tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28055892265760441222024-03-05T13:21:36.320-07:00Decorating to SellTips from a professional stager!Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-37271249494261555542016-01-12T15:25:00.000-07:002016-01-12T15:25:06.103-07:00There's No Such Thing As Too Clean!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Clients often ask me how clean their home has to be to put on the market. I answer "How clean do you like your hotel room to be when checking in?"</b> The situations are similar. Buyers know that someone lives in your house, just as you know that your hotel room has had many occupants. But, the fewer reminders the better.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the bathroom, counters and floors should be sparkling clean, mirrors spotless, commodes, tubs and showers gleaming! Shampoo bottles, razors, etc. should all be stored out of sight, and towels should be fluffy and clean! Light fixtures and window treatments should be dust free. Don't even think about showing your home if there is mold present. Mold can be a deal breaker, so address it before your home goes on the market.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kitchens need to be spotless! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Are your appliances staying in the home? Don't forget to clean them, too. Buyers will open doors and pull out drawers, so it's important that storage areas are kept clean. Baseboards and window sills should be clean of dust and dirt. Carpet and flooring should be vacuumed and swept every day. Wipe those dirty fingerprints off switch plates! The rule is <i>if it stays with the house, clean it like new! </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>I know it sounds exhausting, but if done correctly, it may be the <i>last</i> time you have to clean this house!</b></span><br />
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<br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-30074045016259767122015-02-05T22:24:00.001-07:002015-02-05T22:24:20.951-07:00Shedding Some Light on Selling your Home!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoWOphytuhbbslyccIjDzGEDA6mzV2nWtHWsSRi4gKDUja6qbB1w9ExeV4h5yj0p-afFM5t5bIBe7Tn8W4SU7cgH5eDt6nvSorGLY2AlxWLzRLGfUoiV4SdyNHsBl2dDGeEioL7aqvKdI/s1600/lighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoWOphytuhbbslyccIjDzGEDA6mzV2nWtHWsSRi4gKDUja6qbB1w9ExeV4h5yj0p-afFM5t5bIBe7Tn8W4SU7cgH5eDt6nvSorGLY2AlxWLzRLGfUoiV4SdyNHsBl2dDGeEioL7aqvKdI/s1600/lighting.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>There are many affordable ways of getting your home ready to sell. Updating the lighting can produce that “wow” factor, for not a lot of money.</strong> The larger home improvement stores have a wide variety of lighting choices, at surprisingly low prices.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I recently previewed a condo and suggested that the owner replace the dated brass, five-light fixture in the eating area. When I went back on staging day, hanging over the table was a sleek modern fixture that the homeowner purchased for under $40. The effect was dramatic, as the whole kitchen seemed to have been updated. And don’t stop with the kitchen! </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A new light fixture can improve the appearance of an entry, or hallway, and don’t forget the bathrooms. Outdoor lighting is important, too, especially <span id="more-225"></span>the front of the home, where a good first impression can make all the difference in the world. Buyers will be impressed that the home contains the newest trends in lighting, and your home will shine compared to others!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But, what if new lighting is not in your budget? Is there anything that can be done to improve the lighting you already have? Yes, and the answer is simple. Make sure that all bulbs are working, and if there are several bulbs in one fixture, they need to match. Frosted bulbs are preferred, casting a softer light than the clear alternatives. What do you think a burned out bulb says to buyers? It says that if the homeowner can’t change a light bulb, maybe they aren’t performing other maintenance around the home either.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few very simple ways to show your home in the best <em>light</em>!</span>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-49509361176098507152015-02-05T19:07:00.000-07:002015-02-05T19:07:01.052-07:00What is Your Home Saying?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCNRCD1HITcMGAYYRNV8p2lAJAkIdM4p1B7KS7BGmiro1TXmJTfAT_pusBVTuNt-2zuSRgN3vqS7wclEM_NObn6iE_inUJS2EluFHWWCNPDLckN4JJbT0AG-uNzzF56A4C1Yrod04PbOJ/s1600/welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCNRCD1HITcMGAYYRNV8p2lAJAkIdM4p1B7KS7BGmiro1TXmJTfAT_pusBVTuNt-2zuSRgN3vqS7wclEM_NObn6iE_inUJS2EluFHWWCNPDLckN4JJbT0AG-uNzzF56A4C1Yrod04PbOJ/s1600/welcome.jpg" height="320" width="262" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>There are many ways to make buyers feel welcome when they are viewing your home, but none so easy, <em>and obvious,</em> as a welcome mat!</strong> A good first impression is key, and a brand new mat says you care about your home, inside <em>and </em>out!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Not all homes have old and worn doormats, but <em>most</em> of them do! That’s if they even have one at all! I went to preview a home about a year ago, and as I climbed the front steps, I noticed that <em>not only</em> was it doormat-free, but the outline of where it had been was still there. I knew the home was vacant, but the removal of the mat made the home seem very sad, and I hadn’t even walked in the door yet. It made me wonder if the owners had removed other things, like the light fixtures, or the mirrors in the bathrooms.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My first task in was to add a new welcome mat. What a difference it made! An open house the next weekend produced two offers, after being on the market for six months without any interest!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">I can’t think of another item that can be added to a home, costing under $30, that makes a “statement” like a welcome mat. I know there are fancier mats out there, but I recommend the very simple ones, always with the word<strong> “welcome”.</strong></span></span>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-15716018556236047642013-07-20T09:47:00.000-06:002013-07-20T09:47:24.460-06:00Kitchens Can Sell Homes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyL-AOm2rWCSvUGawZNJR0YtYx5s616uXUP4059qzNCcZvwFXaS_w54uihBZSifOdu3Eaa4EHOs9H3DIl81iQM1nMoxrNZ2gBKHn_PXcerHEKzOXLwqFGtgoG0Da-mhrL0RirijHokD-b/s1600/blog+on+kitchens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbyL-AOm2rWCSvUGawZNJR0YtYx5s616uXUP4059qzNCcZvwFXaS_w54uihBZSifOdu3Eaa4EHOs9H3DIl81iQM1nMoxrNZ2gBKHn_PXcerHEKzOXLwqFGtgoG0Da-mhrL0RirijHokD-b/s320/blog+on+kitchens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>They say the kitchen is the heart of the home.</em></strong> It certainly is a key feature if you are trying to sell your home. