In my experience, the best way to increase your home’s value before selling is to focus on improvements that offer the greatest return without overcapitalizing. Start with the basics: deep cleaning, decluttering, and repairing anything broken. A fresh coat of neutral paint, updated light fixtures, a

Earnest money is a good-faith deposit that shows you’re serious about buying a property. In my experience, it’s typically 1%–3% of the purchase price and is held in escrow until closing. If the deal closes, it’s applied toward your down payment or closing costs.   It protects both parties—the buyer

This decision depends on your finances and comfort level. In my experience, most clients prefer to sell first so they know exactly how much they can put toward their next purchase. However, selling first can mean temporary housing or added stress if your ideal home appears before your sale closes.