How Staging Helps Negotiations

<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="400" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAsAGnODAeyEFOTzuK0Emeuh7dFhgHKov_fiOTjaqPaH_5DLs&t=1&usg=__32siuBdDyCbm_CZPOJ61t51YQGc=" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="275" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our condo sold, and we're reminded that every offer is a serious offer even if it sounds goofy.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Today I discovered yet one more advantage to staging your home for sale.  It gives you a distinct leg up in negotiations.<br /><br />Two days ago we received an offer on the condo we have had on the market for 145 days.  It was a <i>very </i>low offer. The interesting thing is that the written offer came to our realtor with a $5,000 deposit and the verbal information that the buyer planned to put the same offer in to another unit in the same complex if we refused the price and terms.  The terms included the demand that we provide a home warranty, and that we accept a lower selling price if the property appraised for a lower amount.<br /><br />We didn't like the price or the terms.  Nevertheless, we countered by reducing our listing price a few thousand, still nowhere near his offer.  He countered by raising his offer a few thousand, still nowhere near our adjusted price. We refused to go lower.<br /><br />Here's where staging helped.  We knew the other unit was not staged. Both units were priced about the same and have the same floor plan. The knowledge that our property showed well provided the confidence to hold firm at our price. It was a showdown, and the buyer blinked. He agreed to our price.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAsAGnODAeyEFOTzuK0Emeuh7dFhgHKov_fiOTjaqPaH_5DLs&t=1&usg=__32siuBdDyCbm_CZPOJ61t51YQGc=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>We knew we were gambling, that the buyer could walk away, and we might wait months for another offer.  Rather than be hustled by his warning that he had a back-up plan -- buying the other unit -- we were comfortable waiting him out. We were comfortable because we staged, so we knew we had the competitive edge.<br /><br />We've since learned that the reason our buyer opened with a low ball offer was that he had a relative advising him. When the deal looked like it wasn't going to happen, he told his adviser to step aside and he made what he knew was a more fair offer. Lesson here: take all offers seriously because you never know where negotiations will lead.<br /><br />Tomorrow we'll sign papers to seal the deal.  Another victory for effective home staging!

How Staging Helps Negotiations

Our condo sold, and we're reminded that every offer is a serious offer even if it sounds goofy. Today I discovered yet one more advantag...

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How to Help Your Realtor Sell Your Home

<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://www.eeapartments.com/tools/Realtor_couple_photo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.eeapartments.com/tools/Realtor_couple_photo.gif" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>How you partner with your realtor can determine how quickly and profitable your home sale goes.<br />  <br />That's because selling a house ain't like it used to be. Gone are the days when you simply phoned the local real estate office, talked to a broker, showed her the house, signed some papers and sat back to wait for offers.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The broker's job</b></span> of yesteryear was to fill in the MLS specifications, take a picture, put an ad in the newspaper, and wait for offers. That is all so last century! <br /><br />I don't have to tell you <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/02/five-things-to-do-to-sell-your-home.html">what it's like today</a>. Wicked competition, depressing prices, fussy buyers, and purchasing decisions based on virtual tours.<br /><br />Don't even get me started on how important it is to stage better than the competition. Whether you have deliberately staged your home or not, face it, <i>it's staged</i>. It needs to be staged to sell or you're losing prospective customers. <br /><br />Something else that's changed is how homeowners and realtors work together. It takes cooperation and communication. Are you, Mr. or Ms. Homeowner, doing all you can to help your realtor? Here is my checklist for smart behavior to get your home sold. <br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let go. </b><span style="font-size: small;">Trust </span></span>your realtor's expertise. You hired her because she's the professional, so listen to the advice you're paying for. If you want to call all the shots, go FSBO. Don't let your <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/if-lovin-you-is-wrong-i-dont-wanna-be.html">emotional attachment to your property</a> color your decisions. Instead, be businesslike and take the suggestions you get on pricing and staging.                                                                            </li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prepare. </b><span style="font-size: small;">Keep</span><b> </b></span>your home show-ready. Clean it, or have it cleaned professionally, and keep it clean. It doesn't need to be health department approved, but it needs to look loved. </li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Be friendly. </b><span style="font-size: small;">Aim always to be</span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span>cheerful, and courteous. Don't make unrealistic demands for advance notice, extra open houses, daily feedback or special treatment.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Communicate. </b><span style="font-size: small;">Let your realtor</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span>know where you stand on terms, timing and especially price. The realtor should understand your schedule, how motivated you are, your bottom dollar, and whether you are able to offer any incentives such as owner financing, accepting property in trade for all or part of the sale, or help with the buyer's closing costs. </li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Promote. </b><span style="font-size: small;">Tell everyone</span></span> you know and everyone you meet that you are selling a home. Keep printouts of your home's specs handy so you can pass them on to interested people.  Many homes sell by word of mouth.  Refer anyone interested to your realtor. Have her business cards with you at all times.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Be noble. </b><span style="font-size: small;">Act</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span>with integrity. Never try to outsmart (cheat) the real estate company.  Play by the book.</li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Use tact</b><b>.</b></span> If you have a grievance, don't badmouth your realtor. Instead, sit down for a heart-to-heart, and see what can be changed to make things better for both of you. If you're not happy, she's not happy. </li></ul>It takes a team to sell a home in today's market.  Are you participating or just sitting by the sidelines?<br /><br />I give more advice on getting your home sold in my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook,</a> <i>DIY Home Staging to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar.</i> I promise you'll be satisfied, or I'll refund your money.<br /><br />

