Archive for January, 2009
Stand Out
“What you see is what you get…” is a common expression and it is also the first half of a great truth in real estate….”…and will pay for.” Buyers shopping for a home believe that what they see in a house is what they will get and that determines what they are willing to pay. The big challenge for sellers is that few buyers can visualize beyond what they can see. It’s hard for them to envision how a house will look in its very best condition and they have an even harder time seeing themselves doing the work!
In this market, savvy sellers know that their homes must show in the best possible light. They must outshine the competition! The two biggest factors in selling a home are price and condition. The two are intertwined. To make a house go, it must show! So price it right and then stage and prepare the home so that it stands out!
Here are tips to attract a buyer. Even if you aren’t selling your house, these tricks will make your home a welcoming retreat for you and your guests.
1. Declutter & Clean: First step to creating an eye catching home. Nothing stops a buyer faster than a dirty house. Clean and declutter each room, starting at the ceiling and working your way to the floor. Deep clean kitchens and bathrooms as these rooms come under the most scrutiny. As you sort through clutter use the rule of three: Store away, throw away, give away.
2. Curb Appeal: First impressions really do count. You have about 10 seconds to catch the eye of a buyer 
and make them want to see more. Clean and declutter the front porch while you are cleaning the house and make sure the walkway is clear. A fresh coat of paint on the front door, gleaming hardware and a potted plant (in feasible weather) or an item of interest will go a long way in creating a welcoming atmosphere.
3. Do a Walkthru of the House: Try to walk through your home and see it as if you’d never been in it before. We get used to the way our homes look and often fail to see an obvious eye sore. I recommend this trick. Use your digital camera to take pics of each room, download them to your computer and then scrutinize them online. Often an overlooked problem area will come to your attention. Take the necessary steps to make each room as inviting as possible.
4. Neutralize: You may like dark colored walls or your little girl may love her hot pink bedroom, but such personal choices can make it difficult for buyers to visualize the room as their own. Go neutral…all through the house. Lighten dark walls and play down 
children’s rooms by packing away most of the toys. Broaden the possibilities if you have a specialized room. Make your sewing room look more like an office or guest room. Now is the time to pack away your mementos and trophies so the future owner can squint their eyes and see their own possessions there. I showed one gorgeous home several times to different buyers…who every time were horrified by the 30 or so deer heads mounted on the family room wall! Sadly, that home never did sell.
5. Let there be light: A dark, dreary home depresses a buyer and can hide great features. The solutions are so simple. Replace dark window treatments with light airy ones. Wash all the windows so natural light shines in and leave window coverings open during the day. Make sure EVERY light bulb is functional, replacing all burnt out bulbs. If there is a shadowy corner, add a floor or table lamp to chase away the darkness.
Right before a showing, do these last minute touch ups: Make sure your fridge is clean and kitchen cupboards are organized. Throw away kitchen sponges and put away dirty dishtowels and mops and brooms. Empty all wastebaskets and take out all garbage. Replace bar soap with liquid soap dispensers in all bathrooms, and put out clean, pretty towels. Make sure your doormats are clean. Sweep your front porch and sidewalk.
Vision for 2009
A new year! I love January. It’s a time of new beginnings and there are so many possibilities and opportunities beckoning out there. I don’t make new year’s resolutions but I do a lot of goal setting and planning for my business and for my life. One of the fun and inspiring activities that I do each year is create a vision board. I cut out pictures and words from magazines or print out pics on the computer that represent my goals and desires for the upcoming year. These images go on a piece of white board and then up on the wall in my office where I can look at it every day.
For the past two years, a trip to Scotland has taken up a large portion of my vision board. And this year, that dream will become a reality in July. I am so excited! Scotland is on my 2009 board…after all, I haven’t actually gotten there yet…but this year I have devoted more space to a dream that I’ve had for about 8 years. Stay tuned for more about that adventure as I take some major steps this year in seeing that dream take shape!
2009 is full of promise! I’ve selected the word “Reach” as my theme for the year as I reach goals, arrive at chosen destinations, reach out to others, reach deep within myself and extend my reach in my business and in my life. I wish you a prosperous and joyful year as well!
Cindy Moore
Your Joplin Realtor
Open House Video 2539 Minnesota
