selling your oregon home: Who Pays for Home Staging? Agents or Home Sellers? - 06/08/10 11:14 AM
With many homes on the market and fewer home buyers, home staging has become more in demand than ever before.  Several agents and home sellers have asked us lately – who should pay for home staging?
Home staging makes houses easier to market — they look and “feel” better in person and in the listing photos. A quick sale of course benefits the real estate agent.  Should they pay for staging?
One example to consider:  If a home seller had carpets that needed cleaning, would the real estate agent advise them to do so?  Of course.  But they normally wouldn’t consider paying for the cleaning.  … (19 comments)

selling your oregon home: Does Your Listing Attract Offers? Seasoned Agent Spills Her Newest Secret Weapon! - 11/16/09 10:24 PM
 
We've been too busy to post anything about our most recent jobs but hooray - the real estate agent has done it for us!  It's our first chance to work with Mel Wagner of Coldwell Banker here in Salem . . . but from her reaction it won't be the last!
Yes - there are buyers even during the holiday season and they are making offers on the home that stands out as the Best Home in that price range!
 
SALEM OREGON REAL ESTATE-WHAT A DIFFERENCE A "STAGE" MAKES-HOMESTAGING, THAT IS! SALEM OREGON HOME SELLERS, COULD STAGING BE THE … (14 comments)

selling your oregon home: Your Sellers Called Me Today - Boy are they Mad! - 05/14/09 12:49 AM
Many calls I have received lately are from home owners who have homes on the market, or whose listings have expired and they are thinking about re-listing.  This week I had two consultations with this type of seller and they both were puzzled and irritated by their agent’s actions!
I spent a lot of time explaining the importance of curb appeal, first impressions and why deferred maintenance and declutter had to be dealt with before listing.  The widow whose listing had expired was near tears.  I expected her to be overwhelmed and even a little irritated with me by “imposing” … (31 comments)

selling your oregon home: Stager Advises To Keep Pup In the House for Open House! Is She Crazy? - 05/08/09 01:30 AM
When advising clients about preparing their home for showings and open houses, I always say to remove all evidence of pets - including the pets themselves.  If the pet is locked up in the garage or backyard, those areas will be hard to show, so it's always best to have them off to "visit grandma" or for a ride in the car if possible. 
Additionally, while owners may not be able to smell any odors from the litter boxes, pet food or bedding, buyers with sensitive noses may be turned off by these smells.  Removing these items is a simple step … (13 comments)

selling your oregon home: We're Giving Away "Get it Sold Tips" on the Radio! - 04/24/09 12:53 PM
Thinking of selling your home this spring and summer? 
If homes continue selling at the current rate it would take from 11-21 months to sell the homes already listed in our local areas.  With so much competition for home buyer's attention, what will set your home apart from others?
Did you know that over 85% of home buyers look on the internet first for a home?  Make sure those pictures are enticing!
Join us on KGAL 1580 Real Estate Talk at 10:06 this Saturday -- We'll be giving away some great get it sold tips that will help your home get … (13 comments)