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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How Scents are Messing with Your Health

<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/1-P1080113_zps19eb8cf7.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/1-P1080113_zps19eb8cf7.jpg" width="490" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Do you know what's in your home fragrances?<br />It's fun, frugal, and healthier to make your own. Try a scented spray, <br />a lime<a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/11/want-some-holiday-scents-make-citrus.html" target="_blank"> pomander</a>, your own diffuser, and my citrus and salt potpourri. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If your home is for sale, it better smell good! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve blogged about how important it is to eliminate smells from <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/08/what-to-do-with-your-pet-when-your-home.html" target="_blank">pets</a>, <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/07/mildews-deal-breaker-for-home-buyers.html" target="_blank">mold</a>, or cooking. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sanitation and ventilation usually take care of these problems. But most of us like to add another fragrance, whether it's an air freshener, a room atomizer, or scented candles. Department stores develop their own signature fragrances to get you in the mood for buying, so why not you?    </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The problem is almost all these manufactured scents create health problems. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.35pt;">Artificially scented products like the ones I mentioned, as well as soaps, laundry detergents, spray cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, pesticides, preservatives, plastics, and a  host of other ordinary items, contain what’s called endocrine disruptors.<br /><br />An endocrine disruptor is a naturally occurring or man-made chemical that either acts like or blocks the hormones of your internal endocrine system. These false hormones are called xenoestrogens and the list of conditions they create is long: early puberty, lessened female fertility, endometriosis, cancer, and other disturbances to your nervous system, immune system and reproductive system. </div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 8.35pt;">You can see why it’s important to know where you’ll run across these pretender hormones. They can enter our bodies through our skin, the air we breath, and the foods we eat.<br /><br />You may already know about these ingredients and their effects on the body. If so, please help me spread the word. Rather than fostering paranoia, let’s all look for ways to rid our lives of these toxic chemicals. It’s important.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s especially important if you are a woman. And even more so if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><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/1-EndocrineDisruptors_zpsbb982a62.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-EndocrineDisruptors_zpsbb982a62.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">On the left -- some of the cleaners that contain <span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">xenoestrogens. Yes, even Mrs. Meyer's <br />stuff contains artificial fragrances. On the right are harmless,economical<br /> substitutes that do the same work -- baking soda, vinegar, microfiber<br />cloths and essential oils (not to be confused with fragrance oils).    </span></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Here’s How to Start</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li><b>Read labels.</b> Check for fragrance ingredients. Manufacturers are not required to list all chemical additives by name. The only acceptable fragrance should be “essential oil.”</li><li><b>Avoid plastics.</b> Store and cook food in glass or stainless. Avoid non-stick cookware. Microwave in glass or ceramic. Use a fabric instead of a plastic shower curtain. Don't handle new plastic products that have a strong chemical aroma. </li><li><b>Don't touch.</b> Don’t handle the thermal receipt a store gives you. Instead, ask the cashier to place it in your shopping bag. Wash your hands after handling one. </li><li><b>Skip the canned goods.</b> Buy fresh or frozen foods so you can limit exposure to BPA in can linings. Favor organic foods.</li><li><b>Filter water.</b> It’s better than drinking spring water that’s been stored in plastic bottles. </li><li><b>Go natural.</b> Use natural insecticides. Purchase unscented bath, beauty, laundry and cleaning products. Do it yourself. Make your own air fresheners and cleaners.     </li></ul><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/1-EndocrineDisruptors_zps240da487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-EndocrineDisruptors_zps240da487.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">No one loves a deliciously scented soap more than I do. Check those labels. <br />You'll find that almost all supermarket soaps are not really soaps, <br />but "beauty bars" or "deodorant bars," whatever that is!<br />If you buy locally produced soaps,  you'll fare much better. <br />Yardley soaps and Dr. Bronners are good.<br />You can also create your own bath scrubs and skin care products. <br />I wash my face once a week with a teaspoon of sugar for an exfoliant.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Easy Formulas </span></b><br /><b><br /></b>Yes, you can create home remedies to replace the nasty but necessary home care products you count on. Read labels of "green products," and if you still don't like what you see, turn to DIY.    </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Natural air freshener</b>: Cut orange in half. Scoop out pulp (the part you would eat), and reserve the pulp and the remaining half orange for another use. Rub inside of empty orange half with 2 teaspoons salt. Place in pretty bowl and set where it will scent the room. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Natural oil diffuser:</b> Combine 3 parts mineral oil, 2 parts vodka or gin, and 1 part essential oil of your choice. Pour into container with narrow neck (the neck reduces evaporation). Insert reeds and invert the reeds every few days. Use the same formula minus the mineral oil to make an air freshener spray.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It's not true that natural essential oils won't bother chemically sensitive people -- people who might be coming to view your home on the market. To be safe, keep the scents in your home on the light side, never overwhelming.       </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><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/1-EndocrineDisruptors_zps031a1bd7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-EndocrineDisruptors_zps031a1bd7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Fabric softener sheets and liquids are prime offenders. So are the aerosols that claim to <br />"freshen the air." Below I've given you websites that will hook you up to<br />directions for making heavenly and user-friendly aroma sources, including sprays and <br />diffusers.  I love the "candles" that operate on batteries. <br />They don' t have any fragrance,  but they glow and flicker convincingly.   </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Call to Action</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">      </div><div class="MsoNormal">This post is not a go-green-or-die proclamation. Instead it’s a call to increase our awareness of environmental toxins, so that we can make changes to improve and protect our own and our family’s health. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Will I still bring out the Bar Keeper’s Friend to treat a rust spot that nothing else can tackle? And resort to Lime-Away to deal when hard water stains build up?  Probably. But I’ll limit my exposure as much as possible. I’ll ventilate, wear gloves, use sparingly, and continue to search for substitutes</div><div class="MsoNormal"><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/1-EndocrineDisruptors_zps9e274c98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-EndocrineDisruptors_zps9e274c98.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Manicures. Will this be the one that's hard to give up? <br />Try the nail buffer for an alternative to chemical polishes and glues. I use one and I love it. <br />Natural, healthy-looking, shiny nails can be sexy, too!   </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Links That Help</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />My research unearthed numerous support sources. We are not alone! Here are some sites that will give you details and encouragement. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you majored in chemistry, check the Wikipedia listing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocrine_disruptor">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endocrine_disruptor</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are a teacher, check <a href="http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/">http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/</a>  </div><div class="MsoNormal">If you’d like a quick overview specifying the dangers of endocrine disruptors and what you can do to avoid them, go to <a href="http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/qendoc.asp">http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/qendoc.asp</a></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.15pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">If you are pregnant and want advice from a doctor, try <a href="http://nurtureparenting.com/pregnant-and-pre-polluted-eight-choices-for-a-cleaner-womb/">http://nurtureparenting.com/pregnant-and-pre-polluted-eight-choices-for-a-cleaner-womb/</a></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.15pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="background-color: transparent;">If you want a quick list to the dirty dozen endocrine disruptors check </span><a href="http://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors" style="background-color: transparent;">http://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrine-disruptors</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you need a list of health ratings for common health and beauty products, the best one is <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/">http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want concise recipes for making your own cleaning products, visit <a href="http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm">http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want to read what Glamour Magazine told women to do, read</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://notjustaprettyface.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/glamour.pdf">http://notjustaprettyface.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/glamour.pdf</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you are into making your own bath and beauty products (great as gifts!) you’ll find recipes here <a href="http://wellnessmama.com/5801/7-ingredients-20-diy-beauty-recipes/">http://wellnessmama.com/5801/7-ingredients-20-diy-beauty-recipes/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you like making your own air fresheners, try those at<br /><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2012/11/small-measures-natural-room-spritz.html">http://www.designsponge.com/2012/11/small-measures-natural-room-spritz.html</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want to know the post I like best for making diy air fresheners, it’s <a href="http://www.thankyourbody.com/homemade-air-freshener/">http://www.thankyourbody.com/homemade-air-freshener/</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want to buy reed diffuser sticks, you can get them from Yankee Candle  <a href="http://www.yankeecandle.com/flameless/reed-diffuser/reed-sticks">http://www.yankeecandle.com/flameless/reed-diffuser/reed-sticks</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">And from Amazon</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rattan-Reed-Diffuser-Replacement-Sticks/dp/B003YDSTM6/ref=pd_sim_hg_50">http://www.amazon.com/Rattan-Reed-Diffuser-Replacement-Sticks/dp/B003YDSTM6/ref=pd_sim_hg_50</a></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want to choose from a major list of quality essential oils, order from <a href="http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index2.php">http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/index2.php</a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What's Your Story?   </span></b><br /><br />In today’s world we can’t eliminate all the things that compromise our health, but we can certainly reduce our exposure to them. I’m renewing a pledge to myself to substitute real fragrances and fresh air for chemical derivatives. I hope you’ll join me. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">What will be the artificially scented product most difficult for you to give up? And how can you find an acceptable replacement?<br /><br /></div></div>Don't forget to order 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> If you are selling a home, it will take you through the steps that make a difference!<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

