Category Archives: Real Estate News For Sellers

Top 10 Tips for Successful Downsizing 🏡

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Downsizing isn’t just about getting rid of stuff — it’s about making space for what truly matters in your next chapter.

As a Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), I’ve guided many clients through the emotional and logistical sides of downsizing. With the right plan, trusted advice, and a clear system, this process can feel empowering instead of overwhelming. Whether you’re preparing for a move, simplifying life, or planning to age comfortably in place, the right strategy can turn a daunting task into an empowering experience.

Let’s break it down into manageable, motivating, and even enjoyable steps — with a few smart systems, heartfelt moments, and yes… a little fun along the way. 😉

🟢 Start Smart: The Sticker System That Changes Everything

One of the easiest ways to stay focused (and avoid decision fatigue) is by using a color‑coded sticker system:

  • 🟢 Green = KEEP
  • 🔵 Blue = GIVE AWAY / DONATE
  • 🟡 Yellow = SELL
  • 🔴 Red = DISPOSE

👉 Tip: Keep stickers in your pocket or on a clipboard so you’re never tempted to “decide later.”

❓ Ask the Right Questions (These Are Game‑Changers)

When deciding what stays and what goes, ask yourself:

  • Does this enhance my life today?
  • Does this fit my current or future space?
  • Do I actually use this?
  • Do I truly need this?
  • Do I need the entire set — or just one piece?
  • Does it have real monetary value?
  • Does it fit my new lifestyle?

If the answer is mostly no… it’s time to let it go.

🧠 Downsize and Document the Memories

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. Preserve the memories without keeping all the physical items:

  • Scan photos into organized digital files
  • Use mail‑in photo services to transfer images to USB or cloud storage
  • Create shadow boxes with a few meaningful pieces
  • Keep one special item from a larger set

✨ Memories live in your heart — not your storage bins.

1️⃣ Make a Plan (and Then Work the Plan)

A successful downsizing project starts with clarity:

  • Set clear goals
  • Create a realistic timeline
  • Identify who will help you (family, friends, professionals)

📌 Plan the work — then work the plan.

2️⃣ One Room at a Time 🛏️➡️🛋️

Avoid overwhelm by working room‑by‑room. Limit sessions to 4–5 hours per day max.

  • Stay hydrated 💧
  • Take breaks
  • Listen to your body

This is not a race — it’s a transformation.

3️⃣ Pace Yourself & Celebrate Wins 🎉

Start early and divide tasks into achievable chunks. After each milestone:

  • Treat yourself to lunch out
  • Enjoy a walk
  • Take a guilt‑free rest day

Progress deserves celebration!

4️⃣ Design Your New Space First 📐

Whether you’re moving or staying put, create a floor plan:

  • Measure your new space
  • Identify furniture that truly works
  • Let go of pieces that won’t fit or function

🛋️ Your home should support your life — not crowd it.

5️⃣ Involve Family & Friends ❤️

Decide what items you’d love to pass on, and label them:

  • Blue sticker = one child
  • Red sticker = another
  • Yellow sticker = a friend

Seeing cherished items enjoyed by loved ones is incredibly rewarding.

6️⃣ Take It Now, Not Later ⏰

Encourage recipients to pick up items right away.

Waiting weeks or months can stall your progress and create clutter all over again.

7️⃣ Tackle Clothing with Confidence 👗👖

Go through every closet:

  • Donate what doesn’t fit
  • Let go of outdated or worn items
  • If you love it but won’t wear it again — take a keepsake photo 📸

Then donate it so someone else can enjoy it.

8️⃣ Kitchen & Tools: Duplicates Be Gone 🍴🔧

Ask yourself:

“Why do I have three of these?”

Keep one of everything you realistically need and donate or discard the rest — especially food containers and gadgets.

9️⃣ Get Creative with Donating 🤝

Some items won’t sell — and that’s okay.

Consider donating to:

  • Shelters
  • Schools
  • Community clubs
  • Non‑profits

💡 The joy of giving often outweighs the small cash return — and donations may be tax deductible.

🔟 Most Important: Have Fun & Embrace the Freedom 🌟

Downsizing can be emotional — but it can also be incredibly liberating.

It’s a chance to:

  • Revisit memories
  • Release what no longer serves you
  • Create space for your next chapter

✨ Start early. Stay organized. Reward yourself. You’ve got this!

Ready for Your Next Chapter? Let’s Do This Together 🤝

Downsizing doesn’t have to be confusing, emotional, or stressful — especially when you have the right guidance.

