Cera Connely Stark Company Realtor

05/29/2026

How to Assess Natural Light When Touring Homes
Natural light is one of those qualities that listing photos don't always capture accurately. A room that looks bright and airy in listing photos might tell a different story in person — and the reverse is just as true. When you're touring homes, taking a few extra minutes to evaluate how light moves...

Natural light is one of those qualities that listing photos don't always capture accurately. A room that looks bright and airy in listing photos might tell a different story in person — and the reverse is just as true. When you're touring homes, taking a few extra minutes to evaluate how...

05/21/2026

When Buying New Construction Makes More Sense Than Resale
The debate between new construction and resale homes is one that comes up often in today's market — and there is no single right answer. What matters is understanding what each option actually offers and whether it lines up with your priorities. For many buyers, new construction deserves a closer look...

The debate between new construction and resale homes is one that comes up often in today's market — and there is no single right answer. What matters is understanding what each option actually offers and whether it lines up with your priorities. For many buyers, new construction deserves a...

05/08/2026

What Buyers Should Know About Flood Risk and Insurance
Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't anticipate,...

Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't...

05/01/2026

🚨Just listed! 🚨

Imagine easy evenings at home, walks to local spots, and a backyard ready for bonfires and BBQs. The interior is just as charming—cute, cozy, and full of character in all the right ways. 139 N Main in Cottage Grove has that classic, comfortable feel that’s hard to find. 🏡

Come see it for yourself! Open House this Saturday 05/02/2026 from 12-2PM hosted by Addison Radcliffe. 🤩

https://zsvc.paragon.ice.com/s/goto/Galj6sU8Uu3

04/30/2026

Storage Solutions for Homes Without Large Closets
Shallow closets and limited built-ins are a hallmark of many beloved older American homes — Craftsman, mid-century ranches, Cape Cods. It's one of the trade-offs that comes with the character and charm those homes offer. What it doesn't have to come with is clutter. A thoughtful approach to storage...

Shallow closets and limited built-ins are a hallmark of many beloved older American homes — Craftsman, mid-century ranches, Cape Cods. It's one of the trade-offs that comes with the character and charm those homes offer. What it doesn't have to come with is clutter. A thoughtful approach to...

04/24/2026

What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing
Your offer has been accepted. It's an exciting milestone — but if you've never bought or sold a home before, you might be surprised to learn that the journey is far from over. The period between offer acceptance and closing day is one of the most activity-packed stretches of the entire real estate...

04/16/2026

I know I say this a lot... But this one is also extra special. A huge congratulations to Kadence & Vinny on their beautiful first home! 💚

Kades, you've always felt like a little sister to me, so getting to watch you step into this next chapter of life means more than I can even put into words. Seeing you and Vinny build something so special together makes me so incredibly happy. 🥹

And let’s be real… this family really does keep me busy — but I wouldn’t have it any other way 😂 Being part of these milestones means everything to me.

Cheers to new beginnings, new memories, and a home filled with so much love 🏡✨

04/03/2026

Touring Homes With a Critical Eye: What Buyers Often Miss
Walking through a home for the first time is an exciting experience. The fresh paint, the staged furniture, the natural light pouring through clean windows — it's easy to get swept up in the feeling of a space and lose sight of the details that truly matter. But when you're making one of the largest...

Walking through a home for the first time is an exciting experience. The fresh paint, the staged furniture, the natural light pouring through clean windows — it's easy to get swept up in the feeling of a space and lose sight of the details that truly matter. But when you're making one of the...

03/12/2026

What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
Once you've closed and gotten the keys to your new place, the process isn't over. It's time to move in and get settled. With a new space to get acquainted with and so many boxes to unpack, it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, having a plan and following a few important steps can help you settle in smoothly.
Here's...

Once you've closed and gotten the keys to your new place, the process isn't over. It's time to move in and get settled. With a new space to get acquainted with and so many boxes to unpack, it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, having a plan and following a few important steps can help you...

03/05/2026

What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
For many home buyers — especially first-time buyers — saving for a down payment can feel like the biggest hurdle to homeownership. That's why gifted funds from a family member can be such a powerful tool. Whether it's parents, grandparents, or another eligible relative offering financial help, gifted...