A Simple Way to Get Feedback from People Who Tour Your Home

<br /><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/homestaging/tidyhouse3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/tidyhouse3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Do you know what people really think  of your home? <br />Here's how to get inside buyers' minds.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Hey, homesellers. Are you sick of people coming to look at your house and then never hearing from them again?<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you wonder </span></b>why they didn't make an offer? Do you question what they liked? Do you want to know what bothered them? What they thought of the price? The neighborhood? The floor plan? Your decor?<br /><br />Whenever I have a house for sale, I want feedback. It’s never too late to tweak the staging, add a simple upgrade, get rid of a minor problem, or …dare I say it… lower the price.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even when <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-to-help-your-realtor-sell-your-home.html">working with a realtor</a>and doing all the right homework (like reading <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebook_02.html">my eBooks</a>), without feedback, you’re guessing how the market sees your home. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Not everyone who views your home will tell his realtor what he really thought about your home. If a client acts disinterested, a good realtor will probe for reasons, because a good realtor wants to know what’s important to a client. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">But some people feel bad saying negative things, or they may not understand fully what made them react to your home the way they did. So, not all feedback is helpful or complete.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">If a potential home buyer says</span></b>, “The house is nice, <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>but </b></i>…”</span><br /><ul><li>But they don’t like the carpeting. </li><li>But kitchen is too small. </li><li>But the appliances have to go. </li><li>But they’re not crazy about the neighborhood. </li></ul>What they are really saying is the house is overpriced.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">These comments mean they are seeing bigger kitchens, or better flooring, or newer appliances, or nicer neighborhoods for the same price. Without choosing the exact phrasing, they are saying that they know they can get more for their money. <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/homestaging/1-P1010129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/1-P1010129.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Buyers typically look at similar homes in similar neighborhoods, at a similar price point.<br />This means you need to know your competition to arrive at a fair asking price.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It’s all about perceived value. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Staging is one way to increase the perceived value of your home. Another way is pricing it correctly. Getting feedback will help you in both cases.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you're going to <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-not-to-hire-realtor.html">hire a realtor</a>, she'll help you set your asking price. There are objective methods to arrive at fair market value, but fair market value also depends on how the market responds to your home. That's where feedback comes in handy.<br /><br />Here is how one realtor makes it easy to tune into what home buyers are saying about a listing. She simply sends this questionnaire out to every realtor who shows the property. She asks them to email or query the client, and get quick answers to these multiple choice questions.   </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">How would you rate the home's curb appeal?</span></b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Excellent</li><li>Good</li><li>Fair</li><li>Poor</li></ul><o:p></o:p><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></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/homestaging/1-P1010030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/1-P1010030.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Some homes have curb appeal on two sides. This home for sale in Florida on the <br />Intracoastal Waterway needs to look good from front and back. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">How did the home's interior look?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Very comfortable and stylish</li><li>Clean and organized</li><li>Average</li><li>Needs improvement </li></ul><b><span style="font-size: large;">Are there parts of the home that need improving or updating?</span></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>No improvements needed</li><li>Some exterior improvements needed</li><li>Some interior improvements needed</li><li>Appliances need updating or upgrading</li></ul><o:p></o:p><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></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/homestaging/DSC00002-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/DSC00002-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A home in a subdivision is bound to be compared to the other homes in the same <br />(and nearby) subdivisions. A seller needs to match or beat these competing homes  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">How is the home priced compared to other homes?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Price is very appealing</li><li>Price seems fair</li><li>Home is somewhat overpriced</li><li>Home is substantially overpriced</li></ul><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/1-P1010009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/1-P1010009.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A charming entrance is the beginning of what could become a purchase offer. <br />Knowing how buyers respond to your home can help you fine tune your property. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Are you considering making an offer on this home?</span></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>Undecided</li><li>No</li><li>Yes</li></ul><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Get the facts! </span></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">It takes less than a minute to get answers to these questions. I encourage you to share this idea with your realtor, so you’ll be on your way to knowing what’s good about your property and what might need some attention. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Fix your home to get the best grades possible from potential buyers. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Start by downloading my $5 <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar.</i></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>

A Simple Way to Get Feedback from People Who Tour Your Home

Do you know what people really think  of your home? Here's how to get inside buyers' minds. Hey, homesellers. Are you sick of people...