How Scents are Messing with Your Health

Do you know what's in your home fragrances? It's fun, frugal, and healthier to make your own. Try a scented spray, a lime pomander ...

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If You Ask Me About Home Staging ... And You Did.

<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/happy-dog-running-large.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/happy-dog-running-large.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">He may be your best friend, but ...</span></em>   </td></tr></tbody></table>These are some of the questions I've received lately from readers and others.<br /><br />You can ask me home staging questions and offer your own give advice on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/100832113324140/" target="_blank">Facebook Group Page</a>.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q: </span></b>Our fenced backyard is a wasteland. We let our dogs have the run of it, so we have basically no landscaping there. The front yard has good curb appeal. What can I do?<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">A:</span></b> There really isn't much you can do, is there? Fencing a portion of the yard would cost money, look less than satisfactory, and probably make your dogs unhappy.<br /><br />Replacing your fencing with invisible fencing would also cost money, and necessitate landscaping the backyard.   <br /><br />I'd make sure the landscaped areas around your home that are outside the "dog run" look really pretty.<br /><br />With luck, you'll find a buyer who wants a backyard that's low maintenance and dog-friendly. <br /><div><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q: </span></b>Are twin beds okay in a guest bedroom, or should I <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/10/bedroom-staging-diy-headboard-and-make.html" target="_blank">stage it with a queen bed</a>?<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>If you have only two bedrooms, I would stage both with a queen or double bed. But if you have three bedrooms, I'd stage the third with twin beds. If the third room is small, even a single or a sleeper would be fine.<br /><br />Also, let your budget be your guide. Don't go out and buy beds you don't want or need.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span></b> Should I change the <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/07/is-your-bathroom-staged-to-impress.html" target="_blank">bathroom</a> faucets in my home? They are gold. They work well but I know they aren't the latest style.</div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">A:</span></b> In my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, I recommend changing faucets and other hardware like hinges and doorknobs so that  metals match. Matched hardware makes a home look more like a new home.<br /><br />The gold faucets will definitely date your home (unless they are actually sold brass and in an historic home). However, if you are on a tight budget, and the faucets are in great condition, and you're not replacing other outdated, fixed features such as 40-year old countertops and pink toilets, I'd let the gold faucets stay.<br /><br />In other words, it depends on your home, how you've priced it, and the type of buyer you expect to attract.     <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://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2011/11/13/3c5fa01ac84e.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2011/11/13/3c5fa01ac84e.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Faucets don't have to be expensive. And installing one can <br />be a DIY project. Photo: Tiek Built Homes.  </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span></b> When we stage our home, do we need to convert our home office back into a bedroom?<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>A home office is a definite perk. But homes for sale are listed according to how many bedrooms they have. So, if you reduce the number of bedrooms in your listing, you might as well reduce your price and the desirability of your home!<br /><br />A room is a bedroom if it has a closet. My advice would be to stage your home office as a bedroom, but keep its office status as well. It's all in <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-arrange-furniture-most-common.html" target="_blank">how you arrange the furniture</a>. Either squeeze the office space down to just a desk and chair. Or squeeze the sleeping space down to a convertible sofa or sleeper chair.<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://images.meredith.com/content/dam/remodel/Images/2008/08/BHG133888.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/remodel/Images/2008/08/BHG133888.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" width="628" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Most bedrooms have space for a small office if you make the bed either a<br />day bed or sleeper sofa. Buyers see the flexibility of the space. Photo: BH&G.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span></b> I plan to paint all three bedrooms in our home. Is it important to paint inside closets, too?<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">A:</span></b> Good for you for giving your walls a facelift! Remember to keep those colors light and neutral.<br /><br />Even though the job may sound daunting, I recommend painting closets. You may have already decluttered your <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/07/eight-thrifty-ideas-to-help-you-stage.html" target="_blank">bedroom closets</a>. If not, painting is a great excuse to empty them, then discard or recycle or put into storage what's left.<br /><br />The good news is that when you paint a closet you don't have to get too fussy about wall imperfections and such. You just want it to look bright and clean. For this reason, I always paint closets white rather than the color of the bedroom. Give the ceiling a fresh coat of white as well, and you'll be surprised what a difference it makes.<br /><br />Do YOU have a question about staging your home for the real estate market? I'd like to hear it.

