Buyers don’t walk into an open house just to browse. They walk in hoping to fall in love—and they decide how they feel about your home within the first seven seconds.In this episode, I’m sharing how to host an open house that goes beyond “look how nice” and creates a real emotional connection with buyers. Whether you’re prepping a home in Grosse Pointe, Gibraltar, Birmingham, or anywhere in Metro Detroit, these strategies will help you stage with confidence, create the right vibe, and generate stronger offers.This episode is full of practical, real-world tips that I use with my own sellers—because hosting a great open house takes more than cookies and a welcome mat. It takes timing, preparation, and expert-level strategy.🎯 In this podcast, you’ll learn:When to schedule your open house for max foot trafficHow to create a welcoming, buyer-friendly layoutWhat scents, sounds, and lighting create the right moodWhat to hide, and what to leave outWhy the seller should never be presentHow I follow up strategically after the eventAnd why your open house is just the beginning of a smart sale📥 Want the full checklist?Download my FREE Home Seller’s Guide at:https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-sellers-guide/It includes staging advice, open house prep, offer strategies, and more—everything you need to sell smart and move forward with confidence.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – The Real Goal of an Open House00:25 – Don’t Underestimate This Step00:50 – Grab the Free Seller Guide01:01 – When to Host Your Open House01:29 – Create a Buyer-Friendly Flow01:53 – Set the Mood with Sound, Light & Scent02:19 – Skip the Cookies + Privacy Tips02:47 – Why You Shouldn’t Be There03:09 – What I Do After the Open House03:32 – A Launching Pad, Not a Finish Line03:59 – Get the Full Plan (Free Resource)04:22 – Teaser: How to Evaluate & Respond to Offers04:52 – Let’s Connect + Outro📍 Selling in Metro Detroit?I specialize in helping homeowners throughout Grosse Pointe, Birmingham, Gibraltar, Chesterfield, and the greater Metro Detroit area prepare their homes to stand out—with staging, professional marketing, and strategic open houses that drive results.💬 Got questions about prepping your home for sale?Drop them in the comments, give this video a like, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss Episode 9: How to Evaluate and Respond to Offers—one of the most important steps in the entire process.✨ Connect with Me:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieemartin.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieemartindtw📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeslieEMartinRealtor💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-martin-68a9a922a/🏡 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/LeslieEMartinHashtags:#MetroDetroitRealEstate #OpenHouseTips #HomeSellingStrategy

If you want to sell your home fast and for top dollar, home staging is one of the most powerful tools in your toolkit. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to stage your home to make an amazing first impression, connect with serious buyers, and create the emotional experience that leads to better offers.Here’s the reality: buyers decide how they feel about your home within the first 7 seconds. That’s before they’ve seen the kitchen, the backyard, or even the primary bedroom. Your listing photos, your curb appeal, and your layout all work together—but without the right staging, those features may fall flat.Whether you're selling a cozy bungalow in Grosse Pointe, a mid-century ranch in Livonia, or a contemporary condo in Downtown Detroit, staging helps buyers see your home as their future home.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why home staging is about psychology, not just decor
• How to create a welcoming, aspirational space buyers love
• Which rooms matter most to stage (and why)
• The most common home staging mistakes—and how to avoid them
• Affordable home updates that make a big impact
• What to do if your home is vacant when you list
• How I stage every listing I take—at no additional cost to you
• Why home staging helps you sell faster and for more money

I include complimentary professional staging with every listing because I’ve seen how it transforms buyer interest, showing traffic, and offer strength. Whether you need to depersonalize, declutter, or fully stage a vacant home, I handle it for you—strategically and beautifully.📥 Get My Free Guide:Want a complete breakdown of the home selling process? Download my Home Seller’s Guide and Checklist. It walks you through staging, pricing, prepping your home, showings, offers, inspections, and closing. https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-sellers-guide/Are you buying or selling a home in Metro Detroit? In this video, I’ll walk you through [brief summary of video topic—e.g., “how to prepare your home for a fast sale” or “a tour of a beautiful property in Grosse Ile”]. With [X years] of experience as a Metro Detroit real estate agent, I’m here to help you navigate the local housing market with confidence.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why Staging Matters More Than You Think00:26 – Meet Leslie Martin + Free Seller Guide01:05 – What Staging Actually Does01:31 – The 3 Most Important Rooms to Stage02:13 – Common Staging Mistakes to Avoid02:47 – Budget-Friendly Updates That Make a Big Difference02:52 – How I Stage Vacant Homes (and Why It Works)03:09 – Complimentary Staging: Included in My Listing Service03:25 – Final Tips + Download the Guide03:37 – Teaser: What’s Next (Open House Tips)03:55 – Connect with Me📍 Metro Detroit HomeownersIf you're thinking about listing your home in areas like Grosse Pointe, Northville, Birmingham, or Gibraltar, staging could be what sets your home apart from the competition. I specialize in helping sellers prep and present their homes with care and strategy—so buyers fall in love before they even walk in the door.📌 Want expert advice on your next move?✨ Connect with Me:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieemartin.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieemartindtw📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeslieEMartinRealtor💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-martin-68a9a922a/🏡 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/LeslieEMartinHashtags:#MetroDetroitRealEstate#HomeStagingTips#SellYourHomeFaster

