Adding Value by Dennis O'Hagan

Top Winter Selling Tips...

• Keep it Cozy: You may be energy concious during most winter days, but when potential buyers are on the way you will want to turn the thermostat up a few degrees in advance. You want you home to be comfortable for a wide range of visitors.
• Time the Light: Having indoor and outdoor lights on timers is not only smart from a security standpoint, but it can also make your home look warm and inviting to buyers passing by when you're not at home. Make sure there is enough outdoor lighting to properly show off your home during the darker winter months.
• Wash all windows: You're already battling a lack of natural light, so make sure yoru home fully takes advantage of what light there is! Thoroughly clean exterior windows both inside and out to ensure that as much natural light as possible can stream in.
• Decor: While you may want to avoid heavy use of holiday-specific decorations, you can still decorate to the season to add a festive atmosphere to your home. Utilize the rich reds and blues popular in winter, and consider hanging basic winter wreaths or adding winter centerpieces to tables and countertops.

10 Low-Cost Tips to Improve Your Home's Appeal

When selling your home, the goal is to sell it quickly for the highest price while investing as little as possible in renovations. With a limited budget and a little effort, you greatly increase your home's appeal by focusing on what prospective buyers can see on their first visit. The experts at BuyOwner.com offer the following recommendations for preparing a house for sale and staging it for showings.

Tip #1: Refresh the exterior
First impressions count when it comes to selling a home. Most buyers won’t even leave their car if they don’t find the exterior appealing. The best ways to improve your home’s exterior include:

-Repairing and/or replacing trims, shutters, gutters, shingles, mailboxes, window screens, walkways and the driveway.
-Painting siding, trim and shutters and lamp and mailbox posts.
-Pressure washing vinyl siding, roofs, walkways and the driveway.
-Washing windows.

Tip #2: Spruce up the lawn and landscape
Home buyers associate the condition of your lawn and landscaping with the condition of your home’s interior. By improving the outside, you affect buyers’ impression of the entire property. The best ways to enhance the yard include:

-Mowing and edging the lawn.
-Seeding, fertilizing and weeding the lawn.
-Keeping up with regular lawn maintenance by frequent watering.
-Trimming and/or removing overgrown trees, shrubs and hedges.
-Weeding and mulching plant beds.
-Planting colorful seasonal flowers in existing plant beds.
-Removing trash, especially along fences and underneath hedges.
-Sweeping and weeding the street curb along your property.

Tip #3: Create an inviting entrance
The front door to your home should invite buyers to enter. The best ways to improve your entry include:

-Painting the front door in a glossy, cheerful color that complements the exterior.
-Cleaning, polishing and/or replacing the door knocker, locks and handles.
-Repairing and/or replacing the screen door, the doorbell, porch lights and house numbers.
-Placing a new welcome mat and a group of seasonal potted plants and flowers by the entry.

Tip #4: Reduce clutter and furniture
A buyer cannot envision living in your home without seeing it. A home filled with clutter or even too much furniture distracts buyers from seeing how they can utilize the space your home offers. If you have limited storage space, you may want to consider renting a temporary storage unit to place items you wish to keep. The best ways to declutter your home include:

-Holding a garage sale to prepare for your move, getting rid of unnecessary items.
-Removing clutter such as books, magazines, toys, tools, supplies and unused items from counter tops, open shelves, storage closets, the garage and basements.
-Storing out-of-season clothing and shoes out of sight to make bedroom closets seem roomier.
-Removing any visibly damaged furniture.
-Organizing bookshelves, closets, cabinets and pantries. Buyers will inspect everything.
-Putting away your personal photographs, unless they showcase the home. Let buyers see themselves in your home.
-De-personalize rooms as much as you can.

Tip #5: Clean, clean, clean
The cleanliness of your home also influences a buyer's perception of its condition. The appearance of the kitchen and bathrooms will play a considerable role in a buyer's decision process, so pay particular attention to these areas. The best ways to improve these areas include:

-Cleaning windows, fixtures, hardware, ceiling fans, vent covers and appliances.
-Cleaning carpets, area rugs and draperies.
-Cleaning inside the refrigerator, the stove and all cabinets.
-Removing stains from carpets, floors, counters, sinks, baths, tile, walls and grout.
-Eliminating house odors, especially if you have pets.
-Considering air fresheners or potpourri.

