Real Estate Consumer Info.com

Septemberfest Parade 2010 - Wells Fargo and RE/MAX Suburban

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:39:20 -0400

Septemberfest Parade 2010 - Wells Fargo and RE/MAX Suburban have a great time!

Was happy to participate in the Septemberfest Parade this year with the Wells Fargo Stage Coach & horse team. We had so much fun it was like being a kid again! Yeeeeehawwww!

BTW the stagecoach driver was afraid I was going to yell that too loud & the horses would start to run down the street! Anyway, the weather was great and tons of Schaumburg residents & visitors lined the parade route! We had a couple members of our RE/MAX Suburban 'Zipper Club' (guys that have had open heart surgery) that even walked the parade and made it!

I was disappointed because we were so generous that we ran out of candy the first block of the parade. I always remember this as a favorite part of the parades when I was a kid so I has giving it out left and right in handfuls!

So next year, cases of candy on top of the stage coach!

Why shall I pay top dollar to rent Grandma's House?

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:40:23 -0400

Why shall I pay top dollar and rent Grandma's House?

Sellers that cannot sell their Schaumburg Home in our market area are turning to becoming landlords. They really don't have a clue what is expected or what they should do to prepare for this new moniker but most are financially pushed into the situation. I'll call you the reluctant landlord!

Here is some advice ~

1) If you haven't painted your homes interior since 1990 (exterior too!) why would you think that a renter would want to live in your property? Most expect a nice neutral paint job without your youngest child's crayon marks.

2) Carpeting - if you still have carpeting that looks anywhere on the color spectrum near 'baby blue' or 'mauve' - you're in trouble. If you don't like the carpeting any longer, why should your new tenant?

3) Maintenance - Be assured that the tenant will do the minimum lawn & exterior maintenance to your home. They'll mow the lawn MAYBE once a week. I am assuming that you will have to stay on top of them before the village does it for you with a fine. Because of the increased foreclosures in the area, most villages are having a zero tolerance on lawns that are not being cut.

4) Updating your home - When (or if) was the last time that was completed? Recently working with a transferee from Colorado we went into a home with the original 'formica' counter tops. I haven't seen these since I was a kid! The couple wanted nothing to do with the old dilapidated kitchen cabinets, gold toned flooring and brick paneling. If you are asking market rent your home better show in top market condition.

If your home is not updated and neutral you cannot expect to get current market rent! Sorry, the home that looks the nicest and gives the best features also sells the quickest and rents the fastest. Your new tenant does not care how long the house has been on the market nor your current financial condition. They want the best house for the least amount of rent.

5) How does your property smell? Does the house smell like it hasn't been cleaned since 1990? A musty smell to a prospective tenant is a warning sign of potential mold and lack of maintenance on your part.

6) Who will do the maintenance on your rental? If you are not the 'handyman type' then you had better have someone on call for items that occur at all times of the day or night. From past experience, water heaters never seem to break in the middle of the day! It's always when it's the most inconvenient near the 'witching hours' of 2 to 3:00am. Do not expect the tenant to treat the home in an emergency the same as you would. Prepare for anything that can happen.

7) The tenant wants the least amount of hassle from the landlord just as the landlord wants the least amount of hassles from a tenant. Asking for odd and unreasonable conditions of a tenant will only have you sitting with the house longer than necessary. What conditions you're wondering? Security deposits for garage door openers of $100. Get a grip here!

What would be important to a landlord is credit score and past pay history of rent or mortgages. My advice would be to hold to a minimum as best you can there. Check and verify everything that is on the credit report to give yourself a good financial picture of the prospect. If the applicant has a good credit score and a good pay history maybe allowing a dog won't be such a bad thing after all? Obviously dog and cat owners can pay rent on time too! Any fears can be relieved with a pet deposit given along with the security deposit. Make it obvious in a rider that any damage by the pet will be paid for by the tenant!