If you price your home just 5% too high, you could walk away with less. Too low? You could miss out on $20K or more. In this video, I’m breaking down how to set the right list price using real market data, buyer psychology, and strategic pricing—so your home sells faster and for more money.Whether you’re prepping to sell or just want to avoid costly pricing mistakes, this episode is packed with value. I’ll show you what Zillow gets wrong, why the first 2 weeks matter most, and how I tailor pricing strategies to Metro Detroit neighborhoods like Grosse Pointe, Birmingham, and Trenton.🎯 Get the Free Home Seller’s Guide & Checklist PDF (it’s free!) → https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-sellers-guide/⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Why Pricing Is Everything00:23 – Meet Leslie Martin + Free Seller Guide00:54 – What Happens When You Overprice (or Underprice)01:18 – The Pricing Strategy I Use with My Clients01:40 – Going Beyond the CMA: What Really Impacts Value02:10 – Why You Shouldn’t Trust Zillow’s Estimate02:30 – The Psychology Behind Pricing (Like $399K vs $400K)03:05 – Should You Price Low to Start a Bidding War?03:28 – How to Get a Personalized Pricing Plan03:51 – What’s Coming Next: Staging Your Home to Sell04:11 – Follow + Subscribe for More Tips📥 Want your pricing strategy done for you?I’d love to help. Contact me directly for a custom CMA and game plan tailored to your timeline and your goals.🧠 Related Topics Covered in This Episode:How to price your home to sellMetro Detroit home pricing strategyWhat is a CMA in real estate?Why Zillow is inaccurate for pricingReal estate pricing psychologyBest list price to spark buyer interestHome selling tips 2025💬 Found this helpful? Give it a 👍, comment below with your pricing questions, and don’t forget to subscribe for more home-selling strategies tailored to Metro Detroit.📌 Want expert advice on your next move?✨ Connect with Me:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieemartin.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieemartindtw📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeslieEMartinRealtor💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-martin-68a9a922a/🏡 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/LeslieEMartinHashtags:#MetroDetroitRealEstate #HomeSellingTips #HowToPriceYourHome

📧 Get the Free Home Seller’s Guide & Checklist PDF: https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-sellers-guide/Thinking about selling your home? Finding the right listing agent can make or break your success. It’s not about who has the most signs or longest resume—it’s about who listens, strategizes, and sells your home like it matters.In this episode, I’m walking you through how to confidently choose the best agent for you—including the questions you MUST ask before signing that listing agreement. This is part of my Metro Detroit Home Seller Series, made just for you!📍Serving Metro Detroit including Grosse Pointe, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and surrounding areas.💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments—I’m here to help.🔔 Subscribe for more home selling tips every week!📌 Want expert advice on your next move?✨ Connect with Me:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieemartin.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieemartindtw📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeslieEMartinRealtor💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-martin-68a9a922a/🏡 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/LeslieEMartinHashtags:#metrodetroitrealestate #sellyourhomesmart #ListingAgentTips

