I hope 2026 is starting off on a positive note, the refreshed energy a new year brings is always exciting!

It’s been a busy start to the year on the real estate front. After feeling fairly sluggish through the final months of 2025, the Las Vegas market is showing signs of renewed momentum heading into the new year. I just closed on my beautiful listing in The Ridges after a quick 7-day escrow — one that required a lot of coordination, diligence, and fast decision-making, but ultimately resulted in a positive outcome for my seller.

On a personal note, our home remodel wrapped up earlier this month, and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. We’re now in the fun phase of final touches, styling, and decorating... final photos coming soon!

As for rates, while the Fed chose not to cut interest rates this week, mortgage rates are still hovering in the low 6s, with some lenders able to lock select programs well into the 5s. If you’re considering financing a purchase in the next 3–6 months, now is the time to start conversations with a lender to understand your options. I’m always happy to make thoughtful introductions to lenders I trust.

Las Vegas remains in buyer-friendly territory, and there are still strong opportunities to be had. That said, activity does feel like it’s beginning to pick up as we move closer to spring. If you’d like to talk through what we’re seeing day-to-day or discuss your plans for the year ahead, I’d love to connect or be a resource.

Kaylee

first impressions sell homes

The first few days your home is on the market are critical. How it shows up online & in person right out of the gate can make~or break~momentum.

Photos matter.
Furniture matters.
And I’ll keep saying it: staging pays dividends when selling a home.

Buyers tend to not be very imaginative. When a home is empty, it often feels cold and sterile. Instead of envisioning themselves living there, buyers tend to fixate on every small detail; scratches in the flooring, a cabinet that doesn’t close perfectly, a scuff on the wall... minor imperfections that feel far more obvious in an empty space.

Staging changes that experience. Thoughtfully furnished homes feel warm, intentional, and livable. They help buyers emotionally connect, envision their lifestyle in the space, and focus on the home, not the flaws. Staging also makes a huge difference online—better photos lead to more interest, more showings, and stronger offers.

Homes must be marketed the way a buyer intends to live in them. People pay a premium for how a home makes them feel.

If staging isn’t an option or the home will be vacant, it’s important to understand that in our current market, pricing may need to be more competitive from day one. While staging is an investment, so are the carrying costs of a home that sits on the market month after month.

The good news? Many staging companies we work with offer flexible payment plans, and even options to pay at closing, so you don’t need to take on a large upfront cost.

If you want to set your home up for a faster, stronger, and more lucrative sale, let’s talk about staging and optimizing your positioning from the start.

Kaylee@LuxuryEstates.com | 720.837.3805 | The Austin Sherwood Group

10234 Summit Canyon Drive Located in the guard-gated community of Bellacere, along the TPC Las Vegas Fairways in Summerlin, this single story home blends timeless architecture with modern refinement. Offered at $4,195,000 Summit Canyon Drive Listing Details

Listing & Photos Courtesy of Kamran Zand | Luxury Estates International

I'm currently re-reading (for probably the 5th time) one of my favorite books: "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brene Brown. It is a great read and explores how letting go of perfection, shame and comparison creates space for authenticity, courage and a deeper sense of worthiness.

Here is a favorite quote of mine from the book:

Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are.

WAKUDA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

We had dinner last weekend at Wakuda in the Venetian and were very impressed! They haven't done a lot of marketing (like most restaurants do here to garner interest) so we weren't sure what to expect, but it was one of the best new restaurants we have eaten at! My favorite was the Miso Seabass - veryyy similar to the Miso Cod at Matsuhisa (if you know you know) but it makes sense because our server told us that Chef Wakuda and Chef Matsuhisa studied and worked together very closely and have a similar style of cooking. So - if you like Matsuhisa, super fresh fish (the Akami Tuna Nigiri was melt-in-your-mouth amazing), a great selection of sake, and awesome service - Wakuda is the place. Another table favorite was the Smoked Wagyu Fried Rice. Oh! Can't forget the tallow chocolate chip cookies - a must. Wakuda Las Vegas

How to Make Your Home Feel Collected (Not Decorated)

There’s a noticeable difference between a home that looks decorated and one that feels collected. Decorated spaces often follow trends closely, with matching sets and seasonal swaps that feel finished the moment they’re styled. A collected home, on the other hand, feels layered, personal, and quietly confident—like it has come together over time rather than all at once.

That distinction matters. A collected home doesn’t try to impress at first glance. Instead, it invites you in slowly, revealing details and depth the longer you spend in the space.

My favorite place to "collect" unique items is Grouse House Antiques - they have a new container from France landing next month and lots of incredible antiques to choose from!