HOMEstretch

Can a bold paint color choice actually turn potential homebuyers away? After helping thousands of sellers prep their homes to sell faster and for top dollar, we’ve learned that warm neutrals always win. Overly personalized colors typically deter buyers who can’t look past the time and effort required to change them.

In a recent feature with , our own co-founder Derek Shewmon shares insights into how neutral palettes broaden your buyer pool, photograph seamlessly and offer a clean canvas to pique the interest of potential buyers.

Sometimes, the biggest opportunity isn’t a bigger renovation—it’s a smarter plan. 🏡

This Olde Point listing had been sitting on the market for 18 months, with multiple price drops and four lost buyers.

Instead of replacing the kitchen flooring, HOMEstretch focused on targeted updates that made a bigger impact: fresh paint, updated hardware, and a few strategic cosmetic improvements.

The result?
💰 $595K → $640K final list price
⏱️ 18 months → 4 days on market
📈 5.9x ROI

Strategic home preparation can change the way a property shows—and how buyers respond.

Check the comments for the full case study 🏡

We’re excited to welcome Jim Glass to HOMEstretch, serving homeowners and real estate professionals in the Syracuse, New York area! 🏡

Jim brings decades of executive leadership experience to HOMEstretch, including extensive service as a U.S. Navy officer and leadership roles in the aerospace and defense industry.

Throughout his career, Jim has focused on building high-performing teams, strengthening operations, managing complex relationships, and delivering results. He brings that same disciplined, customer-focused approach to helping Realtors and their clients prepare homes for market.

His goal is simple: provide reliable, high-quality service that helps real estate professionals and their clients move through the home preparation process with confidence.

Outside of work, Jim enjoys hiking, hunting, fishing, and woodworking—activities that keep him learning, challenge him, and give him plenty of time outdoors.

Please join us in welcoming Jim to HOMEstretch and the Syracuse community!

Proof that strategic prep can transform an entire home.

A whole-home transformation can make a major difference in how a property looks, feels, and shows.

Fresh updates, a cleaner presentation, and thoughtful home prep came together to give this property a completely refreshed look.

This is what strategic home preparation is all about: focusing on the updates that make an impact and getting a home ready for its next chapter.

One call. One solution. One market-ready home.

We’re excited to welcome HOMEstretch: Rockwall-Mt. Pleasant! 🏡

With a shared commitment to serving others and their community, Jennifer and Josh Key bring a strong combination of experience in sales, leadership, business, and operations to the HOMEstretch team.

As longtime Rockwall residents and parents raising their two boys in the community they love, they understand the importance of relationships, trust, and showing up for the people around them.

At HOMEstretch, Jennifer and Josh are focused on helping homeowners and real estate professionals navigate the many details of preparing a home for market—making the process easier, more organized, and less stressful.

Their goal is simple: to be a trusted resource that homeowners and Realtors can count on throughout the home preparation process.

Please join us in welcoming Jennifer and Josh to HOMEstretch and the Rockwall-Mt. Pleasant community! 🎉

September Color of the Month: Rock Bottom 🌿

Deep, moody, and full of character, Sherwin-Williams Rock Bottom brings depth and sophistication to kitchens, dens, and beyond. Its subtle charcoal undertones make this green-gray a versatile backdrop for timeless pieces, natural textures, and bold decor.

Proof that neutral doesn’t have to mean beige.

Selling an inherited home? The kitchen may not need a full remodel to make a big difference. 🏡

A fresh coat of paint, updated flooring, a thorough clear-out, and a deep clean can go a long way toward creating a space that feels fresh, neutral, and market-ready—without taking on the time and expense of a full renovation.

If you're helping a client navigate the sale of an inherited home, knowing where to focus your time and budget matters.

Our latest blog breaks down the kitchen updates worth considering before listing—and which projects may be better left behind.

Read the full blog at the link in our comments!

For families, September can feel like the worst time to move. 📚🏡

School is back, schedules are packed, and life is already moving a mile a minute. But sometimes, waiting to sell simply isn’t an option.

If your clients are preparing to sell during the school year, help take one more thing off their plate with worry-free home prep.

From painting and flooring to clear-outs, cleaning, and landscaping, HOMEstretch handles the work needed to get their home market-ready—so they can focus on what matters most.

Less chaos. More time. One call. One solution.

We're excited to welcome Bill to the HOMEstretch: Aurora Metro-Wheaton family!

With an extensive background in hospitality, operations, and client service, Bill brings years of leadership experience and a passion for delivering exceptional experiences.

From managing fine dining restaurants and large-scale event operations to leading major dining programs, Bill has built his career around trust, reliability, strong relationships, and getting the job done right.

Now, he's bringing that same commitment to excellence to HOMEstretch—helping Realtors and homeowners prepare properties for market with a seamless, dependable experience from start to finish.

When he's not working with clients, Bill enjoys spending time with his family, exploring new places, and making the most of time together.

Welcome to the team, Bill! 👏🏡