Flipper Fails July 9, 2025

To Open or Not To Open?

Investor Renovations: The Impact on Home Functionality

Flipper Fails is a blog series that exposes the shortcuts and surface-level fixes often found in flipped homes—and how to spot them before you buy. Because what looks good on the surface doesn’t always hold up under inspection.

In today’s real estate market, investors are snapping up homes and making quick renovations to turn a profit. While this might sound like a win-win situation, the reality is often far from ideal. One of the most common changes investors make is removing walls to create an ‘open concept’ layout, especially in small or galley-style kitchens. Unfortunately, this trend can lead to impractical and problematic kitchen spaces.

The Problem with Open Concept in Small Kitchens

Open concept layouts are popular for their spacious feel and modern aesthetic. However, when applied to small kitchens, removing walls can result in a space that is less functional. Small kitchens often benefit from having defined areas for cooking, prep, and storage. Taking out walls can eliminate valuable counter space and storage options, making the kitchen less usable.

The Shift Back to Closed Kitchens

Interestingly, the design preference is swinging back towards more closed kitchens. Homeowners are recognizing the practicality of having a separate kitchen space where the mess of meal preparation can be hidden from view. Closed kitchens offer privacy and can help contain cooking odors and noise, making them a more functional choice for many households.

Real Estate Tip

If you’re considering selling your home, think twice before making drastic changes to your kitchen layout. While open concept designs might seem appealing, they may not always be the best choice for small spaces. Consider the functionality and practicality of your kitchen, and how changes might impact potential buyers.

Conclusion

Investor renovations can sometimes muddy the market with half-witted, uninspired changes. When it comes to kitchens, removing walls to create an open concept can often lead to impractical layouts. As design preferences shift back towards closed kitchens, it’s important to consider the functionality and practicality of your space. For maximum value, ensure your home meets the needs of potential buyers.

Flipper Fails July 9, 2025

Don’t Paint The Brick!

Stop Painting the Brick: A Plea to Flippers and Investors

Flipper Fails is a blog series that exposes the shortcuts and surface-level fixes often found in flipped homes—and how to spot them before you buy. Because what looks good on the surface doesn’t always hold up under inspection.

As an experienced renovator who has worked on over 20 homes, I’ve seen many trends come and go. But one recent trend that’s turning off buyers and designers alike is the practice of painting high-quality brick white and pairing it with gray or black trim. This uninspired design choice not only detracts from the home’s original charm but also creates a maintenance nightmare.

Recently, I met some new, young neighbors who had bought a flipped house with painted brick. One of the first things they asked me was if the paint could be removed from the brick. The husband, an interior designer, mentioned that when he shows photos of their home to other designers, they all dislike the painted brick. This sentiment is echoed by many in the design community.

Why Painting Brick is a Bad Idea

If the brick is in bad shape, painting can be a viable option. However, if the brick is of high quality and in great condition, painting it makes no sense. Here’s why:

– **Uninspired Design Choice**: Painting brick white with gray or black trim is a trend that lacks creativity and originality. It strips the home of its unique character and charm.

– **Maintenance Nightmare**: Painted brick requires regular upkeep to prevent peeling, chipping, and fading. This adds unnecessary maintenance costs and effort for the homeowner.

Better Alternatives

Instead of resorting to painting, consider these alternatives to enhance the home’s appeal:

– **Thoughtful Interior Updates**: Focus on modernizing the interior with updated fixtures, fresh paint, and contemporary finishes. This can significantly increase the home’s value and appeal.

– **Landscaping Improvements**: Invest in landscaping to boost curb appeal. A well-maintained yard with beautiful plants and outdoor features can make a lasting impression on potential buyers.

Conclusion

Flippers and investors, please reconsider the decision to paint high-quality brick. Opt for design choices that preserve the home’s original charm and offer long-term value to buyers. By making thoughtful updates to the interior and investing in landscaping, you can create a home that stands out in the market and attract

Flipper Fails July 9, 2025

Selling to a “Flipper”

Why Listing Your Home on the Open Market (MLS) is the Best Choice

Flipper Fails is a blog series that exposes the shortcuts and surface-level fixes often found in flipped homes—and how to spot them before you buy. Because what looks good on the surface doesn’t always hold up under inspection.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you might have heard from investors who offer to buy it quickly, for cash, and ‘as-is.’ While this can sound tempting, it’s not always the best choice if you want to get the maximum value for your property. Let’s dive into why listing your home on the open market (MLS) is often the better option.