How to Help Your Realtor Sell Your Home

How you partner with your realtor can determine how quickly and profitable your home sale goes.   That's because selling a house ain...

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Staging with Fake Greenery

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/flb108-wg_main1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/flb108-wg_main1.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>SilkFlowers.com</i></td></tr></tbody></table>Whether you call them fakes, silks, artificials, or faux flowers, these "naturals" should be in your arsenal of props when it's time to stage your home for sale.   <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Even though they</b></span> are not real, these touches of green add a freshness to rooms that can't be duplicated unless you replace them with healthy, growing house plants and fresh flowers.<br /><br />As someone readying a home for the real estate market, and preparing for a move, I'm guessing you don't welcome the challenge of tending to houseplants (unless that has been your love all along) and of making sure your cut flowers look like they just arrived from the florist. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Enter silks.</b></span> Although today they are made from synthetic fibers, these imitations of nature are still called silks by florists, craftspeople, decorators, and event planners.<br /><br />They can come from the dollar store or be quite expensive. The price difference reflects how closely they mimic the real thing. <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://www.tradeshow.co.za/silkflowers/Images/silk-flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.tradeshow.co.za/silkflowers/Images/silk-flowers.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TradeShow.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Since I encourage </b></span>people to stage on a shoestring, I won't direct you to the high end retail silk floral websites and stores.<br /><br />Instead, I encourage you to keep your eyes open for realistic flowers and greenery at garage sales, flea markets and second hand stores. Especially second hand stores, where there is usually a box of these things in a neglected corner.<br /><br />Often they are outdated, formal, dusty arrangements that can be bought cheap, taken home, pulled apart, rinsed off, and recycled into more casual decorating props.<br /><br />I also believe that the bargains at dollar stores qualify for staging.<br /><br />My rule is that cheaper greenery and flowers have a place but it isn't up close. These less convincing specimens are fine when viewed from a distance, but not so great sitting on the bath vanity or kitchen counter. I use them in flower boxes outside, on porches, and in out-of-the way locations indoors. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Often, it's the container</b></span> that makes the whole arrangement classy. I look for these also at second hand stores. They needn't be fancy. Sometimes an old terracotta flower pot, metal bucket, or distressed wooden box is perfect for an orchid or cluster of ivy.<br /><br />All you need are some chunks of dry floral foam, and some sheet moss to make some simple stems come to life.<br /><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/daisiesinfakewater.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/daisiesinfakewater.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br />The trend now is away from large, complicated, contrived arrangements, which most people associate with funerals, department stores and hotel lobbies.<br /><br />Even a few stems in a glass vase filled with artificial water (a gel available at craft stores) gives a room the fresh factor so important to a staged house.<br /><br />Here is a site to go to for ideas and supplies.  <a href="http://www.save-on-crafts.com/newsilflowse.html">http://www.save-on-crafts.com/newsilflowse.html </a><br /><br />So, build up your stash of faux greenery and have fun making pretend plants and bouquets, ones that need no care other than a occasional quick rinse.<br /><br />Hopefully, your home on the market will be sold even before they get dusty.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>If you like these ideas</b></span> I have for staging your home, there's more advice in 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 can download it now. I guarantee it will make money for you!

Staging with Fake Greenery

SilkFlowers.com Whether you call them fakes, silks, artificials, or faux flowers, these "naturals" should be in your arsenal of pr...

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Staging with Second Hand Furniture? Be Careful!