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But, what exactly are buyers looking for? Most would like to find a home with a new or remodeled kitchen. Countertops made of the newest materials, quality cabinets, modern lighting, and top of the line appliances, are sure to capture their attention. Kitchen trends change, so if you are planning a remodel, a trip to some model homes might be a good idea. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What if remodeling is not in the budget? There are some simple rules to follow to make your existing kitchen look the best it can. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Buyers are looking for space: on the counters, in the drawers and cabinets, in the pantry, everywhere. Clear your counters of <em>everything</em>, with the possible exception of <span id="more-232"></span>a coffee maker (if it’s a newer style, in good condition) or an attractive set of canisters. Don’t make the mistake of taking everything from the counters and storing them in the cabinets. Cabinets should not be more than two thirds full. The same goes for drawers. Items stored on top of the refrigerator tell buyers you don’t have enough space in the cabinets.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kitchens seem to be the catch-all for busy families. Make sure the refrigerator is stripped of all pictures, children’s art, magnets, menus, etc. Don’t share your schedule with buyers by leaving your calendar in full view. Mail should be out of sight of prying eyes, also.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Small rugs should be removed, to make the kitchen area look larger. Put the minimum amount of chairs around your table, and if you have a leaf in your table, it might be a good idea to remove it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If possible, pick up pet dishes before a showing. Buyers want to see a clean kitchen, so make sure surface areas including floors are spotless. Try to keep cooking odors to a minimum. Buyers <em>will</em> look in your oven, so make sure it is clean.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>The kitchen can make or break a deal in selling your home.</strong> Make sure you’ve taken the proper steps to insure that your kitchen is a plus!</span></span>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-51122731615318450902013-04-28T16:00:00.000-06:002013-04-28T22:47:14.154-06:00Less is More!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMbanZqJuY-SmFabj_oCg5LohIlNC6lfh8IwCy8bIwr-bO8RcGmgCF8crXwkfewMbX4mspFtoGjC8Nb1biFE59bLjYWV3tA08A2oNtmovXoGteWEL36YVQBnBIsMIb7XjRBA2cQstwHa5/s1600/less+is+more.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFMbanZqJuY-SmFabj_oCg5LohIlNC6lfh8IwCy8bIwr-bO8RcGmgCF8crXwkfewMbX4mspFtoGjC8Nb1biFE59bLjYWV3tA08A2oNtmovXoGteWEL36YVQBnBIsMIb7XjRBA2cQstwHa5/s320/less+is+more.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Decorating your home to fit your lifestyle, and decorating your home to sell are VERY different!</strong> </span><span style="color: black;">You may have displays of treasured collections, items you have picked up on your travels, or family memorabilia. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">There are two reasons to pack it all away when you put your home on the market. The first is that your display may be <em>so</em> interesting, that buyers pay more attention to <em>it</em> than your home. </span><span style="color: black;">I did a consultation at a home that had a border of plates depicting different animals displayed along the top of the living room and dining room walls. I could just imagine the buyer’s focus directed at this collection instead of the features of the home. </span><span style="color: black;">The second reason is for the safety of your possessions. The only way to guarantee that your belongings don’t get broken or stolen, is to <em>pack them away out of sight</em>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What is a good rule to follow? Less is more! Do you have photos or artwork hung on every wall? This is a good place to start editing. Blank wall space allows the eye to rest, and makes it easier to take in the surroundings. It will also make a space appear larger. Remove anything hung on a wall, when that wall is less than two feet wide. Place artwork on the larger walls only. For tables, shelves, or other surfaces, stick with the “Rule of 3.” Remove all but three items from each table. For example—a coffee table might have a plant, a decorative bowl, and a large book. This rule works for the kitchen counters, or a fireplace mantle, too. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Remember, buyers <em>will</em> open closets and cabinets, and if everything is filled or overflowing, it will appear that your home does not have enough storage. Remove one third of everything in each closet, kitchen and bathroom cabinet or drawer, and pack them up. Is your garage or basement bulging at the seams? Buyers pay attention to these two areas, also. This would be a good time to clean out what you don’t want to move with you. You’ll be surprised at how much room you will have, and buyers will be impressed with the amount of space. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Getting your home ready to sell takes time and hard work, but when your home <em>sells</em>, you will be glad to have some of the packing already done.</span></div>
Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-27981016250142903382013-03-15T18:19:00.000-06:002013-03-15T18:19:09.097-06:00Selling? Throw a Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuTWTDasbk4xQ7AxmXBDfmgQ3QBF00i-6Ql5QbEmRc7gq-q4PLGcVWafmjxP15qZwN6uiEnwTMnGuuqnAC7MQzpjC2F_0MG0nEGByt4MWm37D30nImOZ1zw0nLCNwiyRYoyKgxzPM9gul/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuTWTDasbk4xQ7AxmXBDfmgQ3QBF00i-6Ql5QbEmRc7gq-q4PLGcVWafmjxP15qZwN6uiEnwTMnGuuqnAC7MQzpjC2F_0MG0nEGByt4MWm37D30nImOZ1zw0nLCNwiyRYoyKgxzPM9gul/s320/21.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Are you confused by all the advice you read about how to prepare your home for the market? I have come up with a very simple concept that most everyone can follow. <strong>Prepare your home as if you were throwing a party.</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Think about the steps you take when you entertain, and consider the buyers coming through your home as your party guests. Not into entertaining? Then, think back to a party where <em>you </em>were the guest and your host or hostess made you feel special.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, how do you want to present your home to your “guests?” It should be clean, of course. Fresh towels should be put out in the bathrooms, and personal items placed out of sight. The everyday clutter like the stack of mail on the entry table, the collection of remote controls on the sofa, the pile of shoes that grows bigger every day, needs to be cleared away. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have you ever arrived at a party and the hostess hung your coat in a closet, and you wondered how she had room for them? She anticipated you arriving with a coat and cleared out a space. That same kind of planning will make your buyers feel comfortable in your home.