Selling condos in a market that is teeming with options is a tall order. So if you could see me now, I'm modeling a great big smile. Yes, I sold a two bedroom, two bath condo in a building that's not the newest (finished in 1999). But I did a couple of things to pull the realtor and his/her buyer in. First, I did extensive staging of the unit. The owners had never completely finished their decorating before they decided to sell. Taking my lead from current decorating magazines, I brought in some colorful hats and piled them on top of the chest of drawers. Some of my own favorite books--the ones with colorful covers--found a new home by the bed and on the desk.

My beloved Scrabble board became the centerpiece of the coffee table. The words I spelled out on the board were of a highly suggestive nature--buy this condo, bring your boat, make an offer, etc. Many agents seemed to notice this not so subtle tactic because I heard about it often in their comments. I took photos by daylight and then I came back to show the gorgeous sunset. The twinkling lights of the marina and the nearby bridge showed an entirely different view one would have in the evening.

I set the dining table with my best china and silver. The candles were lit and a romantic table scenario was created. 

And finally, I filled the master bathtub, added my favorite bubble bath, and lit the candles. This created a very inviting look. 

When one experienced agent called to schedule a showing, he told me the photos for the condo were the best he'd ever seen. I felt very complimented but I was thrilled when he called me back with an offer. Yes, he brought the buyer and I know now the extra time I took to set the stage, take the photos, and create a video made the difference. And maybe those subliminal messages found on the Scrabble board. . . . . .