Investor Offers vs. Market Results

I’ve helped many clients sell homes that are perfect for investors. Every time, investors show interest before the home hits the market. But here’s the catch: their offers are usually much lower than what my clients would want to accept. For example, an investor might offer $200,000 for a home, promising a quick, cash sale. However, once we place the home on the market, it often sells for much more—sometimes over the list price!

Here’s a real-life example: A client received an investor offer of $180,000 for their home. We decided to list it on the MLS, and it sold for $220,000. That’s a $40,000 difference! The key is maximum exposure—when more buyers see your home, you’re more likely to get competitive offers.

Benefits of Maximum Exposure

Listing your home on the MLS gives it maximum exposure to potential buyers. Here are some benefits:

– **Competitive Offers**: More buyers mean more competition, which can drive up the price.

– **Market Value**: You’ll get a better sense of your home’s true market value.

– **Flexibility**: You can choose the best offer that suits your needs, whether it’s the highest price, quickest closing, or best terms.

While investors promise quick, cash sales, remember that other buyers can also offer cash and quick closings. By listing your home on the MLS, you ensure that you get the best possible deal.

Conclusion

If you want to receive maximum value for your home, it’s best to place it on the open market (MLS) and get maximum exposure. Selling off-market to investors might seem convenient, but it often means leaving money on the table. So, take the time to list your home, attract more buyers, and get the best deal possible!

Energetic Shifts in Real Estate June 30, 2025

Going Downstream

Going Downstream: Gratitude as the Current of Alignment

Rabbi Harold Kushner once said:
“If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude. A feeling that nurtures the soul.”

This is the essence of what Abraham Hicks calls going downstream—choosing thoughts that feel better, reaching for relief, and trusting that everything you want is already in motion.

Gratitude Is the Frequency of Receiving

When we focus on what’s working, what’s beautiful, what’s unfolding—we align ourselves with the energy of allowing. We stop resisting. We stop trying to control the current. And we begin to float with it.

In my own life, I’ve seen how powerful this shift can be. When I stop fixating on what’s missing in a home, a situation, or a season of life—and instead tune into what’s present, what’s supportive, what’s good, everything softens. And often, everything improves.

Real Estate as a Mirror of Alignment

In real estate, it’s easy to get caught in the loop of “I’ll be happy when…”

  • When we find the perfect house.
  • When we sell at the right price.
  • When the market shifts.
  • When we finally move.

But Abraham reminds us: you don’t have to wait for the manifestation to feel good.
You can feel good now. And from that place, the manifestations come faster, smoother, and more joyfully.

The Home You’re In Is Already a Gift

Even if it’s not your forever home.
Even if it needs updates.
Even if you’re dreaming of something more.

There’s something in your current space that’s supporting you.
There’s something in your current experience that’s preparing you.
And when you find appreciation for this moment, you unlock the energy that brings the next one.

Let Gratitude Lead the Way

So whether you’re buying, selling, or simply sitting still for a while, ask yourself:

  • What’s good here?
  • What’s working?
  • What can I appreciate right now?

Because when you tune into gratitude, you tune into alignment.
And when you’re in alignment, everything you want is not only possible—it’s inevitable.

Let’s Flow Together

If you’re ready to make a move—or simply ready to feel better where you are—I’d love to help you align your next step with ease, clarity, and joy.

Let’s connect. The current is always carrying you toward more. Let’s make sure your home reflects that.

 

Energetic Shifts in Real Estate June 30, 2025

What’s Your Energy Asking For?

The Quiet Reset: Reclaiming Time, Space, and Sanity

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much noise we live with—how many pings, dings, banners, and buzzes fill our days. My phone and computer constantly notify me of emails, texts, appointments, reminders, and updates. Even the TV—once a source of relaxation—now feels like a maze of too many options and too little peace.

We were talking about it the other night: how easy it is to feel overwhelmed, frazzled, even on high alert when the phone rings after dark. It’s like our nervous systems never get a break.

So, I made a shift.

