Adding Value by Dennis O'Hagan

5 Reasons Investing in Outdoor Space Pays Off...

RISMEDIA, Saturday, November 30, 2013— Increasingly, homeowners around the nation are investing in their outdoor living space. In fact, the majority of homeowners surveyed by American Express revealed that they have plans to engage in some sort of home improvement project in the next year. The outdoor living and landscape sector has grown into a $60 billion per year industry, according to IBISWorld, a market research firm. Investing in outdoor living provides a good return on investment for most people, making it an ideal home improvement project.

“Many people are finding that they want to get back to spending more time outdoors,” explains Bob Dallas, the chief executive officer at UltraOutdoors.com. “People also want to put money into their home improvement projects where it is going to pay off. Outdoor living is a logical choice that fulfills both of these needs.”

Here are 5 reasons investing in outdoor space pays off:

Resale value. HGTV claims that homeowners recoup 65 - 90 percent  just by adding a deck. Experts agree that investing in your outdoor living space will add to the value of your home. When you put money into this area, a lot of it will come back to you, when and if you decide to sell your home. Buyers will like the fact that your home includes nice outdoor living features and spaces.

Personal enjoyment. Most people could use a place to unwind and de-stress. Having a relaxing outdoor living space will create an environment where the family can relax together and enjoy each other’s company.

Save money. Consider how many times a family leaves home in order to seek out something that could have been in their backyard. This includes leaving to use a swimming pool or going to the park. Create the environment you are seeking in your own backyard, and save the gas and fees of taking your recreation elsewhere.

Entertaining opportunities. Having an ideal outdoor living space creates an oasis for entertaining. Whether hosting a holiday gathering, Friday night s’mores around a bonfire, or an outdoor picnic-style potluck, you will have a great place to pull it off.

Benefits of nature. There are mounds of research demonstrating the many benefits of spending more time outdoors. These include such things as reducing stress, improving mental clarity and mood, improving concentration, and more. Many people find that spending time outdoors is the cheapest form of therapy there is, and it’s good for all ages.

“The pay-off from investing in an outdoor living space comes in many forms,” added Dallas. “Not only is it good for the value of your home, but it’s a solid investment for creating great recreation and entertainment spaces, and giving your family a relaxing area where they can re-charge their batteries.”

There are many outdoor living options to choose from, including outdoor fireplaces, kitchens, pools and water features, patios and decks, gazebos, sitting areas, and landscaping. The key to having the outdoor oasis that fits your needs is to work with a professional to design a custom plan.

Source: www.UltraOutdoors.com

The Warm Sell...

It's September and you are selling your home entering into the fall and winter months. With light dwindling and temperatures dropping, evaluating your home with regard to warmth is a smart idea. Homes that are warm in the winter (and cool in the summer) are highly desirable - and achievable, if the savvy homeowner knows where to look and what to do to control the interior environment.

When showing a home in the fall and winter months, pay attention to how warm you feel in the home, how the spaces are heated, how to control the heat and moisture, the presence of natural light, and how warm they are to the eye. When showing a home during these months, you will want to ensure that the warming aspects of the home stand out.

The Obvious - How's it Heated?

Understanding the heating system of a home is key information for many buyers. The type of heating used is often dictated by the fuel that is most readily available (or was, at the time of building) and can be the source of a significant expense in cold weather climates. Information to have available for potential buyers include:

• Type of heating system(s) in all areas of the home.
• How the heat works and best practices for using the system(s) including the presence of a programmable thermostat. For example, radiant floor heat takes a while to warm large spaces and continues to radiate heat once off; knowing this, scheduling heat to turn on hours before arriving home from work, and to turn off hours before retiring for the night makes total
  sense.
• Source of energy, and operational costs.
• Age of the system and maintenance history, if available.

Fireplaces, Stoves, and Inserts

There is something about seeing a fire in a fireplace that warms the heart - even "false" flames of electric fireplaces add a warming visual effect.  However, traditional fireplaces often draw in warm air from the home which is lost up the chimney, in fact, cooling the rest of the home.