Tip #6: Make minor repairs
The small stuff does count, especially with first-time home buyers. Without dismissing the importance of repairing major items such as a leaky roof or plumbing, you do not need to spend money on replacing these items. Instead, focus on the minor repairs that will make your home visually appealing. The best ways to improve your home include:

-Repairing ceilings and wall cracks.
-Repairing faucets, banisters, handrails, cabinets, drawers, doors, floors and tile.
-Caulking and grouting tubs, showers, sinks and tile.
-Adding fresh paint to ceilings, walls, trim, doors and cabinets.
-Tightening door handles, drawer pulls, light switches and electrical plates.
-Lubricating door hinges and locks.

Tip #7: Showcase the kitchen
The heart of any home is the kitchen. If you are going to spend any money on renovations, this is the one area where you will see the greatest return. Even with a modest budget, focusing on a few key areas can make a great difference in getting the asking price for your property. The best ways to showcase the kitchen include:

-Replacing cabinet doors and hardware.
-Installing under-cabinet lighting.
-Replacing light fixtures.
-Replacing outdated shelving with pantry and cabinet organizers to maximize space.
-Baking cookies or cupcakes for a showing, to create a homey smell.

Tip #8: Stage furniture
Furniture placement can enhance the space of your home while giving buyers an idea of how to best utilize the space with their own belongings. Take some time to rethink how different areas in your house could be used. Some ideas to think about include:

-Moving couches and chairs away from walls in your sitting and family rooms to create cozy conversational groups.
-Creating a reading corner in the master bedroom.
-Clearing an empty room to set up a reading space.
-Turning an awkward space into a home office.
-Setting the dining room table with your best china.
-Set wine glasses in front of the fireplace or next to a Jacuzzi tub.

Tip #9: Light up the house
Create a sense of openness and cheerfulness in your home through its lighting. To improve the lighting try:

-Opening shades and drapes to let the sunshine warm and brighten rooms.
-Installing brighter light bulbs in rooms that tend to be dark.
-Adding additional lamps for ambient lighting.
-Turning on all the lights for a showing.

Tip #10: Add fresh touches
You can easily add color and style to your home by adding fresh touches throughout. Some ideas to consider include:

-Placing fresh floral arrangements in the entry and master bedroom.
-Placing bowls of bright-colored fruit in the family room and the kitchen.
-Filling an empty corner with a potted leafy plant.
-Setting new hand soap in the bathrooms.
-Displaying fresh towels near sinks.

This article was written by Paige Tepping

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

1. Visit model homes and examine shelter magazines for inexpensive decorating ideas. Always keep in mind you are not decorating for yourself but for the general public.

2. Start with the outside. Give the house a fresh coat of paint, add shiny hardware to the front door and plant a few flowers to send a subliminal message the house is loved and well cared for.

3. Declutter every room to make it look larger. Get rid of family pictures, trophies and knickknacks. Closets and drawers should be no more than 30% full.

4. Invest in eco-friendly but bright lights. Open the drapes or remove them completely. Light, bright rooms give the impression that your home is a happy place—and everyone wants to move into a happy place.

5. Feature only a few pieces of furniture with mainstream appeal. Pull pieces away from walls to make rooms look bigger.

6. Make sure a room’s primary use is obvious. A bedroom should look like a bedroom, not an office, hobby center or gym.

7. Bedrooms and kitchens are difficult to stage because they are in daily use, but make the effort. Clear everything off the counters and nightstands, roll up the rugs and hide the laundry hamper. Buff the cabinets with car wax and clean under the sinks. Invest in pristine white bed linens and towels.

8. Minimize the “pet effect.” Remove food bowls and litter boxes to the utility room. Deodorize thoroughly.

9. Organize the utility room and garage. Hang up the bicycles, roll up the hose. Renting a storage locker is worth the cost if it helps you sell faster and for a higher price.

10. Once your house is staged, invite your friends or agent over and walk them through to get an objective opinion.

Prepping For a Last-Minute Showing

It's nearly impossible to keep your home in a "show-ready" state day in and day out. In many cases you may find that your home will be shown to a prospective buyer with very little advance notice.

Even if you're keeping things as clutter-free as possible, a little preparation for the actual showing is probably in order. Here are some short-term ways to get your home looking and feeling its best.

