Introducing the Compass Make Me Sell Program: Your Home, Your Price, Your Terms   Have you ever dreamed of someone knocking on your door and saying, “I want to buy your home”—without you ever having to list it? Or maybe you’ve thought, “I’d move if someone paid me X amount for my home”? What if you could test the waters, setting your dream price, without officially putting your home on the market? That’s exactly what the Compass Make Me Sell Program is all about. How Does the Make Me Sell Program Work? With this program, you choose a “make me sell” price—a number that would make you seriously consider selling your home. That price is then privately entered into the Compass agent network, where only Compass agents and their clients can see it. If a buyer is looking for a home like yours in your area and is willing to meet your price, you could have a deal—without ever listing your property publicly. Who is this program perfect for? ? Thinking about moving, but not quite ready? Maybe you’d prefer to wait a year or two, but you’re curious if the right offer might come along sooner. ? Searching for your next home first? You don’t want to list your home until you find your perfect move-up or downsizing opportunity. ? Would sell at the right price? If you’re unsure about moving but know that at a certain price, you’d pack up in a heartbeat, this program is for you. Privacy & No Obligation Your name, address, and contact information stay private. Instead of listing your home, it’s assigned a reference number, and only basic details like bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage are shared within the Compass network. If a buyer is interested, a Compass agent will contact me, and I’ll check with you—no pressure, no obligation. If you’re interested, we schedule a showing. If not, you stay right where you are. Why Compass Make Me Sell? ?? No commitment – You’re not listing your home, just setting a price that works for you. ?? Exclusive buyer pool – Your home is visible only to Compass agents and their clients. ?? Market insight – You get a pulse on buyer interest without actually listing. ?? Ultimate flexibility – If the right offer comes, you sell. If not, no problem! How Do You Get Started? It’s simple! Just email me at relyonrobyn@compass.com  and I will get some information from you to add your home to the program. If you have any questions about the Make Me Sell Program—or buying or selling in general—let’s chat! I’m always here to help.

Maximizing Your Home Sale with Compass Private Exclusive & Our Three-Phase Marketing Program   When it comes to selling your home, timing, strategy, and privacy matter. At Compass, we offer an exclusive approach to marketing your home that gives you complete control while maximizing your property’s exposure to the right buyers. With our Compass Private Exclusive and Three-Phase Marketing Program, you can customize your selling experience to fit your needs while attracting serious buyers at every stage.   What is Compass Private Exclusive?   A Private Exclusive listing means your home is only shared within the Compass network, keeping your sale confidential while still reaching highly qualified buyers. Unlike traditional listings that are publicly available, Private Exclusive listings are discreetly marketed to a select group of vetted buyers and agents.   Why Choose a Private Exclusive Listing?   ?? Complete Privacy – Your home details remain off public listing sites and MLS. ?? Exclusive Buyer Access – Only Compass agents and their buyers see your listing. ? More Control Over Showings – You decide when and how to show your home. ?? Test the Market – Get feedback and adjust your pricing before going fully public. ?? Avoid Days on Market Pressure – No public listing means no accumulating days on the MLS, giving you flexibility on timing.   Compass Three-Phase Marketing Program: A Strategic Approach to Selling   Selling your home is more than just putting a sign in the yard—it’s about crafting a smart, phased marketing strategy that maximizes exposure and gets you the best possible offer. That’s where our Three-Phase Marketing Program comes in.   Phase 1: Private Exclusive Listing   Before going public, your home can be quietly marketed as a Private Exclusive to Compass agents and their highly qualified buyers. This allows you to: ? Gather feedback on pricing and presentation ? Maintain privacy while gauging buyer interest ? Attract potential offers before your home hits the open market   Phase 2: Compass “Coming Soon”   Once you’re ready, we introduce your home as a Coming Soon listing—a pre-market phase that builds anticipation before going live on MLS. ?? Creates buzz and demand before your official launch ?? Gives buyers time to plan showings and submit early offers ?? Provides valuable insights to optimize pricing and marketing   Phase 3: Full Market Launch   When the time is right, your home is fully launched to the public across major listing platforms, MLS, and digital marketing channels. With professional photography, compelling listing descriptions, and high-impact marketing campaigns, your home gets maximum visibility to attract serious buyers.   Why This Approach Works   ?? More Exposure, More Interest – Buyers are introduced to your home at different stages, creating demand before it even hits the market. ?? Targeted Buyer Strategy – We focus on high-intent buyers who are actively looking for homes like yours. ?? Data-Driven Adjustments – By testing the market in the early phases, we fine-tune pricing and marketing to position your home for success.   Thinking of Selling? Let’s Talk!   Whether you’re looking for a private, low-key sale or a strategic, multi-phase marketing plan, Compass has the tools and expertise to help you sell on your terms. Let’s discuss your goals and find the best approach for your home.   ?? Email me at relyonrobyn@compass.com to learn more!