If You Ask Me About Home Staging ... And You Did.

He may be your best friend, but ...     These are some of the questions I've received lately from readers and others. You can ask me hom...

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Cats Don't Have to Stink

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Skippyclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Skippyclose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>The famous Skippy. She is a lady and she never leaves an unpleasant aroma in her wake. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I'm spending a few days babysitting my two young grandsons where they live. We're "home alone," while my daughter and her husband take a well deserved vacation. I'm also sitting for Skippy and and Jenga, their two tiger cats.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cats in the Staged Home</span></b><br /><br />Since I have never owned a cat, having to feed and clean up after one is new to me. Kids, yes. Kitties, no. What else is new to me is that a cat box doesn't have to smell up the whole room.<br /><br />Have kitty litter formulas changed over the past few years, or have I visited only cat owners who never scooped poop?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Catstuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Catstuff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I have the kind of nose that, if I walk my dog on a summer evening, I can tell you what each neighbor is cooking for dinner, and what is blooming in their yard. And I will be triple bagging what I have to pick up after Misty. I have a sensitive nose, and if I can't detect any nasty cat bathroom scents, no one can.<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Animal Smells Are a Turn-off</span></b><br /><br />Home sellers with pets, there is NO reason for any unpleasant animal aromas in your home. None. The product that Skippy and Jenga use is Fresh Step brand, Premium Multiple Cat Scoopable. It contains carbon for odor absorption. It's lightly scented. It makes easy work of what could be a stinky chore.       <br /><br />This post is short because I'm scheduled for a reading of <i>Goodnight, Moon. </i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Jengaprone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Jengaprone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jenga likes a bedtime story, too. </i></div>

Cats Don't Have to Stink

  The famous Skippy. She is a lady and she never leaves an unpleasant aroma in her wake. I'm spending a few days babysitting my two youn...