FHA gives Home Buyers an Extension!

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:43:33 -0400

FHA Gives Home Buyers an Extension!

FHA is giving homeowners and buyers until October 4, 2010 to lock in a low monthly insurance premium. Afterwards the monthly insurance premiums on FHA loans will increase by over 63%.

What does this mean for you the home buyer?

A home buyer purchasing a $200,000 home using a $193,000 FHA mortgage before October 4 would pay an insurance premium of $88.46 per month. After this deadline the insurance premium would jump to $148.01 per month.

In this example, the home buyer would pay $59.55 per month MORE. Although the upfront mortgage insurance premium is going down after the October 4th deadline, the real impact to the home buyer is actually a net increase in their out of pocket costs because the monthly premium is going up by 63%.

Remember, sellers can pay the upfront premium or it can be financed into the loan amount, so buyers rarely choose to pay the upfront premium out of pocket. On the other hand, the increase in the monthly premiums will be paid right out of the buyer’s pocket with their mortgage payment each month.

So Lyn in plain english please, how will this effect me? This change will reduce your ability to borrow by about $10,000 on a $200,000 purchase.

Ironically, home buyers who plan to be in the mortgage for less than three years and decide to pay the upfront fee themselves (instead of having the seller pay it for them), may actually save money by waiting until after October 4th to apply for an FHA loan.

Home buyers with a short term time buying strategy may actually benefit from this change because the upfront premium will be reduced to 1% from 2.25%. This change is anticpated to impact over 30% of the home buyers in today’s market who use FHA insured financing.

Professional Journalists Latest Trick against the Public .....

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:40:18 -0400

Professional journalists latest trick against the public .....

That's right real estate readers, the cat's out of the bag as they say about professional journalists and their scam. What scam you say? The fact that they write at considerable length about real estate sales and actually do none. That's right, they actually do not sell real estate at all. They professionally write about, talk about it but don't do it.

The latest article that has got my 'big girlie undies in a bunch' is from columnist Michael Pascoe and his latest Realtor© hatchet job. Yahoo Finance seems to think this gentlemen is credible but is he? Does he really KNOW what he is talking about having actually sold real estate or just dishing his opinion? Let's make the lead line as controversial as possible so that the readership tunes in to see the latest 'Realtor© scam against the public'. Gasp! I'll give him credit for the shock value of the lead line as it pulled me in to see what he said.

But again, let's get back to the meat and potatoes - this 'professional journalist' is just that. A journalist. A person that sits at a computer and types words all day picking scenarios out of the air (I cleaned that thought up there).

So, let me ask you, if you wanted to get excellent advice on whatever subject - wouldn't you hope the adviser worked in that field? It's like getting an opinion on brain surgery from a professional comedian - he has an opinion but is his advice VALID?

Is it valuable advice or just zesty nonsense packaged to look well? Nice wrapper but where's the substance?

I think as a real estate reader you should start to demand 'substance' and validity from all these columnists. I can personally tell you the in's and out's of obtaining 203K FHA financing because I've closed actual real estate transactions doing the financing. Would the same advice have credible value coming from someone outside the real estate realm? I think not.

I can talk about the head ache you've given me but am I now a brain surgeon? I think not Mr. Pascoe.

Real Estate Advice takes the Frisbee Approach

Roselle IL Homes - Mobile Search

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:11:55 -0400

Introducing m.lynsims.net!

Now your real estate search and favorite properties can go wherever you and your phone go!

