General Articles

Living Room Home Staging Case Study

2010-03-08T15:24:01Z

We recently hired home stager Kate Case to give staging advice to some homeowners who were preparing to put their home on the market. Our arrangement with the home sellers was that if EnergizedSeller paid for the virtual consultation they would do the work and share their results.

Below is a before picture of the living area and some of Kate's recommended changes:

Here are some of Kate's recommendations:

These are the things that will make the most dramatic transformation and earn you top dollar for your home:

1. Eliminate all unnecessary furniture and clutter in the Living Room.

2. Paint your walls a lighter neutral color.

3. Clearly define the Living Room space as an area for relaxation and formal entertainment.

4. Blend the kitchen style and living style together to ensure the space flows together.

5. Focus on the Living Room windows, as the architectural focal point of the room.

Living Room Impressions

• This room needs to be turned back into a living room. We need to add a couch and
love seat at a minimum.
• The Living Room appears to be very dark and cluttered and there is not a clear
purpose. When selling a home, every room needs to have a clear purpose.
• The Living room furniture should be arranged in a conversation friendly configuration,
for example the sofa needs to be placed on the longest wall away from the entrance.
In this Living Room, the longest wall appears to be the wall of windows.
• The outdated window coverings should be removed, bare windows are preferable to
old or dated coverings. Also, since the Kitchen and Living Room are open to each
other we need to coordinate the window covering in both of these rooms to create a
more uniform look.
• This space needs to be neutralized as much as possible so buyers cannot enter in
and immediately profile the home seller. All personal photos and items needs to be
removed.
• All furniture needs to be removed from this room along with the small areas rugs.
These small rugs are cutting up the space and not helping the space flow.
• All clutter on the walls need to be removed. For example, the plates above the
windows and the small pictures behind the chair need to be removed.
• The coat rack needs to be removed.
• The paint color in the Living Room and the Kitchen area needs to be lightened up a bit.

Potential home buyers view the Living Room as a place of entertainment, relaxation, and

sophistication. The Living Room is a more formal room than a Family Room.

Here is an example of how the Living Room should be setup:

Here is what the home sellers did:

So, do you think this is good enough? Did the home sellers take enough of the suggestions? Let us know here and we'll tell you the outcome later.

Note: Kate Case also made recommendations about staging the kitchen and back patio since they are both in view of the living area. We'll share those comments later as well. Stay tuned.

How to Price Your Home

2010-02-25T17:01:56Z

When the time comes to price your home for sale, you may be tempted to start with the price you paid for it, add a healthy markup and call it a day. Unfortunately, that strategy is unlikely to result in a true reflection of your home's market value.

Here are six strategies to help you figure out how much your home is worth:

1. Abandon your personal point of view. How much will a ready, willing and able buyer be willing to pay for your home? Buyers don't care how much you paid for the home, how many memorable moments you and your family shared in the home, how much cash you need for the downpayment on your next home or how much time and money you've invested in your home's hardwood floors, fresh paint, lush landscaping or other improvements.

2. Get a couple of CMAs. Invite at least three real estate agents to visit your home and give you their opinion of its likely selling price. Ask for a "comparative market analysis" (CMA), which shows the prices of comparable recently sold homes, on-the-market homes and homes that were on the market, but weren't sold. The on-the-market homes are the "competition" for your home. Ask the agents why each home was included in the CMA and whether any other comparable homes were eliminated from the CMA. Price recommendations based on CMAs aren't gospel. Some agents will tell you to under-price your home in hope of sparking a bidding war. Others will suggest a flatteringly high price to "buy" your listing only to demand a price reduction a few weeks later.

3. Do your own market research. Go to open houses in your neighborhood and try to make an impartial assessment of how those homes compare to yours in terms of location, size, amenities and condition. Assuming all the asking prices were the same, would you buy your home or someone else's?

4. Calculate the price per square foot. The average price per square foot for homes in your neighborhood shouldn't be the sole determinant of the asking price for your home, but it can be a useful starting point. Keep in mind that various methodologies can be used to calculate square footage.

5. Consider market conditions. Are home prices in your area trending upwards or downwards? Are homes selling quickly or languishing? Will your home be on the market in the spring home-buying season or the dead of winter? Are interest rates attractive? Is the economy hot or cold? Will you be selling in a buyer's market or a seller's market? Is the local job market strong or are employees fearful of staff reductions?

6. Sweeten the transaction terms. Some buyers have needs that go beyond the bottom line. If you're willing to close escrow quickly, you'll attract buyers who want to move in right away. If you can offer seller-financing, your home will appeal to buyers who need to stretch their financial resources. A lease-option can help first-timers who need downpayment assistance. The more creative and flexible you can be in meeting the buyer's needs, the more success you'll have in pricing your home to sell.

