Focus

Walking through a home that I've never visited before always brings a reaction. It can be a pleasing one if it reflects a similar style to my own; a feeling of connection and ease.
There are many homes that inspire, leaving me with a desire to mimic the same look in my own home. How can I convince my husband that we need all new furnishings and the to-do list must be re-vamped? If only!
Then there are those houses that ignite a response of disappointment. Maybe the house is not quite the 'Brady Bunch' feel, but close. They are stuck in a time warp, comfortable to the homeowner, but rarely to the guest. There is not one thing that is interesting, as all is a distraction.
But look past the shrapnel of decor and there lurking in the room is a lovely fireplace. Can't see the large picture window? It is because those pleated drapes are in the way.
Most rooms host a focal point and staging provides the avenue to show it off. The possibility that the buyer might miss it is a chance you can't take. Once you clear out the personal decor, make that fireplace stand out by drawing attention to it. One carefully placed picture or a framed mirror set on the mantle can make all the difference. You can place a colorful accent on the hearth,whether it be a large vase or a plant. Just make sure you it does not over power the focal point.
If you can't seem to find a focal point in a room, then create one with a thoughtfully placed sitting area or small unique table, accented with color.
Perhaps the look you create will be just the right attention to detail, bringing an offer on your home. You might even inspire someone!

invest

When faced with the decision of color on those walls, where should you start? While painting seems like a chore not for the faint of heart, don't let the idea overwhelm or defeat you before even starting. The most dramatic change can be made in any room for a very small investment. The investment made in a gallon or two of paint will most likely reap a return of 100% IF you carefully chose the right color.
Light colors have a way of making a room feel larger, but a white wall lacks interest.
A common mistake is to assume that new homeowner would prefer white walls, yet the room will lack pizazz. Instead, chose a warm muted color such as a soft green or taupe which will provide a neutral move-in-ready room.
It is best to stay away from 'custom' colors that appeal to a smaller clientele. A red accent wall may be your choice, however it often becomes that stand out factor that will define your home in the purchaser's mind! You want someone to remember your home for its space and charm, not because of that funky red wall!
If you are color challenged, a great place to get updated color ideas is to thumb through some current interior or home themed magazines. They will give a color scheme to inspire you.
It might take a bit of effort, but time invested & the right wall color will create a sense of warmth.

Realtors

Trustworthy.
Competent.
Driven.
Knowledgeable.

I am sure these are terms that you value when doing business with anyone, but especially when choosing a realtor. You've entrusted your most valuable investment into his or her hands. When you decide to list your home, it is a decision not taken lightly.
We have proudly worked with many quality Realtors and one thing we are reminded of over and over is not only their dedication to their clients but also their knowledge of the housing market.
Realtors have a wealth of information available to them that homeowners can trust and respect. They know the best price range in which to list your home based on the comps in your neighborhood; trust their advice. Many Realtors diligently focus on specific neighborhoods, thus giving them an 'inside' scoop.
The disruption and stress that moving can bring can be lightened by choosing the right Realtor. Do your homework on selecting the Realtor that understands your unique situation and the process of selling your home might less painful than you expected!

Outstanding

Breaks in the weather have enabled me to take notice of the local landscape.... my own yard! Goodness gracious, what Winter can do to our little plot of land we call home! As I view my neighbors' yards, it is obvious that we have been hunkered down a bit too long indoors. While my closets, cabinets & files are tidy and well purged, not so much my yard!
While driving through country back roads, I see local nurseries are advertising their best winter-proofed colorful plants, beckoning for my attention. The bursts of sunshine squeezing through the cold days entice me to get out there and give some loving attention to my flower beds.
It is a perfect time for sellers to take a moment to evaluate what others will see when they pull up to their home. Has the winter's harsh elements left some debris? Do your bushes and plants need some trimming?
If you find you don't have much time or interest to devote to your 'curb appeal' consider using some inexpensive potted plants in strategic places, whether in pots on the porch or along the front walk. If you really want to 'cheat' and have your yard look nice for the exterior RMLS pictures, you can put the plant with the cardboard container directly into the ground, making sure to cover the carton well. It will buy you a little time until you can devote more effort.
A few thoughtfully placed plants, some simple pruning and your yard will be photo ready! After all, who wants to buy "ho-hum" when you can have 'outstanding?"

Illuminate

Dreary skies of grey have the ability to invade; sometimes our mood...sometimes our choices...but let's hope never in our home! If a home is dark, you can feel it. As I was welcomed into our clients' homes this winter, I often found myself reaching for the light switch, hoping to brighten each room. Having a sense of claustrophobia in a home is never a selling point! When someone walks into a well lighted home, it can bring a sense of cheer. A mood can be altered easily, and since people do buy out of emotion, let's lighten up!

A simple remedy is to make sure all your windows are clean, allowing as much natural lighting through as the climate allows. Is there a large shrub blocking the picture window? Cut it back! Check all the light fixtures and lamps for burned out light bulbs and always place in the highest wattage bulb allowable.
A little extra light in a dim corner can make all the difference in how a room is reflected to your potential buyers. As long as there are Oregon Winters and until the days grow longer, invest a little time and money to brighten each room.
Cheers!

New

A new year with new plans! Perhaps a new home with new spaces to put old things. As you look with new eyes at your soon-to-be-listed home, consider what others will see. A home 'shopper' will be looking in your cabinets and closets, hoping to find ample space to house their cherished possessions. A closet that is packed full tells the potential buyer there is not enough storage. A cabinet that is overflowing with too many toiletries or a kitchen pantry filled to the brim sends a red flag warning of a lack of storage. It is best to tackle these areas by boxing up what isn't needed or used on a daily basis. Leaving some empty shelves and removing items from the closet floor will give the impression that there is more than enough storage room! Hey, you are going to have to pack it up anyway, right?!