As a Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), I specialize in helping homeowners navigate downsizing, rightsizing, and major life transitions with clarity and compassion.

👉 Thinking about downsizing or planning your next move?

  • Get a personalized downsizing plan
  • Understand what to keep, sell, donate, or let go
  • Align your home with your next lifestyle chapter

📞 Reach out today to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

📧 Contact me directly or send a message — I’m here to help every step of the way. 🏡✨

The Home Connection- September

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Happy September, friends! 🍂 This month’s newsletter is packed with:
📊 A fresh Eye on the Market
🏡 Fall home décor ideas to cozy up your space
📦 Clever space-saving tips
🎶 Can’t-miss local events around the Sound Grab your coffee ☕ and take a few minutes to check it out—you’ll love what’s inside! 💌

How to Sell Your House in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide with Jen Murrweiss 🏡✨

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Thinking about selling your home? Whether you’re in the Puget Sound area or beyond, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to selling in today’s market. I’ve helped countless sellers achieve great results, and I’m here to walk you through the essential steps to sell your home with confidence. 👇

Step 1: Hire the Right Real Estate Agent 👩‍💼💼

The first and most important step in selling your home is hiring a real estate agent who can guide you through the entire process. A great agent is your partner in this journey—someone who understands the market, has the right connections, and can provide expert advice on everything from pricing to staging. Choosing the right agent makes all the difference. As a top listing agent in the Puget Sound region, I’ve helped clients just like you navigate the selling process with ease. When interviewing agents, be sure to ask:

How many clients have you helped recently? What sets you apart from other agents in the area? What services do you offer beyond negotiations?

Step 2: Hire a Home Inspector 🔍🛠️

You might be thinking, “Aren’t home inspections for buyers?” Technically, yes—but getting a pre-listing home inspection can save you time, money, and stress down the road. A professional inspector will help you spot issues that could scare off potential buyers.

Step 3: Make Repairs and Small Upgrades 🔧✨

You don’t have to completely renovate your home, but a few strategic updates can make a world of difference. Here’s where to focus:

  • Fix what’s noticeable
  • Modernize: Create flexible spaces like a home office.
  • Curb appeal matters
  • Brighten up with fresh lighting

Step 5: Price Your Home Right 💵💡

Pricing your home can be tricky. Price too high, and you risk scaring off buyers. Price too low, and you leave money on the table. Even when you are priced correctly there can be challenges that your agent will help you work through according to your current market and feedback we receive from potential buyers. I’ll help you understand your home’s value through a detailed market analysis.

Step 6: Stage Your Home to Sell 🛋️✨

Staging isn’t just about making your home look good—it’s about helping buyers imagine themselves living there. If you’re unsure where to start, I can connect you with professional stagers or offer my own recommendations.

Step 7: Get Professional Photos 📸🌟

In today’s digital world, great photos are essential. Homes with professional photos typically sell faster and for more money.

Step 8: List Your Home 📲🏡

Once your home is ready, I’ll list it on the MLS and make sure it’s visible on all the right platforms. But it’s not just about online listings—I’ll help market your home through social media, email campaigns, and more to ensure it gets the exposure it deserves.

Step 9: Have a Plan in Case Your Home Doesn’t Sell Right Away ⏳📉

Not every home sells overnight, and that’s okay. If things aren’t moving as quickly as you’d like, we’ll adjust the strategy. Whether it’s adjusting the price, hosting more open houses, or taking a different approach, I’m committed to making sure we get the best result for you.

Step 10: Negotiate the Sale Price 🤝💬

Negotiation is one of my favorite parts of the process. My goal is always to get you the best possible price, and I’ll guide you through every step of the negotiation process.

Step 11: Sign and Close ✍️🏠

Once you’ve agreed on an offer, it’s time to sign and close. We’ll review all the details—inspection reports, appraisals, closing costs—and ensure everything is in order before the big day. Then, when you sign those final papers, you can officially say goodbye to your old home and move on to the next chapter.

Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and with my expertise, it can be an exciting and rewarding process. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out. I’d love to help you make your next move a success! 🏡💫

Remodeling What Is The Biggest Bang For The Buck?

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There are so many good reasons for home improvement — even in a tough economy. You may want to boost your home’s future sales value, add livable space, refresh an aging room or feature. Or you may just want to enjoy your home more, especially if you wanted to move but the market didn’t cooperate. Find out which projects could bring you joy — and some cash back!