EnergizedSeller Tips Help Get Offer After First Open House

2010-02-19T17:37:58Z

Home stager Cathy Lee from Danville, Calif., was contacted for a consultation with a client moving to Southern California. As she always does, she gave the client her co-branded "101 Energized Tips To Make Your Home Sale Ready” to help the client prepare for the first open house. Cathy said she suggested the client focus on 20 of the topics and then worked with her on each of them. The home was staged on a Friday, an open house was held on Sunday, and a great offer was made that week.

Congratulations to Cathy and the home seller.

Here are the 20 tips she suggested:

Tip #1 Make your home look organized- even if you are not.

Tip #9 Buy new bedding to dress up your bedroom

Tip #11 Change outdated wallpaper to neutral paint

Tip #26 If you have a formal dining room, present it as such

Tip #27 Put a new, tasteful centerpiece on your dining room table to showcase the dining

Tip #33 De-personalize the entire house

Tip #47 If necessary, rent, borrow or buy new furniture to showcase the room like a model

Tip #48 Pack personal collections

Tip #51 Remove all items smaller than a cantaloupe

Tip #62 Organize and clean like you’ve never done before

Tip #74 Scrutinize every room as though you are a buyer

Tip #75 Pack up and remove items you do not need

Tip #76 Call a non-profit organization to haul off donations

Tip #77 Put bills and other mail out of sight

Tip #80 Hire a cleaning service

Tip #93 Eliminate any food bowls or signs of pets

Tip# 95 Decorate your home to suit prospective buyers-not yourself

Tip #97 Store extra furniture, clothes and misc items

Tip #98 Get advice from a professional stager

Tip #99 Hire a Realtor!

Download all 101 home selling tips here.

Home Staging and Home Selling Tips Newsletters

2010-02-18T22:08:10Z

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (February 18, 2010)

Topics covered:

EnergizedSeller Tips Get Offer First Day On The Market

Make Most of Small Spaces

Question and Answer

Get rid of odor?

Laminate or Carpet?

Before and After

De-clutter Example

Living Room

Loft

Closets as Home- Selling Feature

Highlighted Posts of the Week

“ECO Friendly Paint Tip"

“Home Staging a Way to Reduce Days on Market”

“What's That Smell?”

This Weeks Featured Experts

Cathy Lee

Jane Ann Lance

Birgit Anich

Carole Morgan

Wayne Warshawsky

Catherine Jeffery

Ilaria Barion

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (February 11, 2010)

Topics covered:

Safety First

$200 Makeover Pays Great Dividends

Question and Answer

Flooring Problems

Water Stains

Before and After

Gameroom

Bathroom

Red to Elegant

Highlighted Posts of the Week

“Home Staging Solves Buyer Objections”

“Declutter, Declutter and then Declutter Some More”

“Kitchens and Bathrooms Sell Homes”

This Weeks Featured Experts

Judy Colburn

Manuela Tantawy

Carole Morgan

Karen Eubank

John Badalamenti

Karen Otto

To read this weeks newsletter, click here.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (February 04, 2010)

Topics covered:

Contract Negotiation: Terms and Conditions

MirrorMate (Add a frame to a mirror)

Question and Answer

Do I replace cheap bathroom fixtures?

Is leaving a knife block in the kitchen ok?

Before and After

Basement Makeover

Living Room

Stage for Success

5 Reasons to Hire a Realtor

Highlighted Posts of the Week

“Gutters—Another Key to Curb and Buyer Appeal!”

“Tips for Maintaining a Freshly Staged Home”

“What are the ‘hot colors’ for spring?”

“Does the Average Homeowner Know When To Call a Home Stager?”

This Weeks Featured Experts

Joanne Abrahams

Kate Case

Deb Waters

Diane Beck

Margaret Oscilia

Katie Griffin Ross

Lynn Chevalier

Marcie Geffner

Click here to read this weeks newsletter.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (January 28, 2010)

Topics covered:

Seller Listing Agreement

Yellow: 2010 Color of the Year

Before and After

Window Treatments

Bookshelves

Fireplace Improvement (Brick Anew)

Question and Answer

Should poster be taken down?

What questions should a home seller ask a prospective Realtor?

EnergizedSeller Wins Innovator of the Year

This Weeks Featured Experts

Marcie Geffner

Kate Case

Lee Ann Kramer

Karen Otto

Click here to read this weeks newsletter.

Tips for Increasing the Value of Your Home (January 21, 2010)

Topics Covered:

Give Your Home a Smile

Shuffle Duffle

Before and After

Cluttered Kids Study

Living Room

Dining Room

12 Home Selling Tips

Question and Answer

“My bedroom serves as both a bedroom and office, and there is nowhere else to put my desk and bookcase. How can I stage this room?”