We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not, were drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether its a certain scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes are typically more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why. 1. Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating You've likely worked very hard to achieve this dream, and whether its your first home or your fifth, congratulations are in order for this milestone. You've earned it. 2. There's no place like home Owning your own home offers not only safety and security but also a comfortable place where you can simply relax and kick-back after a long day. Sometimes, thats just what we need to feel recharged and truly content. 3. You can find more space to meet your needs Whether you want more room in your home for your changing lifestyle (think: working from home, virtual school, or a personal gym), or you simply prefer to have a large backyard for socially-distant entertaining, you can invest in a location that truly works for your evolving needs. 4. You have control over renovations, updates, and your style Looking to try one of those complicated wall treatments you saw on Pinterest? Tired of paying an additional pet deposit for your apartment building? Maybe you want to finally adopt that fur-baby puppy or kitten youve been hoping for. You can do all of these things in your own home. Bottom Line Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, or a move-up buyer or you are looking to downsize and you want to start a new chapter in your life, now is a great time to reflect on the intangible factors that turn a house into a happy home.

Transform Your Laundry Room from Chaos to Calm Let’s be real—your laundry room probably isn’t your favorite space in the house. It’s the room where chores pile up (literally), and if it’s cramped or cluttered, it makes the whole process feel even more daunting. But what if your laundry room was clean, organized, and—dare we say—beautiful? Would laundry day feel a little less like a chore and maybe even (gasp!) enjoyable? If you’re ready to tame the chaos and create a laundry space you don’t dread stepping into, here are some easy ways to make it happen. Corral the Cleaning Supplies Does your laundry room double as a storage zone for rogue cleaning products? Time to contain the clutter. A stylish basket or caddy on a shelf or over the washer/dryer keeps everything within reach, so you’ll never have to hunt for the stain remover again. Install Shelves If you don’t have shelves in your laundry room yet, what are you waiting for? Shelves add instant organization, giving you a place to store supplies and even keep folded laundry until it’s put away. Want to elevate the look? Use matching bins or containers to keep things neat while adding a touch of style. Add a Countertop If your laundry room is more of a laundry closet, make the most of your space by adding a countertop over the washer and dryer. It creates a convenient spot for folding clothes straight out of the dryer. Take it up a notch by adding a curtain underneath—perfect for hiding laundry baskets or extra storage. Bonus: When you’re entertaining and need extra counter space, just close the curtain and voila, instant serving station! Sort Smarter, Not Harder The laundry struggle is real when there’s no easy way to sort clothes. A divided hamper for lights, darks, and delicates will speed up the process. Get the whole family involved by having them pre-sort their clothes—it’s a simple hack that makes laundry day way easier. Create a Lost & Found Spot Socks, buttons, spare change—somehow, they all end up in the laundry room. Instead of letting them pile up, designate a small bin or jar as a lost and found for all those mystery items. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll finally reunite those missing socks. Think Vertical When space is tight, go vertical! A wall-mounted drying rack or a retractable clothesline gives you a place to hang drip-dry items without taking up valuable floor space. Make Ironing Less of a Hassle Ironing isn’t exactly fun, but a little organization can make it easier. Mount an ironing board hanger on the wall to keep it out of the way, and if you have room, add a small rod nearby to hang freshly pressed clothes. The less effort it takes, the more likely it is to actually get done! Love Your Laundry Room, Love Laundry Day? Okay, maybe love is a strong word—but with a well-organized laundry room, the whole process can feel a little less painful. And who knows? You might even find yourself enjoying the fresh, warm scent of clothes fresh out of the dryer. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell the kids!) Ready to revamp your laundry space? Start small, get creative, and turn this functional room into a space that actually works for you!  If you do revamp your room, send me some photos, I'd love to see your space!