(Click on 'The Who' and hear the original 'Goin' Mobile')

THE MAGNIFICIENT 7 FEATURES OF MY NEW MOBILE SEARCH ~~~

Search the full MLS anywhere anytime including access to property details. Registered members, like yourself, can see all available listings in the MLS.
Access your saved searches and favorites from your mobile device. Unlike most mobile real estate searches on the market today, you can save your searches and your favorite properties.
There is no learning curve. The mobile process is completely intuitive. You can search and save just like you do on your computer.
My mobile search works with all types of phones that allow you to browse the internet, including iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Nokia.
I have my own mobile page. This allows me to deliver customized promotions on your properties through a variety of media to attract the maximum number of buyers.
Every listing has its own unique listing page, which allows our network to promote your listing (for my sellers) with an individual mobile page address that can be listed in ads, for sale sign riders and other media. This makes it easy for e-buyers to see full property details from their phone and to set up appointments with an agent!
With all the information the public can see on their cell phone, my mobile search is a virtual brochure at your fingertips. One that goes wherever you and your phone go and it's paperless too!

Yeeeeaaaaahhhh baby! Let's go!

Buying a Home on a Fast Timeline
Buy a Fixer Upper or Move in Ready Home?
10 Best Buyer Behavior Practices
What's a Buyers Agent?
What Lyn can help you do!

SELLERS ADVICE - INSULTED BY THAT OFFER?

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 10:39:24 -0400

Offer too low? Sellers do you feel insulted? You shouldn't as this post mentions the buyer probably would not have taken the time to write up an offer if they really weren't intrested. This is great advice.

I just received an offer but I refuse to counter ............

Via Dan Jasmer (RE/MAX Excellence):

Have you ever been involved in selling a home where an offer was made and you refused to counter the buyers offer? Here is some advice for sellers to consider, especially in today’s economic environment.

If a buyer has taken the time to put an offer on paper and submit it to your listing agent, I think you would agree that this is a good sign that they are interested in purchasing your home.

Your agent calls and says, “great news, we just received an offer!” They come over to review it with you and you immediately get defensive. The offer price is way too low or the terms of the contract aren’t favorable. These terms could include financing contingencies, a long and drawn out closing date or a request for you to pay some of the buyers closing costs.

Do your best to leave your emotions out of this! Consider this a business transaction that, when completed, will get you to your eventual goal. That goal may be buying your dream home, retiring to a different state or country, downsizing and buyer a less expensive home allowing you to stash some cash, and the list goes on.

I have been involved in a few transactions with sellers who have absolutely refused to counter a buyer’s offer. 9 times out of 10 this is the worst thing you can do! Your strategy is that if you do not counter, the buyer will come back with a better offer in a few days. What!? This is like catching and releasing a fish where there are other fishermen around you and hoping the fish decides to come back to you because you think you have better bait on your hook. Why would you take a chance at losing an interested buyer when there is a lot of inventory for them to choose from? Chances are there’s another home out there that could work for them. You may have a special home unlike any others on the market. If priced properly, maybe holding out is the right thing to do, but that is a big risk to take. Make sure holding out for a better offer is worth the risk.

If you have received multiple offers while listed on the market that you feel have been too low, perhaps your agent is not being upfront with you. There is a high probability that your home is overpriced. If your agent has made you aware of this and you have refused to listen and agree to a price reduction, then you are missing the chance to get your home sold for the best price with the least amount of stress. I have seen more sellers that have ended up in foreclosure, short sale, not selling at all or receiving 20% less than an offer they received months or a year earlier because they held out for a better deal. As an agent, it’s hard to see this happen to a client. The agents best bet is to walk away from the listing if there is no agreement to reduce the homes price. The ability to sell your home depends on you and your agent working together to achieve that goal. If you have done your homework and hired a full time, professional and knowledgeable agent, take the time to discuss your concerns with them, they will do the same. Listen to the advice they have given you. This is their daily job. They eat, breathe and sleep real estate!

They have their finger on the pulse of the market and know what needs to be done to get your home sold.

Make the counter offer and keep the negotiations moving. This may be changing the price and terms, just the price or just the terms of the contract. You may have to go back and forth 10 times to get to a final agreement, but there is a good chance you will come to an agreement if you and the buyer are reasonable along the way. Not countering an interested buyer’s offer is not reasonable!