Stage a Vacant Home

Highlighted Posts of the Week

Is Your House Selling Strategy Complete?

Start Now To Sell Well

Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Part 2

Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Part 1

This Weeks Featured Experts

Diane Beck

Mary Fasnacht

Birgit Anich

Ashley Whittenberger

Karen Eubank

Allegra Dioguardi

Lynn Chevalier

Lee Ann Kramer

Sue Geurs

Gina McNew

Contract Negotiation: Terms and Conditions

2010-02-04T20:20:50Z

If the terms and conditions of the deal aren't acceptable, you might want to pause and think twice.

There's a lot to consider before you sign a real estate purchase agreement. If the terms and conditions of the deal aren't acceptable, you might want to pause and think twice, even if the purchase price is more than satisfactory. After all, the price will be moot if the transaction never closes.

The typical residential real estate purchase contract is complicated, densely written and packed with legal jargon, but don't use that fact as an excuse for not reading the entire contract. Take your time and read slowly. Ask questions about anything you don't understand. Be flexible and willing to negotiate. The following five points are among the many items that merit attention:

1. What are the cutoff dates for inspections and approvals of the inspection reports? A typical contract provides an opportunity for the buyer to hire all manner of experts to check out the condition of the home. From the buyer's perspective, the more time that's allowed for these once-overs, the better. Sellers, on the other hand, usually want the inspections to be completed and signed off as soon as possible.

2. Who is responsible for making repairs, if any, as a result of the inspections? The fact that the buyer orders one of more inspections of the home for informational purposes doesn't obligate the seller to make repairs or modifications as a result of those inspections. In practice, however, inspection reports often are used to negotiate repairs of major problems or safety or environmental hazards that may be noted. The purchase contract should provide some guidance for these negotiations.

3. Is the seller making any representations or warranties regarding the condition of the property? In some contracts, the seller warrants that specified major components of the home (e.g., the roof or central heating or cooling system) are in good repair and working order at the close of escrow. Buyers should understand which components of the home are guaranteed and which are being sold "as-is."

4. Will a home warranty plan be purchased? A home warranty plan is a sort of limited insurance policy covering the basic major systems and appliances in the home. It may seem like a prize for the buyers, but it's equally important for the sellers and the real estate broker representing the sellers. In fact, these warranty plans are so popular among real estate agents that many of them will pick up the tab for the program in order to insulate themselves from irate buyers.

5. When is escrow scheduled to close? Pay attention to this date! If you're selling your home, you'll be expected to move out completely before the property changes hands. You'll want to make sure the closing date doesn't fall before you're able to move into your next residence. If you're buying a home, you'll be able to pick up the keys on the day escrow closes. You'll want to make sure you don't give up your prior residence too soon. Don't cut the dates too close. Many escrows end up closing a day or two later than the contract states--but that can happen only with the mutual agreement of the buyer and seller.

A Cost-Effective Solution To Spiff Up Your Mirrors

2010-02-04T19:58:37Z

At a recent real estate staging conference we learned about MirrorMate Frames and decided to write about them. (This is not a paid endorsement.) MirrorMate Frames are a great, cost effective solution for those generic mirrors. Nothing screams boring, cheap, and standard ‘homebuilder home’ more than a mirror without a frame, especially one that shows the clips. With MirrorMate you get a sophisticated looking frame that resembles a frame shop’s quality but at a fraction the cost of a framed mirror.

As a home seller your goal is to make your home stand out from the competition. If you have one of these bare mirrors then your prospective homebuyers are going to be less than impressed. Although we haven’t personally installed one of these frames, we’ve talked to others who have and they were thoroughly impressed with the ease of installation, cost and dramatic difference the frame made. For a cost of about $100 - $200 you can purchase a frame that is cut for your needs. And because the frames are made of fiberboard, the cost of shipping is minimal. If you’re nervous about which frame is best for your needs, go online or call and they’ll send you 3 samples for $5. You can also go to their website for installation demonstrations and directions.

If you want to make your bathroom stand out and look more like a spa, as you should, then I strongly recommend purchasing one of these easy to install, inexpensive frames.

In our opinion, MirrorMate has done a good job providing a product that helps provide a cost effective and quick bathroom makeover. To learn more, go here. And, if you order one of these frames, please make sure to let us see the before and after photos and let us know how it goes.

The Seller Listing Agreement: What's It All About?

2010-01-28T21:40:55Z

A listing agreement is a binding legal contract that shouldn't be taken lightly.

By Marcie Geffner

REALTORS® and buyers often work together without a written contract, but the opposite is true for REALTORS® and sellers. On the listing side, written contracts are overwhelmingly the rule, not the exception. A listing agreement is a binding legal contract that shouldn't be taken lightly. The necessity of reading the contract carefully and understanding what it means before you sign it can't be overstated. If you need legal advice, consult an attorney.

