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September 9, 2025 by changescapeweb

Top 7 Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many decisions to make, it’s easy to fall into common traps that can cost you time, money, and unnecessary stress.

At I’ll Get You Moving, Sandra Meranda is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s break down the most common mistakes first-time buyers make — and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Getting Pre-Approved First

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is starting their home search before knowing what they can actually afford.

👉 Why it matters:

  • Sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously
  • You avoid falling in love with homes outside your budget

✔ Pro tip: Always get pre-approved before you start house hunting.

2. Ignoring Additional Costs

Your monthly mortgage isn’t the only expense.

Many buyers forget about:

  • Property taxes
  • Insurance
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Closing costs

✔ Plan ahead so there are no surprises after you move in.

3. Letting Emotions Take Over

It’s easy to get attached to a home — but emotional decisions can lead to overpaying or overlooking issues.

✔ Stay focused on:

  • Your budget
  • Your must-have features
  • Long-term value

4. Skipping the Home Inspection

Trying to save money by skipping an inspection can backfire badly.

A proper inspection can uncover:

  • Structural issues
  • Plumbing or electrical problems
  • Hidden damages

✔ Always invest in a professional home inspection.

5. Not Researching the Neighborhood

You’re not just buying a home — you’re buying into a lifestyle.

Check for:

  • Schools
  • Safety
  • Commute times
  • Nearby amenities

✔ Visit the area at different times of the day before making a decision.

6. Making Big Financial Changes

Avoid making major financial moves during the buying process.

🚫 Don’t:

  • Change jobs suddenly
  • Take on new debt
  • Make large purchases

These can impact your mortgage approval.

7. Trying to Do It Alone

Buying a home is complex — and having the right guidance makes all the difference.

✔ Working with an experienced real estate professional like Sandra Meranda ensures:

  • Better negotiation
  • Expert advice
  • A smoother process

Final Thoughts

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right support and a clear plan, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

💬 Ready to start your home buying journey?
Sandra Meranda is here to help you every step of the way — because she’ll get you moving.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

July 8, 2025 by changescapeweb

How to Sell Your Home Faster (And for the Best Price)

Thinking about selling your home? In today’s market, it’s not just about listing your property — it’s about positioning it correctly to attract the right buyers.

Sandra Meranda of I’ll Get You Moving knows exactly what it takes to sell homes quickly and profitably. Here’s how you can maximize your home’s value and reduce time on the market.

1. First Impressions Matter

Buyers often decide how they feel about a home within seconds.

✔ Boost your curb appeal:

  • Clean landscaping
  • Fresh paint
  • A welcoming entrance

2. Price It Right From the Start

Overpricing can scare away buyers and leave your home sitting on the market.

✔ A well-priced home:

  • Attracts more interest
  • Can lead to multiple offers
  • Sells faster

Sandra uses market data and local insights to price your home competitively.

3. Stage Your Home for Success

A well-staged home helps buyers imagine themselves living there.

✔ Simple tips:

  • Declutter spaces
  • Use neutral colors
  • Add light and warmth

4. Invest in High-Quality Photos & Marketing

Most buyers start their search online — so your listing needs to stand out.

✔ Strong marketing includes:

  • Professional photography
  • Social media promotion
  • Strategic online listings

5. Be Flexible With Showings

The more accessible your home is, the more potential buyers you’ll attract.

✔ Try to:

  • Keep your home clean and ready
  • Allow flexible viewing times

6. Highlight What Makes Your Home Unique

Every home has something special — make sure buyers see it.

✔ Could be:

  • A renovated kitchen
  • A spacious backyard
  • A great location

7. Work With the Right Realtor

Selling a home is more than just listing it — it’s about strategy, negotiation, and experience.

With Sandra Meranda, you get:

  • Expert pricing strategy
  • Strong marketing execution
  • Skilled negotiation to maximize your profit

Final Thoughts

Selling your home doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach — and the right agent — you can sell faster and for the best possible price.