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What to Do with Your Pet When Your Home is For Sale

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-IMG_08911_zps58ade30b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-IMG_08911_zps58ade30b.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you have a cat </b></span>or dog or bird, and you have a home for sale you probably face some kind of dilemma. Either the pet is traumatized by strangers, or strangers are traumatized by your pet. Or you can't get rid of the carpet stains Snowball created when he was a puppy, or you don't know where to hide Tiger's litter box. Maybe you are worried that house hunters will let Mr.Wrinkles get outside.<br /><br />These and other challenges are all common concerns for people listing their homes for sale. Let's tackle them one at a time.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Probably the most common</b></span> problem pet owners face is off-putting scents.  If your home has any pet aromas, you need to deal with the source instead of covering it up with air fresheners and fragrance plug-ins.<br /><br />If the smells are residual, such as in the carpet or padding, having the carpet replaced may unfortunately be the only solution. Sometimes just professional shampooing will do the job. Perhaps simple DIY treatment of stains will be sufficient.<br /><br />Two products that I've used with good results are Oxi-Clean Laundry and Stain Remover spray, and Woolite Carpet and Upholstery Pet Stain and Odor Remover.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">If you must remove carpet </span>or vinyl to treat the problem, I recommend painting the subfloor, whether it is concrete, plywood or particle board, with Kilz stain blocker. The oil-based version works best, but is itself pretty stinky until it dries, so make sure you have good ventilation.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What to do about the litter box</b></span> ranks as the number two problem. If you'll be gone all day and a showing could happen at any time, Princess can't be inconvenienced and you need to have it available. Laundry rooms and closets with the door left ajar are the usual locations.<br /><br />Make sure the door will stay ajar after the home is toured by positioning the box or something else so that the door can't completely close. It's best to stay on top of keeping the litter box clean on a daily basis. You never know when The Buyer, the one with the super-sensitive nose, will come wandering through.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some sellers </b></span>remove all signs of pets, leaving no toys, feeding bowls, gates, crates, beds or litter boxes behind whenever there's a showing.<br /><br />This approach can be exhausting, and probably not necessary. One good reason to not take this route is that some buyers will have allergies and need to know if there have been pets in the home. Savvy sellers will keep the clutter of pet paraphernalia under control, though. <br /><br />If you are worried about your pet escaping the home or freaking out house hunters during a showing when you are not present, there are a number of remedies. One is to leave a note explaining that typically the pet is friendly, or shy, or nervous.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Notes on exit doors</b></span> are common. One woman wrote this note: "Despite what they may tell you, the cats are not allowed outside." Any special considerations about an unfriendly dog should be noted in the MLS listing. The last thing you need is a law suit, and people will sue about anything, like falling down a flight of stairs because they were distracted by a dog (it happened).   <br /><br />Many people have pets of their own, and will take it all in stride. Others will be inconvenienced. Your job is to minimize the inconvenience.<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><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Mistyearsflopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/Mistyearsflopping.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">My dog Misty was not a problem for us when we listed our house </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">because </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">the first looker bought it.  The house, not the dog.</span></i><br /><div><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Do not place any room off limits</b></span>, not a spare room, not a garage. Work with your realtor to schedule appointments that work for everyone, Rex and Flicker included.<br /><br />If you are present in the property when a showing is pending, I hope you can get Fluffy or Fido into the car for a ride.<br /><br />If you are absent during the day, you have a few choices. One is to board the pet at a kennel until the house sells, but that is not something most pet owners or pets want to do. Another is the less costly day care solution.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you are fortunate</b></span>, you will have a neighbor who is always home, someone you can call when your realtor calls you, someone your Angel or Prince loves, someone who will come and take Rover for a walk during a showing. If you are not that fortunate, do you have a friend or relative who would be a foster care parent for your Midnight until you receive that purchase offer?<br /><br />No question, pet owners who are house sellers face some complications. But none of us can imagine life without our beloved pets, so we all do whatever it takes to keep pets and house hunters happy.<br /><br />For solutions to other common problems facing anyone with a home on the market, 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>You'll get answers to questions you didn't know you had! <i></i><br /><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Skippy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Skippy.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><i><br /></i>

What to Do with Your Pet When Your Home is For Sale

If you have a cat or dog or bird, and you have a home for sale you probably face some kind of dilemma. Either the pet is traumatized by stra...

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