In This Issue

Your Home At Center Stage A Change In Direction Never Too Late

We are pleased to present you with the latest issue of Life@Home.  Delivered to home buyers, sellers and owners on a monthly basis, this electronic newsletter is designed to give you the real estate information that is important to you.  In each issue, you will find practical tips and articles related to buying, selling or owning a home, as well as the latest news on real estate trends.  We hope that you enjoy this issue of Life@Home.  If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Your Home At Center Stage

In Hollywood they are called stylists. They are fashion professionals who help celebrities shine by outfitting them in the right clothes and accessories. in the world of home buying and selling, real estate professionals fill the same role, but in this case the "star" is your home. Here are five things you can do to stage your home for sale.

Staging is an important part of the home sale process. Staging is presenting your home in majority of buyers. In the end, it may even lead to less time on the market and a better sales price.

1. De-clutter and de-personalize: Remove all clutter and reduce the number of personal pictures and mementos. You do not have to purge everything, but packing away items at a friend's house or in storage might be a good idea.

2. Go for an updated look: if you have well-worn, wall-to-wall carpet, rip it up and replace it. If your kitchen cabinets are dated, spruce them up with new paint. Making your home look its best may take some money and some elbow grease.

3. Create a warm and cozy environment: You want your home to have a welcoming feel. Rearrange seating to create conversation areas. You want buyers to want to stay and relax.

4. Lighten up: Use table lamps to create a warm glow and mirrors to reflect the light around the room. Open up blinds and shades to let the sunshine in. A fresh coat of paint in an inviting, neutral tone will play up the sense of light and warmth.

5. Use accessories: Accent pillows, throw blankets, fresh cut flowers, bowls of polished fruit and artfully arranged books, can help you complete the sophisticated and inviting scene. Remember, you want buyers to imagine themselves living in this setting.

Your real estate professional is your greatest resource when it comes to preparing your home for sale. Work with them to create the home of your buyer's dreams.

A Change In Direction

When you set your asking price, it was with the belief that the home was worth and could ultimately earn that amount. However, if it is several weeks later and there have been no offers, or only a very few and those far under your price point, it could be time to take action.

Discuss with your agent whether or not you should reduce your asking price. Many sellers might feel discouraged at this prospect, but lowering the price to the right amount, at the right time, could work to your advantage.

Never Too Late Swimming is a great low-impact sport that can build aerobic endurance and strength. However, if you did not learn to swim as a child, worry not. It is never too late to take up this great form of exercise. Local community pools, YMCS/YWCA, JCC and other outlets usually offer beginning lessons for adults.

It indicates to potential buyers that you understand the market conditions and are willing to make compromises when warranted. It also shows that you are truly motivated to sell the property. Both characteristics can be very appealing to buyers and their agents.

Once you decide to reduce the price, work with your real estate professional to make the most of the decision. For instance, he can run tailored marketing including ads tagged, "Just Reduced" or "New Price". He can contact all prospective buyers that visited your open houses or toured the home and let them know about the reduction. He can reach out to his professional network and let his colleagues know that, "This terrific home is now available for even less!"

Also, it is important to remember that lowering the price may open your home to a segment of buyers who were previously locked out by the higher threshold.