You may not always like what your agent has to say. It’s not your agents’ job to agree with you all the time or be your best friend. There are days you will not like them and you’ll wonder why you hired them. Ultimately, their job is to sell your home. If that means you getting upset because your agent gives it to you straight, that’s ok. You’ll thank them and get over it once your home has sold and you’ll be glad they weren't sugar coating anything. In fact, I have a good feeling you’ll become great friends…

I hope this helps to keep you focused on the ultimate goal of selling your home!
Dan Jasmer, GRI | RE/MAX Excellence
510 Bay Isles Road | Longboat Key, FL 34228
T: 941-284-9893 | F: 941-388-0000
http://www.jasmermatarese.com

5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2010

Schaumburg IL - We could use your help & vote!

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:02:59 -0400

Schaumburg's very own Awaking Muse is part of the Metropolitan Planning Council's "Secret Corner of Chicagoland" photo contest. With 25 entries up for consideration, here's your chance to vote.

One vote per person is allowed through Friday, September 10. A fan favorite will be selected through online votes received, and three additional winners will be selected by a panel of "Placemaking experts."

Winners will be announced on Friday, September 17 and be featured in an exclusive Chicago Architecture Foundation tour this fall.

Please vote for Schaumburg, click here. Naperville is currently ahead of us, yikes!

Sculpture Park where she hangs out!

Septemberfest 2010

Need a Make Under? Is your Home Overdressed?

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:10:56 -0400

There is a great thought behind this post besides 'remove the clutter Mr. Seller'. Most homes I see on the market truly need a 'Make Under' as mentioned here.

Excellent advice from Tessa Skeens in Texas.

Via Tessa Skeens - Hampton Redesign (Hampton ReDesign, Home Staging and Redesign in Fort Worth TX):

Happened to be home when Oprah was on this afternoon. The topic was Makeunders. Women who needed less not more. But this also applies to homes. Nate Berkus did a room Makeunder and it inspired me!

Every home that goes on sale needs a makeunder. The less of you, the quicker your home will sell. The bigger and more spacious your home looks the higher it's perceived value.

This means it's really important to edit your stuff so what's really important greets you (and your buyers) when you walk in the door. You want your homes' features to shine, you want buyers to say AH!

The trouble is we tend to keep adding stuff to our homes and don't stop to edit.
I compare it to getting dressed. You've got a great look going but then you keep adding accessories to your outfit. A scarf or two. All of a sudden your great look gets lost. No one will be able to focus on that perfect necklace or pair of shoes because there's too much to look at.

The best outfits are the ones with a simple color palette. A nice pair of jeans, a contrasting top and jacket and some great accent jewelry and shoes.

Your home is no different. It's an extension of who you are but it shouldn't be the catchall for everything you've ever wanted to bring home. Layering is wonderful but you have to know when to stop before your look gets lost.

Start with one room. Treat it like an extension of yourself. How would you dress it?

10 Easy Tips to "Make Under" Your Home

1. Keep in simple, Pick one or two main colors for your walls and floor. The fewer colors the more spacious your home will look.

2. Pick a third and fourth (if desired) accent color . Use these colors sparingly.

3. Keep your surfaces consistent. Walls should be the same material if possible and painted or finished in the same color on all walls. Floors also. Keep flooring consistent throughout the house.

4. Group your family photos on one wall and use similar frames and mats to keep a unified look. Edit your photos first and keep only the ones you love.

5. Group your plants also. Your plants will thrive and it reduces watering time. Toss out any that are unhealthy or dying.

6. If a room has more than one use make sure there's a dedicated space for each use. Screens or dividers can help separate living from office or exercise space.

7. Keep your window treatments clean and simple. Heavy window treatments that cut down on light can overpower a room. Invest in some light colored curtain panels instead hung on a simple pole. These look great over inexpensive 2" blinds.

