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Couple reviewing divorce paperwork

Should You Sell the House During Divorce, or Explore Other Options?

July 12, 2026
Selling a house during a divorce means balancing timing, taxes, and two sets of interests at once. I explain your three main options sell and split, buyout, or defer how Virginia’s equitable-distribution law divides proceeds, and how a neutral agent keeps the sale fair and on track. Here’s what to know.
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Older single-family home exterior

Selling an Inherited House: What You Need to Know

July 12, 2026
Selling an inherited house involves legal, financial, and emotional layers that most home sales don’t have. I explain your first steps, the mortgage and tax rules, including the step-up in basis, how to handle multiple heirs, and how a local Virginia Beach realtor can maximize your proceeds without upfront repair costs.
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For sale sign in front of a home

Checklist for Selling Your Home: A Realtor-Approved Guide

July 12, 2026
Selling your home goes more smoothly with a plan. This realtor-approved checklist for selling your home walks you through finances, paperwork, pricing, staging, and evaluating offers step by step. I share the same strategy that’s helped Virginia Beach sellers stay organized from listing to closing and net more money in the process.
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Interior wall repairs during pre-sale renovation

What to Fix Before Selling Your House: A Realtor’s Guide for Virginia Beach Sellers

July 12, 2026
Not every repair is worth making. Knowing what to fix before selling your house and what to skip protects both your sale and your budget. I break down the three-tier framework for prioritizing safety, functional, and cosmetic repairs, plus the high-ROI fixes that win over Virginia Beach buyers and lenders.
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Staged living room with neutral furniture and natural light

Staging a House to Sell: Tips That Get More Offers

July 9, 2026
Staging a house to sell isn’t about spending a fortune; it’s about helping buyers picture themselves living there. In this guide, I share the frameworks, room-by-room priorities, and common mistakes that cost sellers money, plus how strategic prep helped one Virginia Beach seller net an extra $35,000 at closing.
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First time home buyer virginia down payment

Unlocking the Answer: How Much Down Payment on a House Do You Need?

March 6, 2026
Understand how much down payment you need to buy a house, including minimum requirements, loan options, and how your choice impacts monthly costs.
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Picture of Jake Maines, Virginia Beach Realtor

Jake Maines, Virginia Beach Realtor

Jake Maines is a REALTOR® with Iron Valley Real Estate Hampton Roads, serving buyers and sellers across Virginia Beach. Virginia salesperson license #0225247466, held since August 2020. He is a two-time Circle of Excellence recipient, Gold in 2023 and Platinum in 2024, and was named to Inside Business’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023. He is a member of NAR and CoVAR.

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Picture of Jake Maines, Virginia Beach Realtor
Jake Maines, Virginia Beach Realtor

Jake Maines is a REALTOR® with Iron Valley Real Estate Hampton Roads, serving buyers and sellers across Virginia Beach. Virginia salesperson license #0225247466, held since August 2020. He is a two-time Circle of Excellence recipient, Gold in 2023 and Platinum in 2024, and was named to Inside Business’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2023. He is a member of NAR and CoVAR.

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I'm More Than Just A Virginia Beach Real Estate Agent & Realtor

Think of me as your realtor, neighbor, friend, and partner in making your dreams a reality. Let’s take the exciting journey to home ownership together.

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