Fireplaces are not highly efficient ways of heating a home, without some assistance. Enter the blower: fan systems that distribute heat from the fire back into the room rely on electricity to work, but enables homeowners to benefit from the heat generated by the fire itself. Better yet, an insert, or sealed stove that uses the chimney but takes in air efficiently and puts out considerably more heat is the preferred method for increasing warmth. Russian fireplaces or other variations can be a boon in very cold climates, but take a moment to understand how to efficiently use them to see if these sometimes expensive bonuses fit with your lifestyle. Like radiant heat, they are slower to warm and cool down, so fires should be monitored and made at specific times.

Stoves that generate heat can rely on a variety of fuels, typically including wood, propane, and pellets (which are made of wood by-products). Ensuring that the stove is installed properly, well-vented, and airtight is essential for health and safety. Chimney fires in stovepipes can be quite dangerous, so it is essential to regularly have the stove serviced by a professional.

Spot Heating with Stand-Alone Heaters

On some occasions, free-standing heating units such as electric "space heaters" or propane heaters are handy to own. However, these appliances can be tricky to use and require that you follow explicit safety instructions. Their cords or fumes could present safety issues. A better practice might be to solve the problems that require their use. Insulate, seal and put in a more robust heating system - relying on dangerous or worry-inducing appliances does little to inspire confidence in a home. When showing a home, it is generally better to put these appliances in storage, unless an outdoor patio heater is seen as an advantage.

Keeping Heat In

Heating a space is only part of the warming equation. Keeping the space warm is achieved by capturing that heat and retaining it. Appropriate insulation and attention to places where heat may escape are key points to consider. Insulation in walls and attics should be clean and dry, free from signs of animal infestation. Windows in cooler climates might be double or triple-glazed, and doors and windows should close tightly and no drafts should be present around them. Caulk and seal around window frames, if needed, and pay attention to areas that seem particularly prone to cooling down quickly.

Architectural features of the home can also help with regard to a home's warmth. Entryways are more functional in colder climates if there is a way to avoid cold air and weather from sweeping into the home. Covered porches or enclosed "northern entryways" are essentially vestibules than afford a transition from the frigid outdoors to the warmth of your home. "Mudrooms" or other utility spaces such as garage entryways can help retain heat, though if they are to be highlighted features of a home, they should be attractive and well-kept.

Some rooms in the home will naturally be warmer than others. When showing a home, be present to
this fact and decide if you will "close off spaces" by shutting doors to conserve heat in some living areas, or if you will seek to warm cooler spaces by keeping doors open.

Insulating hot-water heaters could be a plus if they are located in a cooler location such as a basement or garage and ensuring that water pipes are insulated is also useful to homeowners in frigid areas. Attention to these details shows that the home is well-cared for and ready for anything.

Warming "Accessories"

Some bonus features that jump out and say "warm" include hot-tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and
sun rooms. Others are less noticeable, but also great, warming perks. The same ceiling fans that move air in the summer to create a breeze can move warm air from high spaces where it isn't being effective. Towel warming bars, heat lamps, or radiant floor heat in bathrooms can offer spot warmth in places that are most appreciated.

Heated workrooms, storage spaces and garages are a huge bonus to some families. Showcase these
areas by keeping them neat and functional, including lighting and easy access.

If the home is in a locale where power outages are common, generators and homes wired to
accommodate their use are especially appreciated. Understand the system in place, the age and repair of the generator and the electrical panel, and how to switch things back and forth between electrical systems. Be sure that there is fresh fuel available for the generator, and that it is stored safely.

In the fall months, decks can become more usable with outdoor heaters, generally run on propane, or small fire pits. These warming accessories can make the most of outdoor spaces, showing that they can be used year-round.

Décor is More, and More!

Finally, décor can add a great deal of warmth which may be achieved by the appearance and
organization of the home. Color choices, fabrics, curtains and draperies, decorations and even lighting can add degrees of warmth. The trick is to engage all of the senses.

Light the dark corners with warm lights. Enabling people to see your space in a warm glow makes rooms appear lighter on shorter days that might be grey. Consider pulling out an afghan or lap blanket for the couch and swapping the warming colors of autumn in pillows and window treatments. Heavier drapery can retain heat and give your rooms a weightier, cozier feeling, while also retaining heat and adding privacy.

