selling a home Archives - Real Estate News and Commentary

September 15, 2025September 15, 2025

Home Didn’t Sell But You Already Moved

What to Do When Your Home Didn’t Sell After You’ve Already Moved

Imagine settling on your new home, but the home you’ve been trying to sell is still on the market. Weeks, or even months, go by and the “For Sale” sign is starting to feel more like a weight than a welcome. This is a scenario that has been occurring more often, yet no one has been talking about it.

What can you do when your house doesn’t sell, but you’ve already moved on with your life? has already moved forward? Here are some options to consider:

1. Take a Fresh Look at the Listing

Sometimes a home just needs a different perspective:

New Photos & Marketing: If your pictures are dark or outdated, refreshing them can breathe new life into the listing.
Price Adjustments: A transitional housing market can be tricky. Long gone are the days of “set it and forget it.” Your agent needs to keep a vigilant eye on market trends. Your home can get overlooked if it’s over-priced, even if it’s slightly over-priced.
Staging and Virtual Staging: An empty home can feel cold. Adding a few tasteful pieces of furniture, either real or digital, can helps buyers imagine themselves living there.

Pros:

Can quickly generate new interest.
Doesn’t require you to give up on selling.

Cons:

Staging, photography, and small fixes can be pricey.
If the market is truly slow, even improvements may not bring a fast sale.

2. Rent It Out

If selling the home isn’t working, owners often decide to rent it:

Short-Term Rentals have become trendy. Apps like Airbnb and VRBO make it possible to host travelers and cover your mortgage while you wait for the right buyer.
Traditional Rental: A one or two year lease gives you steady income and breathing room until the market improves.
Property Management: If you don’t want the hassle, a management company can handle tenants, repairs, and paperwork for a percentage of the rent.

Pros:

Rental income helps offset mortgage and housing expenses.
The home is occupied.

Cons:

Being a landlord means managing tenants, repairs, and any issues with the home.
“Wear-and-tear” occurs. Sometimes the home can get damaged.
Local regulations and/or your HOA rules may restrict rental options.

3. Explore a Lease-to-Own Agreement

This shouldn’t be taken lightly, and you should consult with your attorney before entering into a lease-to-own agreement. However, this arrangement can attract buyers who need time to secure financing. They rent now, and have an option to purchase later.

Pros:

Brings in rental income while keeping a buyer lined up.
Attracts renters who are motivated to become owners.

Cons:

If the buyer ultimately walks away, you’re back to square one.
Requires a clear, legally sound contract.
Can be harder to market compared to a traditional sale.

4. Sell to an Investor or Cash Buyer

Investors are often willing to purchase homes “as-is,” which can be appealing if you’ve already moved and don’t want to handle repairs. There’s a trade off for a speedy cash sale, which is selling at huge discount.

Pros:

Fast closing, sometimes in days.
No repairs, inspections, or appraisals.
Peace of mind when it’s settled.

Cons:

Sale price is likely below market value.
There may be only a few serious cash buyers for your home.

5. Partner With a Different Agent or Approach

If the house has been listed a long time, a new agent with a new strategy may bring fresh energy. Some agents have the knowledge marketing hard-to-sell homes.

Pros:

New strategy and perspective may uncover missed opportunities.
Some agents specialize in challenging sales.
Potential for home buyers to perceive your home sale as a “New Listing.”

Cons:

May feel like starting over.
No guarantee that a new approach will work faster.

6. Keep Perspective

It’s easy to feel frustrated or discouraged. But remember: the situation is temporary. Homes do sell, sometimes it just takes a new angle, a bit of patience, or a creative Plan B.

Final Thought

It’s stressful when you’ve moved and your home didn’t sell. But it’s not the end of the road. You do have options.Taking an honest look at your situation can help you decide on your next move.

By Dan Krell

Disclaimer. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.

What’s your home worth?

August 26, 2025August 26, 2025

AI and Real Estate Transactions

Pros and Cons of AI and Real Estate transactions

Artificial Intelligence has become part of everyday life. People are using AI to plan meals, write emails, and even help with schoolwork. The trend is now to ask AI about real estate: “What’s my home worth?” “What kind of loan should I get?” or even “Which real estate agent should I hire?”

