3 Advanced Strategies

Buying and selling—especially at the same time—is one of the biggest financial and personal decisions you'll make. And yet, too often, homeowners go through the process relying on generic advice, surface-level planning, or reactive decisions—all because their agent isn’t guiding them deeply enough.

If you’re preparing to make a move, here are 3 advanced strategies that most realtors aren’t talking about—but that can make all the difference in your confidence, timing, and bottom line.

1. Start with the Pre’s: The Three “Pre-” Steps You Should Take Before Listing or Buying

Before you list your home or fall in love with your next one, take time to prepare the right way:

• Get Pre-Approved: This is about more than just knowing what you qualify for—it helps define your purchase power, shapes your budget, and makes you stronger when it’s time to write an offer.

  
  

• Get a Pre-Inspection: This uncovers any red flags before buyers find them. You’ll have more control, avoid surprises during escrow, and can decide which repairs to address upfront.

  
  

• Get a Pre-Appraisal or Broker Price Opinion (BPO): Even if your agent offers a market analysis, getting a second opinion from a licensed appraiser or separate broker adds clarity. It helps you price confidently and reduces the risk of appraisal issues later on.

  
  

🔑 Why it matters: These three steps help you prepare from both sides of the transaction—and give you leverage whether you’re selling, buying, or both.

2. Get Hyper-Specific About Your Goals

Before any negotiations begin, you need to be crystal clear on what you’re actually trying to achieve. Are you upgrading? Downsizing? Moving out of the area? What’s your timeframe? Do you have a hard budget or target number you need to walk away with?

These details shape everything—from pricing strategy to contingencies to how aggressively your agent negotiates on your behalf.

📌 Clarity prevents regret. When you know your goals, you’re less likely to settle for a deal that looks good on paper but doesn’t align with your bigger picture.

3. Be Fully Transparent With Your Agent

This one’s simple but often overlooked: tell your agent everything. Not just the basics—but the financial goals, the emotional concerns, the “I’m not sure if I should do this” thoughts.

When agents don’t have the full picture, they’re negotiating blindly. They may push a deal that doesn’t serve you—or overlook options that could’ve worked better. Being fully honest upfront allows your agent to filter out properties or offers that don’t make sense, saving you time, money, and stress.

🧠 Think of your agent like your real estate strategist—not just a messenger. The more they know, the more powerfully they can work for you.

🔄 Bonus Tip: Loop in Your Accountant Early

Before making a move, give your accountant a heads-up. There are two major reasons this matters:

1. Tax Implications: Depending on how much you net from the sale, there could be capital gains considerations—especially if the home hasn’t been your primary residence for at least two of the past five years.

   
   

2. Buying Power: Some tax strategies (like writing off a lot of income) can reduce your loan approval amount. If you’re planning to buy after you sell, this could impact your options.

   
   

Connecting your accountant and your agent early helps ensure your financial picture is aligned with your real estate goals—before you’re deep in the process.

Final Thought: This Isn’t Just a Transaction—It’s a Transition

You deserve more than surface-level advice. When you take time to prep, define your goals, and work in full alignment with a trusted agent, the entire process becomes more strategic, less stressful, and a lot more successful.

Thinking of making a move this year? Let’s have a real conversation about your options, your goals, and how to position you for the best outcome—not just the easiest one.