Listing contracts vary considerably from place to place. However, most REALTORS® use established listing agreement forms that are the de facto industry standard in their area or are dictated by their brokerage company. Everything on these preprinted forms is negotiable.

Here are some basic terms to consider:

1. Term of the Agreement. A longer agreement benefits the agent because it allows him or her more time to find a buyer for your home. In a weak market, that's okay, but if homes are selling quickly, you don't want to be committed to one agent for more than a few months. If the home doesn't sell within the initial period and you're satisfied with the agent's efforts, you can offer to extend the term of the agreement before it expires.

2. Commission. Although commissions are negotiable, most areas have a standard percentage that agents expect to receive. This amount usually is 6 percent of the sales price, but you will find agents who accept 5 percent and agents who ask for 7 percent. Whether you want to pay the percentage that's typical in your area or negotiate a lower rate is up to you. A lower commission will save you money. A higher commission will give the agent more incentive to invest in marketing your home. Other agents can find out how much commission is offered on your home through the MLS. The agent's commission technically shouldn't be renegotiated as part of the purchase agreement between the seller and the buyer, but some agents will give a little to close a price gap between the seller and buyer, consequently making the transaction viable.

3. MLS. A listing agreement typically authorizes your agent to post your home in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Unless you're selling a very exclusive property or have serious personal privacy concerns, the MLS is a no-brainer because it helps the agent market your home to the widest possible group of potential buyers. Today, most MLS databases are accessible by consumers on the Internet. The public does not have access to commission information on the listings.

4. Lockbox. A lockbox is a tiny key-holding safe that can be inconspicuously attached to the front of your property. Any agent who has the means of accessing the lockbox (e.g., the key or combination) can retrieve the keys to your home, unlock your door and show your home to prospective buyers even when neither you nor your agent is present. If you're concerned about strangers entering your home alone, don't authorize a lockbox. If your home is vacant, located in a low-crime area or if you've removed your valuables and are willing to take the risk, a lockbox might be reasonable. The more people who see the property, the better chance you'll have of selling it for a favorable price.

Transform Your Fireplace

2010-01-28T20:50:54Z

Fireplaces were once just a way to keep warm, but now they add a warm feeling to a home as well. When you choose the focal point of a room, the fireplace is the easiest choice due to its size and placement in the room. If your fireplace has taken years of abuse and now looks dated, try Brick Anew, which can update the appearance of a fireplace in a matter of hours and at a fraction of the cost to hire a professional. You can even change the bricks’ color.

Need to update your fireplace? Check out Brick Anew and let us know what you think. (This recommendation is not a paid endorsement.)

Before After

Give Your Home a Smile

2010-01-22T21:37:11Z

Your front door will make a lasting impression on potential buyers because it will be one of the first things they'll notice. The front door is like a smile on the face of your house, and the smile should be welcoming. Here are seven tips to give your front door a buyer-friendly look.

1. The front door should be clean and in good shape.

2. If the door needs to be painted, use a modern color that matches the color palette of your neighborhood.

3. Look at the other houses in your neighborhood to determine what type of front door you should have

4. Take a look at the wooden door frames around all of your exterior doors. These frames are notorious for absorbing moisture and rotting.

5. New doorknobs along with fresh paint and new kick plates can update the look of a door.

6. Clean all of the glass on your doors

7. Finally, if the insulation around your doors is cracked and peeling, replace it.

To read more on doors, click here.

Improve Your Home’s Value- 4 Budget-Friendly Tips

2010-01-14T21:04:10Z

Selling a home can be challenging, especially if your home needs some work. Home stager Sue Geurs discusses four budget-friendly tips to improve your home’s value in one of EnergizedSeller.com’s new 90-second interviews this week. Here are her tips:

Curb appeal is key to getting buyers in the door. Spend a few hundred dollars on grass seed, replacement sod and new flowers and bushes, and you can improve a home’s curb appeal over a long weekend.
Another way to revitalize a home’s exterior is to paint the trim and front door, two things buyers look at when they drive by the home. Make sure the paint is a good match for the base color.
A home full of furniture and collections can look much smaller than its actual size. To maximize space, put away all the stuff. Presentation is key when you are selling your home.
Clean everything from top to bottom. Be sure to include the outside of the house, windows, screens and rain gutters. Clean homes are perceived as newer or more up-to-date even when they aren’t. Once a buyer sees dirt, it’s over: No one wants to buy a used product.

Jump on your list of small projects and get those done because sometimes small projects can improve the value of your home in big ways.

Why should buyers & sellers hire a professional home inspector?

2010-01-14T20:02:46Z

Why should buyers & sellers hire a professional home inspector?

