Why Hasn't My Home Sold?

<div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/gingerbread-house-detail-3_zps82e8aa47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/gingerbread-house-detail-3_zps82e8aa47.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Delicious house, but no one's biting? </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>Are you getting antsy to move? Has your home been on the market and not getting the showings or offers you expected?<br /><br />If so, here are some questions you can ask yourself to test possible reasons. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Money, Honey</span></b></o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">"Is my price fair?" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Unrealistic expectations or an over-zealous listing agent can cause poor pricing. Work with your realtor to list your home’s assets and liabilities, then do the comps to see if your price is on target. An inflated price is usually the cause of a home that sits too long.    </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Your Point Person</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">"Do I have the wrong listing agent?" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Re-examine your realtor. If FSBO, consider calling a real estate company and discussing the commission and other conditions.<br /><br />Look closely at the way your home is being marketed. The online listing should be tempting and accurate. The <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-not-to-photograph-your-home.html" target="_blank">MLS photos</a> should be clear and complete without being repetitive. Today’s homes need to be marketed in a variety of ways – the front yard sign, yes, but also flyers, Internet sites, open house showings, email blitzes, communications with other realtors.<br /><br /><span id="goog_412716634"></span><a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-not-to-hire-realtor.html" target="_blank">Choosing a realtor</a><span id="goog_412716635"></span> is an important decision. Choose one with whom you have good rapport. Your listing agent has to be well-connected with other agents, not a loner or someone unpopular in the industry. If you have qualms about your agent, talk to the firm’s broker or owner. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Problem Attitude</span></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">"Am I being cooperative enough? "</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Make sure your home is easy to show. There should be a lock box on your property to make showing easy for all area agents. If your realtor has to give unrealistic advance notice to show your property, because you have pets or medical problems, or the house isn’t always tidy enough, then find a way around the problem.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/purpledoor_zps16f5b51c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/purpledoor_zps16f5b51c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A lock box won't ruin your curb appeal when your entrance is this pretty.   </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Have a frank talk with your realtor and ask for feedback. You could also solicit advice from a friend with good decorating sense or a home stager. Double check <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/05/are-you-reason-your-home-isnt-selling.html" target="_blank">your motivation and reasons for selling</a>. Are you a foot-dragging, reluctant seller? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Quirkiness</span></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">"Is there something off-putting about my home?" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Does it have too much personality, or problems that are a turn-off? Does it smell of untended litter boxes? I’ve seen homes with <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-choose-paint-color-easy-way.html" target="_blank">paint colors</a> only an aging hippie could love and a back yard that only a pack of dogs could love. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">When people see a group of homes, yours may be remembered as the one with poor lighting or the pool with stagnant green water or low ceilings or 1970’s shag carpeting. Find solutions to these problems or expect low ball offers or no offers. People want homes ready to move into. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you decide to make major changes to your property, remove it from the market, do the repairs, cleaning and staging, and then relist. New listings get attention.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;">No Temptations</span></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">"Have I done what I can to make the house desirable?"</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Buyers should feel like they are entering a boutique hotel suite when they enter your home. If you haven’t been able to deep clean the house, consider hiring a cleaning service. A house can’t be too clean! Make sure all small and distracting décor items have been replaced with open space or attractive accessories.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/100556269jpgrenditionlargest1_zps4f63798b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/100556269jpgrenditionlargest1_zps4f63798b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Clean, functional and luxurious -- that's what buyers want in a bath. Photo: BHG</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If necessary, <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/10/the-trends-that-can-update-your-home.html" target="_blank">update</a>some of the fixtures like lights, faucets, shower heads, window treatments. Study <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/barbarapilcher/" target="_blank">my Pinterest boards </a>to see what décor trends make sense for home staging.</div><div class="MsoNormal">                                                                                       </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Economy</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">"Is my market too sluggish?" </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Major metropolitan areas are bouncing back from the recession. Other areas, not so much. If your area has way too many homes for sale and not enough buyers, your response might be patience. wait for a better season ahead. You can always <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-pros-and-cons-of-renting-your-home.html" target="_blank">rent your home</a> until the market improves. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you just want to move on, lower your price to counteract the cold market. Calculate the costs of staying put -- your taxes, mortgage interest, maintenance, and utilities, then factor them into your price considerations. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Buyers often won’t mention price as an obstacle to making an offer because they don’t want to appear cheap, rude or unappreciative. Instead they will say, “The bedrooms are too small,” or “I didn’t like the neighborhood,” something that can’t be changed. A low price compensates for all kinds of things, including obstacles like dated appliances, ugly flooring, poor curb appeal, or a bad view. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, make your home irresistible. You can encourage buyers to make an offer by helping with closing costs, owner financing part of the price, or letting things like window treatments, big televisions, outdoor furniture, and laundry appliances convey with the sale.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/content_writing_up_an_offer1_zps0dacdf4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/content_writing_up_an_offer1_zps0dacdf4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Motivated buyers will find a way to justify your asking price. Photo: reddoor-re.com</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Looking Ahead</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s an introspective time of year, a time when most of us review the hits and misses of the past 365 days and sets some goals for the year ahead. So, it’s a natural time to examine why your house hasn’t sold. Here’s to a prosperous 2014, when your home will sell and you’ll find another home that your love.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Be sure to download my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar. </i>I've helped hundreds of people stage their own homes to make them sell faster. My book tells you how<i> </i>to ready your home for a quick and profitable sale, no matter where you live or what kind of home you have.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Top Photo: <a href="http://www.theredheadbaker.com/">http://www.theredheadbaker.com</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Why Hasn't My Home Sold?