8. Remove area rugs on carpet. Visually they cut up the floor space and make the room feel smaller.

9. Edit your collections. Keep only pieces you love on display. Again grouping them will create impact and reduce visual busy-ness.

10. Keep it to 5. When in doubt, keep no more than 5 toys or 5 plants or 5 pillows or 5 frames or 5 lamps for example in a room at one time. If you want to add a new piece, take out an old one.

Remember keep it simple. Whether you are getting ready to sell your home or just want to live lighter, a professional home staging consultation can help you with your "makeunder".

Photos are not samples of Hampton Redesign staging but chosen to represent how a simplified color palette can makeunder a room.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Hampton Redesign 817-891-9563 www.hamptonredesign.com

Tessa Skeens | Owner & Lead Staging Designer

Professional Home Staging and Redesign Services Serving Greater Fort Worth TX Including Aledo, Willow Park, Benbrook, Keller, Arlington, Southlake, Colleyville, Hurst, Mansfield, Burleson and Tarrant County

Closing Costs up in Illinois - not what Buyers need right now!

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:49:13 -0400

Just went through my main website and updated the Closing Costs per State put out every year from Bankrate. What I saw was shocking! In the State of IL there was a 36% increase over 2009.

The average costs in 2010 are now $3505 which was an increase of a whopping $876 per buyer! The super sleuth in me says 'where is that money going and to whom?' Who's ripping off the consumer now? Why the increase? The entire industry was just overhauled to keep costs down and to protect the consumer. More disclosure helps protect the consumer right? Hmmm.

Well for those of you that say, it's those rich loan officers driving their Porsche's, let me clarify that the loan costs only went up a measly $140. (Gas money maybe?) So, nope, it's not the loan officers!

How about that we have duplicate costs from the new and improved Good Faith Estimate? Every time something is changed - have to fill out another form - of course, for the protection of the consumer!

How about appraisal fees? FHA appraisals went up $150 in my area and that doesn't include the wonderful and constant re-inspects they are always doing at another 'trip charge' of $100 to $150. Cha-ching, let's protect the consumer all right. Nonsense!

The last re-inspection I had from an appraiser was to be sure the water was turned on because he forgot to check when he appraised my foreclosure listing. I bet no one mentioned to the buyer that there would be an additional charge right?

Just when buyers need a break with closing costs and having their hard saved down payment portion whittled away by nonsense fees. The economy could use all the home buyers we can get right now!

Stop trying to make it tougher to buy a home!

Elk Grove IL Real Estate - Mobile Search for Homes

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:45:41 -0400

Introducing m.lynsims.net!

Now your real estate search and favorite properties can go wherever you and your phone go! (Click on 'The Who' and hear the original 'Goin' Mobile')

THE MAGNIFICIENT 7 FEATURES OF MY NEW MOBILE SEARCH ~~~

Search the full MLS anywhere anytime including access to property details. Registered members, like yourself, can see all available listings in the MLS.
Access your saved searches and favorites from your mobile device. Unlike most mobile real estate searches on the market today, you can save your searches and your favorite properties.
There is no learning curve. The mobile process is completely intuitive. You can search and save just like you do on your computer.
My mobile search works with all types of phones that allow you to browse the internet, including iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Nokia.
I have my own mobile page. This allows me to deliver customized promotions on your properties through a variety of media to attract the maximum number of buyers.
Every listing has its own unique listing page, which allows our network to promote your listing (for my sellers) with an individual mobile page address that can be listed in ads, for sale sign riders and other media. This makes it easy for e-buyers to see full property details from their phone and to set up appointments with an agent!
With all the information the public can see on their cell phone, my mobile search is a virtual brochure at your fingertips. One that goes wherever you and your phone go and it's paperless too!

Yeeeeaaaaahhhh baby! Let's go!

Buying a Home on a Fast Timeline
Buy a Fixer Upper or Move in Ready Home?
10 Best Buyer Behavior Practices
What's a Buyers Agent?
What Lyn can help you do!

