u/KC_HomeInsights

One of my favorite parts of real estate is watching buyers slowly make a house feel like theirs.

I recently had a client looking at a new construction home who was talking about using a window tint where people couldn’t see in, but he could still see out, so he wouldn’t need window treatments at all. I thought that was such an interesting idea because everyone approaches making a home feel comfortable so differently.

Sometimes it’s paint colors, changing light fixtures, adding wallpaper, or starting small renovation projects over time. I especially love when people add personality with pops of color through pillows, rugs, and window treatments.

I see lots of buyers moving away from the faux wood blinds. There are so many great options now, from curtains to custom remote-control shades that can completely change the feel of a room. Who doesn't love anything that you can use with your phone app!!

With holidays coming up, sales on big ticket items are already starting.

You buy a house, but it really becomes a home as you make it your own and start creating memories there.

Curious… what is your favorite thing you changed after buying your home?

I work with buyers every day here in the KC area, and the mistakes aren’t usually what people expect.

It’s not about picking the wrong house.

It’s about how buyers approach the process.

Here are the ones I see all the time:

• Starting the search before getting pre-approved • Falling in love before understanding the competition • Looking at sold homes instead of active ones • Writing “safe” offers • Waiting for the perfect house • Moving too slowly • Trying to figure everything out from Google • Looking above your comfort range • Treating inspections like a full renegotiation • Waiting for rates to drop

Some of these surprise people… but I see them play out over and over again.

Curious… which one stands out to you?

I see this come up a lot with buyers looking at older homes, and it can sound a lot scarier than it actually is.

Asbestos is most commonly found in homes built before the 1980s. Things like:

• popcorn ceilings

• older floor tiles (often smaller 9x9 squares)

• insulation around pipes

• some siding and roofing materials

• older basement drop ceiling tiles

One thing to keep in mind — those 9x9 floor tiles and certain lightweight ceiling tiles in grid systems are common places it may show up. It’s not a guarantee, just something inspectors will usually flag for awareness.

The biggest thing to know is that asbestos isn’t dangerous if it’s left alone and in good condition. It becomes a concern when it’s disturbed, like during renovations or if something is damaged.

If there’s ever a question, most home inspectors can include asbestos testing as an add-on during the inspection, so it’s something you can get clarity on pretty easily.

If removal is needed, it’s typically handled by a licensed abatement company. They contain the area, remove the material safely, and make sure everything is cleared properly. It’s not something homeowners should try to handle themselves.

And just like other inspection items, this is something that can be negotiated with the seller depending on the situation.

A lot of buyers hear the word “asbestos” and immediately panic, but in many cases it’s just something to understand and manage, not always a deal breaker.

Curious if anyone has run into this during an inspection and how you handled it?