Sarah Sells It

Sarah Sells It Who doesn't love talking about real estate? Whether you're buying, selling, or just want to know and keep current with market trends, this is for you!

Broker/Agent Re/Max Ultimate Professionals

Back-to-School Home Tips ๐Ÿก๐ŸŽ’Now that school is back in session, itโ€™s a good time to give your home a little seasonal rese...
08/24/2026

Back-to-School Home Tips ๐Ÿก๐ŸŽ’

Now that school is back in session, itโ€™s a good time to give your home a little seasonal reset too.

A few simple things can make everyday routines easier:

โœจ Reset your thermostat schedule so youโ€™re not heating or cooling an empty house all day.

โœจ Check your exterior lighting as mornings start getting darker. Make sure porch, driveway, and walkway lights are working properly.

โœจ Change your HVAC filter after a long summer of running the air conditioning.

โœจ Clear out the fridge and pantry to make room for easy school lunches, snacks, and grab-and-go breakfasts.

โœจ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors while youโ€™re already tackling a few home maintenance items.

A new school routine is also a great excuse to get the house running a little more smoothly for fall. ๐Ÿ‚

โœจ JUST CLOSED in Plainfield! โœจAnother home, another exciting chapter officially closed at 13226 Ione St, Plainfield! ๐Ÿก๐Ÿ”‘I...
08/22/2026

โœจ JUST CLOSED in Plainfield! โœจ

Another home, another exciting chapter officially closed at 13226 Ione St, Plainfield! ๐Ÿก๐Ÿ”‘

Iโ€™m so grateful to my clients for trusting me to be part of their move. Real estate is never just about a houseโ€”itโ€™s about the people, the timing, the decisions, and making sure every detail comes together from start to finish.

Thinking about buying or selling in Plainfield or the surrounding Will County area? Iโ€™d love to help make your next move a successful one.

๐Ÿ’ก Did you know? The way you present your loan approval can affect whether your offer is accepted! Avoid these three comm...
08/21/2026

๐Ÿ’ก Did you know? The way you present your loan approval can affect whether your offer is accepted! Avoid these three common mistakes:

1๏ธโƒฃ Using an Unknown Lender โ€“ Sellers (and their agents) may feel uncertain about an unfamiliar lender. Work with a reputable lender to strengthen your approval. ๐Ÿ”๐Ÿก

2๏ธโƒฃ Submitting a Weak Pre-Qualification or Pre-Approval Letter โ€“ A pre-qualification isnโ€™t the same as a full pre-approval! A weak letter could make your offer look risky. Go for a strong pre-approval instead! โœ…

3๏ธโƒฃ Getting Pre-Approved for More Than Your Offer Price โ€“ If sellers see that you can afford more, they may push for a higher price. Keep your pre-approval aligned with your actual offer! ๐Ÿ’ต

Pro Tip: Work with a trusted lender and real estate agent (like me! ๐Ÿ˜‰) to ensure your loan approval is as strong as possible.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Have questions about loan approvals? Drop them below or DM me for expert advice! โฌ‡๏ธ

It's week 8 for my home maintenance series! ๐˜›๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ๐˜ข๐˜บ'๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ๐˜ฑ๐˜ช๐˜ค ๐˜ช๐˜ด: Replacing HVAC FiltersYour HVAC filter is small, but it ha...
08/20/2026

It's week 8 for my home maintenance series!

๐˜›๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ๐˜ข๐˜บ'๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ๐˜ฑ๐˜ช๐˜ค ๐˜ช๐˜ด: Replacing HVAC Filters

Your HVAC filter is small, but it has a big job โ€” and pretending it does not exist is not a maintenance plan. ๐Ÿ˜…

โœ… BEST: Replace it every 1โ€“3 months to keep your system running efficiently and help improve air quality.

โž– OKAY: Replace it every 3โ€“6 months โ€” better than nothing, but it may start affecting efficiency.

โŒ WORST: Forget about it completely and let dust, dirt, and airflow problems pile up.

A dirty filter can make your system work harder, raise energy bills, and shorten the life of your HVAC unit. Not exactly the kind of surprise anyone wants.

Set a reminder, check it monthly, and your future self โ€” and your HVAC system โ€” will thank you.

Your home doesnโ€™t need a full renovation to feel like a little escapeโ€”youโ€™d be surprised what a few thoughtful touches c...
08/19/2026

Your home doesnโ€™t need a full renovation to feel like a little escapeโ€”youโ€™d be surprised what a few thoughtful touches can do. โœจ

Dim the lights a little at the end of the day. Add a cozy throw, fluff the pillows, light your favorite candle, and clear off that one spot that always seems to collect everything. Suddenly, home feels a little calmer, a little more polished, and a lot more enjoyable.

Sometimes itโ€™s the simple thingsโ€”a beautifully made bed, a styled nightstand, fresh flowers on the counter, or an entryway that actually feels welcomingโ€”that give your home that boutique-hotel feeling.

Because luxury isnโ€™t always about having more. Sometimes itโ€™s just about creating a space that makes you happy to be home. ๐Ÿค

And if you ever want ideas for making your home feel betterโ€”or youโ€™re wondering what updates could help when itโ€™s time to sellโ€”Iโ€™m always happy to help.

