Real Estate Insider

Preparing the Kitchen for Showings

2012-02-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

The kitchen is the heartbeat of the home and one of, if not the biggest, selling features of a home. So you definitely want to make sure it is looking the best it possibly can. Counter tops should be completely clear, no microwave, toaster, blender, coffee pot, napkin holder, bread maker, or dish rack. This will create the impression of more counter space. Make sure the counters are sparkling clean and should be replaced if they are old and worn. Depending on the age, consider updating the kitchen. It's a wise investment that will return dividends. At a minimum replace old burners on the range. Do not put plants on top of kitchen cabinets. If the cabinets have chips and dings, a little sanding and paint would be a good idea. Replace brass knobs with brushed nichol or iron for a more modern look. De-clutter the cabinets by removing the excess to the garage. It will give the appearance of plenty of space for the buyer's dishes. The refrigerator should not be a bulletin board and should be completely clear. Remove calendars, magnets, and photos. Also remove pet dishes and excess storage bins. Stow the garbage, sponges, and soap dispensers under the sink. Hanging pots, dish towels, and paper towel holders should also be removed. If the kitchen floor is out dated or damaged, replacing it with Pergo or neutral toned linoleum would be advisable. Use fresh fruit in an attractive bowl for decoration. All of these small things will add up in making your kitchen look fabulous!

Staging Your Dining Room

2012-02-07T07:22:00.000-08:00

Today's post is all about the dining room. While this room isn't a big selling feature, you need to make sure you do everything you can to make it look it's best. For example, it should not look like an offce, child's play room, exercise, or music room. If you use it for this purpose that is completely fine, but when you put your house on the market you will need to put it back as dining room. Borrow or rent a table and chairs if necessary, or use a card table or patio table and disguise it with a table cloth. A brass chandelier should be replaced with something more up to date. A china cabinet should not be over stuffed. Take some pieces out if necessary and use for decorations elsewhere in the home. The use of mirrors can make the dining room look larger, if available. Set the dining room table with attractive place settings so buyers can visualize entertaining there. A flower arrangement on the table will also help make the room more attractive. As with other rooms in the home, remove excess furniture such as tea carts and extra chairs. Take them to the garage. It is ok for the garage to be cluttered but not the house.

Day 3 - Staging Your Living Room

2012-02-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

A living room should be just that and not an exercise, office, or game room. Just as with other rooms, wall paper should be removed and replaced with a more neutral paint. If the floor covering is carpet have the carpet professionally cleaned, especially if there are pets in the house. Removing pet odor is a must. If the carpet is worn having it replaced with new carpet will return dividends. If there are hardwood floors that are worn, consider having them refinished or at least put on a new coat of varnish. Sparkling floors can make a big difference. Open window coverings to let more light in the room. Remember, light sells, dark does not sell. If drapes are dated they should be removed, no drapes are better than ones that are dated. Wood blinds are also a good addition but leave them open during showings. Make sure fireplaces are clean with real wood resting on the grate. If there is a gas fireplace, have it on during winter months. A framed mirror would also be attractive over the mantel if available. Living room furniture should be placed in a conversation friendly configuration. A sofa facing the fireplace flanked by nice chairs makes a good arrangement. Remove excess furniture and store in the garage. Too much furniture will make the room look small.

On to the Entryway!

2012-01-31T08:20:00.000-08:00

Today's staging tip focuses on the entryway. Just like the front yard is the buyers first impression of your home, the entryway is their first impression of the inside. So if you follow these easy strategies, your entryway will be warm and inviting!
The color should be pleasing and coordinate well with the rest of the house. If tile in the entryway is outdated in style and color consider replacing with udpated tiles or wood. Otherwise, use a throw rug to minimize the effect. Coat racks should be removed or at least empty. Shoe racks should also be removed and do not use a "remove your shoes" sign unless the carpet is brand new. Hide key racks and replace dated light fixtures. Remove excess wall clutter and family photos. You want buyers to visualize their family living there, not yours. Avoid bright colors and modern, ethnic, or religious art. Attractive mirrors are generally preferable to art work. A hall table is good for Realtor's cards and flyers. A scented candle could be used to warm and scent the entry.

Come back tomorrow for staging tips for your Living Room!

Seven Staging Principles

2012-01-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

If you are thinking of putting your home on the market or currently have it for sale, here are some great strategies to help get it ready and keep it staged for showings. Each day this week I will post one new strategy, so be sure to check back so you don't miss any!

1. Make a great first impression! The outside of the house is the first thing a buyer will see. Make sure their first look creates a positive impression. Stand in front of the house and visualize things that can be done to make the property look like the houses in magazines. Remove cobwebs, put a fresh coat of paint or stain on the front door, power wash if necessary, wash the windows, replace or paint the mailbox, exterior lights should be shined, painted or replaced, pot flowers and place by the front door. All grass needs to be green and free of bare spots. Bushes should be pruned and rounded for a pleasing appearance and vegetation should not be higher than the fence unless it is there to hide an unpleasant view. Remove all weeds and put fresh mulch around shrubbery for a neat appearance. Make sure all windows are clear of vegatation to allow more light into the home. Plant seasonal flowers in various places around the front of the house to add color.
With respect to the backyard, handle grass the same as the front for a well manicured appearance. Power wash patios and decks to make them look clean and fresh. Consider staining decks and patios to make them look newer, an old washed out deck is a turn off. Put away children's toys and trampolines. Put down the umbrella if it is blocking the view of the back yard. If the BBQ grill is in poor condition keep it covered and make sure it is not obstructing any views from the windows. Clean the eves of spider webs and dirt. Below you can see the before/after photos of a backyard and what a huge difference it makes!

These may seem like small things but they add up to a much better impression! Come back tomorrow and see how to stage your entryway ~

*sources "Peggy's Corner, Stage Your Home for Profit"
Frontdoor.com

Worth-the-Price Fix-Ups

2012-01-27T14:32:00.000-08:00

Simple and affordable do-it-yourself projects can greatly increase a home's resale value, according to HomeGain's annual home improvement and staging survey. The marketing company surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals to discover which DIY home improvement projects give sellers the biggest return for their buck. Here are six projects under $1,000 (amounts are estimated) that made the list.

1. Cleaning and decluttering. Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean. $290 Cost, $1,990 Return

2. Brightening. Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows. $375 Cost, $1,550 Return

3. Smart Staging. Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, incorporate artwork, and play soft music in the background. $550 Cost, $2,194 Return

4. Landscaping enhancements. Punch up the home's curb appeal in the front and back yards by adding bark mulch, bushes, and flowers and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured. $540 Cost, $1,932 Return

5. Repairing electrical or plumbing. Fix leaks under the sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition. Update the home's electrical with new wiring for modern appliances , fix any lights or outlets that don't work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures. $535 Cost, $1,505 Return

6. Replacing or shampooing dirty carpets. Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks. $647 Cost, $1,739 Return

*excerpted from HomeGain's 2011 Home Sale Maximizer Survey

Tax bills mailed today for Mecklenburg County

2011-08-29T04:58:00.000-07:00

Homeowners in Mecklenburg county will be receiving their tax bills this week. This is the first revaluation since 2003. Many will see an increase in taxes due to the rising property values this year. If you live in Mecklenburg and have questions regarding your tax bill you can call 311.

Welcome to my blog!

2011-08-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

Check back frequently for the latest market trends, new listings, and to find out what's happening in the community!

Today's topic is Hurricane Irene. While I have been enjoying the nice breeze today, I pray that everyone stays safe in the areas where it has hit or will hit soon.