• 1st 90% of all homes sold are viewed first by buyers on-line. Like my mama always said, "you never get a 2nd chance to make a 1st impresssion."
• Once your house is viewed, it's on to the next. With our fast-paced society, information saturation via internet/media and the growing demands placed on families...buyers don't have the time to scour every home twice.
• Housing inventory is at a surplus level fueled by foreclosures, short sales and the overall state of the economy; creating a very competitive buyers market.

So, it is that much more important to have a real estate agent who can give you that competitive edge. One of the most important 'edges' is professional listing pictures; whether it's a true professional photographer or a true professional real estate agent who understands the value and importance coupled with the ability to showcase your property in the best light.

When interviewing an agent, you should always ask to see a portfolio of examples for past sold listings. Anyone can take a picture, but can your agent find the right perspective or angle that showcases each room or exterior photo in the best light. Speaking of light, there's nothing more important than lighting when taking a listing picture. A dark picture hides the room and its contents and turns off the buyer with a cold, unwelcoming feeling. A room with just the right light (ambient, natural and flash) can create warmth and welcoming triggering positive emotions for the would-be-buyers. A picture is as much about light as it is perspective and knowing how to 'stage' a house/picture. 

So, when selling your home, make sure it is shown in the best possible light: hire a qualified realtor who understands the value, importance of professional-quality listing pictures and possesses the skills/know-how to capture the right perspective and light.

Selling your house? Consider renting a Storage Unit.

    
Selling a house can be an extremely stressful process. Dealing with multiple walk through appointments, talking to your real estate agent, and making preparations to move all add to the confusion that is selling a home
. One way to cut down on some of the stress is to invest in a storage unit while waiting for your home
 to sell. Why on earth would anyone want to rent a storage unit while waiting for their house to sell? It will help give them a head a start on their own move in the future while making their house more appealing to potential buyers.

After selling a house many sellers find that they have only 30 days to completely pack, move out of, and clean their old home. This might be doable for some hone owners but many home owners have a hard time especially if they are parents that have many children who are unable to help with the move. Investing in a storage rental unit will help get a head start on all of the chaos.

Before putting your house on the market, or immediately afterwords, invest in a storage rental unit if you do not already have one. If you do have one but it is a small one used for storing a few valuable items talk to your storage rental facility about upgrading to a larger unit. Then clean out your new unit and begin moving your furniture out of your home and into the storage unit. Focus on moving the furniture that you do not immediately need out of the house first. This can include couches, extra beds, desks, televisions, etc. Anything that you and your family do not need to survivor or do not use on a daily basis.

Next, start packing up your belongings that can be spared. This can include everything that is decorating your home that is pretty to look at but not immediately useful. Start packing up pictures, paintings, and other things that are hanging on the walls. This will give you a chance to fix any holes that might cause a problem with potential sellers while giving you a head start on minor repairs that will be necessary. Then start packing up extra clothing. Place all of the clothing in tight plastic containers that have been filled with paper to avoid moving and moth balls to avoid damage. Leave only enough clothes in your house that is necessary to get through work and casual activities. Always remember that you can go to your storage unit at anytime to retrieve anything that you placed inside by accident.

After you have packed everything into boxes or plastic containers that can be packed including clothes, books, and pictures start packing up all extra kitchen appliances. Once you have everything out of the way you can begin giving your home a thorough cleaning. This will help your home sell because visitors will see a nice, spacious, residence that is clean and well cared for. Also you will no longer have to worry about strangers coming through your home while you are gone and being able to go through all of your personal belongings.

Lastly, using your storage unit while you are waiting for your house to sell will make it easier for you and your family to move once your house has sold. As soon as your house has sold and you are able to move you will be able to easily have your remaining furniture moved to your new residence and your home made available to the new owner. This will help avoid an awkward transition between owners where the new owner must wait impatiently for the old owner to completely vacate the premises. By using a storage rental you will be able to quickly move into your new house and then slowly move your items out of storage into your new home. No more scrambling around trying to plan a last minute move from one home to the next.