Professional Home Inspectors and Realtors believe that obtaining a home inspection is a good decision that makes you an educated home buyer or seller. Professional home inspectors protect real estate agents, buyers and sellers from legal liabilities and expensive repairs. Home inspection reports reveal problems, areas of concern, safety hazards and needed repairs. Home inspections help buyers and sellers make informed decision based on the inspection results.

Reasons for a buyer’s home inspection:

People that buy property without getting a professional inspectors report experience more system failures, maintenance expenses and buyer’s remorse than people who hire an expert, licensed, certified home inspector.
Without a home inspection, you could face major expenses from failed components after you move in.
Smart home buyers who want to protect their investment hire a home inspector to identify potential problems and recommend solutions before things go wrong.
Buyers can consider the reported conditions of the home's systems to determine their ability to afford to maintain the property.
Buyers can sometimes use information regarding undisclosed defects to negotiate the seller's action to repair the defect(s) or adjust the asking price for the home.
Buyers can sometimes use the inspection report as a means to withdraw from the contracted agreement when certain types of undisclosed defects are reported.

Reasons for a seller’s home inspection:

Know what a professional inspector is going to report to a potential buyer.
Avoid complications by counter offers or renegotiations based on repair needs.
Seller Home Inspections provide marketing advantages including the option to list a home as "Move In Certified".
Sellers can obtain a home inspection and use the report to disclose known defects to potential buyers.
Sellers can obtain a home inspection and use the report to identify and correct significant defects that could interfere with a buyer's desire to submit a contract to buy the property.
Sellers can use the report to communicate to contractors the nature of the defect(s) to obtain estimates for repair or to arrange for repairs or replacements.
Seller home inspections assist in realistic pricing.

No home is perfect and deficiencies will always be found in any house, new or old. A home inspection is in fact both an educational tool and insurance against unforeseen liabilities. Be a smart home buyer or seller and get a professional home inspection.

3 Small Upgrades That Make Great Impression on Buyers

2010-01-07T20:14:39Z

Home sellers who want to sell their home quickly and for more money need to show their home correctly. Here are three inexpensive upgrades that will make a home stand out:

Light fixtures in living and dining rooms. People like rooms that are light and bright. A room that's too dark isn't inviting and will look even darker if buyers see your home at night. Changing the light fixtures in the living and dining rooms is an inexpensive update that buyers will notice. To read more about updating light fixtures for a home sale, click here.

Foyer floor. The foyer is the first area buyers will notice when they enter a home, so this area is a good opportunity to create the impression that the home is clean and move in-ready. Tile or stone flooring is inexpensive and will open up the entry way into the home. To read more about flooring, click here.

Kitchen cabinets. The first thing buyers notice when they walk into a kitchen is the cabinets. An inexpensive way to give cabinets a facelift is to restain or repaint them. New hardware that complements the color and style of the cabinets is a subtle and attractive improvement. To read more about updating cabinets for a home sale, click here.

Get the Most Out of Investment

2010-01-07T18:10:29Z

3 target areas for successful home sale

Sellers in today’s competitive housing markets should focus on key areas that render the most return on their investment, says Laura Harvey, a home stager in Phoenix, Ariz., in a new EnergizedSeller 90-second interview this week. Three target areas that she says can be improved to help ensure a successful home sale are:

Kitchen. An up-to-date kitchen impresses buyers and makes them feel the home is a good value. Update appliances, resurface cabinets and change countertops to reflect the latest trends and features.

Bathrooms. Create a spa-like feel by adding new fixtures, soothing colors and various textures, especially in the master bathroom. Homeowners spend more time at home today, and they want a bathroom that feels like an oasis.

Master Bedroom. Refresh the room with a fresh coat of paint and new window treatments to create a retreat that is inviting and refreshing. Add built-in shelving and drawers inside the closets to create a custom look. Buyers will be attracted to the extra space and organization.

To watch Laura’s 90-second interview, click here.

7 Cleaning Tips for Home Sellers

2009-12-30T18:22:00Z

House-cleaning is not a task most people enjoy. But clean home is crucial to successful home sellers. Indeed, it would be impossible to over-clean a home that you intend to sell. Here are seven tips to make your home market-ready clean:

Be honest with yourself about how clean your home is and how it will appear to buyers.
Ask a trusted honest friend to tell you the truth about how clean your home appears to be.
Elbow grease is cheap and will give you a high return on your investment of time. Get friendly with Mr. Clean® and Magic Eraser®. These products are extremely effective and can be used throughout your home.
Fingerprints on walls, doors and light switches often get overlooked during daily or weekly cleaning routines. A Magic Eraser can take care of these problems quickly and easily.
Floors, baseboards, trim, fireplaces, air-conditioning vents, countertops, cabinets and windows are among the many components of your home that should be sparkling clean.
Hire a professional cleaning service as often as necessary to keep your home clean until it's been sold.
Cleaning is easier after you've de-cluttered your home and removed unessential items.