<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://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/bedbugs_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_adult_bedbug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/bedbugs_slideshow/getty_rm_photo_of_adult_bedbug.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedbugs live off the blood of animals and humans, and they are ruining things for us recycling decorators.   </td></tr></tbody></table>Today, class, we're going to be talking about bedbugs.<br /><br />Pause for Eeeee-yewwwws.<br /><br /><br />I know. Nasty.  But a fact of contemporary life.  After a near-absence of 40 years, these bloodsuckers are again infesting homes and businesses in cities across the country.  Entomologists (insect experts) are puzzled about how they have managed to suddenly proliferate, but global travel and bans on toxic insecticides are probably the reasons why.<br /><br />For the sake of frugality, I have always encouraged friends to recycle, repurpose, and shop second hand for furniture. Now, we all need to be a little more cautious.<br /><br /><br />First, let's be clear. The bugs live in upholstered pieces where they can hide in the folds and crevices. Things like bookcases, wooden chairs, tables, vases, and such, are still relatively safe, as long as all surfaces are visible. Bedbugs live where they can't be seen, away from light and fresh air. But they come out of hiding when there's something to eat -- like food, pets, and you! Although they do not carry diseases, the bites hurt, and if scratched excessively, can become infected. <br /><br />If the second hand article can be washed and dried in the high heat of the clothes dryer, you can get rid of any bedbugs or larvae. Freezing also destroys them, so some people who love vintage clothing and textiles have taken to bagging, freezing for three days, then dry cleaning what they buy.<br /><br />If you think an upholstered piece harbors bedbugs, you can rescue it.  There is an <a href="http://www.bedbugsguide.com/pronto.htm">insecticide</a> that kills bedbugs.  It's called Pronto and you can read about it at <a href="http://here./">.</a><a href="http://www.bedbugsguide.com/pronto.htm">http://www.bedbugsguide.com/pronto.htm</a>. <br /><br />If you want to learn more about bedbugs and how to deal with an infestation, go to WebMD.<br /><a href="http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/dont-lose-sleep-over-bed-bugs">http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/dont-lose-sleep-over-bed-bugs</a><br /><br />And <a href="http://homemanagement.suite101.com/article.cfm/bed-bugs--prevention-tactics">here</a> is an excellent article on keeping your home free of bedbugs. <br /><br />I hope I haven't given anyone a case of the itchies just thinking about these creepy things. But if we are going to stage our homes, and do it on a budget, and be safe about it, we need to know about things like bedbugs.

Staging with Second Hand Furniture? Be Careful!

Bedbugs live off the blood of animals and humans, and they are ruining things for us recycling decorators.   Today, class, we're going t...

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How to Stage on a Budget

<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.sarahrichardsondesign.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/room_1_portrait_medium/hilltop-contemporary-master-bathroom-image3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/room_1_portrait_medium/hilltop-contemporary-master-bathroom-image3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can imitate the look of this high end bath by Sarah Richardson. Go for white cabinets, big mirror, bright lights, soft colors.  </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></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://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2007/07/ss_SIP883755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2007/07/ss_SIP883755.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White trim, polished doorknob, a colorful door, and uncluttered steps give this home an inviting look. Photo: yokelengho.spaces. </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://www.pacificsunconstruction.com/DSCN0169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.pacificsunconstruction.com/DSCN0169.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White cabinets make any kitchen feel fresh, and painting then is an economical DIY project  Photo: Pacific Sun Construction</td></tr></tbody></table><br />You say you want to stage your home? But you need to keep expenses down? Welcome to the club!<br /><br />Prioritizing and creativity are your friends. <br /><br />Kitchens and baths are your priorities. These rooms are important to buyers and so that's where your attention should go first. Elbow grease is free. Bathroom fixtures should sparkle. Kitchen appliances should gleam. Bleach is cheap and gets rid of mildew. WD-40 is cheap and makes things shine. Fine grade steel wool is cheap and removes lime buildup. Lemon oil is cheap and makes wood cabinets come to life. <br /><br />Think bright and white to convince buyers rooms are big and clean.  Make sure your light fixtures in all rooms sport the maximum wattage allowable.  Mirrors bounce light around and open up walls, so find a place for a mirror in your kitchen.  If you need to paint cabinets or vanities, roll up your sleeves, and save some money. Paint's inexpensive, so a fresh coat of a pale color on kitchen and bath walls is a great investment. Does the flooring look tired?  Peel and stick vinyl tiles are a great budget DIY fix. <br /><br />Your second priority will be how your home looks from the street and in that all-important exterior photo that goes on your MLS or FSBO listing. Pretend you are anal-retentive if you are not, and get rid of everything distracting or messy outside your home, especially the entranceway. If you can't pressure wash, at least take a hose to dirt and a broom to cobwebs. <br /><br />Back inside, evaluate your rooms. Are there too many small objects that make rooms look cluttered?  Is there so much furniture that rooms look small? Do some rooms need some fragrance help? Do the drapes block natural light? Have you decorated with dark colors that now need to be painted or slipcovered over?<br />  <br />You can learn to be creative by imitating the looks you see in upscale hotels and model homes, and by picking the brains of creative friends.  Try looking at your rooms as a buyer would.  Buyers want space and buyers like newness, so work to create those illusions.  Rethink the purpose of each room, and make the room's best use obvious to a buyer.       <br /><br />Choose the largest and most attractive pieces of furniture you have for staging, and store the rest. Shop your own home by moving furniture from room to room until you've achieved a happy mix. Don't be afraid to paint outdated things, including bookcases, chairs, end tables and even lamps and picture frames. White painted furniture looks clean. Black painted furniture looks sophisticated.<br /><br />When you prioritize, clean, and use your imagination, you can stage on a shoestring. I hope these budget-friendly tips help you stage your home for sale like an expert. I give more budget-busting tactics in my book, DIY Home Staging Tips.