Another benefit of using your storage rental when you are waiting for your house to sell is that it gives you the opportunity to get rid of junk that you have been holding onto. Many people are pack rats meaning they love to hold onto to things even if they aren't immediately useful. Packing things up and moving them into storage gives families and individuals two chances to go through their belongings in search of things to throw away. They have one chance when initially packing and moving things to storage and another chance when moving things out of storage into a new home.http://www.storage-rental-guide.com

Should you sell your home during the holidays?


Ask any Realtor and they will tell you that the busiest time of the year for showing and selling homes is springtime, when the weather is nice and houses and yards looks their best. Like many other businesses, the real estate industry is somewhat seasonal. Property transactions take place all year ‘round, but the winter months are typically slower – if for no other reason than it is more uncomfortable to house hunt when there is snow and ice on the ground. And during the year-end holidays, when most of us want to spend time with family and friends, home buyers tend to do likewise. If buyers do have time to shop during December, for example, they are more inclined to go to the mall than to their neighborhood real estate office or model home open house. And buying a home means moving. Nobody wants to face the task of packing up and clearing out to move into a new house while they are in the middle of holiday celebrations and entertaining at their current home. Instead of stuffing boxes with dishes and bubble wrap, most folks prefer to stuff the turkey – or stuff themselves on holiday treats – and save the whole process of relocation until the new year. As the kids return to school and life returns to normal, people again set their sights on real estate.

But in the meantime, as the holiday spirit inspires stay-at-home events, it is not recommended that you open your house for buyers to schedule appointments and tour it. A better suggestion is to use the time to enhance your marketing plan, spruce things up, repair those leaky faucets, and eliminate the post-holiday clutter.

Here are five holiday tips of the home seller:

1.It’s wintertime, so chill!


Packing up, selling a home, and relocating all rank on the top of the stress lists of psychological studies. And ironic as it may seem, the Christmas holiday season is another big contributor to stress for those living in the USA. While there is a lull in the real estate action – and you have a chance to catch your breath – call your Realtor and postpone appointments to show your house for a few days or a couple of weeks.
2.Do your homework on the competition
Research recent listings, sales, and other activity in your local real estate market, to find out where your property stands in comparison to other homes in the neighborhood. Study the time on the market of other properties, to see if the amount of time it takes to find a buyer has changed. Analyze prices based on square footage and on the condition of the houses and their amenities. This kind of homework can give you facts to help you price your home strategically, and can help you take your emotions and mental guessing games out of the process and be more objective and realistic.
3.Make any necessary repairs and improvements
While everyone is busy with holiday party planning, take care of cosmetic repairs or minor house maintenance projects that need to be done. Clean out the closets and gutters, fix the broken doorknobs, and paint that drab bathroom or kitchen. Spend your time and money where it will have the most immediate impact in terms of cosmetic appeal, so that you can add equity without going overboard on your budget.
4.Update your market calendar
If your house is actively listed for sale, you should be pro actively involved in marketing it. Maybe you need to schedule a weekend open house, a change in the price, or a newspaper advertising campaign. Use the slow time in the real estate sales market to plan ahead, and you’ll have an advantage when the buyers begin house hunting after the holidays.
5.Consider your options
Lay out options for refinancing or other contingencies that allow you to take advantage of your property and the alternatives available to you. The more options we have, the more liberated we feel. And when prepping a house to sell, you never want to paint yourself into a corner – literally or figuratively.

                                                                               

                             Light the Way with Luminaries!

                                                                     
As the seasons approach, the nights get colder, longer and less inviting. So the home shoppers tend to 'hole up' for the seasons on through the winter. Traditionally home sales decrease every year beginning with the holiday seasons and ending with early spring as the buyers wake from their long winter's nap.
                                                                               
So, why not warm up your home and draw those reluctant buyers...in! Luminaries provide light, warmth and an eye-catching appeal to your curb! Not only that, they can be used throughout the seasons. If you keep the luminary simple without holiday-specific stencils or decor, they can be left up for 3 moths; October-December. However, if you are looking for an art project, here are a few 'how-to' ideas and website links for making or purchasing various types of luminaries:

http://www.flicluminaries.com/

http://www.simplyluminaries.com/

http://www.ehow.com/how_10671_make-holiday-luminaries.html

                                                   How to make Halloween luminaries from recycled milk jugs

                                                                

Recycle those old milk jugs into your favorite Halloween creature. Not only will you be improving the environment, you will also be lighting the way for some Halloween fun! Making these simple luminaries is a joy for children, adults, and anyone else who may want to scare up a little Halloween magic!