In general, adding texture and fabrics will warm a room. While bare tables can be cooling in the summer, adding a tablecloth or runner in the winter adds to the warmth of a scene. Similarly, place fall flowers and plants in rooms to bring the viewer into the season. Consider the closest holidays and seek to bring touches of cheer into the space. Don't fill or clutter spaces, but consider the details
that warm the eye. Adding carpets or area rugs will warm the floors and add visual warmth, without adding bulk to a room. This goes for bedrooms as well as living spaces, so be sure to scan each room with a warming eye.

In cool months, cooking can add warmth to your home as well. A bubbling pot of soup, baking
cookies or bread, or even a pot of tea will provide the smells that evoke a sense of heat and well-being. Candles also put out heat as well as light, though be certain not to leave them unattended. Scented candles can be difficult if a guest is sensitive to scents or chemicals, and may be perceived
as covering up pet smells, so use these with care.

9 Steps for Showcasing a Listing During the Holidays...

Whether it’s wreaths or menorahs, your sellers shouldn’t overdo it around the holidays. Here’s how to stage a listing properly during “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Gone are the days when houses were best listed come spring when flowers bloomed or in late summer before the beginning of the school calendar. Now, any time of year is good for selling if the property is priced correctly, clean, and in good condition.

But with Thanksgiving past and Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year fast approaching, many sellers wonder if December bodes well, given how busy people’s lives get and because so many home owners like to decorate their houses. Holiday decorations can distract buyers and make it hard to focus on a home’s important architectural features when, for instance, rows of stockings camouflage a beautiful period fireplace mantel or a toy train set takes up the entire living room floor.

Help your sellers understand how to attract buyers and showcase their house to maximum advantage at this time of year, yet not forgo their favorite seasonal traditions and merriment. And don’t forget to remind sellers that if they’re located in a cold, snowy region, it’s paramount they make their homes safe to enter by clearing all walks, steps, and the driveway and putting down some salt.

Here are answers to nine frequently asked sellers’ questions from real estate salespeople and brokers coast to coast:

1. Should we take our house off the market if it’s listed or not list it until the holidays are past?

Absolutely keep it in play, say most real estate pros. Those who brave the weather in colder climates and during this busy time of year often are the most serious about buying, says Randy Bell, sales practitioner with HomeSmart Realty Group in Denver. “November and December tend to be two of our best months, since we get folks who are willing to bundle up and head outdoors in cold temperatures; they’re not just tire kickers,” he says. Susan Stynes, GRI, with Long and Foster in Midlothian, Va., agrees, “While sales may go down at this time of year, the buyers looking definitely are among the most serious.” Some buyers also like the idea of purchasing before the end of the year for tax reasons, says broker Jennifer Darby with ERA Justin Realty Co. in Rutherford, N.J. And this year buyers may house-hunt during the holidays for two more reasons, according to Mark Fitzpatrick, broker and CEO of Fitzpatrick + Prince Real Estate Group in Irvine, Calif. “Inventory is going down in California, and rates are still low,” he says.

2. What kinds of outdoor decorations are appropriate?

Simple, classy, and classic are the three operative words, according to experts. What that means are trees and bushes with some lights, and potted plants and a wreath at the front door. Too many lights during the daytime can turn wires into an eyesore, says Stynes. The bottom line is to create a festive, warm holiday mood without anything becoming gaudy, says Maike Scherer, CEO of Capital Home Management in the Washington, D.C., area. What crosses the line into tackiness are huge, inflatable Santas on roofs and lawns, oversized Nutcracker soldiers, and human-sized candy canes, as well as so many lights that you think you’ve stepped into Santa’s workshop. The light colors should be kept to white or to discrete pairings of the season, such as red and green or silver and gold.

3. How about inside? What’s best and what’s to be avoided?

Again, real estate experts suggest erring on the minimalist side rather than going overboard. “Avoid clutter, and try to stay neutral,” says Gillian Luce, marketing manager of Homes.com, which offers an idea gallery online to inspire home owners how to display their personality subtly throughout the year. Good ideas from her include one tree with a few ornaments and wrapped presents, one wreath, a few stockings along a mantle, some candles and a holiday inspired runner on a dining room table or buffet, and maybe a simple garland up a staircase. But displaying all holiday cards, yards and yards of tinsel, and every single ornament you’ve always owned can become too personal and messy. “The goal is to get buyers to imagine themselves sharing the holidays with their family in the house, and if the rooms are so crowded with your stuff, they can’t,” says Bell. “Use common sense,” he adds, “and stage your house and rooms in the same way you would at other times.”

