Blogs

It is evident that we have reached a point in our communication style that makes it difficult to go back to just a written note, a quick phone call, or heaven forbid,a 'drop in' visit! If I can't text someone quickly to get my thought out, or ask a quick question, it probably is going to have to wait until I have some extra time on my hands (which is rare!)
It is so convenient to carry on more than one conversation at a time; texting one person while chatting with the one sitting across from me. Can you say multi-tasking? I love email; quick and easy. Get to the point, hit send and I am done! I adore my laptop; I sit cross legged on my couch, favorite CD playing, a wonderful something to drink and away I go!
Twitter, Blogging, Blackberry, the web. All wonderful tools! Yet, I have to admit, when I go out to the mailbox and see a hand written envelope ( a real one, not those fake company fonts that make me question if it is personal), I usually open the envelope before I even make it back to my house. And if it is really special, I put it in that little red basket to read again later.
Most of us feel the same way. We love technology, I use technology, but when it comes right down to it, I kinda miss that personal touch.
A home buyer is like that; first they look online....getting to the bottom line of what that house is like. Is it in the right neighborhood? How many bathrooms? What is the square footage? All this information at the tip of their fingertips! But once all that is analyzed, they still want that personal touch. They want to walk through it, picturing themselves in the home. Such an important aspect is the emotional connection. Though the pictures and the 'stats' bring them in, what really sells a home is the personal touch. You can't get that with technology! Feeling the emotion of a home is what sells a home. Maybe someone will walk away from your house, and mentally put it in their little red basket.

advice

Those of us who are parents know the challenge of having our children actually take our advice. I could come up with a perfect solution to a difficult situation, careful in my selection of words, giving encouragement and love. It would often be met with a reply challenging my understanding or assuming a mother's downright ignorance. The blank expression, possible tears would invoke in me a reaction of frustration.
Ah, but then, ...Oh the wisdom of another! The best friend's mom, the older sister or a mentor could say exactly the same thing and "wha-la' ....Amazing Revelation!!
It seemed as if there was determination to drive me literally bonkers! I would hear myself think..."Isn't that what I said?" But now with their new found wisdom, I realized that the end result was basically what I was hoping for. It didn't matter whether I received the accolades, but there was joy in having the issue resolved.
Advice is like that.
Sometimes it just takes the right wording or credentials to make a difference. As a stager, I find the homeowner will realize the value of what is said, trusting that a professional knows the situation. Quite possibly the realtor offered the same advice, but with a different voice, the listener absorbs. I have learned the beauty of having someone else step in, backing up my desires or advice can work to my advantage. Less stress for me! Sooner or later when my words echo back, I smile to myself.

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?"