May 2025

Hey friends!

Summer is here, and I’ve got some fun stuff to share!

From tips on how to write a strong offer in today’s competitive market 🏡—including how to use inspection language to stand out—to styling your home with plants (check out the giant cactus I couldn’t resist this year 🌵), a dreamy new lakefront listing, and the shower window project I finally did—for under $1,000! 💸

Whether you’re house hunting, plant shopping, or just here for the before-and-afters—I’ve got you. Let’s get into it!

~Allison

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✍️ Writing a Competitive Offer? Don’t Skip This Part!
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Real estate is always evolving—and how we write competitive offers is no exception. One term that comes up often is “inspection language". Even if you’ve bought or sold a home before, the process may look different now!

So what does it mean?
When I write an offer for a buyer, the listing agent might ask:
💬 “Are your buyers doing inspections? If so, what’s the inspection language?”

This simply means:
🔍 Are you doing inspections (home, radon, termite, sewer, etc.)?
⚖️ If yes, are you setting limits on what you’ll ask the seller to fix?

In the strongest offers (though it’s still rare), buyers waive inspections entirely. But in reality, about 90% of buyers still want inspections, and more than half include some type of inspection language.

For example:
➡️ “We’ll do inspections but only request repairs if any one item exceeds $500.”
This protects you 🛡️ and gives the seller peace of mind that you won’t be overly nitpicky.

In a multiple offer situation, thoughtful inspection language can really make a difference. I’ll help you find that sweet spot—protecting your interests while staying competitive. 

Got questions? I love helping clients understand how this all works—just reach out! 😊

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​Plant Lovers, This One’s for You 🌿🌵

One of my favorite things about Spring and Summer—besides the warm weather finally sticking around—is moving my indoor plant babies outside and, of course, adding a few new ones to the crew. Plants bring me so much joy at home, and every year I like to treat myself to a few new finds.

This year’s standout? A big, beautiful cactus I found at SoCal Plants in downtown Edwardsville. I’m obsessed. It was love at first sight, and if you’re into boutique-y plant shops, this place is a must-visit!

Another favorite stop of mine is Boxwood in St. Louis. I pop in at least once a year, and this time I scored a gorgeous mixed plant arrangement for around $35 (pic below!). Bonus: Boxwood has an amazing restaurant and bar inside, so you can grab a drink or bite while you’re there. Win-win.

Whether you’re decorating your space, staging to sell (plants make great neutral decor—happy to help with that!), or just love a good plant shop, I definitely recommend checking out both spots. Happy planting—and happy spring! 🌸

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​🏡 Featured Listing - 7 Tall Oaks, Troy

Available to Show Starting Friday, May 30!
$515,000 | Triad School District | Lakefront Living

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a stunning 1.5-acre lakefront home with room to spread out and relax!

Highlights:

• 🛏 3 bedrooms | 🛁 2.5 baths
• 🌊 Lakefront views from soaring great room windows
• 🍽 Spacious eat-in kitchen with solid surface counters & newer stainless appliances
• 🛌 Main-floor primary suite with walk-in closet & private bath
• 🚪 Walkout lower level – perfect for entertaining or extra living space
• 🚗 Oversized 2-car garage​

Located in the highly rated Triad School District, this home is the perfect blend of space, style, and serenity. Let me know if you would like a private tour!