Is the kitchen the biggest project that will pay you back or the bathroom?

A Room By Room Tour

Must have a good location when selling your HOME

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Add seasonal flowers for curb appeal

One thing is common among all properties that receive multiple offers these days: the home is in a good location. Location is nearly always what drives homebuyers in their search. Before considering price, number of bedrooms or size of home, a buyer looks for location.

If your home is on a busy street, not in the best school district or near a freeway on/off ramp, chances are you won’t receive the kind of activity that a well-located home would. In that case, work closely with your agent to price the home correctly.

Must be priced right

Buyers in any market look for perceived value. Homes priced 10 percent (or more) over their market value won’t get noticed. Pricing isn’t an exact science, and it’s nearly impossible to pin a precise number to a home until buyer and seller sign a contract and close. Then, the price officially becomes the home’s market value. Until that time, agents can provide sellers with a value range. Have a good location? Does your home show well? Are you in a strong sellers’ market? Price your home on the bottom of that price range and you’ll be sure to attract buyers — and possibly multiple offers.

Must show well

A generation ago, sellers simply did some deep cleaning and maybe some de-cluttering before their first open house. Presentation wasn’t as important then as it is today, given online listings. More buyers today develop an emotional connection to a home. They want to imagine themselves in your home and not feel like they’re a guest. What does that mean? Appeal to the masses. If you have a good location and you plan to price your home realistically, then you need to make sure you give buyers what they want. If you can afford it, make cosmetic upgrades; invest in some staging and work to turn your home into a “product.” Emotionally disconnect from your home and try to see it more objectively.

Plan on having the home in perfect condition for the photo shoot. A buyer’s first impression of your home likely will be via the Internet or an email from their agent. Make them want to step inside. The more buyers you attract to your home, the more activity.

Know your market

Don’t assume that national trends apply to your region, city or neighborhood. If you’re not in a strong sellers’ market or you spend a fortune on last-minute upgrades, you could be in for a giant surprise. Just because you hear about bidding wars and multiple offers on the news doesn’t mean that applies to your area. Home selling is like the stock market it is goes up, down and can have a bit of a lull when interest rates go up and what is happening in the news for your area and even around the world.

Work with a good Realtor and, no, not all agents are Realtors learn the difference.  A local Realtor knows the area and what has recently sold as well as ones that have sold over the past six months to a year. Knowing those homes, having walked inside and personally knowing the agents who have sold them matters. This is market data that an outsider just doesn’t have access to. This knowledge empowers good local agents to educate their sellers.

Seller Prepare For The Home Inspection

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Be Prepared!

I know the last year has you asking yourself I don’t need to worry buyers are waiving inspections. I guarantee you that is changing and if you do not wish to have a Seller’s pre-inspection than you may wish to check out this list. You can make your home more attractive to buyers and increase your likelihood of obtaining a positive inspection report by performing routine maintenance now before going on the market.

A visual inspection does not pass or fail a house but simply describes those items in need of minor or major repair or replacement. The inspector will visually examine the structure, crawl space, attic, mechanical components and all interior rooms, as well as closets.

On the day of you can help by having keys available to any locked doors, removing obstacles around water heaters and other appliances, removing items from closets that provide access to attics, and so on. Please be ready to indicate the location of hidden components such as the water meter, electrical panel, sump pump and main sewer clean out.

You can eliminate seasonal limitations on the inspection by clearing pathways of snow or debris. Ensure that appliances not tested because of the temperature (such as air conditioners in winter) are operation. Move boxes and storage items away from interior walls and make certain the entire perimeter of the house can be observed. Finally, leave pets with a friend or, take them with you, for the few hours of the inspection.


EXTERIOR COMPONENTS

  • Repair minor defects in the exterior wall coverings.
  • Repair damaged masonry on walkways and steps.
  • Repair missing or loose railings on decks and steps.
  • Recaulk around exterior windows and doors.
  • Replace missing or damaged shingles
  • Recaulk around flashing.
  • Clean debris from gutters.
  • Ensure downspouts are intact and water drains away from the house.
  • Trim trees and shrubs away from the roof.