4. And religious decorations — OK or not?

OK, but the key again is not to have too many on display — lots of nativity scenes or menorahs, for instance. “If these objects are very meaningful for home owners, you don’t want to ask them to change their traditions, but it’s better if the house remains more neutral,” says Stynes. It also may depend in part on location. In Denver, Bell describes his area as a melting pot where various religious traditions are respected, welcomed, and celebrated.

5. What about music?

Soft music is fine; experts disagree about Christmas music, however, which some buyers may be tired of hearing in elevators and stores and on car radios at this time of year. Most agree that religious music should be avoided to appeal to the widest buyer segment.

6. And those sugar and gingerbread cookies and cinnamon spiced candle smells? Do they entice buyers or are they perceived as a bit kitschy?

Baked goods and nice fragrant candles always bring a warm, welcome smell. “They help introduce a nice emotional touch that lets buyers make a connection with the property,” says Luce. But the caveat is to avoid smells that might prove overwhelming.

7. Can sellers say no to appointments if they’ve got family visiting or are having holiday parties, or does that make them seem too Scrooge-ish?

Of course, they can say “no.” But if they’re going to say no repeatedly, it might be better for them to wait and list in January, says Darby. If they have a party or two to host, experts advise they do a thorough cleaning right away.

8. When should decorations come down?

Sometime in the week after New Year’s Day. “Nobody wants to see a house decorated for Christmas on Super Bowl Sunday,” Bell says.

9. And photos or videos with Christmas images used in online listings?

Those, too, should be changed fast, says Fitzpatrick. Darby agrees. “If you’ve got pictures with holiday wreaths and lights at the end of February, it will quickly date that the house was on before the holidays,” she says. Better to use only nonseasonal photos if you’re not going to have two sets.

And remember to wish all buyers and real estate pros who come to look at a listing to have a happy, healthy holiday and new year. Seasonal good cheer is always in style.

December 2012 | By Barbara Ballinger

Selling Your Home? Here are 5 Helpful Tips...

Heating and Cooling - The heart of the house, heating and cooling systems need to function propperly. Make sure to have your HVAC units cleaned and checked by a qualified professional to make sure they are all working in top knotch condition. Change the air filter. A dirty air filter sends a clear signal to any inspector that the owner couldn't be bothered by maintinance.

Plumbing - If you have a basement, make sure that your sump pump and ejector pit pump are working properly. The purpose of these pumps is to move the water away from the foundation and eject any waste out to the sewer. If one or the other are not working properly or water switches are not in the proper position, your pump will run more frequently than necessary. If your sump pump has a float switch make sure that it also performs as required. Make sure all drains and faucets function properly, you can bet your inspector will.

Repair Your Roof - Ensure that all shingles are in place, none are missing and they are all securely fastened. Missing or deteriorated shingles can allow water to penetrate through the roof's sheathing which can lead to interior water damage. The inspector will most assuradly spot any type of ceiling damage that has occurred by water leakage. Seasonally check all gutters for old leaves and any other kind of debris that may hinder the flow of water.

Windows - Whether you have single pane or double pane glass windows, make sure you always examine them for either missing glazing or seals that are damaged. On a single pane glass window, the glazing will deteriorate, which will cause the window to break away from the wood frame. On a double pane glass window you will notice that a fog will appear between the two panes of glass. This is a sign of a broken seal. If you notice any of your windows having one of these problems, contact a window contractor for repair or replacement.

Basic Landscaping - We have all heard of curb appeal, so why not try the basics. New mulch and flowers will give the exterior a colorful bang for your buck. Make sure all weeds are pulled, bushes are trimmed, the grass has been cut and sidewalks have been edged. Make sure potential homebuyers have a wonderful first impression when pulling up to your home for their initial visit!

