December Challenge - Day XXIX - Just sitting on the market going nowhere is no fun. - 12/29/11 04:01 PM

 
Just sitting on the market going nowhere is no fun.
It disturbs your daily routines causing stress. You have to keep the house clean and tidy and be ready to leave on short notice for viewings. No one likes to live this way.
Let's look at the reasons why houses just sit instead of selling.
 
 
Price: Everyone thinks their home is wonderful and worth just as much if not more than the competition. Unfortunately, your view may be skewed by your emotional attachment. Did you listen to your Realtor when they appraised your home? Is your home … (12 comments)

December Challenge - Day XXVIII - The not so gentle truths. - 12/28/11 08:02 PM

 
Sometimes you have to tell it like it is ... albeit gently.
I did a consult on a beautiful home that had an awkward shaped living room. Basically it had no walls. One wall was a staircase. One wall had a huge alcove beside a window. One wall was open to the foyer. One wall was a bay window. It was a small space as well.
The sellers had just rearranged the room and felt they had done well. The day before it had been a playroom. Now there was a large sofa in the bay window, a chair … (12 comments)

December Challenge - Day XXVII- Take time to revitalize & balance your life. - 12/27/11 11:09 AM

 
The Real Estate Business is not your average 9 to 5 job. It is very sporadic and the hours can be long. That can make a big difference in your lifestyle. You never know when that call will come or how long it will be to the next call.
Needless to say, you have to set up some guidelines for yourself. You must set aside family time that cannot be disturbed. If you don't balance your life it can soon turn to burnout.
Since I can't seem to say 'no' when the call comes, I try to make the most of … (12 comments)

December Challenge - Day XXIV- How to spend the time between Christmas and New Years - 12/24/11 09:04 PM
  I spent Friday afternoon doing a consult with a young couple and their 16 month old twins.
They are going on the market in early January and plan to spend the week after Christmas doing a room a day. It's such a pleasure to work with clients that are eager to help their house sell. It won't be easy doing the changes while the twins nap.
 
… (8 comments)

Burlington Stager and 'Twas the Night Before Listing' - 12/22/11 11:18 AM
I created this post for a Christmas Past and decided to bring it to the Christmas Present!
 
 
Twas the night before listing
When all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even their mouse;
 
The pillows were plumped on the sofa with care
While visions of dollars danced in their heads
 
The Stager with vision
Had left them a plan ....
 
Start out on the lawn with a ladder
They'd sprung to their feet to see what was the matter
Away to the windows they'd flown, to wash
They'd nailed up the shutters and … (18 comments)

December Challenge - Day XXI - Checking that list can lead to success! - 12/21/11 02:53 PM

 
Being on the market is a challenge at the best of times. Your whole routine must change and focus on viewings.
When you throw a Holiday Season into the mix it can be even more stressful. You are no longer free to decorate as you please. Restraint must be used so that you don't create Holiday Clutter for the buyers. It is even more important when selling at this time to make yourself a check list.
Just like Santa, you need to check it twice ;).
No matter when my clients are listing, I always recommend that they create … (6 comments)

December Challenge - Day XVI - Booking January Now - 12/17/11 08:07 PM

 
It's good to know that sellers are planning ahead.
I have two clients now who are working on their homes. One is going on the market in the middle of January and the other is going on the market the beginning of February.
These sellers are so wise. They are giving themselves time to accomplish the changes necessary.
Today I booked another consult for the first week of January. They are not sure when they will be going on the market this spring.
It feels good to plan ahead with clients instead of rushing at the last minute.
I … (16 comments)

Buyers want space in rooms and storage. December Challenge - Day XIV - 12/14/11 09:57 AM

 
Lets face it space is important to all of us. We want room to breathe ... room to spread out ... room to work and grow.
When  you are selling your home it's important to show buyers that space they are looking for in a house. Examine every room and make sure it is showing off it's dimensions to best advantage.
This laundry room has a narrow entry as you can see. The appliances and cupboards that were installed shrink it even more. The wall cupboard actually blocks the door to the garage.
If you were buying a house … (12 comments)

Want to Know What Home Staging is? Well Let Me First Tell You What It Isn't. - 12/13/11 01:07 PM
This Burlington Stager agrees with Kathy Streib. Staging is about marketing your home. It highlights the positive features of your home and shows buyers how to live with the negatives.
Via Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 (Room Service Home Staging):
Want to Know What Home Staging Is?  Well Let Me First Tell You What It Isn't! Home Staging is often misunderstood... what exactly does it mean?  To some it means “moving furniture around”... at least that’s what people usually say to me when I tell them I’m a Home Stager. Others, thanks to certain cable television shows, … (6 comments)

Experience The Magic - December Challenge - Day XII - 12/12/11 10:31 AM
… (12 comments)

December Challenge - Day X - Adding appeal & value to your home. - 12/10/11 06:18 PM

 
Many sellers don't want to make that final investment in their home.
These sellers feel that the buyer is just going to make changes when they move in so why should they waste their money.
The seller who thinks this way is leaving money on the table. Their buyer is looking for value and will choose the home that meets their expectations within their price range.
Sellers must be ready to compete for a buyer.
 
