The size of the future you actually experience will largely be determined by one factor: the people you choose to connect with. When you invite people who are truly committed to growth into every aspect of your life, your own potential for growth becomes truly unlimited.
Home staging (or property styling as it's commonly known as on the Australian property scene) is really an art, not a science. One of the many things a professional home stager understands is that it's the house that's up for sale, not the home owner's bread baking ability or taste in music. So, from the sublime to the rediculous - here's 8 myths of staging to sell - busted!
1. Buyers can see past my stuff No - they can't. 95% of house hunters shop with a 'what you see is what you get' eye. You'll be maximising your chances of a better and quicker sale if you take the time to clean out, clean up and keep your look simple.
2. Baking bread, brewing fresh coffee and playing soft music will make a buyer fall in love with my house. Maybe once upon a time this was true - but most would-be buyers are onto that old trick. It's more likely to trigger alarm bells, with many wondering what it is you're trying to hide. Your buyers will be happy with a place that looks and smells clean.
3. I'll need to clear everything out to help buyers see themselves living here. This is only partly true. Wall to wall family photos are distracting, as is your porcelain rooster collection. These things are best put away. But don't go overboard, otherwise you'll end up with a look that feels cold and sterile.
4. If it's an original feature - it adds value. Sometimes yes - but often no. Generally a property built less than 50 years ago without being updated is more likely to appear dated, rather than classic.
5. My place isn't worth staging. All homes are worth taking the time to present in a positive light to buyers. The trick to knowing where to start and what to do is in having a good idea of what buyers in your target market will expect, along with learning more about what competing properties in your area are offering.
6. Empty rooms look bigger.
This is rarely the case. Buyers will always prefer to see how a room is used and what will fit in it, rather than be left to guess. Very large rooms can also be too intimidating for some. Even borrowed furniture can help buyers get an idea of scale and give the eye something of interest to focus on.
7. Converting a bedroom into a home gym won't be a problem. Bedrooms are one of the most valuable commodities of the 'for sale' property. Having a home gym set up in a bedroom will prompt buyers to wonder why that is. I remember once looking at a house where this was the case. When I came across the bedroom with the gym in it, I immediately began to question if a bed would even fit. Always give the rooms in your house a purpose.
8. No need to worry about wardrobes and cupboards. Home storage is a big deal to most buyers and is surprisingly valuable. Prospective buyers will open storage cupboards in kitchens and bathrooms, so keep them tidy. Keep only what you're using on a daily or weekly basis, and pack the rest away ready for the move.
Have you got a staging myth you'd like busted? Share them with me here.
Donna Ross
Great Impressions Real Estate Staging
"I love helping Sydney home owners and real estate agents catch the eye of choosy buyers with their 'for sale' listings, with fast, simple and inexpensive decorating fixes."
Fannie Mae announced last week that homeowners facing foreclosure can now lease back their homes at market value for up to a year, according to the Los Angeles Times. The move was done in part to help the company manage the next wave of foreclosures.
Not surprisingly, Fannie Mae is reeling because of the amount of foreclosures it has on in its inventory, and, as a result have had to once again turn to the U.S. Treasury for additional funds. Last Thursday, they requested another $15 Billion from the Feds, the 4th request they've made since being taken over completely by the government, the Times reported.
My partner Susan Maxwell and I wish to thank everyone who came to our 2009 customer appreciation party at Winestyles in Palm City, Florida. Hopefully everyone had a wonderful time and for those so inclined, also had a good introduction to some very tasty and unusual wine flavors.
A huge thank you to Susan who just did an awesome job preparing the food. It was really wonderful, and now I need to go out and jog a bit extra to mediate the effects of the calories!
Another big thanks and appreciation to our newest occasional partner Stephanie Gray for her assistance setting up the festivities.
For those living near or visiting the Palm City, Florida area, stop into Winestyles and experience some great wines from around the world.
This is our fourth annual holiday customer appreciation party. It is a little pay back to our wonderful clients, friends and business partners that have helped make our real estate business so successful on the Treasure Coast of Florida.
Beautifully Updated Intracoastal Condo on Hutchinson Island
4440 NE Sandpebble Trce., Building 9, Suite 106, Stuart, FL 34996 View Map
Truly hassle free living in this gorgeous 2/2 ground floor end unit in Sandpebble. Enjoy spectacular wide river views from the master and main living area and the privacy afforded by the palm-tree lined yard bordering the unit. More than $50,000 in upgrades include: remodeled kitchen (with custom cabinetry with full extension pull outs, island with service sink), recessed lighting, plantation shutters, remodeled master bath. Murphy bed in guest bedroom.
Other perks: all work has been done on roof,dock, seawall, exterior concrete restoration and exterior painting and all assessments are paid!
New AC in 2008 and new water heater in 2009. Pull down hurricane shutters. All that is left for you to do, is kick back and relax! Docks are available for lease at only $1.50 per foot.
3 Pools, Clubhouse and Tennis courts on the river side and 2 Pools and Ocean Access on the Ocean Side.
686 NE Wax Myrtle Way, Jensen Beach, FL 34957 View Map
This is one of the hidden jewels in Martin County and Jensen Beach. Holly Creek is a small and affordable subdivision located off of Jensen Beach Blvd. Just 2 miles from the Indian River (Intracoastal Waterway) and across the Jensen Beach Causeway to access the pristine waters and beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Only two miles to the Treasure Coast Mall and surrounding areas for shopping, and just a short bike ride from schools, restaurants, parks and downtown Jensen Beach; Holly Creek is one of the best locations on the Treasure Coast Low fees include professional landscaping.