Slowing Down to Catch Up

I turned off email notifications.
I check messages at set times during the day.
I respond to texts and calls, but within boundaries that protect my peace.
I deleted dozens of apps—especially the “free” ones that cost me my attention with endless ads.

And you know what? My mind is quieter. My body feels less tense. I’m starting to feel like me again.

Your Home as a Healing Space

This shift isn’t just digital, it’s energetic. And it’s deeply connected to how we live in our homes.

Our homes can either amplify the chaos or help us reset.
They can be filled with clutter, noise, and stimulation—or they can be curated to support rest, clarity, and calm.

For me, creating a peaceful home means:

  • Keeping spaces clean and organized.
  • Designing rooms that invite stillness.
  • Letting go of things that overstimulate or overwhelm.
  • Choosing colors, textures, and layouts that feel grounding.

Real Estate Isn’t Just About Space—It’s About Energy

When we talk about buying or selling a home, we often focus on features: square footage, finishes, location. But what we’re really seeking is a feeling.

We want to feel safe.
We want to feel inspired.
We want to feel at home—not just in the house, but in ourselves.

And sometimes, that means making a move.
Other times, it means making a shift within the space we already have.

What’s Your Energy Asking For?

If you’ve been feeling overstimulated, scattered, or just plain tired, maybe it’s time to ask:

  • Is my home supporting my peace—or stealing it?
  • Do I need a new space—or a new way of being in this one?
  • What can I let go of—digitally, physically, emotionally—to make room for rest?

Let’s Create Space for Stillness

Whether you’re ready to move or simply ready to reclaim your time and energy, I’m here to help you align your home with your highest self.

Let’s connect. Your peace is worth protecting—and your home can help you find it.

 

Energetic Shifts in Real Estate June 30, 2025

Align Your Space with Your Spirit

Your Home Is Your Energy Field

Maryam Hasnaa said:
“Your home is an extension of your energy field. This is why practices like cleaning your home, rearranging furniture, organizing your closet, and getting rid of objects that are cluttering your space can have a profound impact on your mind, body, and spirit.”

I couldn’t agree more.

There’s something deeply sacred about a spotless home. Not just because it looks good—but because it feels good. Cleaning, for me, is more than a chore. It’s a ritual. A reset. A way to clear not just dust, but stagnant energy.

Clean Space, Clear Mind

When my home is clean, I feel lighter. More focused. More in flow.
When my closets are organized, I smile every time I open them.
When I declutter or rearrange a room, it’s like the energy shifts instantly—and suddenly, I feel more at home in my own space.

We’re about to begin a new round of decluttering and organizing, and I can already feel the anticipation. Not because the house is a mess—it’s not. But because I know how powerful it is to realign the energy of a space with the energy of who I’m becoming.

Real Estate Is Energetic, Too

This isn’t just about cleaning. It’s about conscious living.
And in real estate, that translates to how we choose, care for, and evolve within our homes.

Sometimes, the shift we need isn’t a new house, it’s a new relationship with the one we’re in.
Sometimes, repainting a room or letting go of old furniture can feel more transformative than a move.
And sometimes, yes, a move is the energetic reset we need.

But the key is to know the difference.

Is It Time to Shift—or Simply Clear?

If you’re feeling unsettled in your space, ask yourself:

  • Is this home aligned with who I am now?
  • Am I holding onto things—physical or emotional—that no longer serve me?
  • Would a deep clean or a fresh layout change how I feel here?

Because sometimes, the most powerful real estate shift isn’t external.
It’s energetic.

Let’s Align Your Space with Your Spirit

Whether you’re preparing to sell, searching for a new home, or simply wanting to fall back in love with the one you have, I’m here to help you tune into what your space is really saying.

Let’s connect. Your home is more than a structure—it’s a reflection of your soul. Let’s make sure it’s aligned.

 

Energetic Shifts in Real Estate June 30, 2025

Destination Addiction

Destination Addiction and the Illusion of the “Better” Home

Robert Holden, PhD, said it best:
“Beware of destination addiction, a preoccupation with the idea that happiness is in the next place, the next job, and with the next partner. Until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are.”