Bonus Tip:

CLEAN! Show that you take great pride and care in the upkeep of your home to potential buyers. Start by touching up any marks on your walls, followed by dusting and window washing. Make sure that you remeber to remove any clutter! Family photos should also be put away. Have your carpets cleaned, this will remove any soil marks or stains and for pet lovers, and will also take care of any odors that may be lingering in your home.

Where to Start When Packing For Your Move...

Packing up and moving to a new place can be a long process, and knowing where to start that process is often the hardest part. When you’ve got an apartment or house full of stuff, which room do you attack first?

Determine a logical place to begin your packing preparation with this helpful overview.

Create a plan of attack
One of the first steps you should take as you begin your move is to create a packing attack plan. Take a look at the time frame you have to move. Consult the calendar and write down everything you must accomplish prior to moving day on a to-do list. Don’t forget to include move-out items like cleaning, switching utilities, securing a moving truck, and changing your address.

Then, set deadlines for each activity. All of this planning will keep you organized through the busy and sometimes chaotic process of moving.  Having written reminders of everything you need to accomplish will ensure that nothing slips through the cracks, no matter how carried away you get with packing.

Declutter
Before you start to pack a single box, professional organizers recommend you do some extra packing preparation by decluttering. Get rid of what you don’t need, don’t want, or can’t use before you move, and you’ll save valuable energy when you’re packing. Why spend time and money packing and moving things you’re only going to throw away at your new place?

Starting to pack
Once you’ve determined how to start packing, it can be helpful to make yet another to-do list. Take inventory of the things you have to pack and set priorities for all of the items.  (The very last and most important items you pack should go in your special priority box.) You can use this list as a road map as you work through packing step by step.

While packing room by room might make the most sense, in practice, you may find it more efficient to pack categories of items, regardless of the room in which they currently live. Another approach is to label and pack boxes according to where things will go in in your new home. Keep in mind that the simpler and more straightforward your labeling system, the easier it will be to remember what you meant when you are unpacking.

When you’re starting to pack, it’s best to begin with the items that are lowest priority for your everyday life. Plan to pack these low priority items first and leave the items you use most frequently until the very end of the process. For many folks, that means starting with items like out-of-season clothing, collectibles, or books — all things you can live without for a while. 

An entirely different option is to hire a professional moving company to handle the packing for you.

Staying organized during packing preparation
Staying organized throughout all of your packing is really important. Create a logical system that keeps you on deadline and keeps your stuff in order, and the actual move, as well as the process of unpacking, will go more smoothly than it would otherwise. 

Here are a few helpful tips to keep you organized during each of your moving steps:

• Label your boxes clearly so you and your movers can make sure things end up in the right room in your new apartment.
• Pack similar items together, like with like.
• Pack boxes the right way:  reinforce them with tape, place heavier things on the bottom, and fill in crevices with fabric items.
• Make sure you’ve got all the essential packing supplies for a successful move.

Here are the TOP 5 ways to improve the salability of your home...

1. Curb Appeal - People do judge a book by its cover, so the outside of the home becomes as important as the inside. Seasonal color, a well manicured lawn and landscape, and a freshly painted front door all add value and interest to the home.

2. First Impressions - Make the entryway of the home inviting. Add a mirror. Buyers really do like to literally "see" themselves in a home they are interested in. Remove all personal items such as coats, shoes, sports equipment, etc. This will give buyers the impression that the home offers plenty of storage solutions. Adding flowers or natural elements will also add a welcoming touch. Don't forget to attract a buyer’s sense of smell. Consider air fresheners that are subtle with a natural scent like cinnamon or vanilla. Stay clear of florals. These small tricks will give buyers a positive first impression and make them interested in seeing more.

3. Kitchens sell homes - A well designed updated kitchen will pay for itself and then some. Changing out cabinet hardware is an inexpensive way to change the look of the kitchen. An interested buyer will open up drawers, cabinets and closets so remove anything unnecessary and give the illusion of a clutter-free lifestyle. Also, keep the counter tops clear of clutter and most appliances.

4. Bathrooms - In most cases, today's buyers are looking for homes that they can move into and live. They may have long term goals of renovations and updates, but they want to feel good about the investment that are making. Keeping the fixtures updated is essential to giving a bathroom that “move-in ready” feel. Again, by reducing the clutter and personal items, buyers will see the potential.

