Get A Goode Start Decorating

The term, “Home staging” is being used more and more these days. Just tune into the HGTV and you’ll see a bevy of shows about staging and house hunting. But for many homeowners who don’t watch the shows, “home staging” is a relatively new term. In previous years, it was left up to the homeowner to prepare their home for showings. Although some real estate agents are knowledgable and can advise the homeowners about home staging, most agents are experts in the field of selling and closing, not home design. Agents generally know what factors can help sell a home, but they don't have time to assist the homeowners in what can be a long process in getting their homes into selling condition. Professional home stagers are experts in the art of preparing a home for resale. They can help eliminate clutter, arrange (or remove) furniture, assist in enhancing curb appeal and help the house look welcoming. With the assistance of a professional home stager, your house can make a positive ...

Moving is one of the most stressful times in your life, and if you are trying to sell your house during the summer months when your kids are at home, you may feel like pulling your hair out, strand by strand. Especially if you're trying to stay ahead of the of the toy clutter. Well, I have a few suggestions that may help you wage attack on the toys and win! 1. Try to keep a box for the toys for each child in your house. I'd like to suggest that you keep the rest in storage or alternate the toys (in storage) if your house is on the market for more than a few weeks. 2. Try to limit the games or building toys with small pieces to ones with large pieces. This will facilitate the daily clean-up. 3. Limit toys that are large and have lots of parts - such as kitchen sets and kid's furniture - suggest that you keep those in storage since they may distract the potential buyer and prevent them from envisioning themselves living in your home. 4. In the front yard, keep outdoor to...

If you have decided to sell your home, you probably are trying to prepare your home to sell in this slow market. Here are five reasons a professional home stager can help you sell your home: 1. Outshine your competition. The real estate market is still slow. Most homes will sit on the market for months because there are so many homes for prospective buyers to consider. Today, there is so little incentive for buyers so, as home owner, you need to stand out from the rest! Consider hiring a home stager/ real estate stager to evaluate your home and give you an objective point of view with their recommendations on how your property can outshine the rest. Recently, my clients spent less than $500 to have me stage their home. I helped them declutter, used most of their belongings and added accessories for punch. Their condo received two contracts in 10 days and sold for more than the asking price. The feedback from these prospective buyers was very complimentary, while their neighbor's co...

Foreclosure. The word even sounds daunting. So many people around the country are facing the possibility of foreclosure. If you're in this category, my advice to you is be proactive. Contact your mortgage lender immediately and politely and clearly explain your situation. You may be able to negotiate a modified mortgage payment plan. I know people in Florida who didn't contact their mortgage company in time to save their home. Sadly, their story did not have a happy ending, so call your lender as soon as possible -- and don't wait for them to call you back. Remember the old cliche -- the squeeky wheel gets the grease! If you've decided that you need to sell your home to avoid foreclosure, please, please hire the best real estate agent in your area. Ask your friends for referrals or call the Real Estate Association in your state for the best reference! A real estate agent needs to have knowledge of your area, be able to provide you with comparable home sales and make thi...