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The Pros and Cons of Renting Your Home on the Market

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tenantscreeningblog.com/wp-content/uploads/for-rent-sign-in-yard3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.tenantscreeningblog.com/wp-content/uploads/for-rent-sign-in-yard3.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;">When my friend Christina’s husband accepted a job out of state, they knew they’d be moving. Soon. With all their furniture. </span><span style="background-color: white;">One of the realtors they spoke with suggested renting out their 4-bedroom home instead of selling it.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">They talked to a property manager, worked the numbers, and discovered that the rent they could reasonably expect would cover the cost of the home’s mortgage, insurance, taxes, professional property management, and maintenance. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, they became landlords, and made their move. For now, they’ve become renters themselves. Meanwhile, they’re saving up, and learning the “lay of the land” in their <st1:city w:st="on">new city</st1:city>, in preparation for the day when they can buy again. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Does this approach make sense? Yes, for some people. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The rental market is healthier than ever. The New York Times describes the <span id="goog_61149784"></span>rental market as <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/08/realestate/changing-midstream-to-rental-from-condo.html?emc=tnt&tntemail1=y" target="_blank">"white hot," and "torrid."</a><span id="goog_61149785"></span> According to a recent, nationwide <a href="http://www.dsnews.com/articles/rental-market-attracting-residents-despite-price-increases-survey-2012-06-28" target="_blank">survey of property managers</a>, more people are renting, and at prices higher than previous years.<br /><br />Why? Because people who have lost their homes to foreclosures, and people who have difficulty obtaining credit are now renting.    </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of renting your home while you wait for a better market to sell it? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">On the Plus Side...</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Get On With Your Life.</span></b> You’re able to move without waiting. In Christina's case, her husband’s company helped with moving expenses, and even paid the mortgage until a tenant moved in, which didn’t take long. Even if you don’t have such a sweet deal, you could collect a security deposit and one month’s rent as soon as you have a committed renter. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Just Pack and Clean.</span></b> You don’t have to keep your home picture perfect while you wait for a buyer. Tenants are more forgiving, and don’t expect to see a staged home. They aren’t plunking down a huge investment and going into debt. As long as your home is clean and everything works, you’re golden. <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://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/Mir_Haynes/IMG_16831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k483/Mir_Haynes/IMG_16831.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">You can leave an empty, unstaged house behind. If it's clean, and it's priced right, it will rent!  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Leave the Closing Table with Cash, Not Debt.</span></b> Rather than settle for less than what you want for your home, you can wait for the real estate market to improve. According to <a href="http://www.dsnews.com/articles/zillow-one-third-of-homeowners-underwater-9-out-10-current-2012-05-23" target="_blank">Zillow</a>, one third of American homeowners are upside down with their home mortgages -– owing more than they can expect to sell for. If that’s your situation, renting might make sense. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Test the Waters.</span></b> Have you ever moved into a new town and later wished you had moved into a different neighborhood? It takes time to learn a locale. Not every realtor knows the best schools, the politics, the perks and problems, and where your favorite haunts will be. Perhaps you’re moving and still don’t have an employer in your new town. It makes sense to know where you’ll work before you invest in a home. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Vacant Homes Go Downhill.</span></b> With a renter in your home, the home can pay for itself and be cared for. A good lease stipulates that the tenant be responsible for things like lawn care. A tenant should also be required to pay utility bills. A home that has electricity, heating and cooling, and running water, is preferable to <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/08/staged-and-vacant.html" target="_blank">a shut down property</a>. Neighbors like it, and vandalism is less likely<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">You Have a Landlord to Call.</span></b> Being a homeowner is demanding. By comparison, being a tenant is easy. When the dishwasher malfunctions, when the chimney needs cleaning, when the garage door doesn’t close right, when shingles blow off the roof, you’re not the one to pay the repair person.   </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">On the Other Hand...</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Show Me The Money.</span></b> Moving takes cash in hand or cheap credit. Most American homeowners don’t have enough money in the bank to relocate without the profit that comes from a home sale. Especially if they are moving to look for work. This might be your situation.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">It Feels Like A Step Backwards.</span></b> True, being a renter can seem like financial backpedaling. Chances are your new rental home won’t be your dream home. But not always. In Christina’s case, she likes her rental better than the home she left behind!<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://www.zihuatanejocondos.net/photos/condo_complex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://www.zihuatanejocondos.net/photos/condo_complex.