In real estate, this mindset shows up more often than we realize. We convince ourselves that the next house will be the one that finally makes us feel at peace. That more space, a better view, or a different zip code will somehow unlock the happiness we’ve been chasing.

I know this because I’ve lived it.

The Next House Syndrome

For years, we believed that another home would be more comfortable, more exciting—more us. And so we moved. And moved again. Each time thinking, “This is it.” And each time, realizing that the feeling we were chasing wasn’t tied to square footage or floor plans.

We now have a second home in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. It’s stunning—on acreage, beautifully designed, and completely paid for. And yet, we’ve found ourselves wondering: Would more land and a bigger home be better?

It’s a familiar pull. But as Abraham Hicks reminds us, we only want something else because we think it will make us feel better. The question is: Will it?

When Change Is Right—and When It’s Just Restlessness

Sometimes, a move is exactly what’s needed. Downsizing to save money, relocating for lifestyle alignment, or upgrading to accommodate a growing family—these are real, valid shifts.

But sometimes, the desire to move is just a distraction from the deeper work of being present. Of appreciating what already is. Of realizing that comfort, peace, and joy aren’t found in the next house—they’re cultivated in the current one.

Lessons from Our Moves

We’ve lived in homes that were “perfect” on paper but didn’t feel right. We’ve downsized and regretted it. We’ve upsized and felt overwhelmed. And through it all, we’ve learned that home isn’t just a place, it’s a state of being.

It’s not about the view. It’s about the perspective.

So, What’s the Real Question?

If you’re considering a move, ask yourself:

  • Am I running toward something—or away from something?
  • Is this change aligned with my values—or just my discomfort?
  • Will this new home support the life I want—or distract me from it?

Let’s Explore the Shift—Together

Whether you’re ready to move or simply questioning the urge, I’m here to help you sort through the noise. Because real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about aligning your outer world with your inner truth.

Let’s connect. Your next move might not be about where you’re going—but how you’re growing.

 

Energetic Shifts in Real Estate June 30, 2025

Your Neighborhood Is Your Mirror

Choose Your Circle, Choose Your Home

There’s a saying that’s been echoing in my mind lately:

“If you surround yourself with five ambitious people, you’ll be the sixth.
If you surround yourself with five kind-hearted people, you’ll be the sixth.
If you surround yourself with five creative thinkers, you’ll be the sixth.
If you surround yourself with five lazy people, you’ll be the sixth.
The people around you shape your mindset, your habits, and ultimately, your destiny.
Choose your circle wisely.”

And if I may cheekily add:
If you surround yourself with five homeowners, you’ll probably be the sixth.

Energy Is Contagious—So Is Environment

In real estate, we often talk about location, layout, and lifestyle. But what we don’t talk about enough is energy, the energy of the people around us, the neighborhoods we choose, and the environments we immerse ourselves in.

I’ve been experimenting with this in my own life. Surrounding myself with people who are intentional, growth-minded, and aligned with the kind of life I want to live. And while it wasn’t without its struggles, I’ve also seen real, tangible shifts—both personally and professionally.

Your Neighborhood Is Your Mirror

Think about it:

  • Live in a community where people take pride in their homes, and you’ll likely do the same.
  • Spend time with neighbors who host, gather, and connect, and you’ll find yourself more socially engaged.
  • Surround yourself with people who are constantly upgrading, investing, and dreaming—and you’ll start doing it too.

The energy of your environment either lifts you or limits you. And that includes your home.

Real Estate as a Reflection of Self

Just like in the teachings of David Hawkins or Michael A. Singer, our external world often mirrors our internal state. When we shift our mindset, our surroundings begin to shift too. And sometimes, that means moving—physically, emotionally, energetically.

So, if you’ve been feeling stuck, uninspired, or out of alignment, maybe it’s not just about the house. Maybe it’s about the circle. The community. The energy.

Ready to Shift?

Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood that inspires you, a home that reflects your growth, or simply a fresh start, I’m here to help you find it.

Because when you choose your circle wisely, you don’t just change your address.
You change your trajectory.

Let’s connect. Your next move might just be your most aligned one yet.

 

Energetic Shifts in Real Estate June 30, 2025

I Made a Shift

The Shift from “I Wish” to “I Will”: A Homeowner’s Mindset

Charles Dickens once wrote:
“The most important thing in life is to stop saying ‘I wish’ and start saying ‘I will.’ Consider nothing impossible, then treat possibilities as probabilities.”