Step 1: Cleaning Frenzy

• Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Thoroughly clean hardwood floors.
• Vacuum carpets. If time permits, rent a steam cleaner to shampoo carpets, particularly in high traffic areas.
• Dust all wood furniture, TV screens and computer monitors.
• Clear counters of all clutter. If time permits, move unnecessary appliances and decorating touches into storage areas.
• Clear the kitchen sink and counters of all dirty dishes.
• Pick up all dirty laundry. Avoid over-filling any open air hampers - laundry is better kept out of sight inside your washer or dryer.
• Remove stains from bathtubs, toilets and sinks.

Step 2: Critical Eye Test

• After doing the first round of cleaning, take a walk through the house with the perspective of a buyer. Look for clutter, excess furniture or highly personal touches that might turn off prospective buyers.
• Try taking pictures of main rooms with a digital camera for an "instant review".

Step 3: Curb Appeal Checkup

• Sweep the entryway, porch and walkways.
• Mow and water the lawn.
• Store any toys or garden equipment.
• Clean up pet droppings.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Add potted plants to the porch or deck.

Step 4: Closing Touches

• Turn on all lights.
• Open drapes and blinds.
• Open windows to let in fresh air.
• Burn scented candles or open jars of lightly scented potpourri. If you don't have either on hand, you can always bake cookies (the oldest trick in the book) or simmer a few drops of vanilla extract on the stove.
• Turn off all TV's, stereos and computers.
• If possible, relocate pets to a friend or neighbor's home during the showing.
• Clean the litter box thoroughly to rid your home of smells. If pets can be temporarily relocated, remove the litter box entirely.
• Hang fresh towels in every bathroom.
• Put fresh liquid soap or bar soap in each bathroom.
• Remove rugs to showcase hardwood floors.
• Put out fresh flowers and fill candy dishes.

Cost vs. Value: Small Projects Pay Off Big

Thinking of selling your home and wondering if remodeling is right for you?  Here are six of the top 10 most profitable remodeling projects and they cost less than $14,000, according to the new Cost vs. Value report. Find out what home improvements offer the best return in your part of the country. <Read more>

Checklist for Moving

I'd like to thank our good friends at Hexter-Fair Title Company for providing us with this valuable MOVING CHECKLIST...

Before You Leave:

Address Change

• Post Office:  Give forwarding address.
• Charge Accounts, Credit Cards.
• Subscriptions: Notice requires several weeks.

Bank

• Cancel any automatic payment or direct deposit arrangements.

Insurance

• Notify company of new location for coverages: Life, Health, Fire and Auto.

Utility Companies

• Gas, Electricity, Water, Telephone, Fuel, Garbage and Cable T.V.  Get refunds on any deposits made.

Delivery Service

• Laundry, newspaper, change-over of services.

Children

• Register at school.
• Arrange for day care.

Medical, Dental, Prescription Histories

• Ask Doctor and Dentist for referrals; transfer needed prescriptions, eyeglasses, X-rays.  Obtain birth records, medical records, etc.

Pets

• Consult a vet about moving your pet.
• Obtain all records.

And Don't Forget To:

• Empty refrigerator and freezer; plan use of foods.
• Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator.
• Have appliances serviced for moving.
• Clean rugs and clothing before moving.
• Clean and/or repair furniture and curtains.
• Plan for special care needs for your infants and pets.
• Assemble first day items - soap, toilet paper, pencils, paper, toiletries, bayh towels, utility knife, scissors, trash bags, etc.
• Obtain relocation package from Real Estate agent or Chamber of Commerce in your new city.
• Arrange for storage (if needed).
• Find out about tax-deductible moving expenses.
• Obtain all personal records from lawyers and accountants.
• Assemble packaging materials.
• Have car checked and serviced for trip.
• Pack a day or two worth of extra clothing in case of delay.

And On Moving Day:

• Make a list of every item and box loaded onto the truck.
• Carry enough cash or travelers checks to cover cost of moving services and expenses.
• Carry jewelry and documents yourself; or use registered mail.
• Carry an assortment of toys for the children (if needed).
• Let a close friend or relative know route and schedule you will travel including overnight stops.
• Double check closets and drawers to make sure they are empty.
• Turn off all appliances and lock all doors.
• Leave all old keys needed by new tenant or owner with Realtor or neighbor.
• Let the movers know where you can be reached.