💬 Thinking of selling?
Let Sandra Meranda handle the details so you can move forward with confidence.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

November 16, 2020 by changescapeweb

Your Home No Longer Meets Your Needs: Now What?

These days, many families find themselves in a position where their current home simply doesn’t meet their needs, currently or their future needs. Maybe there aren’t enough bedrooms or bathrooms. Maybe it’s the kitchen that’s too small and hopelessly outdated. Your layout may not fit your personal style. Your home may be no longer be as desirable as it once was.

If you do find yourself in this situation, what’s your next move? Well, you have three options:

  • remodel your current home
  • move to a home in a new neighborhood that better suits your needs
  • design and build a new home

Each option has its own set of pros and cons and your family must consider all of them and their nuances before making such an important decision. The accompanying infographic, Renovate, Move or Build a New Home?, offers a brief list of factors to consider before choosing. Things to consider include your budget, emotional ties to your neighborhood and home, the current real estate market, your tolerance of inconvenience, the amount of available free time, and more.

Renovate, Move or Build a New Home? from Silver Leaf Construction

It all comes down to a balancing act. You must weigh your desire for what you want against your ability to pay for it. A serious consideration of the infographic’s reasons for choosing one
option over the other will help you decide which way to go in pursuit of your dream home. Check it out — the advice is sure to help you hit a home run!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

August 1, 2017 by changescapeweb

FSBO’s Don’t Know They Are Taking Serious Risks

No one knows the business better than a real estate agent and selling a home isn’t easy without one. Those who forego selling a home without an agent are exposing him or herself to many possible risks.

Agents can help break down the selling process, so you understand it and are prepared for the next steps to come; such as the time needed for properly showing your home and getting it prepared for presentation to potential buyers. As a homeowner, you need an agent to help you comprehend the complex home selling market and to market your home for the best curb appeal. This is where you as a homeowner can be less successful, attempting to sell your home on your own.

Other important roles that real estate agents offer are negotiation experience, inspection and repair know-how, transaction management and closing finesse. All risks that you take if you defer the best option for you – getting a real estate agent to assist you in selling your home. Contact us today to guarantee you will avoid these risks.

For more information and to read more of this article, click on the link: Article from: https://www.inman.com/2017/07/26/8-things-homesellers-risk-when-they-sell-without-a-real-estate-agent/?utm_source=weeklyheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sundaysend&utm_content=20170728_hero

Article by Cara Ameer

P.S. Real estate is really booming this summer!  Homes are selling fast & for the highest prices in years. It is a great time to put your home on the market.  It is a super time for buyers to buy while interest rates are still low. Don’t miss out on your dream home.

Click here to become my Fan on Facebook! <https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-Charles-MO/Sandra-Meranda-Coldwell-Banker-Gundaker/342024615060?ref=ts>

Filed Under: Home Sales, Home Selling, Uncategorized

October 10, 2016 by changescapeweb

6 things homebuyers should never say during a tour

While it may be tempting for buyers to say what’s on their mind while looking at houses, agents should encourage them to pause for a moment. There are some things home buyers should never say on the fly.

Listing agents, sellers, even neighbors may be listening; and they all have motives to keep tabs on the situation.

Casual comments could be used against the home buyer

Saying things like:

  • I love it
  • The decor is awful
  • This house is way over priced

All these things go straight back to the seller.

What are the neighbors like?

That’s another question that should never be asked.

The listing agent has no idea; and do you think the seller is going to tell you that the neighbor’s son has a band that starts rehearsing at 2:00 in the morning?

The buyers have to asses the neighbors on their own.

 

This information is from an article on inman.com
You can read the full article here.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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Contact Sandra

Cell: 314-691-1320
Office: 636-946-2020
Contact Sandra

 

ReeceNichols – St. Charles

2171 Bluestone Dr.
St. Charles, MO 63303

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