In this episode of my Metro Detroit Home Seller’s Series, we’ll walk through Sections 3 and 4 of The Ultimate "Let’s Sell This House" Worksheet — Research, Pricing, and Mindset — and I’ll share 10 smart ways to research home prices the RIGHT way.If you want to price your home with confidence and avoid costly mistakes, this video is for you!📧 Get the Free Home Seller’s Guide & Checklist PDF: https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-sellers-guide/Welcome to Episode 4 of my Metro Detroit Home Seller’s Series!In today’s video, we’ll complete Sections 3 and 4 of The Ultimate "Let’s Sell This House" Worksheet — Research & Pricing, and Mindset. I’ll also take you through 10 key ways smart sellers research home prices, based on the "What You Need to Know About Researching Home Prices" section of your Home Seller’s Guide.If you’re getting ready to sell your home — and want to avoid pricing mistakes that can cost you thousands — this video is packed with valuable tips to help you price with confidence and clarity.👉 Be sure to subscribe — next week’s episode will cover How to Find the Right Person to Sell Your House — a must-watch if you’re preparing to list your home.Thanks for watching — I look forward to helping you make your next move!📌 Want expert advice on your next move?✨ Connect with Me:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieemartin.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieemartindtw📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeslieEMartinRealtor💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-martin-68a9a922a/🏡 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/LeslieEMartin📖 CHAPTERS 📖00:00 - Introduction: How to Price Your Home & Mindset00:18 - Download Your Free Home Seller's Guide00:44 - Welcome Back: Recap of Previous Episode01:07 - Sections 3 & 4 of the Worksheet Overview01:26 - Section 3: Research & Pricing02:23 - Section 4: Your Outlook03:23 - What You Need to Know About Researching Home Prices03:43 - 10 Smart Ways to Research Home Prices03:43 - #1 Look at Recent Home Sales04:01 - #2 Study Similar Homes04:15 - #3 Pay Attention to Days on Market04:30 - #4 Watch Sale Price vs List Price04:45 - #5 Be Cautious About Online Estimates05:04 - #6 Understand Market Conditions05:21 - #7 Consider Neighborhood Reputation05:35 - #8 Understand that Condition & Upgrades Affect Value05:51 - #9 Know that Overpricing is Dangerous06:12 - #10 Focus on What You Can Control06:27 - Recap: Using the Worksheet & Researching Prices06:37 - Preview: How to Choose the Right Person to Sell Your Home06:56 - Download Your Free Seller’s Guide + Connect with LeslieHashtags:#MetroDetroitRealEstate #HomeSellingTips #LeslieMartinRealEstate

📧 Get the Free Home Seller’s Guide & Checklist PDF: https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-sellers-guide/Before you call a contractor or stage a room, there’s one powerful question every Metro Detroit home seller needs to answer first: “Why am I moving?”In this episode, I walk you through the first page of my Home Seller’s Worksheet, where we unpack your motivations, your must-haves, and your support system. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or cashing out on an investment, getting clear on your “why” will make every other step—pricing, staging, negotiating—smarter and less stressful.📌 Want expert advice on your next move?✨ Connect with Me:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieemartin.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieemartindtw📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeslieEMartinRealtor💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-martin-68a9a922a/🏡 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/LeslieEMartin👉 If you're thinking about selling, or just starting to explore the process, this series is for you. Subscribe to follow every episode, and let’s make your next move your best one yet.Hashtags:#MetroDetroitRealtor #HomeSellingTips #LeslieMartinRealtor

📧 Get the Free Home Seller’s Guide & Checklist PDF: https://www.leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-sellers-guide/Thinking about selling your home in Metro Detroit but feeling overwhelmed? In Episode 2 of my Home Seller’s Guide and Checklist series, I’ll walk you through a clear step-by-step process to get from “just thinking about it” to the closing table with confidence. From choosing the right agent and setting the perfect price, to prepping your home, reviewing offers, and navigating inspections — this is your essential roadmap to a smooth home sale.This guide is packed with expert advice specifically for homeowners in areas like Grosse Pointe, Detroit, Gibraltar, and Farmington Hills. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, this episode will help you start your home-selling journey with clarity and strategy.📌 Want expert advice on your next move?✨ Connect with Me:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieemartin.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieemartindtw📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeslieEMartinRealtor💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-martin-68a9a922a/🏡 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/LeslieEMartinHashtags:#metrodetroitrealestate #homesellingtips #SellYourHomeSmart

📧 Get the Free Home Buyer's Guide & Checklist PDF: https://leslieemartin.com/download-the-home-buyers-guide/🏡 Tommy’s Home Buying Testimonial of Leslie E Martin is a heartfelt story of how one Detroit homebuyer found more than just a house — he found an agent who truly cared.From his first showing to the final walkthrough (and even after the closing), Tommy shares what it’s like to work with Leslie Martin, a Metro Detroit Realtor known for her concierge-level service, local expertise, and genuine compassion.Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, this video shows what’s possible when you have the right person by your side.👉 Thinking about buying a home in Metro Detroit?Watch this video to hear what makes Leslie different — in Tommy’s own words.📌 Want expert advice on your next move?✨ Connect with Me:🌐 Website: https://www.leslieemartin.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslieemartindtw📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/LeslieEMartinRealtor💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-martin-68a9a922a/🏡 Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/LeslieEMartinHashtags:#homebuyingjourney #metrodetroitrealtor #RealEstateTestimonial