INTERIOR COMPONENTS

  • Loosen any windows that are painted shut.
  • Replace missing or faulty hardware on doors and windows.
  • Repair any broken or cracked windows.
  • Replace damaged baseboard or molding.
  • Recaulk around bathtub and kitchen/bathroom sinks.
  • Re-grout tub and shower enclosures and the kitchen backsplash.
  • Repair leaky faucets and fixtures.
  • Unclog slow drains using commercial cleaner.
  • Replace oversized fuses with proper fuses.
  • Repair faulty receptacles and switches.
  • Ensure exhaust fans are in working order.
  • Have the fireplace chimney swept.
  • Have the furnace or other major appliances serviced.
  • Ensure central vacuum, garbage disposal, water softener and other ancillary components not part of the standard inspection are in working order.
  • Replace dead batteries in smoke and CO detectors.
  • Have service contracts, manuals and warranties available and in a drawer for the inspector/buyer to access.

Prior planning always pays off and makes for a smooth transaction after securing a buyer. Reach out to me for questions on this or if you are considering selling your home.

Houses across the county are selling FAST!

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In today’s whirlwind real estate market, houses are selling at astonishing speed – from sea to shining sea. Four years ago, the average house spent 39 days on the market. Two years ago, homes were on the market for about 24 days. Today, that number has dropped to just 17 short days. If you’re looking to sell your house quickly and on the best possible terms, today’s market can’t be beat. DM me to discuss how to secure a speedy, top-dollar sale for your house.

Real Estate Market in Snohomish County is seeing double digit escalation offers: Need sellers!

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Trying something a bit unconventional! 💡If you do not know how the Real estate market is right now I am going to take a quote🗣 from the MLS “The economics of scarcity are driving prices up at an unsustainable pace,” said Dick Beeson, managing broker 👩‍🏫at RE/MAX Northwest. “What will happen this spring and summer 🌞 will likely be more of the same. 🆘The real estate vortex we’re in of depleted inventory and high prices is real and unrelenting.” “If interest rates weren’t historically low, buyers would be unable to afford the escalating cost of housing,” suggested Beeson. “We’re feeling nervous about where this market is headed,” he said, adding, “Help is not on the way. Sellers are almost as rare as the dodo bird.” Although he noted the number of new listings🏡 coming onto the market has kept pace or even exceeded last year’s totals in some areas, (Not Snoho county) “new listings are immediately devoured by a plethora of waiting buyers.” The situation has buyers asking, “Am I paying too much?” 💸and sellers asking, “Can we ask more?” 💸That answer for both is “Yes,” says Beeson

Do you know Snohomish county does not even have 2 weeks of inventory? I listed a home in Marysville a few weeks ago and within 2 days I had 18 offers! Many waived everything and, I mean everything. The offer my sellers decided to accept? 140k over asking and covering the difference of a low appraisal! 👀 So why am I bothering you with this?👂We have 5 home buyers that we have been working to find homes and one family that currently has 7 family members living in the same townhome as they have special needs and we want to find them homes! We were just beat out of an offer that we put in for them. Our offer was 50k over asking and waiving all we could plus they would cover a 25k low appraisal. The offer that got it was $80k over list❗️❗️In almost 11 years in Real Estate I have never experienced anything like what is happening. I rarely do not get my clients the home they want on the first try but, right now there are to many buyers, low interest rates and not enough homes on the market to sell. So I am trying to think outside the box.🕵️‍♀️ If you happen to know of anyone thinking of selling within these parameters can you PLEASE consider having them contact me? 📞 Believe me I have scoped out everything online, even FSBO, and so I am reaching out.

✅ Local firefighter‍🚒Veteran wanting to use his VA loan for the first time. They are approved for up to 500k. They would love a small rambler w/garage and a bit of a yard. Flexible on area. Currently looking in Lake Stevens, Marysville and Arlington. 3-bed, 1.5 bath. Home does need to be in good condition for VA financing but if something is called out and if a little something is needed to push I will do it!

✅Family of seven. Multigenerational family with one of the parents being confined to bed permanently. We are trying to find a home that has 2, or potentially 2, living arrangements. A split maybe for parents to live downstairs and the younger families up? They have 2 small pet 🐐goats so no HOA neighborhood. Underwritten approved to 675k.

✅First time home buyer with 2 small kids and need a home they can keep their laying hens with them. No HOA against chickens. 🐓3 bed/ 1.5 bath with a garage detached or attached. Like homes with a bit of lot. Looking in Marysville, Granite falls, Arlington area. Underwritten approved to 500k.

✅First time home buyer couple. No kids yet but want to have a couple fur babies 🐕🐕‍🦺soon as they lost there two older ones in the last year. Underwritten approved to 570k, 3 bed, 2 bath. Like newer modern homes but not the zero lot line ones.

