Blog

Cathi’s best tips, tricks, hacks, and musings about real estate, interior design, home staging, and life in the Shenandoah Valley.

Should You Sell Now Or Wait?
Cathi Anne Cathi Anne

Should You Sell Now Or Wait?

Should you sell your home now or wait? Start by asking yourself: What are your goals? Is your mortgage rate favorable? Are you ready to transition and is your home show-ready? If you're unsure, consulting with a local expert like Cathi Anne can help you clarify your options and create a smart selling strategy for the current market.

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How Home Staging Boosts Your Sale Price
Cathi Anne Cathi Anne

How Home Staging Boosts Your Sale Price

Home staging boosts your sale price by helping buyers emotionally connect with your home, making it feel move-in ready and well cared for. Staged homes tend to sell faster and for more money, with sellers often seeing a 5–20% increase in sale price. Strategic staging highlights your home’s best features and creates a powerful first impression that sets it apart from the competition.

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Staging on a Budget: Small Tweaks, Big Impact
Cathi Anne Cathi Anne

Staging on a Budget: Small Tweaks, Big Impact

You can stage your home on a budget by decluttering, rearranging existing furniture, using soft lighting, adding neutral paint, and making simple upgrades to bathrooms and curb appeal. These low-cost tweaks help highlight your home’s best features and attract more buyers—without breaking the bank.

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Navigating the Local Real Estate Market
Cathi Anne Cathi Anne

Navigating the Local Real Estate Market

Navigating the local real estate market requires more than online tools. It takes local insight. In the Shenandoah Valley, working with a knowledgeable agent can help you understand pricing trends, timing, and how to present your home for maximum impact. Whether buying or selling, a personalized, local approach is key to a successful real estate experience.

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5 Things Buyers Notice Within the First 30 Seconds
Cathi Anne Cathi Anne

5 Things Buyers Notice Within the First 30 Seconds

Buyers form first impressions fast… like, within 30 seconds fast. In this post, I’m breaking down the top 5 things buyers notice immediately when walking into a home, and what you can do to make sure your listing starts off strong. From curb appeal to lighting, these simple changes can make a big impact.

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How To Get Your Home Sold This Summer
Cathi Anne Cathi Anne

How To Get Your Home Sold This Summer

Thinking about selling your home this summer? The warm weather and active market make it a great time to list—but to stand out, you need a smart plan. In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know to get your home show-ready, priced right, and staged to sell.

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Spring Cleaning Tips to Prep Your Home for Showings
Cathi Anne Cathi Anne

Spring Cleaning Tips to Prep Your Home for Showings

Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start—and if you’re thinking about selling your home, a deep clean is one of the best ways to make a lasting impression on buyers! 🏡🌿 A clean, fresh-smelling, and clutter-free home not only looks great in listing photos but also helps potential buyers feel confident about the care and upkeep of the property.

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Top ROI Projects for Sellers in 2025
Cathi Anne Cathi Anne

Top ROI Projects for Sellers in 2025

What updates will give you the best return on investment (ROI)? You don’t have to break the bank on massive renovations to boost your home’s value. In fact, strategic upgrades and simple staging techniques can make a big impact when it comes to attracting buyers and maximizing your sale price.

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Curb Appeal Tips for Winter Sellers
Cathi Anne Cathi Anne

Curb Appeal Tips for Winter Sellers

Selling your home in the winter comes with its own unique set of challenges—but don’t let the season hold you back! With the right touches, you can create an inviting first impression that draws buyers in, even on the chilliest days. Make your home stand out this winter with these simple and effective curb appeal tips.

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