To read more on cleaning, click here.

7 Point Stimulus Package for Home Sellers

2009-12-17T22:42:00Z

If you want a stimulus package that you can benefit from directly and won't leave you with any debt, then beg, borrow or steal--okay, not steal, but certainly beg or borrow--that extra $500 or $4,000 you need to create your own home-sale stimulus package. And although making the investment may be difficult, especially since you are moving, the return you get will more than pay for itself.

Below are 7 tips for home sellers to stimulate the sale of their home:

1. Hire a Good Realtor. The national median home price dropped 15 percent in 2008 (National Association of Realtors) and the median days on the market increased to over 100 days in 2009 (Altos Research). A home seller needs to gain every advantage they can in today's market, and finding a good Realtor that comes highly recommended is important when marketing a home.

2. Hire a Home Stager. A recent study by HomeGain showed that staging a home for a sale generates a return on investment of 343%. The average cost, depending on market and needs, is $403 to $584, and a home staging consultation can be as little as $150.

3. Clean and De-clutter. Cleaning a home isn't much fun, but a clean home is crucial to a fast sale. A recent EnergizedSeller.com survey found that Realtors around the country picked cleaning as the top task they wanted home sellers to focus on. Additionally, HomeGain found that an investment in cleaning and de-cluttering generates a staggering 578% return. Cost: $0 to $500.

4. Rent a Storage Unit. Savvy sellers remove extra furniture and household items to make their home seem larger. The return on investment is the perceived value of extra square footage. Cost: $100 to $500.

5. Hire a Handyman. Sellers who paint, repair, install and do whatever else is necessary to make their home move-in-ready will get a great return on their investment. Cost: $200 to $2,000.

6. Improve Curb Appeal. For the second year in a row the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com) showed that exterior remodeling projects return the most money as a percentage of cost. Cost: $200+

7. Utilize Free Home Selling Tips. There are a lot of free web sites with goodhome selling tips. For example, EnergizedSeller.com offers advice on more than 40 different topics related to selling a house and staging a home. Sellers who implement as many of these suggestions as possible can get tremendous returns.

Kitchens Sell Homes

2009-12-17T19:03:33Z

Remodeling magazine reports every year that a kitchen remodel generates one of the largest returns, 76-79 percent, on the investment. If your kitchen needs a better look, but you can't afford a complete kitchen remodel, consider these eight fixes to help sell your home faster and for more money:

· Replace the countertops, sink and fixtures to modernize the kitchen.

· Replace linoleum or vinyl flooring with ceramic tiles.

· Paint or re-stain worn wood cabinets.

· Install cabinet hardware, if you don't have any, or replace or paint any outdated hardware.

· Remove outdated or busy wallpaper and any bold, bright or personal paint choices.

· Keep all countertops free and clear of appliances, butcher blocks and knickknacks.

· Remove pet food bowls, scatter rugs and garbage cans from view.

· Keep the kitchen sparkling and smelling clean daily.

To read more about kitchens, click here.

Heating, Cooling for Home Sellers

2009-12-17T18:52:00Z

Home buyers typically don’t want to make repairs to their new home’s heating or cooling system. That means sellers should make sure all of the home’s heating and cooling units work properly, are fully charged and have clean filters. It’s best to make any repairs before you put your home on the market, so you won’t have to delay closing the sale while you wait for those repairs to be completed.

Heating and cooling units can be good selling points because they’re among the most expensive components of a home. These 5 tips will help you make sure your heating and cooling systems are home seller-ready.

Put away any portable heating or cooling appliances while your home is being shown to buyers. Any kind of portable appliance that helps to heat or cool a room indicates to buyers that the home’s primary heating or cooling units may be insufficient.
Medical equipment, dehumidifiers and ionizers also should be kept out of sight.
If there is mold in your house, there may be a problem with humidity if some of the windows aren't sealed properly.
Clean ceiling fan blades and turn on fans at a moderate speed while your house is being shown, so buyers will be able to see that the fans work properly.
Always set the temperature at a comfortable level, according to the weather.

To read more on heating and cooling, click here. Get more home sellers tips.

6 Tips to Give Buyers a Friendly Impression

2009-12-10T22:13:54Z

Lynn Chevalie r, a home stager in Washington DC, points out that in today's market it is important to think marketing. In a new EnergizedSeller 90- second interview this week, she shares six quick and effective tips to giving home buyers a positive impression.

Great staging is not only about design. It’s also about creating a lifestyle identification. When potential buyers walk through your home, you should present visual confirmations at every turn that your home can accommodate what we all long for: a clutter-free, relaxing, fun-filled and wholesome way of living.