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Could it be that living in an apartment complex temporarily will feel like a vacation?  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Markets Turn Around Slowly.</span></b><span style="background-color: white;"> It may be years before your home reaches the point where you can command a decent selling price. Meanwhile, the property needs to be managed and maintained.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Good Tenants Are Scarce.</span></b> I’ve been a landlady for almost 20 years, so I can tell you that it’s almost impossible to tell what kind of tenant a person will be.<br /><br />I ask prospective tenants to bring me printouts of their credit reports. I telephone their employers and previous landlords. I assess their appearance, their language, their children’s behavior. <span style="background-color: white;">I casually glance in their cars to see if they are neat.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I even search online (yes, even Facebook) for any information I can gather.</span><br /><br />In the end, it’s still a gamble. It’s rare that a renter takes care of a home the way a homeowner would. (My apologies to those of you who are perfect tenants and you probably know who you are.)<br /><br />Bank of America sees the value of keeping homeowners in their homes as renters <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-mortgage-to-rent-20120526,0,2758365.story?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">rather than foreclosing</a> on them. It's a win/win situation. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Costs Can Go Up.</span></b> When you have a good tenant, you don’t want to lose him by increasing his rent. But taxes and insurance costs can rise. You can get hit with heavy maintenance, like a furnace that floods in a hurricane, appliances that need replacing, or other costs not covered by insurance, security or your savings.<br /><br />It’s always a delicate balance deciding between the benefits of raising rent, and risking a vacancy that could cost you more than you’ll gain. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: right;"></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="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT5DMw4ToR7vazeUXT7c_ZVKrpD_joFrte4bRbb17mqzZakXyf0fA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT5DMw4ToR7vazeUXT7c_ZVKrpD_joFrte4bRbb17mqzZakXyf0fA" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Buy-It-Rent-Profit-Landlord/dp/1416589848/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341680401&sr=8-1&keywords=buy+it+rent+it+profit" target="_blank">Real estate investing books </a>like this one can <br />teach you how to be a successful landlord.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">Property Management Is Iffy.</span></b> Just like finding a good tenant, finding a property management team is difficult.<br /><br />My experience is that property managers like properties to run on their own, and are reluctant to hassle tenants who are not doing their share.<br /><br />Find me a company called Tough Love Property Management, and I might sign up, but meanwhile, I’ll manage my own properties because I’m a hands-on kind of gal. That’s difficult to do when you live elsewhere.<br /><br />If you live close enough to your rental property to <a href="http://www.tenantscreeningblog.com/landlord-tips/landlord-basics-tips-for-success/" target="_blank">manage it yourself</a>, you need to get up to speed on regulations and smart procedures. It's a business that needs to be run like a business, a profitable and lawful one.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Homes Age.</span></b> Just like like cars and unlike wines, homes get older and show signs of age. Those new appliances, the fluffy carpeting, the newly painted walls -- they don't look as perky as they did before a tenant spent a few years living in your home.<br /><br />Although the property itself may hold its value, when it's time to get serious about selling, you'll probably need to repair and update some features. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tenants Have Rights.</span></b> Every landlord and former landlord has horror stories about tenants from hell who have done more damage than the security deposit can cover. Typically, the eviction process favors tenants. And it takes months. Months when you are not collecting rental income.<br /><br />Rather than a lease, I use a month-to-month rental agreement that can be terminated by either landlord or tenant with 30 days notice. Leases protect tenants more than they protect property owners.<br /><br />Some smart landlords I know have discovered that, rather than begin an eviction process, it's often faster and less costly to pay a problem tenant a few hundred dollars to get gone.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">It's Not For Sale.</span></b> Although some folks keep their real estate listing active, and put a renter in the house, I don't see this as a smart move. A renter doesn't have much motivation to maintain a staged home, keeping it show-ready, clean, organized, and decorated to please buyers. In fact, once the property sells, the renter gets booted.<br /><br />Taking down the for sale sign does mean that potential buyers won't know about your property.   <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Summary:</span></b> Whether you wait for a buyer, or decide to put a renter in your home depends on your circumstances. The criteria will include how rushed you are, how flush you are, how far away you're moving, what the local rental market is like, what your mortgage and other costs are, whether you already have employment, whether you can get financial assistance from an employer, and whether you have reliable home management people.<br /><br />And guess what. Christina's tenants are talking to her about buying the house. <br /><br /><br /><br /></div><center><a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/lars72/733blog%20design%20images/WAW_BUTTON.png" /></a></center>

The Pros and Cons of Renting Your Home on the Market

When my friend Christina’s husband accepted a job out of state, they knew they’d be moving. Soon. With all their furniture.  One of the real...