5. Furniture placement and flow - Edit down furniture and accessories to help buyers envision their things in the home. There does not need to be something on every wall or every corner. Leave passageways and hallways opened enough to allow two people to pass. It may look bare to the homeowner, but will look fresh and organized to a buyer.

Also, always keep paint colors neutral and current. Paint is an inexpensive way to freshen up a space and neutral colors always give a good first impression.

Trying to sell your home?

Make your bathroom more appealing without spending a lot of money.  Regrout the tiles around the tub, and recaulk where the tub meets the tile and where it meets the floor.  Revitalize a wooden vanity with a coat of dark semigloss paint.  Replace the worn toilet seat.  Install new light fixtures, faucets and cabinet pulls.  Add a new shower curtain, bath mat and fluffy towels.  Make sure that the bathroom is sparkling clean and that all toiletries have been put away. 

Thinking of selling? Here are the top 5 ways to boost your sales appeal...

1. Curb Appeal - People do judge a book by its cover, so the outside of the home becomes as important as the inside. Seasonal color, a well manicured lawn and landscape, and a freshly painted front door all add value and interest to the home.

2. First Impressions - Make the entryway of the home inviting. Add a mirror. Buyers really do like to literally "see" themselves in a home they are interested in. Remove all personal items such as coats, shoes, sports equipment, etc. This will give buyers the impression that the home offers plenty of storage solutions. Adding flowers or natural elements will also add a welcoming touch. Don't forget to attract a buyer’s sense of smell. Consider air fresheners that are subtle with a natural scent like cinnamon or vanilla. Stay clear of florals. These small tricks will give buyers a positive first impression and make them interested in seeing more.

3. Kitchens sell homes - A well designed updated kitchen will pay for itself and then some. Changing out cabinet hardware is an inexpensive way to change the look of the kitchen. An interested buyer will open up drawers, cabinets and closets so remove anything unnecessary and give the illusion of a clutter-free lifestyle. Also, keep the counter tops clear of clutter and most appliances.

4. Bathrooms - In most cases, today's buyers are looking for homes that they can move into and live. They may have long term goals of renovations and updates, but they want to feel good about the investment that are making. Keeping the fixtures updated is essential to giving a bathroom that “move-in ready” feel. Again, by reducing the clutter and personal items, buyers will see the potential.

5. Furniture placement and flow - Edit down furniture and accessories to help buyers envision their things in the home. There does not need to be something on every wall or every corner. Leave passageways and hallways opened enough to allow two people to pass. It may look bare to the homeowner, but will look fresh and organized to a buyer. Also, always keep paint colors neutral and current. Paint is an inexpensive way to freshen up a space and neutral colors always give a good first impression.

Want to Sell Faster? Optimize Your Home's Best Features...

Recent data has shown it looks as if the market may be turning! Home prices have crept upward for the second month in a row, according to a recent S&P/Case-Shiller home price index. However, if you’re trying to sell your home, this news doesn’t mean you should be sitting back and waiting. Draw in buyers by focusing on certain focal points that can give your property a selling edge, ensuring a faster sale—and a higher selling price.

Don’t worry--there is no need to build a pricey addition or completely gut your existing property. By evaluating your home’s top selling points, you can add modern touches to these features to create a new, fresh feel without doing major renovations.

Point 1: Glam up your bathroom and kitchen. Nice bathrooms and kitchens are attractive qualities in a house, and you can make yours look luxurious without going overboard.

If you can’t afford double sinks, a whirlpool tub or a walk-in shower in your bathroom, try making subtle adjustments. Small tweaks, like a new mirror or updated lighting, can have a huge effect on the atmosphere of a room.

Expand the range of your kitchen by adding a center island with barstools, updating major appliances and giving a second thought to your countertops. Slab countertops, especially granite, are really popular choices. And as far as appliances go, stainless steel is the real deal.

Point 2: Opt for wood. Does your home have large, open rooms? Make them appear even larger with the right flooring. Hardwood floors are timeless. Consider ripping up old carpet and refinishing the wood beneath. Hardwood too expensive? There are many synthetic alternatives that are nearly as appealing as hardwood, at a fraction of the cost.