Rinse out the old milk jugs and let them dry

Step 2Use the craft knife to cut a small whole in the back of the jug. You just want it big enough for the strand of lights to fit through.

Step 3Paint your jugs and turn them into your favorite Halloween creatures. Pumpkins, ghosts, skeletons, cats, bats, etc.....

Step 4For smaller children or parents who don't want to deal with messy paint, sharpie markers can be used to create great jack o lantern faces and ghost faces. It is easy to create and clean up!

Step 5After the paint has dried, insert the strand of lights through the hole in the back. Leave the plug hanging out so when you are ready to light up your creation you won't have to dig around for the plug!

                                                  
Things You'll Need:
old milk jugs
strand of "holiday" lights
craft knife
pencil
sharpie markers or acrylic paints

                                                                              How to Make Luminaries for Halloween

Using the Halloween stencil, go ahead and draw on each of the paper bags, making sure to keep the drawings on the upper part of the paper bag. Using the craft knife or scissors cut the stencils out of the bag taking care not to cut the sides of the bags.

Step 2Write "Happy Halloween" on the bags with the glitter pen or markers to add a decorative touch for daylight viewing. Using the colored Halloween stickers, adding these where you think they would look good.

Step 3Fill each bag with half of a cup of the sand, and shake the bag a bit to make the sand spread out, and set one tea candle in each bag. Set the bag aside on a level surface until later if you have a cleaned your walk for this decorative touch.

Step 4Prepare the area in which you will set your luminaries; this can be an area of a sidewalk or a rock garden, just make sure they are set out of the immediate area where they might be knocked over.

Step 5Begin setting your luminaries so that they are ready to light as the last of the light disappears from the sky at nightfall. Go ahead and light the tea candle within the bag, and enjoy the flicking romance of the luminaries as you watch your trick or treaties or enjoy a relaxing night with your loved ones.

Things You'll Need:
12 small brown paper bags
12 small tea candles
Six cups of play sand
Halloween stencils
Pencil
Craft knife or paper scissors
Halloween stickers
Glitter pen or markers

                                                                                    How to Make Autumn Luminaries

With the bag folded, lay leaves on top of bag.

Step 2Fill a spray bottle half full of water.

Step 3Add about 1 to 2 tsp. of acrylic paint to the water bottle.

Step 4Shake it well to mix.

Step 5Spray over the bag and leaves. Let it dry.

Step 6Remove the leaves.

Step 7Turn the bag over and lay leaves on top of the bag.

Step 8Spray the paint over the bag and leaves. Let it dry.

Step 9Remove the leaves.

Step 10Repeat steps 5 through 9 for rest of the bags you are decorating.

Step 11Open each bag and fill them with about 1-inch of sand in the bottom of each bag.

Step 12Add a battery-operated light to each bag.

Things You'll Need:
Colored paper lunch size bags
Fall leaves
Acrylic paint
Spray bottle
Sand
Battery operated lights

                                                                           How to Make Unique Luminaries

Step 1 Peel off any labels on the can and wash.
Fill with water and freeze.
You need the ice to keep the can from collapsing when hammering in the nails
Decide on a design and either put it on paper and tape it to the can or draw the design on wide masking tape wrapped around the can.
Pick a simple design, such as diamonds or hearts.

Step 2 Lightly pound in the nails. Use different size nails for different size holes, or just use one for a uniform look.

Step 3 Make 2 holes near the rim of the can on opposite sides for the handle.
Cut a length of 16-gauge wire and bend it in a U-shaped handle.
Turn up each end to make a hook.
Attach the handle to the holes on each side of the can

Step 4 Fill the can about 1/3 from bottom with sand or gravel.
Add a votive candle.