๐Ÿ‚ Did You Know? Fall Can Be a Great Time to Buy a Home! ๐ŸกWhile spring and summer usually get all the attention, fall can...
08/18/2026

๐Ÿ‚ Did You Know? Fall Can Be a Great Time to Buy a Home! ๐Ÿก

While spring and summer usually get all the attention, fall can come with some pretty nice advantages for buyers.

๐Ÿ Less competition โ€” With fewer buyers actively searching, you may face fewer bidding wars.

๐Ÿ’ฐ More negotiating room โ€” Some sellers listing in the fall are motivated to make a move before winter or the holidays.

๐Ÿ” A better look at the home โ€” Cooler, wetter weather can reveal things you might not notice on a perfect summer day, like drafts, drainage issues, roof concerns or how well the heating system performs.

๐Ÿ“… More breathing room โ€” With fewer buyers in the market, you may have a little more time to think through one of the biggest purchases youโ€™ll make.

And one of the best parts? You could be settled into your new home just in time for the holidays. ๐Ÿงก

Thinking about making a move this fall? Iโ€™d be happy to help you see whatโ€™s available and decide whether the timing makes sense for you.

๐Ÿšช Are doorsโ€ฆ out? ๐Ÿ‘€One of the more unexpected home trends popping up right now is swapping traditional doors for beautif...
08/18/2026

๐Ÿšช Are doorsโ€ฆ out? ๐Ÿ‘€

One of the more unexpected home trends popping up right now is swapping traditional doors for beautiful, flowing curtainsโ€”and I have to admit, I can see the appeal!

Curtains can soften a doorway, add color or texture, hide a pantry or closet, create a little privacy in an open floor plan, or even help divide a small space without making it feel boxed in.

And unlike replacing a door, you can change the entire look whenever your decorating mood changes. ๐Ÿ™Œ

Would I replace every door with a curtain? Absolutely not. ๐Ÿ˜‚ Bathroom doors are staying firmly on the hinges.

But for a closet, office nook, pantry, or bonus space? This could actually be a really fun way to give your home a little personality.

๐Ÿก What do you think: stylish or strange? Would you try it in your home?

๐ŸŽ You Meet the Teacherโ€ฆ But Have You Met Your Realtor?Back-to-school season is full of introductions. You meet the teach...
08/15/2026

๐ŸŽ You Meet the Teacherโ€ฆ But Have You Met Your Realtor?

Back-to-school season is full of introductions. You meet the teacher, learn the classroom routine, ask questions, and figure out who will be helping guide your child through the year.

Buying or selling a home deserves that same kind of introduction.

Your realtor should be someone you feel comfortable calling, asking questions, and turning to for guidanceโ€”before you actually need to make a move.

So consider this my version of โ€œMeet the Realtor.โ€ ๐Ÿ‘‹

Whether youโ€™re thinking about buying, selling, wondering what your home is worth, or simply want to know whatโ€™s happening in the local market, Iโ€™m always happy to be a resource.

No homework required. ๐Ÿ˜‰

It's week 7 for my home maintenance series! ๐˜›๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ๐˜ข๐˜บ'๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ๐˜ฑ๐˜ช๐˜ค ๐˜ช๐˜ด: ๐˜™๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ฑ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ข ๐˜™๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜“๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ฌA roof leak is not one of those โ€œ...
08/14/2026

It's week 7 for my home maintenance series!

๐˜›๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ๐˜ข๐˜บ'๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ๐˜ฑ๐˜ช๐˜ค ๐˜ช๐˜ด: ๐˜™๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ฑ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ข ๐˜™๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜“๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ฌ

A roof leak is not one of those โ€œletโ€™s wait and seeโ€ kinds of problems. ๐Ÿ˜ฌ

โœ… BEST: Find and fix the source immediately.

โž– OKAY: Place a tarp temporarily while you schedule repairs.

โŒ WORST: Ignore it and hope it magically stops.

Spoiler alert: water does not usually take a hint. A small leak can quietly turn into ceiling stains, mold, rot, and a much bigger repair bill.

When it comes to roof leaks, fast action is your friend โ€” and denial is expensive.

08/12/2026

๐ŸŽ‰ CLOSED IN CHANNAHON ๐ŸŽ‰

This one is worth celebrating. The Channahon market has been anything but predictable lately. Buyers coming in SLOW waves, then going quiet, then showing up again just when you least expect it. If you've been watching the local numbers, you know exactly what I mean.

And honestly, we didn't escape the craziness entirely. Our first contract fell through before earnest money was even delivered. A gut-punch reminder of how real estate transactions can turn on you.

But the second offer came in and moved forward smoothly, without much stress at all, and that's a win worth talking about, especially for my sellers, because carrying two mortgages while you wait for a home to sell is no joke on the pocketbook.

Huge congrats to my sellers on riding out the bumps and landing a smooth close in the end. You handled the waiting game with patience, and it paid off.

If you're thinking about listing in Channahon and wondering what the market's actually doing right now (because it depends on the week, honestly), let's talk. I'd love to walk you through it.

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Brookforest Avenue
Shorewood, IL
60404

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