Delicious house, but no one's biting?  Are you getting antsy to move? Has your home been on the market and not getting the showings or o...

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Checklist: A Dozen Must-Have Cleaning Tools

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1040688_zps76d21b51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1040688_zps76d21b51.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">You’re staged to sell. Are you cleaned to sell?<br /><br />Clean houses sell faster than less-than-sparkling ones, because buyers love a property that looks like the professional cleaning crew just left. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know that deep cleaning is hard work. Keeping the essential tools and equipment at hand makes the tasks easier, faster, and more thorough.   </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s a run-down of cleaning tools that will help you sell your home. I compiled this list based on my own experience and the advice I’ve researched from professionals and other neat-freaks. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Caddy.</span></b> An equipment caddy is like your purse. Get one you like to look at, and stock it with your favorite cleaning solutions. Keep it clean, organized, and handy.<br /><br />Some people like to store a caddy on each floor of the home, or in each bathroom. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Microfiber cloths.</span></b> Who isn’t a fan! These miracle cloths are so effective at capturing and holding dust and dirt that they make harsh cleaning products unnecessary for many of your ordinary cleaning jobs. For wiping down doors and trim, give me a bucket of plain water and a microfiber cloth, and let the games begin! Easy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For big, reusable microfiber cloths at the best price, look in the automotive section of Wal-Mart.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Rags.</span></b> I use rags for spot cleaning carpets, sopping up major spills, and tackling nasty jobs like wiping down porch railings or the undersides of a range hood. Disposable paper towels are temptingly easy but can get very expensive.<br /><br />Did you know that paper towels can actually scratch some surfaces, like Plexiglas and other plastics? And paper towels are no friend of the environment. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Got orphan socks? Cut them in half lengthwise, and use them for cleaning. They’re soft, absorbent, and reusable. Old T-shirts, diapers, and towels make good cleaning rags, too. Recycling feels good! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Plastic Buckets.</span></b> My preference is a roomy one for floor mopping jobs, plus a couple of smaller ones to soak items or dilute solutions. Spray cleaners can build up after time, so once in a while a cleaning with clear water, rinsing as you go, calls for a handled bucket.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1040712_zps27c8cbcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1040712_zps27c8cbcb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">          I like equipment that I can wash and disinfect, like my little dustpan and broom.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">Brooms.</span></b> Many homeowners have tossed their brooms in favor of Swiffer-style sweepers, but nothing matches what a broom can do for floor corners, edges of carpeted rooms, exterior doors and steps, and other places where most vacuum cleaners won’t pick up.<br /><br />Soft, synthetic bristle brooms are easier to use and grab dust better than stiff brooms. For garage floors, driveways and sidewalks, a stiff push broom is best.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />A broom's kissing cousin is the dust broom, and a dust pan. They're a necessity unless you're sweeping debris under a rug, and I know you wouldn't! Well, maybe if your realtor is knocking at the door with clients in tow.   </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mops.</span></b> A mop’s essential for a thorough cleaning on washable flooring. A large-headed wet mop with a swivel base and removable microcloth takes care of maintenance cleaning. For deeper cleaning, use a traditional sponge mop, one with a sturdy replaceable head that will squeeze out excess water and lets you rinse floors as well as wash. The more money you spend, the better the mop. Read the reviews and pick your weapon.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Brushes.</span></b> They’re indispensable for embedded dirt, textured surfaces, and hard to reach places. I prefer a brush or a cloth to a sponge, which starts out looking all perky and then gets stinky if you don’t disinfect it regularly and then dry it quickly.<br /><br />I like Oxo brushes because they are designed well and last a long time. My dentist has forgotten that he recommended a Sonic toothbrush, so when I get free toothbrushes with each visit, they become part of my cleaning arsenal, perfect for getting into those tough spots. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1040701_zps7f98cd2f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1040701_zps7f98cd2f.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This little, long handled, low-tech carpet sweeper could be your answer <br />to those short notice showings when your carpets need a quick once over.   </span></i> </td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">Magic Erasers.</span></b> Like any addict, I make sure I never run out of these. They are the only approach for some otherwise unsolvable cleaning problems. We’re talking glass shower doors, fiberglass shower stalls, stoves, porcelain and stainless sinks, and stains on vinyl and laminates. The post I wrote about <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/08/the-truth-about-magic-erasers-are-they.html" target="_blank">how Magic Erasers work their magic</a> is one of my most popular posts.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Vacuum Cleaner. </span></b>Nothing sexy about it, but people have love/hate relationships with their vacuums. I love my Rainbow. I’ll never go back to using a vacuum that blows air over dirt and then out its exhaust. My Rainbow is a little heavy and a little awkward, but I don’t care. It makes the whole house smell great because I can scent the water that cleans the air. I don’t get paid to say these things.    </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A vac is your most important tool. If you’re in an unfulfilling relationship with yours, now’s a good time to invest in your future. Whether you prefer an upright or a canister type, I urge you to spend a little more money and get one that you can stay married to for a long time.<br /><br />Or does your present vac just need a thorough overhaul and cleaning? <br /><br />It's not a vacuum cleaner, but it's the ancestor of vacs -- the humble carpet sweeper. It could be included on this dirty dozen tool list as #13. Compact, lightweight, inexpensive, quiet, it will perform your hurry-up-tidy-ups between regular vacuuming dates.     </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Long Handled Duster.</span></b> A microfiber duster on an extendable handle is the way to handle ceilings and walls on a maintenance schedule. Swooshing over these surfaces regularly gets rid of dust and cobwebs before they become visible.<br /><br />The telescoping handle is your friend if you have high ceilings. Use your handled duster for ceiling fans because they are a magnet for whatever is in the air. Knock the dirt down before you vacuum.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1040704_zps5d643691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1040704_zps5d643691.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">My favorite scents. If you've read my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">home staging eBook</a>, you know that I like to avoid </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">   strong chemical scents, and prefer essential oils for adding fragrance to a room.   </span></i><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">You can download the book now and and learn all my tips to clean like a pro.</span></i> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Plastic Watering Can.</span></b> A real time-saver. If you have to use caustic solutions, like Lime-A-Way or CLR, to clean shower walls and doors, use a small plastic watering can with a spout to rinse them away. Tuck it away in the vanity.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nitrile Gloves.</span></b> Protect your hands and your health. Slip on some pretty gloves for all your wet cleaning tasks. Even pure water dries your skin, and cleaners in solution are absorbed by your skin. If you won't drink it, don't put it on your skin.     </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1040720_zpsd30173b7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1040720_zpsd30173b7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">What? A girl can't have too many pairs of gloves. I have other glove collections <br />for painting and gardening. This is the watering can I use for rinsing shower walls.   </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Depending on your home, you’ll have favorites to add to this list --  a steamer, roller to remove pet hair, carpet shampooer, robot cleaner, hand-held rechargeable vac, pumice stone, special dry mop, a squeegee, your favorite dance music. What do you do to make the most of your housecleaning time?  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Getting your home to shine is one of the most important ways you stage your home. When a person buys a home, she envisions herself starting fresh, and moving up in the world. Cleanliness is part of that picture, part of what sells homes. You can't clean your home on the market too much, but you deserve the tools that let you do a better job, faster and easier. </div>

Checklist: A Dozen Must-Have Cleaning Tools

You’re staged to sell. Are you cleaned to sell? Clean houses sell faster than less-than-sparkling ones, because buyers love a property that ...

