Stephanie Scriven

My biggest piece of advice is to work with an experienced real estate agent who has a true pulse on the ever-changing market. The housing market shifts constantly—whether it’s interest rates, inventory levels, or buyer demand—and having the right agent by your side can make the difference between winning the home you love and missing out. An experienced agent will help you: Understand current trends so you know what to expect in terms of competition and pricing. Craft strong, competitive offers that stand out while protecting your best interests. Navigate challenges with confidence, from negotiations to inspections to financing hurdles. Save time and stress by ensuring you’re only looking at homes that truly fit your needs and budget. Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make, and it’s not something to navigate alone. Partner with an agent who is in the market every single day, who can anticipate shifts, and who will advocate for you every step of the way.

My top advice for sellers is to declutter and stage your home so it attracts as many buyers as possible. Decluttering helps create clean, open spaces that allow buyers to really see the features of your home instead of being distracted by too many personal items. Staging then builds on that by creating a welcoming, move-in ready feel that helps buyers picture themselves living there. The more buyers who fall in love with your home, the stronger your offers will be. Decluttering and staging together help generate more interest, more showings, and ultimately more offers to choose from. That competition is what drives the sale price higher and allows you to select not just the best price but also the best terms—things like fewer contingencies or quicker closings. In today’s market, first impressions matter more than ever. A home that is decluttered, staged, and showcased properly will always stand out online, bring in more buyers, and give you the advantage at the negotiation table.

I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients throughout Central New York, including: First-time homebuyers – guiding them through every step of the process so they feel confident and informed. Move-up buyers and sellers – helping families transition into larger homes or new school districts. Downsizers and retirees – making the process smooth as they move into smaller, more manageable spaces. Investors – assisting with finding properties that make sense for long-term value or rental opportunities. Relocation clients – supporting clients moving into or out of the Syracuse area. Families navigating the loss of a loved one – working with compassion and professionalism to guide them through the sale of estate properties during a difficult time. No matter the situation, my approach is always the same: to listen carefully, provide clear guidance, and use my market knowledge and staging expertise to get the best possible results.

One recent transaction that stands out involved helping first-time buyers secure their dream home in a very competitive multiple-offer situation. They were nervous about the process, but I took the time to walk them through every step—explaining the market dynamics, reviewing comparable sales, and crafting a strong, creative offer that still protected their interests. There were more than a dozen offers on the property, but because of the strategy we used and the way we structured their offer, the sellers chose my clients. The joy on their faces when I got to say, “Congratulations, your offer was accepted!” is exactly why I love what I do. What made this transaction even more special was guiding them all the way through closing—answering questions, troubleshooting small bumps, and celebrating with them on move-in day. For me, it’s not just about getting to the finish line—it’s about making sure my clients feel supported, informed, and confident throughout the entire journey.

My journey into real estate began after a career in research and data analysis. I’ve always been passionate about numbers, trends, and strategy, but I also knew I wanted a career where I could work closely with people and make a direct impact on their lives. Real estate was the perfect fit—it combined my analytical background with my love for helping people achieve major life goals. I started by working with buyers and sellers here in Central New York, quickly realizing how much I enjoyed guiding clients through what can often feel like an overwhelming process. Over time, I built my own brokerage, Home With Us Realty Group, where I’ve been able to blend data-driven pricing strategies with hands-on services like complimentary home staging. What keeps me inspired is seeing the relief, joy, and excitement on my clients’ faces when they close on their dream home—or sell for a price and terms that exceed their expectations. That’s what made me fall in love with this business, and it’s why I still love what I do today.

Yes! Before real estate, I worked in research and data analysis, which gave me a strong foundation in studying market trends, pricing strategies, and negotiation dynamics. I use this background daily to help clients make well-informed decisions and position their homes competitively in the market. In addition to my real estate license and ongoing continuing education, I’ve invested in specialized training focused on: Market analysis & pricing strategies – to ensure accurate, data-driven valuations. Staging & presentation – I provide complimentary home staging using my own inventory of furniture and décor to help listings stand out online and in person. Contracts & compliance – staying up to date on NYS-required disclosures, buyer broker agreements, and evolving real estate laws to protect my clients’ interests. Negotiation techniques – to secure not only the best price but also the best terms in competitive situations. Real estate is always evolving, and I make it a priority to stay current with new methods, technology, and market shifts so my clients always have an edge.