Read more »

Good News for House Sellers

<table align="center" 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://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:QooFfI9ApUts_M:http://cameraphotodigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/walk-in-shower.jpg&t=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:QooFfI9ApUts_M:http://cameraphotodigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/walk-in-shower.jpg&t=1" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A walk-in shower is a definite upgrade for today's buyer.</span></i><br /><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div></td></tr></tbody></table>I try to stay current with trends in real estate.<br /><br />Not only do I have a home on the market, but I want to help you sell your home, so learning about what's happening to the U.S. economy and the housing market is part of my job.<br /><br />Today I read an article from RISMEDIA, (the RIS stands for real estate information systems). In an item dated August 23, 2010, RIS summarized a recent report from two government agencies -- the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of the Treasury.<br /><br />These departments look closely at our nation's housing market, and pass their findings on to other government departments.<br /><br />This report showed that in July, housing prices remained level after 30 straight months of decline. I see that as good news.<br /><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></div>Also, the report noted, historic low interest rates continue to promote home affordability and refinancing options for Americans. That's more good news.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">RIS pointed out</span></b> that the housing market still remains fragile as evidenced by a slight increase in foreclosure starts and with serious delinquencies continuing to work through the pipeline.<br /><br />What this news might mean to you is that you needn't assume your home will depreciate further.  Of course, in some markets, mostly large metro areas, values have not gone down.  I hope your home's value has been stable. <br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Something else </span></b>I take away from these findings is that if you have a staged home you have an edge over the growing number of foreclosures on the market because typically, foreclosures are not staged.<br /><br />This week I also read an opinion piece from Allison Arieff.  For four years she has written a monthly column called "By Design" about housing, food and shelter for the New York Times, and formerly was editor of a magazine entitled "Dwell."  She knows about houses! <br /><br />Ms. Arieff notes that 2009 showed a trend toward people building smaller homes.  Of course, the lousey economy is the major reason, but that fact doesn't change the statistic.  The point is Americans are learning that a well-designed, affordable home is preferable to a McMansion.  Here are some quotes from her NYTimes story:  <br /><br />"Perhaps recognizing that they’ll be staying in their homes longer, buyers are starting to look for universal design, ranging from wheelchair-accessible bathrooms to single-story homes — options that will allow them to 'age in place' — in other words, move into a home they can grow old in. They want accessory dwellings (aka granny flats) to accommodate rising numbers of children moving home after college and aging parents needing care."<br /><br />"So far, the market isn’t offering many of these, a lack one can chalk up somewhat to inertia but also to legitimate obstacles ranging from zoning and code restrictions to difficulties with financing."<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can read </span></b>her entire article <a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/05/home-for-life/">here</a><br /><a href="http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/05/home-for-life/">http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/05/home-for-life/  </a><br /><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://www.designingenuity.ca/images/barrier-free-design/barrier-free-design-pic01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="http://www.designingenuity.ca/images/barrier-free-design/barrier-free-design-pic01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Any time you can make your home be more barrier-free, you have a selling advantage.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What you can learn</span></b> from these reports is that if you have the kind of home that can fit into today's changed  buying patterns, let your staging emphasize those qualities.<br /><br />Make sure the basic systems to your home -- heating and cooling, roof, plumbing, electrical  -- are well maintained and as up-to-date as you can manage.<br /><br />Make the most of the space you have. A room with a closet should be staged as a bedroom, especially if it is on the ground floor.<br /><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Educate yourself </span></b>about zoning restrictions and other local ordinances if you have a "granny flat," like a room over a detached garage or a guest cottage. Look for ways that your home will appeal to people house hunting with an eye to the future, like raising your washer and dryer to a friendlier height, and enlarging narrow doorways.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Home staging means dressing your house to sell to today's home buyer, so understanding current trends gives you an advantage over sellers who are out-of-touch.<br /><br />Be sure to download 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>, to get more advice that will make your home staging effective, economical and easy!