And At Your New Address:

• Check off all boxes and items as they come off the truck.
• Install new locks.
• Check on service of gas, electricity, water, telephone, garbage and cable T.V.
• Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater and furnace.
• Have appliances checked.
• Ask mail carrier for mail he or she may be holding for you.
• Apply for state driver's license (or just address changes if needed).
• Visit city offices and register for voting.
• Register car within five (5) days after arrival in state or a penalty may have to be paid when getting new license plates.
• Obtain inspection sticker and transfer motor club membership.
• arrange for medical services: doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc.

What is a STAGED Home?

A STAGED Home is one that has been looked over by an impartial professional and decluttered, with furniture and accessories re-arranged (or added if necessary) in order for your home to look as open, bright, large and inviting as possible to a prospective buyer.  It adds the important "WOW" factor to your home's first impression.  There is a distinct difference between decorating for living and staging for selling.

We have the experience and knowledge to help you stage your home to its maximum potential.  It's just one of the many benefits we provide to our clients.  If you or anyone you know that could use our help please give us a call.

US Housing & Home Development reports a staged home will sell, on average, 17% higher than an unstaged home.

Selling Your Home???

If you're selling an existing home today, here are some stats to consider:   In the last 24 hours (Tuesday, 10-28-08) we have received 453 new listings in our MLS.  Of the existing listings that we already had on the market, 420 of those took a price reduction yesterday and another 273 went expired or inactive (meaning they didn't sell in the listing period).  There were 254 properties markets sold yesterday. 

* New Listings 453

* Price Reductions 420

* Expired 109

* Inactive 164

* Solds 254

This means the absorption rate is stacked against the seller right now.   You certainly can still sell your home but it has to be priced right and in tip top condition to compete.   Staging, pricing, and advertising are critical if you want a property to stand out right now.  Let us know if you would like to talk with us about any of your Real Estate needs.

Decorating Tips For The Fall Market

Although sellers may be nervous about listing their homes in the fall or winter because they fear buyers won't be looking, I can assure you that is not the case.

"My answer is that although there may be fewer showings, they're usually quality showings... People who look at homes during the holiday season are usually serious buyers."

Here's a list of 10 decorating tips that will help your home show better and sell quicker:

Decorating for the Fall Market

1. Get new pillows for your sofas and chairs. Textured fabrics in warm jewel tones will warm up your room. Add a luxurious throw.

2. Add new candles to your room with great fall scents like pumpkin or apple spice. Don't leave candles lit if you leave your home for a showing.

3. Change your artwork or decor. Vivid paintings will brighten up your rooms on dark, dull days.

4. Change your bedding. Replace your summer duvet cover with a warm, cozy comforter, and place an extra woolly blanket at the foot of the bed.

5. Add an area rug to hardwood floors in the living room and bedrooms.

6. Buy some new luxurious towels and hang them just for showings.

7. Change your shower curtain and liner, and don't forget the bathmat.

8. Add a new fall wreath to the front door, as well as a new "Welcome" doormat.

9. Place some seasonal plants in an urn or in the garden.

10. Rake the leaves and clean up the deck or patio. Throw away old hanging baskets.

Does your Home have Curb Appeal

First impressions make a difference, particularly when it comes to your home. Curb appeal is the visual impression that your home makes to anyone viewing it from the street. If your home has curb appeal it will stand out from the rest and usually results in more money when you decide to sell.

Curb appeal can be as complicated as building a new entryway or as easy as painting your mailbox. The following list contains some quick fixes that will have your home creating a great first impression in no time at all.

• Windows: Clean windows sparkle and help show off your beautiful home.
• Window Coverings: How do your curtains and blinds look from the outside? Are your windows cluttered with knickknacks and stickers? Neaten up the insides of your home’s window areas that are visible from the curb.
• Painting: Walk around your home and keep an eye out for peeling, flaking, or faded paint. If found, it is probably a good time to paint. Neutral colors are a good bet as they appeal to a wider group of people.
• Don’t forget the mailboxes: Be sure it is painted or polished. All numbers should be clean and easy to read.
• Clutter: Remove anything that is cluttering the front area. Locate trash bins in the back yard or garage so that they are not visible.