Point 3: Organization is key. Do you have a ton of open wall space? Make the most of them with built-ins. Buyers love built-in organizational systems, like entertainment credenzas or bookshelves. Built-ins are relatively easy to have installed, and can give your home a unique edge.

Don’t forget about closets! Expanding the closets in bedrooms and bathrooms, or adding a walk-in pantry in the kitchen, can add additional sparkle to your home.

Point 4: Don’t forget to landscape. Do you have a large yard? Be sure to keep the grass neatly mowed and any gardens well tended. Adding a deck or patio is a great idea, but if your budget won’t allow it, simply place some outdoor furniture around the yard in small clusters, so buyers can imagine themselves spending time outside with family and friends.

Article by: Zoe Eisenberg

6 Keys to Selling Your Home in Today's Market...

RISMEDIA, Saturday, June 02, 2012— According to the National Association of Realtors®, more than 4.25 million homes sold in 2011. That's a lot of real estate and such numbers raise the question: How are sellers doing it?

"Because individual homes are unique, there isn't one single strategy that works equally well for every property," says Wendy Forsythe, the executive vice president of a real estate company. "The real trick is understanding that today's marketplace is cash driven, quick and highly competitive. Owners who understand their local markets and work with a knowledgeable agent are those most likely to succeed."

In March roughly one-third of all sales were cash, meaning a large number of buyers are not dependent on lender financing, the sale of their existing home or a settlement that might be 45 to 60 days in the future.

Instead, they can act quickly and in many cases seek properties which can be bought today and occupied tomorrow.

To ready a home for sale in today's marketplace owners should consider 6 basic keys to selling success.

6 Keys to Success

1) Curb appeal counts. Most home buyers want homes which look great from the outside. It's not just a question of curb appeal -- it's about perception. If a home looks good from the street it probably means the property is ready for a new occupant without a lot of cost or hassle.

Buyers tend to pass on a home that doesn't appeal to them from the street -- not even bothering to look inside. An experienced local REALTOR® can show you how to generate the most curb appeal with the least cost.

2) A clutter-free home. With the new emphasis on cash sales and speed owners must show homes which are free and clear of clutter. A clutter-free home will make interior spaces look larger and eliminates the need to get rid of stuff when you are in the throes of moving. It makes sense to donate or reduce clutter before a home is placed on the market -- not only as a sales tactic but also as a practical step toward relocation.

3) Working condition. Having your home's systems in good mechanical condition is an advantage in today's market. Most distressed homes can't compete when it comes to such basics as working heating, plumbing and air-conditioning. Properties that can readily pass a professional home inspection are often easier to finance, and are generally more appealing to buyers who don't want to face the unknown costs and delays sometimes associated with major renovations.

4) List and negotiate properly. According to Forsythe, "a seasoned REALTOR® can show owners how best to market a particular home according to such factors as location, price, condition and financing. Owners want to work with us because our experience brings value and confidence to a transaction, factors that are enormously important in a changing marketplace."

5) Seek prequalified buyers. While many sales may be for cash, the majority still require financing. It would be frustrating to enter into a sales contract with a potential buyer who ultimately cannot obtain financing to purchase your home -- meaning you have lost time -- and potentially money -- and then you have to start over. When a home is shown by appointment, the buyer should have a pre-qualification letter in hand.

Such letters from lenders are not binding but at least show that the purchaser sat down with a loan officer and has some realistic sense of what he or she can reasonably afford.

6) Distressed properties. Roughly 30 percent of today's home sales involve "distressed" properties -- a term which includes short sales and foreclosed properties owned by lenders. You need to consider the distressed properties in your neighborhood when pricing and marketing your home. These properties typically sell at discount, especially in major foreclosure centers and sometimes require substantial repair and rehabilitation.

"Home sellers can compete with these offerings," according to Forsythe. "There's no question that a large number of distressed properties in a local market will impact prices, but price is not the only factor buyers consider. While distressed homes work for some purchasers, they're not the right choice for buyers who want homes that offer move-in condition -- homes in better shape that can often command higher prices."

While the housing market is just in the beginning stages of a recovery, it's still possible to successfully sell your home by making sure you're catering to the kind of buyers in the market today, and by making sure that you -- and your home -- are ready to move as quickly as these buyers are.