AI can be a powerful tool, but is it the right way to handle big real estate questions? Let’s break down the pros and cons in simple terms.

Why AI Can Be Helpful

One of the biggest advantages of AI is to quickly provide one answer from an internet search. If you want quick answers about average home prices, what closing costs are, or the steps in buying a house, AI can give you one answer in a few seconds. That’s a lot faster than sifting through dozens of websites.

AI is also always “on.” You don’t need to wait. Whether it’s late at night or early in the morning, you can get one explanation anytime.

Another plus is how AI simplifies complicated topics. Real estate has its own lingo. Concepts like “contingencies,” “escrow,” or “earnest money” can be broken down into plain English, which is especially helpful if you’re brand new to the home buying and selling process.

And finally, AI can serve as a useful starting point. Before you meet with a real estate agent, you can explore the process of buying and selling a home with AI to learn the basics. This can prepare you to ask specific questions from a professional about your situation.

Where AI Falls Short

AI also has limitations, especially when it comes to specific and personal decisions about local real estate.

First, AI isn’t always accurate. It pulls from a wide range of information, but it doesn’t always know if what’s shared is current, specific to your area, or correct for your situation. For example, real estate laws, property taxes, or rules about contracts vary widely from state to state, and can also be different within any specific state, depending on the county or city. AI might give you a broad answer, but it could mislead you because the information is not pertinent to your situation.

Second and most important, AI can’t replace human experience. Choosing the right agent, deciding what price to offer, or knowing how to negotiate are things that require local knowledge, judgment, and real-world experience. No algorithm can read the room during a negotiation.

Another drawback is the lack of personal touch. Real estate isn’t just about facts and figures; it’s about personal connection. Do you need a bigger home for a growing family? Are you looking for a place close to work? Do you want an investment property with good rental potential? A skilled agent asks these questions and tailors advice to you. AI cannot connect on the same level as another person.

And perhaps most importantly, not all real estate agents are the same. Every agent has their own strengths, style, and way of working. Some are better with first-time buyers, while others shine in luxury markets or investment properties. Finding the right one is truly a personal choice. Choosing the right agent is about trust, communication, and whether you feel comfortable working together. AI can suggest what to look for, but it can’t tell you who will truly “click” with you.

The Bottom Line

AI can be a fantastic tool for learning. It’s fast, easy to use, and helps you cut through some of the confusion that comes with real estate jargon. If you’re just starting out, it can help learn about the home buying and selling process.

But when it comes to the big stuff, such as choosing an agent, making an offer, or selling your home, there’s no substitute for the human expertise. A trusted local agent who knows the market and understands your goals, someone who can guide you through the details in a way that a AI can’t.

Think of AI as a reference book, much like an encyclopedia. It can show you the general landscape and explain the rules of the game. But when it comes to actually making offers, negotiating, and closing the deal, you’ll want a real estate professional by your side. A key take away is that finding the right agent isn’t just about teams, sales stats, and an AI reply, it’s about finding the person who fits you best for your situation.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2025

Search homes now

June 16, 2025June 17, 2025

Real Estate Teams vs Solo Agent Myths

5 Myths About Real Estate Teams vs Solo Agent, What Sellers Should Know

The Team Hype vs Solo Hustle

In today’s real estate market, teams are everywhere, shiny logos, coordinated suits, and promises of “round-the-clock service.” But are they truly better than working with a skilled solo agent?

Spoiler: Not always.

Let’s break down five major myths about real estate teams and why you might be better served by a solo agent who knows how to deliver results, without the handoffs and bureaucracy.

Myth #1: A Team Gives You More Attention

Teams love to say, “Someone’s always available.” But who is that someone?

Often, it’s not the person you met or trusted with your listing, it’s whoever’s free at the moment. A common complaint is that although you can reach someone when it’s urgent, the person on the other end of the phone only takes a message, a live “voice mail.” This leads to disjointed communication, lost context, and a lack of true accountability.

The Solo Agent Advantage: One point of contact. One consistent voice. Complete accountability from start to finish.