Here are six tips to create that impression:

Edit the visuals. Clutter creates anxiety. Pack, store or throw away items that tell a negative story about your lifestyle.
Reflect quiet and order in the bedrooms. You can create this impression with great hardcover books on the nightstand, handsome accessories, luxurious, non gender-specific bedding and plenty of throw pillows. In children’s bedrooms, reduce the number of toys, pictures, trophies and the like to a bare minimum.
Give the bathrooms a spa-like feel. Use fresh, crisp and organic items such as thirsty white towels.
Showcase an energetic lifestyle by hanging bikes, ski equipment and sleds on large hooks in the garage.
Fill the bookcases in your family room with classic books, board games and movies.
Hide your medicines, prepackaged foods and blue Gatorade. The people living in your home enjoy a healthy lifestyle!

Have fun with lifestyle identification. It’s discomforting to be around people who take themselves too seriously and that goes for homes as well. A great home should have an extremely refined sense of humor!

See her 90-second interview here.

5 Tips to Prepare Walls for Home Sale

2009-12-10T18:56:00Z

Max Ruthven, a home stager in Austin, Texas, points out that color is the center of the emotion that one feels when entering a room. In a new EnergizedSeller.com 90-second interview, she explains that color can have an amazing or devastating effect. Here are her five tips to make sure your walls are home-seller ready:

Eggshell whites, beige and cream are out. Instead, use neutral colors that are warm and inviting and that appeal to a wide range of tastes. These colors will bring depth and character to your surroundings and still maintain a classic elegant look.
The color scheme needs to be consistent throughout the whole house. Choose neutral hues on your walls and add color through accessories.
Using complimentary colors in a room can be striking and dramatic. But avoid this technique when staging a home for sale if you’re not sure how to do it.
Consider the relationship between color and light. Southern light is warmer, so use cool colors to tone down walls. Northern light is cooler and dimmer, so choose warmer colors.
Don’t add faux painting when selling your house. If you have walls with faux painting on them, consult a professional stager and repaint if advised to do so.

The goal of a stager is to emotionally control the effects through successful use of color as a design tool. Remember, keep it simple, neutral and elegant.

See her 90-second video here.

4 Tips To Organize Playroom

2009-12-05T06:03:25Z

Playrooms, although often necessary for children, can be a challenge when selling a home. If you’ve converted a bedroom into a playroom, your best strategy is to convert the room back into a bedroom. If that’s not possible or your house is large enough to have a dedicated playroom, you can impress prospective buyers by showing them how neat and organized a playroom can be, even if that seems humanly impossible. Here are some tips on how to stage a playroom in a for-sale home:

Think Simplicity. Don’t over-decorate a playroom, especially if it’s small. Try to make the room as inviting as possible to both adults and children. Get rid of clutter so the room doesn’t look too busy.

Organize. First, see the last sentence above. If the playroom is small and short on storage space, put shelves on the walls, but keep plenty of empty space as well. If the playroom is large, set up different play stations. Cubbies and bins are a good way to keep a playroom clutter-free.

Get Comfortable. Make the playroom a place where everyone can kick back and relax. Make sure the lighting is comfortable and the furniture is cozy. Help buyers imagine their own children or themselves cuddled up on a cozy chair or beanbag.

Create Fun for Many. Show buyers that the playroom can entertain any children who will live in the house. Don’t let the room be dominated by toys that appeal only to a small age group. Display books, a dry-erase board, television, board games and other toys that appeal to children of different ages.

Staging a playroom so it’s well-organized, comfortable and fun for everyone will impress buyers who have children. Not staging this room can scare buyers into thinking their lives will be disorganized and hectic if they buy your home.

11 Tips to prepare walls for home sale

2009-11-27T17:15:25Z

Cleaning the walls inside your home is crucial to creating a positive first impression for home buyers. Clean walls make the rest of the home appear to be cleaner and larger. Here are 11 tips to prepare your walls for a home sale:

Walls and ceilings should be clean throughout your house.
Make sure cobwebs aren't lurking in corners and no stains are visible, especially on the ceiling.
Use bright white paint to create an open and airy feeling.
If you have popcorn ceilings, this material can be removed, but removal isn't necessary, especially if other houses in your neighborhood also have these ceilings. Keep in mind, though, that popcorn ceilings can be tricky to paint.
Limit the amount of décor and number of pictures on your walls.
Taking down some of your pictures will make your rooms appear larger.
Patch and repair any visible damage to walls and ceilings.
If light fixtures or window coverings have been removed, make sure all of the nail holes have been repaired.
Repair cracks in walls and ceilings, so buyers won't assume your home's foundation is damaged.
A Magic Eraser® is a great way to get walls really clean and may save you the cost of a paint job.
If you decide to repaint, choose a light neutral color. If you're painting the walls and cilings, paint the ceilings first, so excess paint won’t spatter your newly painted walls.