Streamwood IL Homes - Mobile Search

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:16:18 -0400

Introducing m.lynsims.net!

Now your real estate search and favorite properties can go wherever you and your phone go!

(Click on 'The Who' and hear the original 'Goin' Mobile')

THE MAGNIFICIENT 7 FEATURES OF MY NEW MOBILE SEARCH ~~~

Search the full MLS anywhere anytime including access to property details. Registered members, like yourself, can see all available listings in the MLS.
Access your saved searches and favorites from your mobile device. Unlike most mobile real estate searches on the market today, you can save your searches and your favorite properties.
There is no learning curve. The mobile process is completely intuitive. You can search and save just like you do on your computer.
My mobile search works with all types of phones that allow you to browse the internet, including iPhone, Blackberry, Android and Nokia.
I have my own mobile page. This allows me to deliver customized promotions on your properties through a variety of media to attract the maximum number of buyers.
Every listing has its own unique listing page, which allows our network to promote your listing (for my sellers) with an individual mobile page address that can be listed in ads, for sale sign riders and other media. This makes it easy for e-buyers to see full property details from their phone and to set up appointments with an agent!
With all the information the public can see on their cell phone, my mobile search is a virtual brochure at your fingertips. One that goes wherever you and your phone go and it's paperless too!

Yeeeeaaaaahhhh baby! Let's go!

Buying a Home on a Fast Timeline
Buy a Fixer Upper or Move in Ready Home?
10 Best Buyer Behavior Practices
What's a Buyers Agent?
What Lyn can help you do!

Go with the Flow - Air Flow that is!

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 11:31:25 -0400

Is your furnace filter installed correctly? Do you know? Do you know where it is even located and that you have to change it at least every 2 months or so?

One thing that I see time and time again is furnace filters that are installed WRONG which makes your furnace and AC work harder and less efficiently. You're money up in smoke - at least in the winter!

This is a great post by Jay Markanich a home inspector, enjoy!

Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):

It is probably true that on half the home inspections I do the filter is installed backwards. It is important that the filter be installed the right way! Why? Because one side is stronger and meant to handle the air flow's pressure. There is an arrow drawn on every filter to tell you the air flow direction. Put in backwards, and as it gets loaded with dust, the filter can literally get sucked into the system and even cause damage to the fan.

Someone took the time to draw which way the filter should be installed.

That way, when it is put into the slot, you only have to put the arrow on the filter in the direction of the arrows drawn on the return duct.

What if the arrows are drawn wrong?

THESE ARROWS ARE POINTING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION!!

How do you know which way the air blows?

The air will always be drawn TOWARD the blower. From the blower it gets heated in the furnace or cooled on the AC coils.

So the air-flow arrows on the filter should point TOWARD blower.

This unit is 5 years old. It was filthy. The ducts in the house were filthy. Could it be the bad information on the arrows contributing to that?

My recommendation: If you don't know which way the air is blowing, put a piece of toilet paper on the end of a pair of pliers and stick it into the slot. See which way the paper is drawn. That is your air flow direction! Don't believe me? Check it yourself. AND THEN DRAW YOUR ARROWS THE RIGHT WAY!

Schaumburg Homes - Looking for a Home!

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:24:41 -0400

Looking for a home in the Schaumburg area?

Check out available Schaumburg IL Homes now! Interest rates are at a 40 year low so why not take advantage?

These are the current market numbers and availability for Schaumburg IL Homes. Lots of great selections (215 total) below the $300,000 range and we've got great custom construction for price ranges above that! The current average listing price for Schaumburg is $392,600. Some 'handyman specials, foreclosures and fixer uppers' are available for buyers trying to get instant equity in the market by doing the work themselves! Some start at just $143,500.

To search for Schaumburg Homes currently available, please go directly to the home search page (below) to get started. Other interesting articles and ideas for sellers or buyers are also available at my main website to make you market "savvy" before you start your home adventure! Check it out when you get a few minutes.