It’s a powerful reminder that the life we want—and the home we dream of—doesn’t begin with longing. It begins with intention.

From Wishing to Willing

For a long time, I found myself saying things like:
“I wish we had more space.”
“I wish we lived in a quieter neighborhood.”
“I wish we hadn’t sold that house.”

But wishes, while honest, are passive. They keep us rooted in what’s missing instead of moving toward what’s possible.

So I made a shift. I started saying:
“I will find a home that fits our lifestyle.”
“I will create peace, wherever we live.”
“I will trust that every move has meaning.”

And while it hasn’t always been easy—there have been missteps, frustrations, and unexpected turns, there have also been moments of clarity, alignment, and success.

Real Estate as a Mirror

Homeownership is one of the most tangible ways we experience our inner world. The homes we choose, the spaces we create, the neighborhoods we settle in, they all reflect our beliefs about what’s possible.

When we shift from “I wish” to “I will,” we stop waiting for the perfect market, the perfect timing, or the perfect house. We start creating momentum. We start seeing opportunities where we once saw obstacles.

And that’s when the magic happens.

Possibility Becomes Probability

Dickens challenges us to treat possibilities as probabilities. That’s not just optimism, it’s energetic alignment. It’s the same principle echoed in the teachings of Abraham Hicks, Michael A. Singer, and Vadim Zeland: when we align our thoughts, emotions, and actions, the universe responds.

In real estate, that might look like:

  • Taking the first step toward downsizing or upsizing.
  • Exploring a neighborhood you’ve always admired.
  • Saying yes to a home that feels right, even if it’s not what you expected.

What’s Your “I Will”?

Whether you’re dreaming of your first home, considering a move, or simply reimagining your current space—ask yourself:

What have I been wishing for? And what would happen if I turned that into a will?

Let’s Make It Happen

If you’re ready to shift from “I wish” to “I will,” I’m here to help. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring, let’s turn your possibilities into probabilities—together.

Reach out today. Your next chapter is waiting.

 

Energetic Shifts in Real Estate June 30, 2025

The House Was Perfect

The House Was Perfect—So Why Did We Leave?

There’s an old saying:
“Never regret anything that has happened in your life. It cannot be changed, undone, or forgotten, so take it as a lesson learned and move on.”

Sounds simple. But when it comes to real estate, especially the homes we live in and love—those lessons can feel expensive, emotional, and deeply personal.

We once lived in what we thought was our forever home. It had everything: space, storage, style, and a location that checked every box. But life shifted. We were traveling more, and the estate-sized lot began to feel like more of a burden than a blessing. So we made a move—downsizing into a gated community we had always admired from afar.

And we hated it.

The neighbors were too close. The floor plan was a masterclass in wasted space. And the HOA? Let’s just say it was a crash course in the art of micromanagement. So, we pivoted again—this time to a high-rise condo in a historic building. A dream, right?

Not quite.

The views were stunning. The location was unbeatable. But the building was tired, the management was worse, and the experience was—honestly—miserable.

Eventually, we found our way back to our original neighborhood. Not the same house, but a new chapter in a familiar place. And while we’re still making it our own, five years later, we often catch ourselves saying, “We should have never left that perfect house.”

But then we pause.
And we remember:
If we hadn’t left, we would never have known.
Never know what it’s like to live in a gated community.
Never know the reality of high-rise living.
Never know what truly matters to us in a home.

Real Estate Is Energy in Motion

Every move we make, whether it’s across town or across the country—is an energetic shift. It’s not just about square footage or zip codes. It’s about alignment. About discovering what supports your lifestyle, your peace, your growth.

Just like in the teachings of Abraham Hicks or the philosophy of Transurfing, we’re always navigating parallel realities. Each home, each decision, each “mistake” is simply a stepping stone to greater clarity.

So, What’s Your Next Shift?

Whether you’re feeling the nudge to move, questioning a past decision, or simply curious about what’s next—know this:

There are no wrong turns. Only redirections.

And I’m here to help you navigate them.

Let’s connect. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring, I’d love to help you align your next move with the life you’re truly meant to live