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What about music? You can’t possibly know what everyone likes, so try to play music that is soft and soothing, and will appeal to the greatest number of tastes. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Soft lighting created by table and floor lamps, or indirect lighting are good choices for enhancing the look of your home, and is preferable to the more harsh overhead lighting. There are flameless candles on the market now, which are perfect for creating a welcoming ambience. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The enticing smell of something baking always keeps your guests interested, and buyers are no different. Fresh cut flowers are a nice addition, adding a wonderful scent <em>and</em> a touch of elegance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">A successful party is one in which your guests enjoyed your home and hospitality so much they didn’t want to leave. <strong><em>Wouldn’t it be wonderful if buyers felt the same way?</em></strong></span></span>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-41775845579973948882013-03-06T14:38:00.000-07:002013-03-06T14:38:42.988-07:00Let the Light In!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>As a home stager, sellers often ask me about windows.</strong> This is the answer I always give: in fifteen years in real estate, I have never heard someone say “the home was too bright.” </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here are some pretty good rules when it comes to the windows in your home:</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Heavy drapes are dated, depressing and dust-collectors</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ruffled valances are too distracting and don’t appeal to everyone</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sheers are the best bet for letting in light</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Panels are acceptable, as long as they are used to frame the window and not block the light</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Blinds, shutters and shades should always be open for showings</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Windows should be kept clean, inside and out</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Broken seals and glass should be repaired (it will come up in the inspection!)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Furniture should be pulled away from windows</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Make sure windows open and lock</span></li>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Buyers <em>will</em> look out windows, so make sure that what they see is a nice view. Take a quick run through your home and check out the view from each window. That dead tree that can’t be seen from the road, but can from the window, needs to be taken out. You might need to relocate the trash cans, or any debris you have stored on the side of your home. If the weather is nice enough, go ahead and open some of the windows. It will help remove stale odors in the home. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Natural light will make your home even more appealing, so remember to use your windows to the best advantage!</em></strong></span>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-77900437580184112612013-02-28T16:57:00.000-07:002013-02-28T16:57:56.468-07:00First Impression is Key!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Preparing your home to sell can certainly be a daunting task, and most sellers don’t know where to start. I suggest you start where your buyers will start, <em><strong>with a first impression</strong></em>. It’s difficult to be objective about your own home, but there are some tricks you can try. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jump in your car, and drive to an entrance to your neighborhood. Try to imagine that you are buyers considering purchasing a home there. Drive through the neighborhood, and take note of the conditions of <em>all</em> the homes, not just the ones that are for sale. What are the features of the homes you find most attractive? What makes some of the homes less appealing? </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After you have figured out the components of good curb appeal, drive by your own home, and continue down the street. Then, drive by it from the other direction. How does your home compare? Are there changes that could be made to improve that “first impression?” Perhaps there is too much overgrown landscaping, or the yard is too bare? Is the exterior color attractive, and does the home look well-maintained? </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had a staging client who was instructed to change the mint green exterior of their home. They weren’t sure what color to paint it, and it’s so difficult to choose from a small color swatch. I suggested they tour areas of similarly priced homes, and decide what colors they found to be the most popular and the most attractive. The result, when they painted their home, was dramatic!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To be as objective as possible, try to see your home and neighborhood <strong>through the eyes of the buyers</strong>. You don’t have to have the most attractive home in your neighborhood to get it sold. But, wouldn’t it be nice if buyers pulled up in front of your home, and were excited to see inside? </span>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-91152399416554337112013-02-25T22:02:00.000-07:002013-02-25T22:02:36.751-07:00Terms That Can SELL YOUR HOME!<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwXjJ2Q-NqHcw2mks786lcfBs1f5366Aj8DpQgiHh6PBao7w38L4zC0wIQvRDFOwx9LQDE40lSB-uZ7ofW4waeXPF4cdHiZ8XoyHys-A5ekuTymY13QC0ATjdUG6_dyIi-T6OC-4WNf1i/s1600/blog+on+terms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gsa="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwXjJ2Q-NqHcw2mks786lcfBs1f5366Aj8DpQgiHh6PBao7w38L4zC0wIQvRDFOwx9LQDE40lSB-uZ7ofW4waeXPF4cdHiZ8XoyHys-A5ekuTymY13QC0ATjdUG6_dyIi-T6OC-4WNf1i/s320/blog+on+terms.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am asked quite often <strong>“What is the difference between decorating and staging?”</strong> I thought I would provide you with a quick explanation, and some definitions of other terms we use in staging. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Decorating</strong> is furnishing and accessorizing a space, with the taste and lifestyle of the homeowners in mind.</span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong>Staging </strong>is decorating, also, but in a manner which showcases the best features of the home, detracts from any negative features, and appeals to the greatest number of buyers.</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Neutralizing</strong> is removing a particular style or theme. For example, if a home is decorated with a Southwest motif or a kitchen has a “cow” or “rooster” theme. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Depersonalizing</strong> is the removal of any items which speak loudly of who lives in the home. Family photos, memorabilia, travel souvenirs, trophies and awards, to name a few. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Scale</strong> is the term used to describe the relationship between the size of the room and the size of the furnishings. If the furniture is too big, or there is too much of it, it will make the room appear small and crowded. When the furniture is too small or there is not enough of it, the room can look bare and uninviting.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Balance </strong>refers to the placement of furniture in regard to other furniture or an architectural feature like a fireplace or built-in bookcases. Large pieces of furniture should be placed in a way in which the weight and height is even throughout the room.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Vignette</strong> is a word that stagers use to describe a smaller area furnished and/or accessorized which conveys a welcoming feeling on its own. A window seat accessorized with pillows, and a decorative tray containing a coffee cup and a book, would be considered a vignette.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>Understanding these terms and recognizing the value of staging your home is vital in today’s market.</strong></em></span></div>
</span>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-33264131915734340322013-02-15T11:34:00.000-07:002013-02-15T11:34:13.233-07:00The Big Black Box!<span style="font-family: Georgia;">
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Let’s face it, we love our television sets</strong>. In my staging career, this has been proven to me numerous times. I come into a home to make recommendations to make it show better, and clients seem so willing to add or remove whatever I suggest. Except the TV, that is. And, whatever they sit on to watch TV. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">In recent years, televisions have certainly become more streamlined. Flat panel styles are much less intrusive than the large screen projection ones, or “the big black boxes”, as we stagers like to call them. But, not everyone has made the switch. That leaves a whole lot of family rooms whose main feature is the overly-large TV. In homes where all the furniture is aimed at the TV, it may cause buyers to overlook the features which are a part of the home. Buyers should be directed to that fabulous fireplace, or the incredible floor to ceiling windows. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Another distraction for buyers is the number of TVs in some homes. I had clients who had a TV in every room, including the dining room. Fortunately, we worked out a compromise, and they removed all but two. And, the big black box that swallowed up most of their small living room? It was one they agreed to remove, and it opened up the space to reveal a very nice sized room, which buyers appreciated, and the home sold quickly. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">It’s never easy to have your home on the market. But, taking the steps necessary to get it sold quickly, means the inconvenience won’t last long, and the sooner you and your TV can be together again!</span></div>
</span><br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-31873064001219362552013-02-08T15:40:00.000-07:002013-02-08T15:40:02.747-07:00Interior Paint: The New Neutrals!<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz731gjfMp2ilEwjDVWctUAVCRkQo3pxUPfRp6omkora6Z8aI3L309xmqo33klcO7FLnSAb1gN_MPfCueXOIjbskGoqFoLMg1NVPXOh1iOc9yaAHk2G8i6j3QPZ6sxFTbwad73iQfw0yMV/s1600/interior+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz731gjfMp2ilEwjDVWctUAVCRkQo3pxUPfRp6omkora6Z8aI3L309xmqo33klcO7FLnSAb1gN_MPfCueXOIjbskGoqFoLMg1NVPXOh1iOc9yaAHk2G8i6j3QPZ6sxFTbwad73iQfw0yMV/s320/interior+paint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>If you are planning on selling your home, you might want to consider repainting the interior.</strong> Painting is one of the best ways to change a space dramatically, at a relatively low cost. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">But, the days of painting every room white are gone. An all-white house can easily be forgotten, since there is nothing to stand out in the mind of buyers. A perfect example of the power of paint would be in the condo or townhouse market. Since most units are identical, often the only thing that can make one unit more memorable than the rest is the color of the walls. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>The question is <em>what color paint do we use?</em></strong> The reason white was thought to be the best color is that white will go with everything, allowing the buyers to move right in. However, white is not very warm <em>or</em> inviting. Today’s savvy buyers are looking for more, and the answer is to go with other neutrals. Technically, the only true neutrals are black, white, and gray, which do not appear on the color wheel. The “new” neutrals are attained by mixing opposite colors on the color wheel. They range from beige, or tan, all the way to chocolate brown or slate gray, with a large array of shades in between. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">It is recommended that for small spaces, you stick with the light to medium value of these colors to create a more spacious-feeling area. And for those large, cold rooms, choose the darkest value of these colors to create a warmer and cozier space.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Creating contrast between wall color and trim color is a wonderful way to highlight architectural detail. Just be sure to keep the trim color the same throughout the home, to retain a sense of conformity. Painting different rooms’ different colors is acceptable, as long as you don’t stray too far in your color choices. That is where the neutrals are such good choices, because they do well together. All paint manufacturers offer a line of neutrals to take away that guesswork. As a home stager, one of my services is to assist sellers with their paint choices. There have been many homes, which after months of sitting on the market, sold quickly with just a simple change of wall color.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>So, visit your neighborhood paint store and acquaint yourself with the “new” neutrals. </strong></span></div>
