Leah Rickel Burr - Realtor

06/12/2026

Not everyone has the luxury of buying a new home BEFORE selling their current home. But how do you handle that last minute showing request when the house is a disaster?!

Getting your home show-ready while you're still living there doesn’t have to be a total overhaul, just a smarter plan. ✨

We're all juggling busy routines, homework zones, and the occasional trail of kid or pet toys. Instead of trying for spotless perfection, pick one or two “kid zones” for play and creativity, then focus on keeping the main living spaces clean and inviting. Stash everyday items in neutral baskets, use under-bed bins, and set up a mudroom drop zone at the entry for shoes, backpacks, and pet gear. This way, main areas stay photo-ready with minimal daily effort, and last-minute showings feel less stressful.

A few simple habits make a big difference: stay on top of dirty dishes, quick daily floor and countertop sweeps, lighter bedding and neutral throws in bedrooms, and a ready-to-go bag with snacks, pet leashes, and essentials for smooth exits. In the summer, crank down that AC and open window treatments to let in soft, natural light before buyers visit.

Bonus - get a Pura plugin with the Capri Blue scent and schedule it to turn on 30 minutes before each showing.

Clean, clutter-free rooms and a calm routine help buyers picture themselves at home, even if there’s still a little evidence of family life tucked away. ;)

💡 Save this if you want a kid-friendly decluttering routine that works for real life and real showings.

Click to read the full blog:
https://leah.viewallphoenixhomelistings.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-home-show-ready-while-living-in-it/

06/12/2026

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year."

But before you decide, make sure you understand what you could be giving up too. Because moving this Summer does have its advantages.

For buyers, it could give you more options in your price point. Historically, there are over 30% more fresh listings in the Summer compared to the rest of the year.

For sellers, it can mean a better sales price. Data shows, on average homes sell for 4% more in the typical Summer month compared to usual month in the Fall or Winter (when demand typically falls off).

The point isn't to rush into anything. It's just to make sure you have the full picture before deciding whether waiting is really your best move.

DM me if you want to talk through your options. No pressure, just perspective based on years of experience.

06/10/2026

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there’s a little bit of good news.

Asking prices have started to ease – the typical asking price this May came in under where it was a year ago.

And these lower prices are good news for your move – not a sign the market’s in trouble. It points to a market that’s rebalancing with more realistic seller expectations and a little more breathing room for buyers again.

So, if you’ve been waiting for an opening, let’s connect. I’ll help you see what that looks like in our area.

06/08/2026

A lot of buyers think affordability is impossible right now.

But sometimes it’s not about giving up on homeownership. It’s about expanding where you’re looking.

Yes, some states are significantly more affordable than others. This list breaks down the top 10. But that doesn’t mean you have to make a cross-country move to find better options.
Even in expensive markets, there are usually neighborhoods, towns, and communities nearby where home prices, property taxes, or overall costs are a lot more manageable.

The key is knowing where to look – and a local agent can help you find those opportunities.

Curious what's out there? Broadening your search, even just a little outside of town, might open up more options than you'd expect.

Drop a comment below or send a message if you want some advice on where to look based on your price point.

06/08/2026

The real estate market is more competitive than ever, but there's so much you can do to better your odds. Reach out to find out how!

Today’s low inventory markets are making it difficult for buyers to compete. Find out how to put together an offer that stands up to the competition.

06/05/2026

Still deciding whether to buy your first home now or wait? Here’s something you’ll want to consider.

Buyers who get into their first home around age 30 build about $119,000 more in net worth by age 50 compared to those who wait until their 40s.

So, every year you spend saving for the "right" moment could quietly chip away at your future wealth.

That doesn’t mean buy before you’re ready. But it does mean, if you’re ready and able to buy now, it may be a better strategy than waiting.

DM me and let's map out what timeline fits your situation and our market. You might find that a head start matters more than waiting to save the "perfect" down payment.

06/05/2026

Selling? Check out these staging tips to help no matter your circumstances.

Learn how to stage your home-- despite some common obstacles you may face.

06/04/2026

Try these ideas to make your home sparkle in no time.

Multitasking and working efficiently can help you do your chores more quickly.

06/03/2026

One of the biggest questions I’m getting right now is: “What’s going to happen with the housing market in the second half of the year?”

And it makes sense why everyone is asking.

Affordability is tight. Rates feel high. Prices do too.

And people want to know if the second half of the year is going to be better.

Here's the honest answer. A lot of it depends on what happens with inflation – and the lingering uncertainty overseas. But even in today’s market, there’s opportunity, if you know where to look.

Want a breakdown of what’s impacting the market, where experts think things could go from here, and what you can actually do about it?

Send a DM or drop a comment below and I can send you over an article that breaks it all down.