A variation is to make cuts in the metal in addition to the holes.
Use a sharp chisel to add diagonal cuts and push them in using the tip of a screwdriver or something kind of sharp. Don't let the children use their fingers, as they could get cut.

Things You'll Need:
Empty coffee cans
16 gage wire
nail/s
hammer
wide masking tape
pen or pencil

Let Uncle Sam Help Pay for Energy Efficiency Improvements. In the process, improve the resale value of your home! 

 The $8,000 New Home Buyer Tax Credit (along with the Cash-for-Clunkers) may have dominated the headlines recently, but some energy  efficiency Tax Credits offered by the federal government could be even more useful for the average homeowner. You may be eligible for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the cost of materials (up to $1,500) for certain products purchased between January 1, 2009 and December 31st, 2010.

So, this hearkens the debate on Hybrid vehicles: If I buy a hybrid, I will pay more money, but save on gas...that being said, the extra money up front would not be recouped for approximately 5 years (depending on the price of gas). So, does it make sense to pay the extra cost up front?  Well, whether it's a car or home, it all depends on how long you stay in it. The 6th year of owning the car is all savings! Now, the next question is: Will a homeowner pay extra money for a home with these energy-efficient upgrades? Yes, but you will not recoup all of your money. We all know that kitchens and baths are the best return on money, but even those leave money on the table. An average kitchen remodel brings about 80% return. You may not recoup all of your money, but you will certainly improve the resale. In this down market, any improvement helps...anything to set you off from the overwhelming competition!

Below are the rating specifications for eligible energy efficiency products:

Product Category Product Type Tax Credit Specification
Insulation Insulation Meets 2009 IECC & Amendments
Windows & Doors Windows, Doors, and Skylights Before June 1, 2009:
Must meet ENERGY STAR criteria

After June 1, 2009:
U factor <= 0.30

SHGC <= 0.30 

Storm Windows & Storm Doors In combination with the exterior window over which it is installed:
has a U-factor and SHGC of 0.30 or below
Meets the IECC
 
Roofing Metal Roofs,
Asphalt Roofs All ENERGY STAR qualified metal and reflective asphalt shingles
HVAC Central A/C Split Systems:
SEER >= 16, EER >=13
Package systems:
SEER >= 14, EER >= 12
Air Source Heat Pumps Split Systems:
HSPF >= 8.5, EER >= 12.5, SEER >= 15Package systems:
HSPF >= 8, EER >= 12, SEER >= 14 
Natural Gas or Propane Furnace AFUE >= 95
 
Oil Furnace AFUE >= 90
 
Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler AFUE >= 90
 
Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan No more than 2% of furnace total energy use.
Water Heaters Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater Energy Factor >= 0.82
or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.
Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Energy Factor >= 2.0
Biomass Stove Biomass Stove Stove which burns biomass fuel to heat a home or heat water.

Thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% as measured using a lower heating value.
 
Extended Opportunities: The following upgrades are eligible for a 30% of cost tac credit (without an upper limit) if placed into service before December 31st, 2016:
Geo-Thermal Heat Pump Geo-Thermal Heat Pump Same criteria as ENERGY STAR:

                                                             Back to School with Chalkboard Paint!

                                                                   
If you thought chalkboards were just for schoolrooms, think again. These wipe-off writing surfaces make handy helpers around the home, too. Thanks to paint that dries into a chalkboard finish, your board can be whatever size you desire and placed wherever you like. Store-bought formulas come in traditional green and black. But you can also follow our recipe to mix your own batch in any shade. Cleverly applied chalkboard paint means new places to track appointments, keep lists, and leave messages. Or simply use the surface to draw or doodle, which will appeal to kids and the kid in everyone. Wall Calendar A home office is the ideal spot for a family planner. Six weeks' worth of squares in a variety of shades can accommodate several schedules. The entire wall is also coated with chalkboard paint for more memos.Start with a base coat of store-bought black chalkboard paint, and then mix in varying amounts of white chalkboard paint for lighter squares.

