AnneMarie Jacobs - Virtual Properties Realty

11/02/2026

One house. Multiple moving pieces. A whole lot of coordination! 🏡🔑

32 Armstrong Drive is now UNDER CONTRACT! 🎉

Real estate isn’t always as simple as putting a sign in the yard and waiting for closing day, especially in today’s market, where one move can depend on several others falling into place!

But life doesn’t stop just because the market gets complicated. People still have places to go, homes to sell, and new chapters to begin!

Now let’s get everyone to the closing table! 🙌

10/31/2026

Don't Let the Fear of a Buyer Backing Out Scare You Away from Selling

What if you finally get an offer on your house... and then the buyer backs out?
It's every seller's nightmare. And with headlines about canceled contracts on the rise, it's a concern worth talking about.

But here's what those headlines aren't telling you: 85–90% of home sales still make it to closing.

And there's more good news. You can actually take steps to protect your sale before your house even hits the market.

According to a Redfin survey, 70% of agents say inspection or repair issues are a reason buyers back out. That's the biggest reason reported, by far.

So, what's one smart move you can make?

Consider getting a pre-listing inspection. It could help you spot potential problems early, decide what to fix, and avoid surprises that might send a buyer running.

And that's just one piece of the puzzle. The right preparation, pricing, and negotiation strategy can make a real difference.

Selling your house doesn't have to feel like a gamble. A little preparation can give you a much stronger start.

Thinking about selling? Send me a message, and let's talk about how to set your sale up for success.



Ready to discuss your real estate goals? Let’s connect today!

On Instagram, tap “Read the Latest Articles” in my bio for more real estate news and advice.

10/28/2026

Staging Could Put More Money in Your Pocket

If you’re selling soon, staging can help you draw in buyers and get the most for your house. Mid-level staging can bring a 350% return on what you spend. On a $400k house, the typical $4k cost can add about $18k in value. That could mean about $14k more in your pocket at closing. Working with a smaller budget? Even just decluttering and rearranging furniture can make a big difference. Let’s walk through your house together and pinpoint the updates that’ll help it sell sooner – and for more.



Explore Latest Articles:
https://www.annemariejacobsrealty.com/pages/latest-articles

On Instagram, tap “Latest Articles” in my bio.

10/26/2026

Tough market? Yes.
Impossible? Not even close. 🔑

2343 Rambling Way is officially CLOSED! 🎉

Every deal has its twists and turns, and that’s what makes seeing the hard work pay off at the closing table so rewarding.

A huge thank-you to everyone who helped make it happen, and congratulations to my clients! 🏡✨

Thinking about your next move? Let’s talk! 💬

10/24/2026

Confused by Home Price Headlines? Here’s Why.

Home prices just dropped $14,000 in two months. So, is the housing market finally getting cheaper? Not so fast. Because there's a lot more to this story than the headlines are telling you.

According to HousingWire, the national median asking price fell from $449,000 to $435,000 since August.

But here's the twist: that's what sellers are asking for their homes. Not necessarily what buyers are paying. And when you look at actual sales prices, things get even more interesting.

Over the past year, home prices in Chicago climbed almost 7%. Meanwhile, prices in Seattle dipped 1.6%.

Same housing market. Two very different stories.

And that's exactly why making your next move based on national headlines could be a mistake.

So, here's my question: Do you know what home prices are actually doing in your neighborhood?

Drop your town or city in the comments or send me a DM. I'll help you find out.



Ready to discuss your real estate goals? Let’s connect today!

On Instagram, tap “Read the Latest Articles” in my bio for more real estate news and advice.

10/21/2026

New Homes Cost Less in 1 in 3 Major Markets

Newly built homes now cost less than existing ones in about 1 in 3 major markets. How much less, exactly? Nationally, a newly built home typically sells for about $35,000 less. So, brand-new could be more budget-friendly than you think. Want to see how newly built and existing homes compare where you’re looking? Let’s tour one of each.



Explore Latest Articles:
https://www.annemariejacobsrealty.com/pages/latest-articles

On Instagram, tap “Latest Articles” in my bio.

10/17/2026

Homes Are Still Selling – Even in a Slower Market

Don't let a headline about slowing home sales convince you no one is buying. Homes are still selling every minute of every day.

If you need or want to move, let's talk about what it'll take to make sure yours is one of them.



Ready to discuss your real estate goals? Let’s connect today!

On Instagram, tap “Read the Latest Articles” in my bio for more real estate news and advice.

If you’ve seen headlines saying home sales are slowing down, you may be wondering: is this really a good time to sell?

10/16/2026

A buyer once told me, “No HOA means I can do whatever I want!” 🏡

Then we discovered an old deed restriction. 😬

Even without an HOA, zoning laws, recorded covenants, local ordinances, and historic district rules may affect what you can do with a property.

The best time to learn about them? Before you’re locked in. Send me a message and let’s chat! 💬

HomeBuyingTips NoHOA RealEstateTips

10/14/2026

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have?

The low mortgage rate you locked in a few years ago might make moving feel off the table. But your equity could put it back on.Homeowners with a mortgage have an average of $310K in equity right now. That could go toward a bigger down payment, so you borrow less at today's rates. Or, you may be able to buy your next place in cash – without needing a mortgage at all. So, don’t write off a move just yet. Let's find out how much equity you have and what it could do for you.



Ready to discuss your real estate goals? Let’s connect today!

On Instagram, tap “Read the Latest Articles” in my bio for more real estate news and advice.

10/10/2026

Renovate or Relocate? What To Know Before You Decide To Age in Place

Staying and moving can both be good choices. What matters most is finding the place where you'll feel comfortable and at home for years to come.

If you'd like help weighing the two, let's connect. We can look at what your house could sell for and what 55+ communities in our area have to offer, so you can decide what feels right for you.



Ready to discuss your real estate goals? Let's connect today!

You've spent years making your house feel like home, celebrating milestones, making each room your own, and turning neighbors into friends. As you look ahead to the next chapter of your life, it's natural to wonder if this is still the place you want to spend it.