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?!

Cold

December frigid temperatures~icy laced trees topped with plops of thick snow~bright night sky reflecting the silver tones! All of these winter feelings make you smile.... but then shiver! What looks inviting can be misleading as you walk through the cold. The same is true in a home! Often times a listing looks wonderful, but the interior temperature sends the interested client rushing through a house due to the low temperature. The decision to keep the thermostat low in order to save money can play against the homeowner. A warm house is an inviting house! We suggest when showing your listing, make sure the home's interior is cozy enough, setting the thermostat at a minimum of 58-60 degrees. The extra money you spend, could be money back in your pocket in the long run!

Waiting

It seems, doesn't it, there is much waiting? We wait in lines, we wait in traffic, we wait for phone calls. When we think of the housing market, it seems home owners are waiting also; for the right buyer, for a better offer, the Holiday season to be over before listing. Most are just waiting for the market to change.
Yet in the meantime, there are a few things you could be doing. If you are thinking of listing your home in the New Year, take advantage of this time to get focused. It is also a great time to do some research to achieve an updated look for your lighting. As stagers we often suggest looking up! What impression is your entry light or dining light projecting? For a reasonable price and a little on-line shopping, the simple change can be significant. Does your bathroom have those Hollywood "Diva" lights? Or is your dining light flashing back to the 80's? Then it is time for a change! For a small amount of money, your investment will make a positive impact!