“Marry the House, Date the Rate”: Why Waiting to Buy Could Cost You   If you’ve been holding off on buying a home because of interest rates, it’s time to rethink your strategy. The old saying “marry the house, date the rate” is more relevant than ever. What does it mean? Commit to the home you love, but don’t stress over the interest rate—you can always refinance later if rates drop. With mortgage rates hovering between 6-7%, waiting for a lower rate could mean missing out on the perfect home or paying a higher price down the road. A Look at Historic Interest Rates Let’s put today’s rates in perspective. Over the past 30 years, mortgage rates have fluctuated significantly: • 1990s: Rates ranged from 7-9%, and homebuyers were still purchasing. • Early 2000s: We saw rates dip into the 6% range, making homeownership more accessible. • 2010s: After the housing crash, rates hit historic lows, dropping below 4% at times. • 2020-2021: Pandemic-era rates hit rock bottom at 2-3%, but those were an anomaly. • Today: We’re back to historically normal rates in the 6-7% range. So while 6-7% may feel high compared to the extreme lows of 2020-2021, it’s actually quite normal by historical standards. Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Rates to Drop Trying to time the market is risky. If interest rates drop, demand will skyrocket, home prices will rise, and competition will be fierce. You might save on the rate, but pay more for the house. Instead of waiting, buy now at today’s prices and refinance later if rates go down. How to Make Today’s Rates Work for You If you’re concerned about affordability, there are creative financing strategies to lower your monthly payment: • Seller Buydowns – Instead of negotiating a lower sales price, ask the seller to contribute toward a rate buydown. This means a lower interest rate for the first few years, saving you thousands. • Permanent Rate Buydowns – Some lenders allow you to pay upfront fees (points) to secure a lower rate for the life of the loan. • Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) – If you plan to move within 5-7 years, an ARM may offer a lower introductory rate before adjusting.   Bottom Line Homeownership is about building equity and creating stability, not chasing the perfect rate. If you find a home you love, don’t let interest rates hold you back—marry the house, date the rate! You can always refinance when rates drop, but you can’t turn back time to buy a home at today’s prices.   Thinking about buying? Let’s chat about strategies to make homeownership work for you in today’s market! ????

Front Porch Staging: Make a First Impression That Sells! You’ve decluttered, deep-cleaned, trimmed, and repaired every little thing inside and out. Your home is sparkling and ready to wow potential buyers. But have you thought about your front porch? Your front porch is the first thing buyers see when they arrive, setting the tone for the rest of their visit. A warm, welcoming porch can make all the difference—so let’s make it shine! Give It a Deep Clean Nothing says “neglected” like a dusty, cobweb-filled porch. Sweep away debris, scrub the floor, wipe down railings, and wash the front door until it gleams. Don’t forget the windows! If needed, rent a pressure washer to blast away built-up grime and give your entryway a fresh, inviting look. Add a Splash of Color Inside, neutral tones help buyers visualize their own style, but outside? That’s where you can have fun! A bold front door color can create a stunning focal point. Punch up the personality with vibrant throw pillows, colorful planters, or a bright outdoor rug to make your porch feel cheerful and inviting. Bring in the Greenery Plants breathe life into any space, and the front porch is no exception. Use potted flowers to add color, place lush ferns in hanging baskets, or cluster small shrubs in corners for a cozy, natural vibe. No green thumb? Faux plants can do the trick without the maintenance! Create an Inviting Seating Area Your porch is an extension of your living space, so show buyers how they can use it. If you have room, a porch swing or cozy outdoor sofa with soft cushions can make buyers envision lazy Sunday mornings with coffee in hand. Even a small bistro set can create a charming nook that feels like a private retreat. Maximize (or Minimize) the View Got a stunning view? Frame it with stylish curtains or position seating to highlight it. If the view isn’t ideal—say, a parking lot or the neighbor’s cluttered yard—use privacy screens, shutters, or potted plants to redirect attention and create a more intimate feel. Light It Up Great lighting makes your porch feel warm and welcoming. Swap out outdated fixtures for something modern and stylish, and make sure all outdoor lights are clean and working—especially if you’re showing your home in the evening. String lights or lanterns can add a touch of cozy charm, making your porch feel like a dreamy escape. The Power of a Perfect Porch A well-staged front porch doesn’t just impress buyers—it invites them in. It sets the stage for their entire experience, making them feel like they’ve arrived at their next home before they even step inside. So go ahead—make that first impression unforgettable!