents I have used where not the most honest. I think the passion to become an agent was to ensure others didn't have to experience the situation/s I have had to experience.

I am a Certified Buyer Agent Expert.