                                                                                

Mudroom MuralThe bottom half of a mudroom wall just the right height for pint-size Picassos -- coated with store-bought green chalkboard paint. When inspiration strikes again, the canvas can be wiped clean with a damp sponge. Corkboard, available at home centers, covers the wall above the chair rail, providing an area for art displays. The cork was colored with latex paint to match the room.

                                                                                
Message Center
Write-on paint needn't be applied only to walls. We coated three framed panels and leaned them on an entryway shelf, where they function as miniature chalkboards. To create a similar effect, measure and cut pieces of sanded plywood, and slip them into picture frames. Cover each panel, frame and all, with primer and chalkboard paint; our topcoat coordinates with the aqua-blue walls.

                                                                                

Pantry Reminder
Covered with chalkboard paint, a pantry door serves as the perfect place to keep a running shopping list. In this case, only the inside panels were coated, but we custom-colored the paint so that it blends seamlessly with the rest of the door. This concept also works on children's closet doors. Always tape off those areas that you don't want to paint, such as knobs and hardware.

Custom Colors How-To
Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.
1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.

2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.

3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.

4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.                                         
                                                                              

                                                        
                 
                                                                                       Framing Children's Artwork
It's back to school! Time for art...          
I love my boys. I truly appreciate their artwork, but I just can't bring myself to plaster the refrigerator or kitchen walls with random bits of artful mementos. Nowhere else in your home do you randomly display articles. When displaying any article in our homes, we either place it on a shelf or hang it as a framed piece. So, why should your child's artwork be any different?

Additionally, If you are selling your home, it is important to declutter and depersonalize your spaces. This is done so that people can envision themselves and their belongings in the house. If your refrigerator is plastered with pictures and magnets, buyers are turned off. 


Consider frames without glass. Without the glass, it is so much easier to keep the frame as a constant and simply rotate the art. It does not have to fit perfectly in the frame. and can be fixed with double-backed tape, simple but cool tacks or a decorative clip.

A few things to consider:

1) an 8x10 frame or 11X14(if you have the space) is ideal.
2) consider a shadow box lined with choice of background.
3) remember this will be a permanent fixture, rotate the art.
4) don't be afraid to alter/cut the artwork,but get permission!
5) involve your child in the 'presentation' process!
6) consider groupings of frames (multi-kid or sequence).
7) salvage old frames with different style and texture, then paint.

Other ideas:

For a semi-permanent and more crisp solution for that special piece, floating frames are great too.

No budget constraints? Frames that open like cases or shadow boxes... http://www.improvementscatalog.com/product/id/118326.do#

Don’t be afraid to hang it where you will see it:

When children’s art is framed, grouped and hung properly it can go almost anywhere in the house. Don’t hide it in the kids’ rooms or playroom.

Your child’s art is important; display it proudly.

De-Clutter!

Your home may be in good condition and well built, yet simple clutter will create a perception of chaos, confusion, and disorder. The purchase decision is an emotional and intellectual response, based on a level of trust in your home. When buyers see clutter, they assume that the home has been neglected, with more to fix than meets the eye. This perception undermines your home's market value. Basically, you're helping the prospective buyer to visualize themselves in your house. De-cluttering is an essential part of your preparation, and is virtually cost free. This activity goes hand in hand with moving. Before you put your home on the market, have a garage sale, throw some things out, and box stuff up. Your move will be easier, and you will create an open, spacious, simplified look that buyers love. If you need support, a local home staging service can work with your furniture and create a whole new look. When it comes to selling your home, less is truly more.

People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it.

•  If you don't need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
• Remove all books from bookcases.
• Pack up those knickknacks.
• Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
•  Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
• Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.

7 Steps to De-Clutter Your house

Front Yard
 
De-cluttering starts with your front yard. Make sure the yard is mowed and edged, and remove toys, junk piles, empty flower pots, etc.

An evenly cut yard is pleasing to the eye. Fertilize the grass a month or two ahead.

Overgrown, woody shrubs give an old, tired look. Trim or remove them.

Do not allow shrubs to cover windows. They block light on the interior, and give an appearance of crowding on the exterior.

Coil hoses and place any tools inside the garage.

Find a place to store extra cars or boats - other than the front of your house.

