Staging~ Inside and Out

Just like when you meet someone, a first impression usually makes a lasting impression. This is incredibly important when you are trying to sell your home. Actually, when you are selling, your home gets to make a first impression twice; initially on the Multiple Listing Service or other internet source, and then again when the buyer arrives at your home.

The first impression there is often referred to as curb appeal, and while many homes have wonderful hidden charms, buyers may be stopped by outward appearances and may not even go in the door. By using great staging, both inside and out, you can get your home geared up for a great sale. Companies such as http://redfernlandscapedesign.com can make a huge difference in helping you identify the best plants and features to make your yard look great. They can guide you through choices of spring flowers, summer bushes, fall foliage, and winter evergreens. By making the exterior look friendly and inviting, you are more likely to encourage buyers to want to look inside. One other winter tip, especially for those of you who park in your garages and enter your homes directly~ Make sure you de-ice your walkways. I took a buyer out while I was still on crutches and we nearly couldn't get to one door because of the 2 feet of snow on the path to the door. The driveway was nicely cleared, but without a walkway, it wasn't really relevant.

Once people enter your home, continue with the warm and inviting feeling by making sure your windows are clean, clutter is put away, and counter tops and shelves are open. Consider placing a simple vase with a bright bouquet of flowers on your table, and make sure you choose flowers with light aromas. Don't forget to open your curtains, put down your toilet seats, and make your bed. Your goal is to help buyers envision themselves in your home, not imagine spending the afternoon with you or how to get past the laundry pile. Carefully placing your furniture and belongings  will make a huge difference in the ambiance of your home. Hiring a staging expert can help you improve the appearance of your home and bring it to the next level.

Make sure you listen to your Realtor®, stage your home inside and out, price it right, and watch it sell.

Real estate news briefs | SeacoastOnline.com

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Selig named 2010 Rising Star

PORTSMOUTH — Keller Williams Coastal Realty announced local Realtor Loren Selig was named their 2010 Rising Star.

"We selected Loren to receive the Rising Star Award because of how much she accomplished in her first year," said Keller Williams Coastal Realty's owner Nathan Dickey. "While the average experienced agent sells six to eight houses in a year, Loren managed to sell five homes in her first year, with other contracts pending. It is a huge accomplishment."

Selig grossed more than $1.4 million in residential real estate sales during 2010, representing buyers and sellers in Durham, Lee, Madbury, Newmarket, Somersworth and New Durham. She works throughout the Seacoast, and also partners with agents licensed in Maine and Massachusetts.

"Loren Selig was chosen as the recipient of our Rising Star Award because she is hard working, demonstrates integrity with every client, and has demonstrated success in her first year," said Tom Heany, managing broker of Keller Williams Coastal Realty.

For information about Selig, visit www.SellWithSelig.com or call 610-8562.

Home Inspections and Setbacks

What a wonderful and crazy couple of weeks! After successfully negotiating an offer on one of my listings just before my clients went out of town, I then needed to help them find a house to move into immediately upon their return. In the interim, I managed to sprain my ankle skiing, so it was with me on crutches that we went to view 6 potential new homes. They liked one well enough to return to it that afternoon and then made an offer! 

One day before that offer was accepted, I received word that an offer other clients of mine had put in had also been accepted. So, time to set up home inspections. I called upon a very reputable, thorough, licensed home inspection company with whom I had had great results previously. They inspected every inch of each house that they could access, including setting up RADON air tests and testing well water.

But with the results at each home came some bad news: elevated levels in Radon at both houses. Why would someone be concerned about radon? Because extended exposure to Radon can lead to significantly increased chance of getting lung cancer.

Now what? For one of the clients, they will install a Radon Mitigation System as soon as they have closed on the home, prior to their moving in. The additional expense of about $1200-$2000 was not a deterrent for them. For the others, the seller had included a Radon insurance policy with their disclosures, so the next step is arranging to have them either install a system or provide compensation for the cost of the system. Either way, the clients will get a system and still plan to move into their dream home.

Fortunately for me, almost all of these negotiations could be handled from my phone and computer, so I didn't need to hobble around on my crutches to get it all resolved. I love working with my clients, no matter what we run into. I am glad to know that I have a number of wonderful resources to utilize no matter the situation.


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