Schaumburg Homes have two school districts - U46 Consolidated and District 54. I can provide you with lots of information about school districts and the individual schools themselves.

Can you say fire Mr. SpongeBob?

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:12:05 -0500

Can you say fire Mr. SpongeBob?

How do you spell fire Mr. SpongeBob SquarePants? Are the owners of this house so unbelievably stupid that they have put a giant bag of foam rubber near the hot exhaust pipe of their water heater?

WHY YES!

Can you spell stupid Mr. SpongeBob?

Can you say 'poof' up in flames?

Seven Home Staging Steps That Will Sell Your Home!

Lyn Sims - Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg Homes - RE/MAX Suburban) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:39:14 -0400

Sellers here's some great advice! Define the space! If you have been using your Dining Room area for a children's play center, buyers will not remember the 'function' of the room any other way. Your room's function is a 'Dining Room' - as a family eating/gathering area not a pink Barbie play area!

Define the space with the highest $$ use for the broadest range of buyers. This also applies for your Familyroom if used as a play area. A garage that has been transformed into a 'Man Cave'.

This is from Sharon Tara a stager from New Hampshire. Enjoy!

Via Sharon Tara New Hampshire Home Stager (Sharon Tara Transformations):

Seven Home Staging Steps That Will Sell Your New Hampshire Home

Home staging is preparing a house for sale. It is not decorating, it is marketing...strategic marketing.   If you want to sell your New Hampshire home in the shortest time possible, a home staging consult, prior to listing, will give you all the information you need to guarantee that your product is ready for market.

Here are seven home staging steps that could mean the difference between SOLD and EXPIRED:

1. Update Light Fixtures

This is an area where a little money spent can make a huge difference and add tremendous perceived value to your house. You can add thousands of dollars of value by only spending a few hundred dollars.

See More Photos

2. Identify Red Flags

A red flag is something that gives potential buyers the impression that there is an existing problem, was a problem in the past, or could be a problem in the future. Common examples include water stains, storage or space issues, light switches to nowhere, protruding wiring, evidence of pets, and lack of light.

See More Photos

3. Pre-Pack Your Stuff

If you want buyers to consider making your house their new home, you need to remove all evidence of you and your family. The mistake most sellers make is either not removing enough or removing too much, leaving the house cold and vacant.

See More Photos

4. Define Space and Function

Only 10% of buyers can actually visualize a room any other way than how you show it to them.   Don't expect potential buyers to try and figure out how to better arrange the furniture.  It is very important, when preparing a house for sale, to clearly define the space and function of each room.

See More Photos

5. Maintenance Means Money

Your house is only worth what buyers are willing to pay for it. The more a buyer believes the house has been well maintained, the more valuable they perceive it to be.  Buyers should be greeted with a spotless, move-in ready home, which gives the appearance of being well maintained and cared for.

See More Photos

6. Don't Underestimate The Bathroom

The most personal room in your house is the bathroom, and it is the last place buyers want to be reminded that you live there.  Buyers know that other people are living in the house and obviously use the bathrooms, but emotionally, they don't want to think about it.

See More Photos

7. Transform With Paint

The biggest bang for your buck is using paint to improve your home's appearance. Paint will make a room cleaner, fresher, brighter, and more stylish. It gives buyers the impression that the house has been well maintained and cared for.

Paint can be used to help minimize negative features and to help showcase positive features. It can be used to create a flow throughout the house and to create a lasting positive impression.

See More Photos

Consult with a professional home stager prior to listing your home for the best results!

______________________________________________________________________________

Please take a minute to VOTE for Zack's picture and help him win a vacation!



Professional Home Staging services for the New Hampshire Seacoast

Portsmouth   Rye   Greenland   Hampton   North Hampton   Exeter   Dover   Stratham

603.661.8524