De-clutter flower beds. Mulch is inexpensive (about $2.00 per bag), and does wonders to simplify garden beds, especially in winter when plants are thin. Add flowers on the porch or in beds if weather permits.

Too many flowerpots are distracting - use a few large pots with healthy plants.

Never have empty pots or dead plants sitting around.

Dried wreaths may be used on doors in winter, for a simple focal point.

Entry

The buyers' first impression is critical, and shapes their attitude throughout the showing.

Invest in a brand new welcome mat.

Stains, scratches and dirty spots create distractions to the eye, and are a form of clutter. Clean, paint, and eliminate as many of these as possible.

Pay close attention to your front door. Is it dirty, darkened by mildew, or in need of re-finishing?

Fresh paint or stain will make a huge difference.

Consider having your whole house power washed to remove stains, spider webs and other clutter.

The foyer should be clear of shoes, coats, or excess items on the walls.

Create a single focal point in the entry with an attractive table or painting.

Living Areas

Rooms should be sparsely furnished to appear larger and lighter.

The garage or an off-site storage room can be used to hold extra pieces of furniture.

Move large pieces of equipment - drums, telescopes, exercise equipment, etc. - to the garage or off-site.

Do not allow furniture to block windows, doorways, or traffic patterns through rooms.

Do not allow wires to cross traffic patterns.

Choose one or two elements as the main points of interest in a room - wood floors, a view, a table or piece of furniture, a nicely made bed, etc.

Too many personal collections and photographs are distracting for buyers.

Buyers must be able to imagine their own family in the home.

A few decorative items or photographs on tables are fine, but reduce these to just a few nice pieces.

Remove hunting trophies. They can be overwhelming in a small room, and may bother some buyers.

Large plants often take up too much space. Allow only a few healthy plants in the house.

Bookshelves add a warm touch to a room, but be sure that they are not overloaded.

Place books so that the backs are even. Lay some books horizontally, and leave open space for art
objects.

Open window blinds and leave on a few lamps for pleasant lighting.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home and plays an important part in attracting the heart of a buyer. This is an active area that usually needs special attention.

Clean, evenly finished cabinetry is a must. Add new paint or stain, if necessary.

Benjamin Moore Paints has a product called "Howard's Restore-a-finish" that works wonders on scratched or worn cabinets.

New cabinet pulls are an inexpensive item that can help tie the room together in terms of colors and finishes.

Remove purely functional items - such as baking pans, small appliances, vitamins, phone books, plastic bags, etc.

Do not have notes or photos on the refrigerator.

Clear the counters completely, then add back a few decorator items.

Choose decorative pieces that contribute to a warm, elegant, organized look.

Some suggestions: Flowers, fruit, cookbooks, wine, bowls, antiques, new dish towels, small designer appliances, etc.

Often the area under the sink needs organizing and cleaning.

Never leave trash containers out in the kitchen.

Bathrooms

It is important to de-clutter bathrooms to give them a touch of elegance or romance.

Keep in mind that you will give up some privacy during the marketing period.

Start by removing everything from the counters.

Remove any toilet brushes or cleaners that are visible.

Put items that you use daily - toothbrushes, soaps, razors - in a container, and place the container inside in a cabinet.

Decorate with fresh soaps, flowers, bowls, photos, or designer bath items.

Invest in new towels and fold them carefully.

Never leave medicines, money, x rated magazines, jewelry, guns, or personal possessions of this type on display.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms should appear restful and serene. Sparsely furnished is best.

Use your best covers, or invest in new ones if yours are worn.

Clear off bedside tables, and add back just a few books or nice items.

Bedside lamps add a warm ambience for showings.

Remove excess paintings or photos from the walls.

In some cases, old curtains do more harm than good. Take them down and clean the windows for a fresh look.

Children's bedrooms usually need to be simplified. Take down posters and box up toys. Avoid an overcrowded look.

Closets

Organize your pantry with everything facing forward. Remove excess food and containers.

Relieve your closets if they are stuffed. Pack items that are not needed.

The laundry room often functions as a spill over room with junk on the shelves. Clear everything out, and have just a few soap boxes visible.