✅First time home buyer expecting their first baby in May. Underwritten approved to 425k. Flexible on location but prefer Everett and going east or north is okay. At least a 2 bedroom, 1 bath.

🔑This is not something I would normally do or ask but I want to do the best for my clients and never hurts to try right?

Please reach out if you know of anyone, wanting or thinking, about selling. That could help my buyers or another family that is looking for a home. ☎️

Thank you!!

Top 10 Rightsizing Tips for Seniors

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Top 10 Rightsizing Tips for Seniors

Are you considering selling your home and retiring? Maybe somewhere warmer? We all know the main areas for retiring are Florida with many cities being ranked in the top 10. I was surprised to see Myrtle beach- SC, Ann Harbor MI, and Lancaster, PA in the top 10 and I did not see Arizona in the top 25. In fact it looks like they were #38 in the 2020 ranking. Times are changing for sure! Where do you think Washington ranked? We ranked 46 out of 50!

Over the years seeing Seniors in my church, neighbors and with my own parents I have seen many challenges as we age that make you decide to move. After struggling to help one family move that had many medical challenges I decided I need to learn more to help this population and is why I am proud to be an Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). Helping those make a move that is more senior friendly and working with their family in taking the time they may need for their next adventure in life.

So where do you start when you are starting to consider a move and have lived in your current home for 20+ years?

1. Start with the easy stuff.

Eliminate anything that’s broken, damaged, or no longer wanted. Then, go to the out-of-the-way spaces like attics, crawlspaces, and garages. Progress in these “easier” parts of your home will help you build momentum and tackle the harder-to-decide areas.

2. Ask yourself,  “If this disappeared tomorrow, would I run out and replace it?”

If you wouldn’t miss it or need to replace it, it’s probably not worth keeping.

3. Don’t be a storage unit for others.

If friends or relatives have left things for you to store, it’s time to ask them to pick up their possessions—or arrange to have them shipped. You may need to be tough and set a firm deadline, after which you will donate the items.

4. Ask for help.

Although you can do much of this work on your own, a family member, a good friend, or even a professional organizer can help make the job more manageable.

5. Decide what’s important.

Pretend you are moving overseas, but you can only take a severely limited number of items because it costs a small fortune to ship them. What items belong on your list? These are the things that matter most to you!

6. Is this something from a lifestyle I no longer have or want?

For example, if you have three cabinets full of plastic containers, but only cook for one or two people, it’s reasonable to eliminate a few plastic sets—and dishes, pots, and pans.

7. Schedule a regular time each week—or several days a week—to work on rightsizing.

Realize that rightsizing is a life-changing marathon, not a sprint. You didn’t accumulate everything overnight, and you won’t sort it all out overnight, either.

8. Value what you keep.

The fewer things you keep, the more you will treasure and enjoy what you have, instead of tucking items away in a closet or stacked among dozens of other things. These are the select, meaningful items worth having in your personal space.

9. Prevent new collections from forming.

Instead of material gifts, ask people to spoil you by sharing time, enjoying new experiences, and helping you indulge in luxuries (spa certificates, imported chocolate, a musical or other theatre production, gift certificates for dinner out, etc.). In other words, ask for special treats that you love and want, but don’t always buy for yourself.

10. Use age to your advantage.

Now is a great time to give items to family members that you eventually want them to have. Take a photo (preferably a digital one) of your recipients holding their treasured gifts and create a scrapbook of “next generation” memories. These images can serve as powerful reminders of your most cherished items moving forward into posterity with the most special people in your life.

It takes time once you decide you want to start making the steps for a move. The average time frame I work with Senior sellers that have decided to move is a few months to a few years. I had one couple that I worked with for 3 years! They had been in their home for 32 years. Raised their kids and finally decided it was time to move into a ground floor condo with no steps and then go see the world. It takes time to navigate and sometimes many meetings to help them make decisions and keep them on their path. I helped with so many referrals and even some of the heavy lifting before we did the heavy selling. 🙂

Want more information on what a SRES can do for you? Visit the consumer site to learn about the value of working with a SRES and content with topics to assist you like Senior housing options, adapting your existing home and more.

The Home Connection for June

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It’s that time again for your monthly newsletter! Notice QR codes seem to be back? While I like QR codes and think they are handy I sure hope we all can “experience” some of the beautiful places the Pacific Northwest has to explore in person and soon!

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