How to Stage on a Budget

You can imitate the look of this high end bath by Sarah Richardson. Go for white cabinets, big mirror, bright lights, soft colors.  White tr...

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Painting Your Home? Here's Advice About Dropcloths

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><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/withrugfordropcloth-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/withrugfordropcloth-1.jpg" width="460" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Mr. Lucky likes to use a carpet scrap for a dropcloth. </i></span></td></tr></tbody> </table><br />If you are planning to paint your staged home, good for you! A DIY paint job done well brings terrific returns on your investment. The best part is that your investment is more time than money.    <br /><br />When you pay for professional painting, most of what you are paying for is labor. So, if you can do the work, you can save the money.  <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>MESSES.</b></span> A striking difference between the inexperienced and the professional painter is the amount of paint the beginner gets where paint is not supposed to be. That's what dropcloths are for -- protecting surfaces. They won't protect you, though. That's what gloves, a hat, long sleeves, and painters pants are for. But dressing for painting is a blog post for another day.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>EDGES ONLY. </b></span>When you are painting walls, it is not necessary to cover the entire room with dropcloths.  You want to protect the perimeter of the room and any raised surfaces that are fixed to the walls, like counter tops, built-in cabinets, or tub and toilets.  A small dropcloth in the center of the room will give you a safe surface where you can pour up paint and keep supplies.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHAT SIZE. </b></span>Around the room's perimeter, all you need is a dropcloth less than 2 feet wide. (Of course, any furniture will be pushed towards the middle of the room.) In the photo above, you see Mr. Lucky's preference -- an 18-inch wide piece of scrap carpeting. It works well because it lies flat and can easily be kicked or dragged along as he moves around the room. If you use this system, just be certain to keep the roller over the carpet scrap at all times.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT KIND.</span></b> Most people think of canvas dropcloths when they think of professional painters.  These cloths are good because they are impervious to paint and the cover all kinds of surfaces without shifting.  If you don't have a canvas dropcloth and don't want to buy one, I suggest a paper dropcloth designed to be used multiple times, but not forever. Some types are heavy, flexible paper, and some are plastic-backed.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>SAVE MONEY. </b></span>For a budget version of a handy dropcloth, look in second hand stores for vinyl-backed curtains and drapes. If you cut off the pleated top edge, you'll have a versatile dropcloth that's small enough to be washable but large enough to provide good protection.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>DON'T DO THIS.</b></span> If you plan to throw down plastic sheeting to protect floors, don't. Paint that splatters and drips onto plastic does not dry, and before you know it, you've stepped in drips and tracked paint onto carpets or flooring.    <br /><br />Also do not use cardboard (too slippery), newspaper (too unreliable), or "contractor's" rosin paper (too stiff and shifty). In a pinch, an old sheet, folded to lay in two or three layers will sub for a dropcloth.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>INVESTMENT. </b></span>Painting is the one of the best real estate enhancements you can do yourself. Having the right supplies, like dropcloths that do what they are supposed to do, will help you do a cleaner job, and make your home on the market more appealing to buyers.<br /><br />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>, gives you plenty more tips to work efficiently and effectively when you prepare your home for sale. Why go it alone, when I can be holding your hand? <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebook_02.html"></a><br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/"><img border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v127/lars72/733blog%20design%20images/featured_button.png" /></a></center>

Painting Your Home? Here's Advice About Dropcloths

Mr. Lucky likes to use a carpet scrap for a dropcloth. If you are planning to paint your staged home, good for you! A DIY paint job done w...

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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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