This home features lots of room with 2 BR, 2.5 Bath and 1 car garage with additional parking. Both bedrooms feature individual baths. New AC and the refrigerator has a water filter system. Private lanai and lushly landscaped grounds. This is a perfect starter home or a wonderful Florida vacation home during the cold northern winters. This home is in move in condition and ready for immediate occupancy. This home can qualify for the first time home buyers tax credit.
A large heated pool and two professional tennis courts adjoin the spacious clubhouse that has party and banquet facilities available for residents to use.
Numerous small lakes and lush landscaping make Holly Creek a desirable place to call home or a possible vacation retreat from those cold northern winters.
Holly Creek features 2 bedroom townhomes, 3 bedroom villas, 3 bedroom chalet homes all with a single car garage and additional parking. There are also a limited number of estate homes in the rear of Holly Creek which have 2 car garages, larger floor plans and individual designs.
It used to be that if a caller to the real estate company indicated that they wished to purchase a three bedroom, two bath home and keep the monthly payment below five hundred dollars we used to ask this question:
“What kind of tires do you want on that mobile home you just described to me?”
And that was back in the mid 1980s! Now, in the year 2009 as incredible as it seems, the combination of low real estate prices combined with excellent mortgage interest rates have many homebuyers purchasing property with mortgage payments at or below $500 per month.
Even more remarkable is that these purchasers are buying homes at or below ONE YEAR’s equivalent of their annual income. We have even sold a few houses to individuals who paid more for the most recent vehicle they purchased.
The bottom line is this: real property has never been more affordable. Anyone that is currently renting that is in a position to purchase should take advantage of this window of opportunity.
The much-anticipated extension to the home buyer tax credit has finally been approved. The Senate's vote yesterday resulted in a 98-0 win and today it was passed in the house. The bill now moves to the President's desk for a final signature.
First-time home buyers have been eligible for tax credits of up to $8,000 since last January as part of this year's economic stimulus package. The newly backed program will expand the credit to include existing home owners.
Under the revised program, those who have owned a home for at least five years will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase their next home. To qualify, buyers will have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30.
The maximum purchase price on a home will be $800,000 with vacation homes not eligible. Income limitations are $125,000 for single tax payers and $225,000 for joint filers.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have been lobbying hard for the extension and expansion of the tax credit. NAR claims that so far, about 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the program and they estimated that 350,000 of these buyers would not have otherwise purchased.
The tax credit is also set to be extended for another year for military personnel serving outside of the United States until June 30, 2011.
Senator Johnny Isakson, who heavily pushed for the extension, along with his own version that would have increased the credit to $15,000 stated, "This is probably the last extension."
But, is this really true? When April 2011 comes around and the housing market is still not in full recovery mode, will the politicians be able to let this go and actually come to an end, or could it possibly become a more permanent subsidy?
"Southern Living" Dream House! 2004 Custom built designer home.
Over 3000 square feet of living area, featuring 3 BR's 3.5 BA's plus loft (possible 4th BR). Formal LR, DR, and a great room with wood burning fireplace. All living areas feature hardwood floors and French doors, a dream chef's eat-in-kitchen with a center island cook top. All this on a private, secluded 5 acres, yet only minutes to shopping, schools, I-95 or the Turnpike.
Charming "old-Florida" home awaits your creativity, vision, and passion for renovation. Get a head start on building your dream home with this CBS exterior and endless interior possibilities; 3 bedrooms or four, Florida room or den, large living room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, and two bathrooms. Construction permits are available. Updates and upgrades are in process. Large lot with some fruit trees and room for a pool. This property, surrounded by recently renovated homes, is just one mile from great parks and the Palm City boat ramp.. Large lot with some fruit trees and room for a pool. This property, surrounded by recently renovated homes, is just one mile from great parks and the Palm City boat ramp.
By renovating this existing structure considerable savings can be realized by not having to pay impact fees for new construction.
Excellent potential for an income producing home or your perfect home in Palm City's 'A' rated schools. Close to shopping, restaurants, schools and easy access for commuters.
Details
Asking Price:
$69,000
MLS:
339963
Sq. Feet:
2000
Lot Size:
.29 Acres
Bedrooms:
3
Bathrooms:
2
# of Floors:
1
Subdivision:
PALM CITY
Year Built:
1956
Property Amenities
- Grass Lawn
- Yard
- Secluded Setting
Contact Info
Gabe Sanders & Susan Maxwell e-PRO, REALTOR
Main 866-899-7977 Cell 772-486-4642 Dir 772-323-6996 Email | Website
All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Real Estate news and information from Stuart Florida. Including Sewalls Point, Jensen Beach, Palm City, Hutchinson Island, Hobe Sound and Port St. Lucie, FL
More at GabeSanders.com and TreasureCoastFLHomes.com
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
The much-anticipated extension to the home buyer tax credit has finally been approved. The Senate's vote yesterday resulted in a 98-0 win and today it was passed in the house. The bill now moves to the President's desk for a final signature. 
;)
;)