To read more on walls, click here.

5 Tips for First Impressions

2009-11-19T17:04:10Z

Lina Labib, a home stager in Chicago, points out that a home buyer’s first impressions begin with the exterior of the home. In a new EnergizedSeller 90-second interview this week, she shares five quick and effective tips that will give your home a competitive advantage:

Groom the landscaping. This task includes patching and mowing the grass, trimming the trees and shrubs, and keeping the yard clean of litter. Beautiful landscaping is always inviting and attractive to any buyer .
Clean the exterior walls and pavement. A good scrub with a power washer can bring an older home back to life by washing away dirt that has built up on the bricks, concrete, siding, doors, windows, garage and other components. A clean home shows attention to upkeep and signals that the home has received good care .
Clear the driveway and walkway. If you have a broken car, old bicycle or other rundown object outside your home, be sure to get rid of it before you put your home up for sale. Buyers will be attentive to tidiness both outside and inside the home .
Spruce up the entrance. The entrance to your home should be welcoming and inviting. If your front door is old or in bad shape, replace or repaint it. If your mailbox needs repairs, fix it. The entrance says a lot about your home, and you want it to say the right things to potential buyers .
Add a splash of color. Even a small budget can add some colorful flowers, outdoor décor and garden lights to your home. A little bit of outdoor accessorizing can give your home an edge and make it more attractive to potential buyers .

Unlike a book, a home usually is judged by its cover. Improving your home’s curb appeal will draw buyers to your front door and into your home.

To read more about curb appeal, click here.

Top 10 Home Improvement Projects

2009-11-19T17:02:56Z

HomeGain recently released the results of its latest survey of home improvement projects that Realtors recommend to home sellers. Number one on the list was cleaning and de-cluttering, which can cost as little as $200, but increase the price of the home by $1,700, an 872 percent return. Number two on the list was home staging, which can cost just $300, but return 586 percent on the investment. Lighting, landscaping and plumbing repairs rounded out the top 5 recommended projects.

To read the rest of the list in a blog post by home stager Sue Guers, click here.

11 Tips to Show Off Master Bedroom

2009-11-06T21:56:24Z

Jackie Strydom, a Realtor in Dallas, points out that the master bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the house and that this room should whisper of serene quiet love, romance, mystery and excitement. Here are five of her tips from a new EnergizedSeller.com 90-second interview this week to show off a master bedroom:

1. Make the bed the focal point and invest in new bedding such as a luxurious comforter, soft sheets or stuffed pillows. You’ll take these items with you when you move, so it's okay to splurge a little.

2. A headboard is a must and may be basic and plain with clean lines.

3. Paint the walls a fresh neutral color that complements the new bedding.

4. Don't put the bed directly across from the entry door.

5. Don’t put the headboard under or in front of a window.

6. Keep the furniture simple. Don't set up a sitting area if the room is smaller than 15’ x 15’.

7. Take the TV and computer out of the bedroom.

8. Remove all personal items such as pictures.

9. Don't decorate with fake or plastic plants or flowers. Use natural items.

10. The master bedroom should appeal to men and women. Remove items that may be too gender-specific.

11. Use fresh flowers to add a romantic touch.

If buyers feel they need to tiptoe and whisper in the bedroom, you will have created a strong driving force to sell your home.

To watch Jackie's video, click here.

6 Tips to Create Warm-Welcome Feeling

2009-11-05T23:13:28Z

Lighting can create a warm and welcoming feeling or make a room look cold and harsh. That's why choosing the proper lighting for each room in your home is important. In another new 90-second interview this week, EnergizedSeller professional member Kate Case offers six great tips to make sure the lighting in your home creates a warm welcome:

1. Online photos should be light and bright. Replace older light bulbs before any photos are taken.

2. Exterior lighting should be in working order. Install the highest wattage bulbs in each fixture. If a prospective buyer drives by and cannot make out the house number due to inadequate lighting, the sale may be lost.

3. The driveway and walkway to the front door should be adequately lit, so buyers will know where to walk and no one will trip and become injured.

4. Every room should have appropriate lighting. Most rooms will have at least two types of lighting, if not more. Sunlight and artificial light should be used in all rooms.

5. Light is an important design element that draws the eye to the home's architectural features. HGTV recommends 100 watts of light for every 50 square feet of space. Your home should be bright, not dreary, and buyers should be able to see everything the home has to offer.

6. Chandeliers are a must for entryways and dining rooms.

Bonus tip: An upshot light behind a tall standing plant looks fantastic and adds a warm feeling to almost any room.

To watch Kate's video, click here.