Good News for House Sellers

A walk-in shower is a definite upgrade for today's buyer. I try to stay current with trends in real estate. Not only do I have a home on...

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What to Do Until Closing

<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/Harborwalk/peoniesandcushions-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Harborwalk/peoniesandcushions-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">DIY home staging means you may have to</span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">beg or borrow loaner furniture and props. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>Waiting for a home to sell can be excruciating. <br /><br />But waiting to close on a home you’re buying can be fun, like those last few weeks of a pregnancy, when everything is ready and all you have to do is waddle around and enjoy the wait.  <br /><br />We have another week until closing.  Every chance I get I hit the second hand stores, hunting for bargains that will help create that casual, comfortable look I’m after.  <br /><br />Since staging is more hobby than occupation for me, I don’t have a storage facility stuffed with furniture and props, so I’ll do what I’ve always done -- cannibalize my own home.  I don’t want to buy upholstered pieces, drapes, beds, or anything else that could crank up my expenses. <br /><br />I won’t terribly miss a few end tables and chairs.  I just won’t be able to have anyone over until the property sells and I can reclaim my furniture!  <br /><br />The way I see it I will be loaning the condo:<br /><ul><li>The green love seat from our bedroom to go in the living room</li><li>A bamboo chair from our bedroom to go in the living room, with new cushions</li><li>The teak chair with the animal print seat from Mr. Lucky’s office to go in the TV room</li><li>A wicker table from our living room to go in the master bedroom</li><li>A bamboo table from our bedroom to go in the living room</li><li>A table from our hall bathroom to go in the TV room</li><li>The walnut credenza with chrome legs from Mr. Lucky’s office to go in the TV room</li><li>My foyer’s large mirror, which I will miss!</li><li>A side table from my sewing room, “Studio B,” to go in the TV room</li></ul>All this switching and loaning reminds me of the advantage to having a unified color scheme throughout a house.  It makes it so much easier to switch items from room to room, and now, from house to house.  Through necessity, I’m using the color palette at my house to be the basis for the condo’s because it makes economic sense.<br />   <br />At a garage sale last weekend I scored a wrought iron floor lamp for $2, a chrome floor lamp for $3, and a fabulous silk orchid for an unbelievable $2.50.  At these prices, I didn’t even bargain with the seller!<br /><br />I’m also gathering whatever faux greenery I have in my house that I’m not presently using.  A weekly circular comes out that features at 50% discount coupon for the local décor store, good for one day only, on one item only, so I have to plan my purchases.  I came home with a bunch of white peonies today, for just $2.95. <br /><br />I am keeping a careful record of all my staging purchases.  I want Mr. Lucky to know just how lucky he is to have such a frugal partner.  Also, personally, not keeping a tally of costs would diminish the fun of DIY staging, like playing tennis without a net.  It might be fun to hit the ball back and forth, but what’s the score? <br /><br />My one dilemma is a couch for the TV room.  It’s a must, and will be the first thing buyers see when they enter the unit, so it has to set the tone.  I have my eye on a click-it style leather couch that I could use at home afterward.  It makes into a double bed, but looks handsome as a couch.  I found one new at a furniture store for around $200.  It would be the highest ticket staging item I’d buy.  But, we’d own it and use it for years and years.      <br /><br />Studio B, is beginning to look a little warehousey.  I’m setting the stage for staging.

What to Do Until Closing

DIY home staging means you may have to beg or borrow loaner furniture and props. Waiting for a home to sell can be excruciating.  But waitin...