</span>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-21833908766511841622013-02-07T12:18:00.000-07:002013-02-07T12:18:46.401-07:00Don't Confuse Buyers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTpvAMAKPCab5anIYCqqQfSDPFF3LTTRwM8k_prq-89mfHF8IM0-ohR4w0mmf7qvJuyR6mG2sadsPD15yCYs-blgKwdbcAdtdwU5Sg3XNaLBE4DnA6gnxErxSDk1j6AH_Ezs0iPh4Na9F/s1600/confusing+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" jea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTpvAMAKPCab5anIYCqqQfSDPFF3LTTRwM8k_prq-89mfHF8IM0-ohR4w0mmf7qvJuyR6mG2sadsPD15yCYs-blgKwdbcAdtdwU5Sg3XNaLBE4DnA6gnxErxSDk1j6AH_Ezs0iPh4Na9F/s320/confusing+room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">How we choose to live in our homes is our business…right? WRONG! If you are selling your home, you may have to make some lifestyle adjustments. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">For instance, that pool table you have in your living room might make sense to you, but, to a buyer, it can just be confusing. If you have a room with a chandelier hanging down, you should probably have it furnished as a dining room, even if <em>you</em> have not been using it that way. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Quite often, we have rooms in our homes that have to do double duty, or even triple duty. The room that functions as an office, guest, and exercise room, is sending a message to buyers that there are not enough rooms in your home. It is best to choose one function, and move the other items out. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">I went on a staging consultation one time, and the homeowners had a bookcase in front of the fireplace. I asked them why, and they said they never used the fireplace and it was the only place the bookcase would fit. You can imagine how confounded buyers would be. A large TV placed in front of a window because that is the only spot where glare is not a problem, is fine for you and your family. But, when your home is for sale, there should be nothing in front of the windows. When buyers open your coat closet, it is best for them to see coats, not boxes of cereal or rolls of paper towel. The fax machine you keep on your kitchen counter will only raise questions as to why it is there. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Take the time to put your home in order</strong>, an order that will make sense to buyers. A little inconvenience is a small price to pay for getting your home sold quickly.</span></span></div>
Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-58496499427832064742013-02-05T12:02:00.000-07:002013-02-05T12:02:35.184-07:00Selling a Lifestyle!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When you put your home on the market, you are selling more than the physical structure. <strong>Think of it as selling a lifestyle</strong>. This is why preparing your home is so important. As buyers walk through your home, they are trying to imagine themselves living there. A savvy seller will help them along the way!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here are some suggestions to get you started:</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One of the ways is to <strong>set the dining room table</strong>. The china doesn’t come with the house, so why would you do it? Because buyers want to believe that if they buy your home they will finally be able to have those fabulous dinner parties they’ve been dreaming about. You are not trying to deceive buyers; you are just providing a visual to stimulate their imagination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>What do cluttered bathrooms bring to mind?</strong> A family rushing <span id="more-501"></span>in the morning to get ready for work and school? Countertops empty of everything but a shine, reflect a relaxed atmosphere, in addition to an overabundance of storage. A strategically placed wine glass and book by the tub conjures up a vision of long bubble baths, something most buyers would find very appealing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Don’t overlook the kitchen</strong>, which is one of the most important rooms to buyers. Make sure all clutter is put away. Place a cookbook on the counter, with it opened to a photo of a delectable dish. Buyers imagine a lifestyle of gourmet meals, instead of hot dogs and macaroni and cheese.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>It’s very important to keep toys picked up</strong>, fingerprints cleaned off walls, and any other sign that says if you buy this home, your kids will go wild. A children’s book on the table next to the best reading chair will convey a positive image.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Soft music playing</strong> will give your home a soothing ambiance, in stark contrast to the blaring TV and kids screaming that the buyers may be experiencing now. This will also cause buyers to slow down, which will allow them to experience your home in a more leisurely manner. The longer they stay in your home, the better the chances they’ll write an offer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If your home is more geared toward a single person or a couple without children, keep that in mind as you set the stage. A small intimate seating area, complete with tray and coffee cups, might be an appealing addition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Use your imagination</strong>, and think about what you would like to find in a home. If you get stuck for ideas, visit a model home. Hiring a professional stager is a great solution, too. Stagers can look at your home objectively to make the necessary changes.</span></span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just remember, selling a home can be made easier if you also offer buyers a new lifestyle.</span></strong>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-18294713339304452152013-02-04T10:01:00.000-07:002013-02-04T10:01:58.049-07:00Painting a Brass Fireplace!<div data-mce-style="text-align: justify;" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was hired to stage a vacant home. I knew I would have to bring some color in, because most of the house had white walls, and the carpet was very close to being white. But, sometimes you just have to do a little more. When I saw this brass fireplace, I decided to give it a facelift. I was a little nervous because I had never done this before, and it didn't seem smart to experiment on a fireplace belonging to someone else. But, I threw caution to the wind and jumped in!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I bought satin black grill paint, safe up to 1000 degrees, #0000 steel wool, and two cheapo throw-away paint brushes (sorry, I know it's not very green of me, but I was not about to clean them in the owner's sink, and they <em>were</em> made of wood).</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I put newspaper down and started roughing up the brass with the steel wool. I taped the areas where metal touched tile, and started painting. It did require a second coat, which I applied at the end of the day, right before photos. When it was wet, you could see brush strokes and drips. When it dried, it was ALL smooth! What do you think?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is what the room looked like the first time I saw it. It was adjacent to the kitchen which had been remodeled with cherry cabinetry, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. This kind of looked like the room the world forgot.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I didn't place a lot of furniture or accessories, but just enough to give everyone an idea how beautiful this room could really be. Now, if this house was mine, I would only allow showings later in the day. Look how beautiful it is with a little late day glow! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This project took about 40 minutes initially, and then another 20 for the second coat. In one hour this whole room was given a new updated look. The owner was thrilled! And, my worst nightmare (dropping the open can of black paint on the carpet) never materialized! Thanks for letting me share this project with you!</span></div>
Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-82323750613927639182013-02-03T17:50:00.000-07:002013-02-03T17:50:07.412-07:00Selling? What to do with Fido!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gf7dezzQ7yWTreOcXBg47F0tDCZnuPnC4JKPX6jrhavhpWtKiO0IhLrUvdg9Ji8QA-DZxOj5dHAL9i0d1BPK2lSJEi0yahFJdQMyg-_BmdqoCD0oSn4kz1GFhGkbbUiT1DSCzmeEorwo/s1600/blog-on-fido.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gf7dezzQ7yWTreOcXBg47F0tDCZnuPnC4JKPX6jrhavhpWtKiO0IhLrUvdg9Ji8QA-DZxOj5dHAL9i0d1BPK2lSJEi0yahFJdQMyg-_BmdqoCD0oSn4kz1GFhGkbbUiT1DSCzmeEorwo/s320/blog-on-fido.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>The majority of homeowners today have dogs</strong>, and as a professional home stager, I get asked all the time if this is a problem when selling a home. The answer is yes. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Most sellers crate their dogs for showings, but this may not be the ideal solution. If the dog is barking the entire time the buyers are in the house, it will not be a pleasant experience, and may be too distracting for the buyers to give your home the attention they should. In order to test whether your dog will bark, ask your agent to come over when you are not home. Quite often, your dog does not behave the same as when you are present. Leaving the dog loose in the home, even if it is as non-threatening as can be, will still turn off buyers who have a fear of dogs. Or, if you have a particularly cute and friendly dog, they could very well upstage your home, when it comes to the attention it is given by buyers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Another option some sellers choose is to put the dog in a laundry room or garage</strong>. This is limiting the buyers access to areas they have a right to see, and will <em>want</em> to see. Many times the size of the garage is a determining factor on whether a home will work or not. It is crucial that buyers have free access to all areas of your home, including the backyard. If you have a pen or kennel outside where your dog will be safe and secure, and buyers will not be fearful, this is an acceptable solution. It is not recommended that you chain or tie your dog up, as this could create a negative response from buyers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>The most desirable solution is to remove the dog from the home during the time of showings</strong>. There are different ways of doing this. If you are home during the day, you could take the dog for a walk or put him/her in the car and leave for the duration of the showing. If you are away at work, you might look into daycare for your dog, either at a reputable professional daycare facility, or perhaps a friend or family member could watch Fido. Another option is to find someone in your neighborhood, who would be willing to take your dog during showings.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Even if you wind up paying for someone to care for your dog,<em> <strong>it will be well worth it</strong></em>, to allow buyers to have a pleasant experience viewing your home.</span></div>
Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-24742812201776495432013-02-02T10:05:00.000-07:002013-02-02T10:05:04.110-07:00Selling Tips for Little or No Money!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RmnqtFKXpzC9agK_qBNuDhCG8boJ3OlcPsWtKEFEjd545GpefFgUpfCUj5S2uZl8EcOUwWgECcnCOKnHUzAs605SHzJ4FEpKBI5WC_H6jbeCvEAXtXgCvTxiFNILAsOl98_2_wKIpR6f/s1600/jaguar-staged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RmnqtFKXpzC9agK_qBNuDhCG8boJ3OlcPsWtKEFEjd545GpefFgUpfCUj5S2uZl8EcOUwWgECcnCOKnHUzAs605SHzJ4FEpKBI5WC_H6jbeCvEAXtXgCvTxiFNILAsOl98_2_wKIpR6f/s320/jaguar-staged.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>When selling, it would be great to update your home, and make it more desirable to buyers.</strong> But, in reality, most sellers have no budget or a very small one to work with, so a remodel is out of the question. The good news is that there is still hope. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>There are many things homeowners can do</strong> to prepare their home for the market and improve the chances for a successful sale. Here are just a few:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cleaning your home is probably the most important task you can take on for no money. Dirt, dust and bad odors are the biggest turnoffs for buyers. So, roll up your sleeves and make your home sparkle!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Move or remove! Two very important words, which will help make your home look more spacious. Move furniture away from walls. Placing furniture around the perimeters of a room make it appear smaller. The ability to see more walls will actually create more visual space. Remove all furniture which does not add function or beauty. It is not necessary for every space to be filled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">De-personalize and de-clutter! It’s very important for buyers to see your home, not your stuff. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Painting is a very low-cost way of brightening up your home, making it appear more clean and modern. Even if you only do an accent wall, it will create drama, and perhaps draw the eyes of buyers away from dated flooring. A freshly painted front door will really add to the curb appeal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Get creative! Appliances can be painted, tubs and showers re-glazed, at a much lower cost than replacement. New lampshades can modernize old lamps for a fraction of the cost of a new lamp. Bring old wood back to life with a treatment of wood oil. Brass fireplace doors can easily be painted with heat-resistant paint. Bathroom mirrors can be updated by framing them with molding you have painted or stained. Heavy drapes can be replaced with inexpensive sheer panels. The options are endless. Home improvement magazines or TV shows are a great source for other low-cost ideas. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>So, don’t get discouraged</strong> when you realize there is little or no money for fixing up your home. Your home may not be the best on the market, but with a little hard work and imagination, you can make your home the best it can be!</span></span></div>
Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-22315042069154228522013-02-01T12:41:00.000-07:002013-02-01T12:41:35.309-07:00Themes and Collections--Neutralize Them!<span style="font-family: Georgia;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>One of the terms we stagers use often is “neutralize.”</strong> It means to stage the home in a way which will appeal to the greatest number of buyers. One of the easiest ways to do this is to eliminate themed rooms and collections.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Themed rooms are easy to recognize. A few of the more popular themes are sports, beach, Tuscany, southwest, and wildlife. Done in moderation, there is nothing wrong with these themes or styles. This is directed towards those who get a little carried away. Every piece of furniture, all the artwork, and all the accessories, have been chosen around the theme. The drawback to this excess is that buyers find it very difficult to imagine their own belongings in the room.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have a friend whose family room has a “cowboy” theme. I think it is safe to assume that most buyers do not have spurs, pistols, and saddles in their homes, and would have a hard time getting past this theme and imagining their own furnishings there. This doesn’t mean you have to get a whole new room. The trick is to edit. For example, my friend could remove the aforementioned items, but a leather sofa and paintings with cowboys as the subject is perfectly acceptable.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I usually link themed rooms with collections, because quite often I will find collections spread throughout a themed room. But, sometimes they are off by themselves, or a collection<em> becomes</em> the theme. Almost all homeowners have some kind of collection. Whether it is a common one like books or framed photos, or something more unusual like Victorian birdcages or bobble-head dolls, these collections can be very distracting to buyers. The best bet is to pack these collections up, making them safe and sound, and more importantly, out of sight!</span><br />
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The bottom line is your home will sell faster, and you can create whatever theme, or collect whatever you want, in your new home that much sooner.</span></strong></span><br />Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-44313427097499002812013-01-31T10:53:00.001-07:002013-01-31T10:53:21.897-07:00Selling in the New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioD0rrpe1w2HHI9cs2C4wLfqEznbP_9eA9wUM0T2-TqPKud-rOyengWyMIeu5x06-dosFiR7kKPGEji1pXukaNSrg3-IKQ4kg2gvAPYv58Ajiza0FPMAgj5cHYikeT_tm8zGfLscsbRkJq/s1600/blog-on-maintenance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioD0rrpe1w2HHI9cs2C4wLfqEznbP_9eA9wUM0T2-TqPKud-rOyengWyMIeu5x06-dosFiR7kKPGEji1pXukaNSrg3-IKQ4kg2gvAPYv58Ajiza0FPMAgj5cHYikeT_tm8zGfLscsbRkJq/s1600/blog-on-maintenance.jpg" /></a></div>
<span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><em>When</em> you sell your home is not as important as <em>how</em> you sell your home.</strong><span> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span></span>Whether the market is sluggish or red hot, your home will sell faster and for more money if you put some effort into improving the condition.<span> </span>This does not mean pouring thousands of dollars into remodeling.<span> </span>Sometimes, it’s as simple as cleaning, de-cluttering, and <em>taking care of minor maintenance. </em></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Buyers want to know that the homeowners have taken care of their home</strong>.<span> </span>Burned out light bulbs, doors that stick, drawers that won’t slide easily, are all signs of a home that hasn’t been properly maintained. <span></span>These little inconveniences that you have learned to live with can be downright unacceptable to buyers.<span> </span>No one wants to buy a home that comes with a fix-it list a mile long.<span> </span>As that list grows in the minds of buyers, the price they want to offer goes down!<span> </span>And, first impressions start at the curb, so don’t forget that exterior maintenance, as well.</span></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>So, get out those tools, grab that can of WD-40, and get your home in shape!</strong></span></span></div>
Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-31185575675870343622013-01-30T09:33:00.001-07:002013-01-30T09:33:58.268-07:00Is Your Home "Picture Perfect"?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32Awcwty_FFA21BQrdtVwIi9j-vTWRWZs4d5LA7A0euasngI338PB3DQErpZlFMr_Z3p4uphb3C299BQVByhlMOK2Er3ZEjlOeU-qzh0PooFiDmP09GDLntlIfqRRO-YXrwHlHWhs_Gy2/s1600/york-living-room-staged-photo-framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32Awcwty_FFA21BQrdtVwIi9j-vTWRWZs4d5LA7A0euasngI338PB3DQErpZlFMr_Z3p4uphb3C299BQVByhlMOK2Er3ZEjlOeU-qzh0PooFiDmP09GDLntlIfqRRO-YXrwHlHWhs_Gy2/s1600/york-living-room-staged-photo-framed.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>A large majority of today’s buyers start their home search on the internet.</strong> What does that mean to you? It means the first impression buyers get of your home could be photos posted online. And, they need to be pretty darn good to make your home stand out.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Would it be safe to say that if the home looks good in person, it will also look good in photos? There are a few things to remember to make the photos of your home the best they can be.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, if you have a small room, edit the amount of furniture, and <strong>make sure what is in there is the proper scale</strong>. A large sectional sofa in a small family room is going to eat up even more space in a photo. And, an overly large room will appear even bigger if there is too much empty space.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>A pop of color is crucial in photos</strong>. They have a tendency to wash out color, so the room you thought was colorful enough, may not photograph that way. The solution can be as simple as adding some colorful throw pillows on a couch, or a vibrant piece of art on the wall.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Light says cheery and dark says dreary! </strong>Natural light can cast an appealing glow on your home, so take advantage of it. Open those curtains and blinds, but the best time of day to have your home photographed is early morning or in the evening. The sun is lower, and your photos will be softer with less contrast.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Clutter is even more apparent in photos.</strong> It’s hard for buyers to concentrate on the home, when there are hairdryers on the bathroom counters, a collection of remote controls on the coffee table, or a dining room table stacked high with the family’s belongings.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>People and pets in photos are a no-no.</strong> It may be that Grandpa hasn’t left his recliner in ten years, but his presence in the photo will be too distracting. And kitty needs to be moved off the bed, just long enough for photos to be taken. Be sure to watch out for reflections, too. Many an unsuspecting agent or homeowner has been caught in a mirror!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Whether your agent takes the photos or a professional photographer is brought in, <strong>it is your responsibility to have the home in camera-ready condition.</strong> And, since these photos will either entice buyers to see your home or cause them to put your home in the “definitely not” pile, be sure you get to see the photos before they are posted. There are websites dedicated to bad MLS photos, and you wouldn’t want your home to wind up there. <strong>It’s the responsibility of you <em>and</em> your agent to make sure your home looks perfect in pictures.