Myth #2: Teams Are More Experienced Than Solo Agents

Don’t let the roster fool you. Many teams are built around a lead agent with experience. However, the majority of your interaction may be with newer inexperienced agents learning the ropes.

Solo Agent Reality: A true solo pro has already built their experience. You’re not part of someone’s training ground. You’re getting top-tier guidance from someone who has mastered the game.

Myth #3: Teams Sell Homes Faster and for More Money

There’s no verifiable data proving that teams outperform solo agents in sales price or speed.

What sells a home quickly and for top dollar? Smart pricing, strategic marketing, and strong negotiation.

Solo Agent Reality: A solo agent often outperforms teams by being more agile, personalized, and fiercely protective of their reputation.

Myth #4: Teams Have Better Marketing

Teams talk about “in-house” photographers and content managers, but those roles are often outsourced, which is common for all real estate agents.

Solo Agent Reality: An effective solo agent knows which pros to hire and when. They curate your marketing strategy with personal attention, not a preset checklist.

Myth #5: You’ll Save Money with a Team

Contrary to what you might hear, teams can come with higher costs, because you’re funding a whole operation. And more people involved can mean more dropped balls.

Solo Agent Reality: Solo agents know every dollar matters. And because they take on fewer clients at once, they’re focused on delivering full-value service, not juggling a pipeline.

Bottom Line: Don’t Choose Branding. Choose Performance.

The truth about teams vs solo agent? There are great teams out there. And there are great solo agents. But don’t assume the size of the operation equates to the quality of service.

What matters most is this:

Is your agent personally invested in your outcome? Do they return your calls, fight for your bottom line, and treat your property like their name is on the sign?

If the answer is yes, that’s the agent you want. Whether they wear all the hats or lead a crew of five.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2025

Thinking About Selling in Maryland?

What’s your home worth?

June 5, 2025June 5, 2025

Home Selling Strategies to Stand Out in a Crowded Market

Home Selling Strategies to Make Your Home Shine in a Crowded Market

Real Estate Deep Dive Podcast – Standout Home Selling Strategies

As the sun climbs higher into the summer sky, so too does the number of homes hitting the market. It’s the season of “For Sale” signs and weekend open house, and if you’re a homeowner preparing to sell, you may be feeling the pressure of rising competition and in search of standout Home Selling Strategies.

But here’s the truth: in a crowded market, standing out isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Here’s the good news: You can transform your listing from just another address to a home buyers remember with a few smart, strategic touches. Whether you’re in a hot neighborhood or a sleepy cul-de-sac, these 7 inspired ideas will help your home steal the spotlight.

1. Tell a Story, Don’t Just Sell a House

Every home has a soul. Maybe it’s the oak tree planted when your child was born or the sunlit breakfast nook where mornings feel slow and sacred. Don’t just list square footage, share moments. Create a short narrative in your listing that paints a lifestyle. Buyers aren’t just looking for walls and a roof. They’re searching for a feeling.

Example: “Sip morning coffee as sunlight pours across the reclaimed wood counters. Evenings invite candlelit dinners under twinkle lights on the back patio.”

2. Photograph Like a Magazine Spread

Smartphones have turned us all into amateur photographers, but for your home’s debut? Go pro. A skilled real estate photographer understands light, composition, and how to make a 10×12 bedroom look airy instead of cramped.

Better yet, consider lifestyle photos, a throw draped casually on a reading chair, a garden table set for brunch, soft lamplight glowing in a cozy den. These human touches make a home feel lived-in and loved.

3. Turn Curb Appeal Into Instant Chemistry

First impressions aren’t made at the front door. They’re made from the street. Trimmed hedges, a fresh coat of paint on the door, modern house numbers, and vibrant planters can do wonders. Want to go further? A fragrant potted herb garden or an elegant path light installation turns your walk-up into a moment of arrival.

4. Set the Stage, Literally

Professional staging isn’t about pretending, it’s about clarity. A well-staged home helps buyers visualize the scale of a room and how they might live in it. It emphasizes flow, functionality, and mood.

Don’t have the budget for full-home staging? Focus on key areas: the living room, primary bedroom, and kitchen. These spaces carry the emotional weight of the sale.