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Considerations on Bying a Fixer-Upper

<div 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/Extshrub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Extshrub.jpg" width="337" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Shrubs were overgrown and the deck needed help. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>We're looking at a condo and considering flipping it.We've done this enough to know what to consider going into the deal. We know that buying right is key to making money in real estate.<br /><br />And staging right! <br /><br />Home staging and DIY go hand in hand, but anyone doing home repairs should know that there are times you need to bring in professionals to make the workmanship look...well, professional.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When to Say When</b></span><br />Smart rehabbers, investors, renters and homeowners recognize the times when doing it themselves is shortsighted, when repairs and improvements are beyond their skill set.<br /><br />Besides needing the skills to do a job that will actually improve the value of a property, a person needs the right tools, sufficient time, a certain amount of patience, and maybe an extra pair of hands.  <br /><br />Since Mr. Lucky and I have worked alongside experienced tradespeople like masons, drywall guys, trim carpenters, cabinetmakers, flooring and carpet installers, and landscapers, we know that experience makes a big difference.<br /><br />When time is of the essence, and it usually is when dealing with real estate buying and selling, investors need to calculate the cost of doing it themselves to "save money," because in the end, it may be more expensive than paying someone else. This property needs to be on the market for springtime buying season. We wouldn't have time for futzing around and do-overs.<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/Livrminclusive.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Livrminclusive.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The condo's living room had new carpet, but the walls were dinged, and the room felt small.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>We have a friend I'll call Mr. Carpenter. He is our go-to tradesperson, and a genius one at that!<br /><br />He has saved us serious chunks of money when we worked with him on three previous houses. What’s valuable is that he comes up with creative solutions to thorny problems. Years ago he put himself through college doing carpentry and has been part of the construction industry ever since. I don’t know his age, but I know he’s almost eligible for Medicare, so figure it out.<br /><br />That’s the kind of guy you want on board with a project like this.<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/Kitlitenearsink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Kitlitenearsink.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><i>Light fixtures that didn't really illuminate, and popcorn ceilings were problems.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What Needs Fixing </b></span><br />These are some of the things that Mr. Carpenter's creativity can solve when we tackle this house makeover. :<br /><ul><li>He could make new oversized cabinet doors to make the kitchen more attractive, and install a new countertop.  </li><li>He could bump the vanities three inches up to make them look more contemporary, and then give them new countertops, sinks, faucets, and lights.</li><li>He could replace the range hood with a microwave and exhaust fan combination.</li></ul><ul></ul>He gave us a price for all these things that fit nicely into our penciled sheets.<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/Bath2toilet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Bath2toilet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The baths were typical for a 1980's condo -- wallpaper, vinyl, brass, and wooden seats.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Save Money, Buddy Up </b></span><br />To keep costs low, Mr. Lucky would work alongside Mr. Carpenter. And we’d do all the grunt work ourselves – removing wallpaper, patching walls, installing lights, pressure washing the deck and walkways, and clean, clean, clean.<br /><br />Of course, we’re painters, so everything would get a coat or two of fresh paint – ceilings, walls, closets, cabinets, doors, trim. We’d buy a new stove, install new posts on the deck, and <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-to-prune.html">clean up the landscape</a>. <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/Bdrmbluebathwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Bdrmbluebathwall.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The rooms aren't large. That won't change. The colors are wrong. That can be changed.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><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/BdrmGreencloset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/BdrmGreencloset.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Bedroom number two, painted an even worse color. Should we worry about small windows?</i></span> </td></tr></tbody></table><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/Officeledge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Officeledge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>One room had a high ceiling, and a ledge I could use for staging.</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><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/Kitlongview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Kitlongview.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Kitchen appliances, cabinets and countertop were dated and showing wear and tear. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><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/Livrmwindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Livrmwindow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Since this room overlooks the water, I would stage it as a dining area. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><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/Extlgdeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Extlgdeck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We don't know whether the deck is salvageable with just pressure washing and paint. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Plan</b></span><br />Of course, we'll then stage the property to maximize its value. We would not even consider trying to sell a home without staging it to accentuate all that's good about it, and minimize its shortcomings. In this home, the best feature is location -- waterfront. The downside is that it is small and nondescript. There are no architectural details of interest, no spacious rooms, no high quality touches.<br /><br />So, my challenge would be to <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/12/furniture-that-makes-rooms-look-larger.html">make rooms look larger</a>, more interesting, more luxurious, and to showcase the water. I love tackling a project like this!<br /><br />We’re almost ready to make an offer, but we want to double check all our figures and scratch our heads some more. Are we missing anything?<br /><br />If you are considering making changes to a property and you want to know where to spend money for the best return on your time, talents and cash, ready 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'll show you what home buyers look for when they shop.

Considerations on Bying a Fixer-Upper

Shrubs were overgrown and the deck needed help. We're looking at a condo and considering flipping it.We've done this enough to know ...