</strong></span></span>Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-76665934467028367792013-01-29T16:16:00.000-07:002013-01-29T16:16:57.050-07:00It's All About Space!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dRq-c7GDuy4qttjglap8j27jlPt5kXIXUB9pQH0GXJio3PxaHkm8d-svNb_PKiO32_cFX0B2U8xz3tldaG19Z6qPTZ3g3558j3qvf-HsZQDDcaym79BFCtVkUSCWHTTJyh2dWd_j19-j/s1600/blog-on-space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dRq-c7GDuy4qttjglap8j27jlPt5kXIXUB9pQH0GXJio3PxaHkm8d-svNb_PKiO32_cFX0B2U8xz3tldaG19Z6qPTZ3g3558j3qvf-HsZQDDcaym79BFCtVkUSCWHTTJyh2dWd_j19-j/s320/blog-on-space.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><span><strong>When getting our homes ready to sell, we sometimes get hung up on paint colors, furniture </strong></span></span><span><span><strong>placement, and décor.</strong><span> </span></span></span><span><span>But, buyers can repaint if they want to, and the furniture and décor generally leave with the seller.<span> </span>So, what are we really selling, and what is it that buyers really want?<span> </span><strong><em>The answer is space.</em></strong></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have you ever picked up a book and decided not to read it because the text was very condensed, and each chapter was a hundred pages long?<span> </span>Negative space is more important than we think.<span> </span>Our eyes need empty space to rest.<span> </span>The same thing goes for our homes, especially when selling.<span> </span>Many a buyer has walked away from a home because they didn’t believe there was enough space for their dining room set or king-sized bed.<span> </span>So, if space is our home’s best commodity, how can we play it up? </span></span></div>
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<span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span><strong>A good place to start is your floor space.</strong><span> </span>Small rugs and mats scattered everywhere just clutter the floor, making rooms look smaller than they really are.<span> </span>You might like the convenience of having a table next to your chair to hold your drink, but having too many occasional tables takes up valuable floor space.<span> </span>Think about removing all but the tables which anchor your big pieces of furniture or hold lamps.<span> </span>Potted plants, ottomans, magazine racks, free standing lamps, and bulky coffee tables can also create a cluttered looking floor.<span> </span>There is a reason professional stagers use glass-topped tables.<span> </span>It allows buyers to see more floor.</span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Wall space also commands a premium with buyers.</strong><span> </span>The more visible wall space there is, the higher the ceilings appear.<span> </span>Don’t be afraid to keep a couple walls in each room artwork-free.<span> </span>When choosing between a large piece of art and a grouping of several smaller pieces, go with one large one. <span> </span>Bathrooms, especially if they are small, don’t need anything more than a mirror over the vanity, and some neatly hung towels.<span> </span>Exposing wall space includes the windows.<span> </span>Heavy drapes which cover up wall <em>and</em> window will definitely close a room in.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Walk through your own home, and evaluate the amount of space visible.<span> </span>If space is lacking in your home, it’s time to make some changes.<span> </span><strong><em>The good news is it doesn’t cost anything to remove items, and you can only benefit when your home appears bigger to buyers.</em></strong></span></span></span></span></div>
Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805589226576044122.post-63579715448181584352013-01-28T22:57:00.000-07:002013-01-28T22:57:25.193-07:00How You Can Go With The Flow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKitprFS4BkfrPiYC1CclEvK-dB_AyztSyCR4inN_sBwYIZi9s8J5UbXxh0Ppntn_R4QOPdHlqCY5ncqgbblsovcNFg-MDBH-fndHP5nstXs9pSnCKtU48ktA3L4U1vSsmRi7nj43sTF6A/s1600/blog-on-flow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKitprFS4BkfrPiYC1CclEvK-dB_AyztSyCR4inN_sBwYIZi9s8J5UbXxh0Ppntn_R4QOPdHlqCY5ncqgbblsovcNFg-MDBH-fndHP5nstXs9pSnCKtU48ktA3L4U1vSsmRi7nj43sTF6A/s320/blog-on-flow.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>If you ask buyers what they are looking for in a home, it’s almost guaranteed they will mention “good flow.”</strong> But, what exactly does that mean? If you have visited a model home lately, you probably noticed how floor plans have changed in the last decade or so. You’ll find large entries, living rooms and dining rooms separated with nothing more than an open arch, kitchens sharing a space with family rooms, and very few hallways.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If the home you are selling already has these features, you are way ahead of the game. But, what if your home was built earlier, when doors and hallways were everywhere, and every room had its own four walls? If ripping out walls is not in your budget, there are still some things you can do to help with the “flow.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Resist the urge to put furniture in your entry way. That catch-all table is just making the space seem smaller. You want the buyer’s eye to look ahead. If the entry is narrow, a mirror can open the space more. Place the mirror, so as buyers come in the front door, the reflection is of something you want them to see. A reflection of a closet door defeats the purpose of the mirror.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Think about removing doors completely, especially in older homes. Paint the door trim the same color as the walls, so the doorway appears larger. In fact, paint can go a long way in helping your home seem more open. Continuing the same color throughout the home is a great way to counteract a choppy floor plan.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If your home has narrow hallways, hanging photos or art only makes them seem narrower. And, remember to leave all doors open for showings.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Buyers don’t come into your home and sit on the sofa. They are on their feet and walking from room to room. Make sure there is a clear path in each room, so buyers don’t have to walk around your furniture.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The last trick is to place all the largest pieces of furniture, such as entertainment centers or bookcases, on outside walls. This helps create the illusion of more space. And, never block windows. The more windows you have, the larger rooms will appear.</span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Creating a good flow through your home will give buyers what they are looking for, and can be accomplished with little or no cost!</span></em></strong></div>
Elainehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04896721595243003272noreply@blogger.com0