5. Create a Sensory Experience During Showings

Buying a home is as much emotional as it is logical. Appeal to all five senses:

Sight: Clean, decluttered spaces with warm, balanced lighting.
Smell: Subtle scents like vanilla, cedar, or citrus (skip the plug-ins, they’re perceived as artificial).
Touch: Textural moments, a plush throw, a linen runner, smooth wood grain.
Sound: Soft instrumental music or birdsong from a backyard speaker.
Taste: Freshly baked cookies or a bowl of chilled bottled water near the door, it feels like hospitality, not a sales pitch.

6. Highlight Flex Spaces (and Give Them Purpose)

Post-2020, buyers crave versatility. A corner that could be an office, a nook that becomes a yoga retreat, a garage workshop ready for a creative mind. Don’t let extra space feel like an afterthought. Stage it with intention.

Use signs or framed notes: “Perfect Zoom Background”, “Quiet Homework Zone”, or “Art Studio with Morning Light.”

7. Market Beyond the MLS

Finally, your agent should do more than press “publish” on your listing. Today’s best marketing includes:

A property website with video walk-through
Social media teasers with aerial drone shots
A letter to the neighbors (who might know someone looking!)
Email campaigns targeted to agents with buyers

Pair that with savvy pricing, and you create something rare: momentum.

Final Thoughts: Be Memorable, Not Just Marketable

More homes on the market can feel like noise, but it’s also an opportunity for those in search of standout Home Selling Strategies. If your home sings a clearer, more emotionally resonant tune, buyers will hear it. Because at the end of the day, buyers don’t fall in love with houses – They fall in love with homes. And the best homes are the ones that tell a story only you could have written.

By Dan Krell
Copyright © 2025

What’s your home worth?

April 3, 2025April 14, 2025

Myth-Busting, Home Selling Edition

Myth-Busting Home Selling Edition

The Home Seller Myth-Busting Guide – The Truth About Selling Your Home

Getting bad information can be costly when selling a home. Unfortunately there’s a lot of misinformation being spread about selling homes these days. Some from social media, and some even from real estate agents. Myth-busting requires you to be mindful of what you’re hearing from others and the media, including real estate agents! If something doesn’t sound right – question it, and if necessary get a second opinion.

Here’s the truth behind some of the most common myths:

Myth #1: You MUST Offer a Buyer’s Agent Commission, or Your Home Won’t Get Shown

There is no requirement for a seller to offer a Buyer Agent commission

❌ False: “You must offer Buyer Agents compensation or your home will not get shown”
✅ Truth: Buyer agents are obligated to show properties that fit their clients’ needs, regardless of seller compensation. There is no requirement to offer a set Buyer Agent commission in order to have buyers visit the property.

Myth #2: You Must Spend Thousands on Staging & Updates to Sell

❌ False: “All renovations will help you get more money for your home.”
✅ Truth: Not all renovations give a return on investment. Strategic, minor updates like cleaning and decluttering can be more effective.

Myth #3: The First Offer is Always the Worst Offer

❌ False: “The first offer is often too low, wait for a better offer.”
✅ Truth: Waiting too long can lead to lower offers over time. Serious buyers often act quickly.

Myth #4: You Should Overprice Your Home to “Test the Waters” & Lower It Later

❌ False: “Price your home high to see if you get a buyer, and you can always lower it.”
✅ Truth: Pricing it right from the start attracts serious buyers and better offers. Overpricing leads to longer market times and price reductions.

Myth #5: There’s a “Secret” Way to Bring in Buyers

❌ False: “Exclusive buyer pools” are better than the MLS.”
✅ Truth: The best exposure comes from MLS listings and strategic marketing. The MLS spreads your listing worldwide—providing the most exposure to home buyers.

Myth #6: All Agents Are the Same

❌ False: “There is no difference in what agents bring to the table.”
✅ Truth: Experience and marketing strategies vary. An experienced, full-time agent ensures a smooth process and maximized profit.

The Bottom Line

Getting the correct information from real estate agents is key in making decisions that are in your best interest. Exercising due diligence when interacting with potential listing agents can help you see through the deceptions and obfuscations.

What’s your home worth?