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Does Your Home Have Some Wow Factors?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/02/100557280.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/02/100557280.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A powder room is the perfect place to go for wow.<br />This BHG shot shows a fabulous vanity, tile on one wall, </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">new faucets, and a mirror that can all be part of a modest budget.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>A friend who is a realtor told me that he tells every client, "Your home has to have some wow factors."<br /><br />He's right.<br /><br />In case you haven't noticed, it's not exactly a sellers' market out there. If you want your home to sell fast at a price you can be happy with, you need to stand out from the competition.<br /><br />Price is one way to do that. Wow factors are another.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Let's Get Specific</span></b><br /><br />Understand, I am not saying you need to start dumping money into your home to make it far more luxurious and up-to-date than it is. The last thing you want to do is price yourself out of the market.<br /><br />But if you are really motivated to sell, or need to sell fast, some wow factors are what could put your home over the top.<br /><br />Here are some typical wow factors that fall midway between gutting-it-all remodels and simple, gussy-up staging. They'll cost you some money, but they'll help sell your home! <br /><ul><li>New walk-in shower</li><li>One or two obviously high end lighting fixtures</li><li>An outdoor hot tub</li><li>Private, outdoor enclosed space or garden</li><li>Professionally designed landscaping</li><li>Outdoor shower, even if it's cold water only</li><li>Stylish overhead garage door or refurbished existing one</li><li>New kitchen appliances that match each other</li><li>New washer and dryer that stay</li><li>Built-in bookcases, beautifully staged, of course</li><li>Built-in window seat, so charming!</li><li>Media room with basic home theatre</li><li>The fenced backyard that parents and pet owners crave </li><li>Fully finished garage and/or basement that attracts the male buyer</li><li>New toilet and sink, maybe in all baths</li></ul>No one is suggesting that you add more than two of three of these improvements. Even one upgrade buys you some wow. What changes you make to your home to make it more attractive to buyers depends on your home's present condition, the local market, your reasons for selling, and your budget.<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/suntunnel_after7-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/suntunnel_after7-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">A "sun tunnel" in the ceiling adds great lighting!</span></em></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Reasons Little Luxuries Matter</span></b><br /><br />So, what's the big deal about features that wow?<br /><ul><li>Buyers are immediately impressed, and favorably so.</li><li>Your home becomes memorable. It's the one with the bathroom skylights, or the one with the luscious, secret shade garden.</li><li>You can include these features in your MLS listing and all your literature. Include specifics like brand names and measurements when possible. Specifics impress. </li><li>The longer buyers stay in your home during a preview, the better. Improvements that wow encourage lingering.</li></ul>If you do a slow, room-by-room walk-through of your own home, and put your mind in the Dream Big Mode, you're bound to envision some improvements.<br /><br />If you can't justify spending money on new appliances or bathroom upgrades, examine your home for almost-wow factors. Is that awesome sunroom being wasted as a clutter collection point? Has your view of the distant mountains been obscured by overgrown weed trees? Are there heart pine floors under carpeting? Is the working fireplace currently not working? Does your formal dining room look more like homework and crafting headquarters?  Is that killer shelving system for the garage still in boxes? These are missed opportunities to wow buyers.<br /><br /><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1090503-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1090503-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">Could a charming and functional</span></em> <em><span style="font-size: small;">garden shed be your wow factor?</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size: small;">This one belongs to my friend, Julie.  </span></em> </td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">Brainstorm Your Brains Out</span></b><br /><br />Maybe you've always wanted to add crown molding to the living room. Maybe you've wanted a chandelier in the foyer, or a beautifully stylish ceiling fan in your sunroom, or an outdoor fountain by the patio. If these are changes you would enjoy in your own home, as long as they aren't particular to unique tastes, they are the kinds of things that buyers will want as well.<br /><br />Don't let the idea that all these upgrades are expensive scare you. Get some estimates. Work with an experienced handyman who can come up with economical alternatives. Purchase from mid-price range.<br /><br />You can upgrade just the half bath. Who says baths must match?<br /><br />You can install hardwoods in just the downstairs, or just the living and dining rooms. Hardwoods can be laid for the cost of wall-to-wall carpeting. I did it in my own home.<br /><br />You can buy scratch and dent appliances. Very often these deeply discounted appliances are high end, and the ding isn't visible once installed.<br /><br />You can buy mid-range bookcases you assemble yourself and screw to the wall. Centsational Girl did this and <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/11/from-billys-to-built-ins/" target="_blank">blogged about it</a>.<br /><br />You can DIY a board and batten treatment in the hallway. Blogland is full of tutorials for this project.<br /><br />You can put together a home theater system from Craigslist. First adopters sell their systems to upgrade to the latest. And you can always negotiate price. Maybe they will offer to install it for you.<br /><br />You can trade skills with friends or family for what you need. Feed your cousin the tilesetter for a week while he lays new ceramic flooring in your kitchen. Trade babysitting services for your neighbor who has a hot tub to sell. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/hardoodfloor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/hardoodfloor.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">Hardwood flooring is going to wow most people. Prices can be comparable to carpeting.</span></em></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Time is of the Essence  </b></span><br /><br />Remember that every month your home doesn't sell you are paying carrying costs to stay there. The sooner your home sells, the more money you make, because homes that stay on the market grow stale, and that fact influences what you can ask for it. Agents and buyers wonder what's wrong with these stale homes and they stay away. You need to tempt buyers and do it at the start. When you list! <br /><br />So don't fall into the rut of thinking, "If it's good enough for me, it's good enough." Buyers are spoiled. You won't change that. But can can still wow them with some amenities.<br /><br />Get more ideas to help you prepare your home for the real estate market by downloading my $5 <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar. </i>  <br /><br /><br /><br />

