Relocation, Real Estate & Starting Fresh: Advice from a Trusted Realtor
“Moving can stretch you as a family, but it can also bring you closer and prepare you to confidently handle future uncertainties, which life has plenty of.”
- Crysty Knowles
Relocating a family is never just about buying or selling a house. It’s about navigating change, creating stability, and finding a place that truly feels like home. Six years ago, our family relocated to Lynchburg, VA site unseen, and we truly could not have done it without Crysty Knowles. From countless FaceTimes touring homes to answering our endless questions and helping us feel confident in such a big decision, she made our transition feel smooth and manageable.
Over the years, she became so much more than our Realtor- she became a trusted friend and support system for our family. When it came time to move again, her advice helped us prep our home to sell within 24 hours with multiple offers over asking.
As a mom juggling three kids at home, I’m incredibly thankful for all of her guidance and encouragement. Since she played such an important role in our relocation story, I knew I had to invite her onto the blog to share her honest, practical advice for families preparing for their next chapter.
The First Steps Before Listing Your Home
According to Crysty, one of the smartest things families can do before listing is meet with a trusted listing agent early in the process. Every home is different, and a good Realtor can help prioritize updates that actually matter to buyers.
That said, there are three things she recommends almost every family tackle before hitting the market:
Fix minor repairs
Declutter and pack away anything not needed for the next 3–6 months
Deep clean the home
Boxing things up early helps your home feel larger and less chaotic and buyers absolutely notice cleanliness.
The Biggest Mistakes Sellers Make
When asked about the most common mistakes families make while preparing to sell, Crysty didn’t hesitate: overpricing tops the list.
“You get one shot at being new to the market,” she said. “Price right from the beginning.”
Homes that sit too long can quickly lose momentum, making it harder to regain buyer interest later.
She also shared a few other mistakes sellers should avoid:
Restricting showing times
Staying home during showings
Leaving pets loose — or even crated and barking
Underestimating the importance of staging and preparation
The takeaway? Buyers need to be able to picture themselves in the home without distractions.
Small Updates That Make a Big Difference
Not every home improvement project has to break the bank. In fact, Crysty says some of the most impactful updates are surprisingly simple.
“Curb appeal and the front door/entryway will always be one of the most important,” she shared. “Buyers decide within seconds whether they’re interested.”
A freshly painted front door, updated hardware, clean landscaping, or a welcoming entry can dramatically improve first impressions.
Inside the home, she recommends focusing on:
Fresh paint works wonders
Replacing worn carpet or flooring
Cosmetic updates to the kitchen and baths such as changing out a vanity, light fixture or counters go a long way.
Even subtle changes can make a home feel more modern and well cared for.
Hidden Red Flags Buyers Often Miss
Beautiful staging can sometimes distract buyers from more important issues lurking beneath the surface.
Crysty encourages buyers to pay attention to:
Musty smells in basements
Recently painted walls covering potential moisture issues
The condition and age of major systems
The surrounding neighborhood and nearby homes
Her favorite quick tip?
“Check the air filter. If it’s filthy, that may be a sign of deferred maintenance.”
Sometimes the smallest clues reveal the biggest stories about how a home has been cared for.
Moving Somewhere Unfamiliar? Start with a Local Expert
For families relocating to a new area, narrowing down neighborhoods can feel overwhelming.
Crysty’s advice is simple: connect with a trusted Realtor who truly knows the community.
A local expert can help families understand:
School districts
Commute times
Community feel
Amenities
Long-term resale value
More importantly, they can help newcomers feel less alone during a major transition.
What Families Should Ask Before Hiring a Realtor
Not all Realtors specialize in the same things. Crysty emphasized that if you are hiring a Realtor to list your home, keep in mind not all buyers agents are listing experts.
“Look at their marketing,” she advised. “What do their listings look like? Don’t be afraid to ask for references.”
Since a home is often a family’s largest investment, working with an experienced expert matters.
Should Families Buy First or Sell First?
In today’s market, Crysty says buying first is ideal whenever possible.
“Not everyone has that ability,” she explained, “but there are more options available now that may allow families to purchase before selling.”
Buying first can reduce stress significantly by removing the pressure of finding a home quickly after selling.
The Most Rewarding Part of Helping Families Relocate
This answer may have been my favorite.
Crysty shared that she grew up constantly moving as a child, often being “the new girl.” Because of that experience, she developed a deep compassion for people stepping into unfamiliar places- starting a new school, a new job, or simply trying to find their footing in a brand-new community. She laughed while sharing that many of her closest friendships and former roommates came from intentionally seeking out the “new person” to make sure they felt welcomed and included.
“One of the things I love most about my job is getting to know families on a personal level and being their source and sometimes their first friend in the area.”
And honestly, that was exactly our experience with her. When we relocated to Lynchburg, Crysty was one of the only people we knew. We spent weeks house hunting long distance together, and she became so much more than just our Realtor. She was a trusted guide, a sounding board, and the first person to welcome us to our new town.
That heart for people is what makes a truly great relocation expert so valuable. It’s never just about finding a house- it’s about helping families feel seen, supported, and connected during one of life’s biggest transitions.
The Emotional Side of Relocation
One of the most powerful things Crysty shared had nothing to do with real estate at all.
“If I could tell relocating families one thing, it would be this: give it two months.”
Moving can feel lonely and disorienting at first. Missing friends, family, routines, and familiar places is completely normal. Even when you know the move is the right decision, it still takes time for a new place to truly feel like home.
“It always took me about two months to feel settled,” she shared. “You can do all of the things, but sometimes you just need to give it time.”
Crysty explained that growing up with constant change ultimately shaped her ability to adapt and problem-solve in adulthood. While moving can feel unsettling- even scary at times- she believes those experiences can also strengthen a family in unexpected ways.
“Moving can stretch you as a family,” she said, “but it can also bring you closer and prepare you to confidently handle future uncertainties, which life has plenty of.”
There was something incredibly comforting about that perspective. Relocation isn’t just about adjusting to a new house or city- it’s about learning to build familiarity, connection, and resilience together over time.
Final Thoughts
Relocation is more than a transaction. It’s a major life transition filled with excitement, uncertainty, stress, and opportunity all at once.
Whether you’re preparing to sell, moving across the country, or simply trying to make a new place feel like home, having trusted people in your corner makes all the difference.
And as Crysty reminds us: sometimes the best thing you can do is simply give yourself time to settle into what’s unfolding next.
Now I’d love to hear from you: What’s the best piece of advice a Realtor ever gave you during a move- or what’s one thing you wish you knew before buying, selling, or relocating? Share in the comments below!