Here are some easy ways to update, improving your home's appeal and value:
Paint always heads my list. A coat of paint will … (12 comments)

December Challenge - Day VII - How to explain the benefits of Staging - 12/07/11 02:37 PM

 
In a recent post I was reminded that on occasion Realtors have trouble helping a client understand why their home needs a consult. So let's address this issue.
I usually find clients somewhat defensive when I arrive. I think they expect me to critique their decor. To get around this I begin by explaining that I am there to switch their home from 'living' mode to 'selling' mode and there are very different guidelines.
I also explain that the focus of their home has to change from them to the buyer. For example the focus of the family room … (2 comments)

December Challenge - Day VI - Staging Fees - What does my money get me? - 12/06/11 07:22 PM

In today's economy we all want to feel our money has been spent wisely. This is especially true when we are investing one last time in a home we are leaving. There are costs involved like Realtor Fees and Moving Fees etc.
Over the last few years it has become important to Stage or Prepare your home for sale if you wish to compete in today's market. You can no longer assume that the Buyer will see the possibilities and be prepared to do work when they take possession.
A Stager's job is to assist the Seller by providing a … (8 comments)

December Challenge - Day V - Work on Presentations - 12/05/11 11:08 AM

Today's efforts to do something now for the New Year will be spent at my computer.
I have to put together a Presentation to use at Realty Office sale meetings.
I'm going to assume that I can skip defining Staging. I think that Staging is well enough established now in my area to move on to other areas of Staging.
So my question to you all is 'What would you want to hear from a visiting Stager?
Any suggestions on topic areas?
 
… (14 comments)

December Challenge - Day IV - Visit Open Houses - 12/04/11 11:31 AM

It's Open House Day!
I have decided to start visiting Open Houses again. I look for homes in a geographic area and visit them. It gives me an opportunity to introduce myself one on one.
If the Open House is slow, I stay for a few minutes and chat.
If the Open House is busy, I introduce myself and leave.
I get a feeling for the Realtor that I don't get in a group.
It's time to get back to visiting Open Houses. Now where's my Burlington Post?
 
 
… (10 comments)

December Challenge 2011 - Day III - Cookies! - 12/03/11 02:36 PM

 
Someone told me that a quick way to get a Realtor's attention is to feed them LOL!
Today's plan for the December Challenge is to follow up on this idea.
In the spirit of Christmas, I am going to drop off cookies at Realty offices appropriately signed and business cards attached.
Hopefully my Christmas wishes and cards will be kept to use in the New Year.
 
… (12 comments)

December Challenge - Day II - Buyer Agents Here I Come! - 12/02/11 09:39 AM

In 2012 I want to reach out to more Buyer Agents.
I think these Realtors could benefit from working with a Stager.
 How?
A consult makes a great Closing Gift for clients. Why not give them a color consult for their new home. If the buyer is having trouble visualizing how their 'stuff' will fit into a house, a Stager can help. Take a Stager along on the next viewing for some creative ideas. The Realtor has a client who wants to buy into an area they can't afford. The only way they will get a house is to renovate. … (12 comments)

Watch Out December Challenge 2011 Here I Come! - 12/01/11 11:29 AM

 
I can't believe I'm going to do this again! LOL!
I'm entering this year's December Challenge! I think it's an excellent idea. Not only do I make points, I have something to help me keep my focus.
This year seems to be ending on a slow note and I don't want to let my business slide.
So here goes! I'm going to make sure I do something everyday to promote my business.
Day 1 > enter the contest and make a commitment to myself.
Now what will I do tomorrow?
 
… (13 comments)

 
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Janice Ankrett Burlington Ontario Accredited Staging Professional

Burlington, ON

More about me…

Janice Ankrett Home Staging

Cell Phone: (905) 467-5353

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Home Staging tips and advice offered to help sellers. Working in Burlington Ont. and surrounding areas Janice Ankrett ASP helps sellers prepare their homes for sale. Janice works with real estate agents and owners to help the home sell as quickly as possible for the best possible price.


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