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Should We Buy This Home?

<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></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;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xTr4yUhKTfo/TEW3cexg3rI/AAAAAAAAAFo/iadUBAtj5k8/s640/Bath+1+vanity.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Wallpaper, sink, counter, faucet, hardware, mirror. It has to go because they're dated.</i></span></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">What This Blog is About</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">If you are selling a home, I think I can help. I love getting a home ready for market. I am blogging</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">to share what I’ve learned about home staging, and about buying and selling properties.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">But I also have selfish reasons for blogging. When I make myself write, I make myself think clearly. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, I decided to start a blog now about a project that’s tempting Mr. Lucky and me.</span><i> </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><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://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xTr4yUhKTfo/TEW_Tfg_FWI/AAAAAAAAAHo/GWQj58JTyOI/s1600/Ext+lg+deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xTr4yUhKTfo/TEW_Tfg_FWI/AAAAAAAAAHo/GWQj58JTyOI/s640/Ext+lg+deck.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The deck is a wreck, but we don't want to tear it out and replace it because of the cost. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><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/Kitcabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Kitcabinets.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Too many dark hinges and knobs make the kitchen an eyesore. </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cast of Characters</b></span><br /><br />I call myself Pink Overalls because I am a gal who paints houses for a living. I call my husband Mr. Lucky because he is. Lucky. He has a knack for being in the right place at the best time.  He always finds a handy parking spot.  He never seems to get sick.  And he has me!  <br /><br />I didn’t say all his luck was good luck.  <br /><br />This temptation surfaced today when a local realtor friend called to ask if we wanted to look at a nearby property. Technically, we are not in the market for an investment property, but she knows that we have flipped a couple of problem houses, so she thought of us. <br /><br />A good realtor is inventive like that. In this blog, I’ll be discussing what makes a good realtor.  Finding one is a major step on the path between deciding to sell and leaving the closing table with money.  But I won’t ignore readers who are F.S.B.O.         <br /><br />We went immediately to her office. When you’re working with Ms. Speedy, things happen fast. I call her Ms. Speedy because she is. Quick thinking and quick acting. I guess I could have called her Alka Seltzer.     <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Property in Question </b></span><br /><br />The property is a vacant waterfront condo that’s been on the market for two years.Ms. Speedy told us that for the first year the house smelled so bad realtors would not even enter the place to show it.  Finally the owner was convinced to spend some money to replace carpeting and vinyl. That got rid of the doggy smell.  But realtors still aren’t bringing buyers. <br /><br />The question we are now asking ourselves is, can some serious cosmetics and some simple staging turn an ordinary two-bedroom, two-bath condo into money. Its amenities are the deeded boatslip just steps away from the back door, a water view, a great neighborhood, reasonable homeowner association fees, close-by shopping, restaurants and other services, and no exterior maintenance.    <br /><br />One great thing about Ms. Speedy is that she has been a real estate investor herself and she knows what it takes to fix and sell a house for a profit.  We tossed around ideas about what needed to be done to make the property attractive to buyers.  It’s a long list, so we went home to mull it over.    <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Questions We Need Answers To</b></span><br /><br />At home Mr. Lucky and I speculated about all the what-ifs. We looked at the photos I took and asked ourselves what it would take to make the kitchen look more upscale.  <br /><ul><li>What could we do with the baths to upgrade them on a shoestring?  </li><li>Is there room for improvement of the deck?</li><li>What about that popcorn ceiling and the drywall tape that’s coming loose around the ceiling edges?</li><li>The fogged-up patio doors?</li><li>The outdated lighting fixtures?</li><li>The puny landscaping?</li><li>The wallpaper?!</li></ul><br />We spent the rest of the day penciling in prices on sheet after sheet of lined notebook paper.  Asking price.  Selling price.  Fix-up costs.  Realtor’s commission.  Carrying costs.  Profit.  It’s the fix-up total that holds the key to whether it’s doable.  <br /><br />We called a friend, I’ll all him Mr. Carpenter because he is one and more than that, and asked if he would come and help us ballpark fix-up costs. We’re meeting him tomorrow.

Should We Buy This Home?

Wallpaper, sink, counter, faucet, hardware, mirror. It has to go because they're dated. What This Blog is About If you are selling a h...

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