Does Your Home Have Some Wow Factors?

A powder room is the perfect place to go for wow. This BHG shot shows a fabulous vanity, tile on one wall,  new faucets, and a mirror that c...

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new hardwood floor....

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6AtMldmndSHjPwpQ8U4RltDDtzg3bFue8xqdHPyCIKlOCPx1i28nPqFsnqulBAmSdjTFAb-Kxef15ShemtMlDgmkfgNaF6jVfR2jop1uCw5BDVHju8Gc5DiC67dEQBe4oSpjALD64RbP/s1600/new-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6AtMldmndSHjPwpQ8U4RltDDtzg3bFue8xqdHPyCIKlOCPx1i28nPqFsnqulBAmSdjTFAb-Kxef15ShemtMlDgmkfgNaF6jVfR2jop1uCw5BDVHju8Gc5DiC67dEQBe4oSpjALD64RbP/s1600/new-1.jpg" /></a></div>The new hardwood in the kitchen is installed! Staining happened last night and from the pictures Aubrey texted me, it looks amazing. (The picture above is of the floor pre-stained.) It's so nice to see things moving along so quickly - which is totally a credit to Aubrey and his planning skills and also to having the best trades work with us. (I'll give a list of our awesome trades at the end) We're getting close....!

new hardwood floor....

The new hardwood in the kitchen is installed! Staining happened last night and from the pictures Aubrey texted me, it looks amazing. (The pi...

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Putting On a Happy Face

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/ceramicfloorinentry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/ceramicfloorinentry.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both the new baseboards and the ceramic floor were were real estate enhancements that will impress buyers.  We hope. </td></tr></tbody></table><span id="goog_1635723854"></span><span id="goog_1635723855"></span>Our total bill from flooding isn’t tallied yet, but by the time we pay Mr. Sucker, and the flooring guy, and Mr. Carpenter, and add the cost of new baseboards (about $500) it will go over $10,000.  Gulp! <br /><br />To look at the episode in a different light, we have added ceramic flooring to two places where it really packs a punch – the entrance area (above), which is one of the first things a buyer would see, and my cutesy little dry bar area, which got a giant style shot in the arm from the sexy, new, white flooring.  <br /><br />The other quality quotient boost came from the new baseboards, which we beefed up to 5.5 inches.  Details like wider trim make a big difference, so it’s something to consider if you are remodeling as well as staging your home for sale. <br /><br />I also see the new vinyl flooring as an upgrade.  It’s a better quality than what was there, and it’s a lighter color, so the kitchen and baths all look cleaner and bigger.  <br /><br />Finally, by calling in the Mr. Make-it-right we can tell any buyer that the water damage was professionally corrected.  <br /><br />Although all these things don’t deliver in benefits what they actually cost us, I am going to pretend that they do.  Just for my own sanity.

Putting On a Happy Face

Both the new baseboards and the ceramic floor were were real estate enhancements that will impress buyers.  We hope. Our total bill from flo...

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