Melissa Syverson

Advice I give to anyone buying a home is to first get pre-approved. Know your budget and monthly payment comfort zone before falling in love with a home you can't comfortably afford. Don't shop at the very top of your budget. Leave room for repairs, maintenance, emergencies, and the unexpected. Just because a lender approves you for a certain amount doesn't mean you should spend it all. Always get a home inspection whether it's for negotiation purposes or for your own information. An inspection can uncover issues you might otherwise miss. Choose your Realtor carefully. You want someone who will explain your options, identify potential red flags, negotiate on your behalf, and protect your interests—not someone who simply unlocks doors.

Price it right from the beginning. Overpricing can cause buyers to skip your home, leading to fewer showings and potentially price reductions later. A strategic price can help attract serious buyers and strengthen your negotiating position. Make buyers fall in love before they walk in. Declutter, depersonalize, clean, and maximize natural light. Buyers need to envision themselves living there, not feel like they're visiting someone else's home. Don't underestimate curb appeal. Trim the landscaping, refresh the front door, clean the windows, and tidy the entryway. First impressions start online and continue the moment buyers pull into the driveway. Don't confuse your home's memories with its market value. You may have invested years of love, time, and money into your home. Buyers, however, compare it with other available properties and recent comparable sales. Make pricing decisions using market evidence. Make showings as easy as possible. Flexible showing availability gives more qualified buyers a chance to see your home. Keep it clean, secure valuables, and arrange for pets to be safely accommodated. Know your estimated proceeds before accepting an offer. Your sale price isn't your take-home amount. Mortgage payoff, closing costs, negotiated concessions, and other expenses affect what you receive. Ask for an estimated seller net sheet. Choose your Realtor based on their strategy, not just their promised price. Anyone can suggest an attractive listing price. Look for an agent who can explain their pricing analysis, marketing plan, communication schedule, and negotiation approach—and who will keep your goals at the center of every decision.

I'm fond of every transaction because everyones situation and story is unique.

I purchased my first home when I was 18. I sold the home a few years later and did a "sale by owner" transaction. During that time I studied the market, different agents and transactions so that I could make sure that my home was competitive with the ones that were listed by actual agents. After studying the market I noticed that there were agents who underpriced homes to get their numbers up and to say they sold homes in fewer days than that of the competing agents. I felt that it was unfair for a professional to be taking advantage of people who trusted them with their most expensive asset. That's what drew me to real estate and what motivates me to help my clients. I have the experience and my clients best interest is my number one priority.