Ten things to remove before listing...

Everyone has heard rumors of de-cluttering when it's time to sell your home. But, what does that really mean?  Before going hog wild and moving out... here's a few of the most important things to consider removing before you list your home for sale.

10. Personal photos. I don't always recommend removing photos of the 'family' but if you have hallways filled with photos or photos on every end table it is probably necessary. Buyers really DO get distracted by them. They will take them all in as they walk down the hall. Not only do they take away from the home, but it's really disturbing when a buyer is excited to 'know' the sellers. And, the buyers do look at them.

9. Bills and personal papers. I understand that you cannot remove these document from the home all together, but please take the time to organize them, box them up and put them out of sight. If you have bills laying out on the counter or kitchen table it's like an invitation for the buyers to 'peek' at them. Believe me - I discourage it - but it still happens. And as a seller you just don't want to leave the temptation behind.

8. Money. I would love to say that every buyer (and Realtor) going through every home is honest, but I really don't want to test those waters. If you have cash, cash boxes or coin jars sitting out in the open... put them away. It's just better for everyone if it's out of sight. As Realtors we do what we can to protect your home, but your help makes a difference!

7. Valuables. Jewelry, watches, valuable antiques.... anything that might be worth a bit of money that you wouldn't want to lose. Out of sight, out of mind. If buyers don't know they are there they won't think about it. I can't tell you how many homes I've been in where the jewelry is left on the dresser.... somehow it's uncomfortable. At least put it away.

6. Guns and ammo. I don't care if they are in a case or out laying around or under a bed. It's better if you just plain old remove them from the home prior to listing. For some reason they make buyers (in my experience) feel really insecure.

5. Shoes! If you have a pile of shoes at the door... ask yourself why. A pile of shoes gives a buyer two impressions. The first? That there isn't enough storage in your home. 2. That there are too many people living in the home. So, in order to avoid wondering on the part of the buyer... just put them away.

4. Medicine. Take it out. Don't store it on the counter. Don't store it in the cabinet. Don't store it in the bathroom. Remove it. There have been many complaints over the years of potential buyers 'stealing' the medicine out of the cabinets. I have never had it happen on my time clock, but to avoid any trouble it's best to simply remove it.

3. All things on your kitchen counter. Everything? Really? Yup. The cleaner you can leave the counter, the more buyers dream of being in there. Have you ever been in a cluttered kitchen? Does it feel inviting? How about a cleaned up kitchen? Does it make you wanna spend time there? Also, if you store things on the counter it gives the appearance that you do not have enough storage space.

2. No more junk drawers. Seriously. Clean 'em out. There is nothing more tacky than a potential buyer opening the cupboards and drawers and having things sticking out everywhere. Box up all the notes, pens, tacks, and odds and ends and put them away. Chances are you don't dig in the drawer often anyways.

1. Nothing but magnets.... and maybe not even that. Take a photo of your fridge, take everything off, wash the front (and side), and take another photo. It is really refreshing to walk into a home that has a clean fridge. The kids pictures are beautiful (believe me... my fridge is covered in them) but buyer's can't imagine their own children's drawing on there if it is covered with yours. And, the magnets... If they aren't decorative (and even then) they are generally more of a distraction to the room than a help. Consider it.

There are many more ways to declutter a home for sale... but these are some important things to consider. For more information on selling your home in Minnesota... give me a call.

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                 In the meantime... if you are looking to move into the area... I'll wait for you to call!

Selling Real Estate in Minnesota!

If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. And, please feel free to share my name with anyone that you know who needs assistance buying or selling a home ~ I love referrals!

                                                   Lindsey Hasford, REALTOR
                                                        Coldwell Banker Vision
                                             231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330
                                          763-241-5488 (office)  763-218-1347 (cell)
                                           lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com
                                                  http://www.hasfordhomes.com

Who Says Never Say Never? Part II

From the desk of Steve Morris, Founder & CEO, EXIT Realty Corp. International.

1. Never stop until your good becomes better, and your better becomes best.
2. Never argue at the dinner table.
3. Never sweat the small stuff.
4. Never bring a knife to a gunfight.
5. Never let ’em see you sweat.
6. Never begin by asking a question that requires a yes or no response.
7. Never say bad things about yourself.
8. Never underestimate intuition.
9. Never say “I” always say “we”.
10. Never work for anyone more insecure than yourself.
11. Never begin the day until it is finished on paper.
12. Never talk defeat.

News Flash: EXIT Realty Appoints Jeff Lobb VP Technology & Innovation

Steve Morris, Founder & CEO of EXIT Realty Corp. International today announced the appointment of Jeff Lobb as Vice President of Technology and Innovation.

As a REALTOR^® for over 22 years, with more than 10 years experience in the internet and technology fields both with Fortune 500^® companies and startup ventures, Lobb has the varied experience necessary in today’s rapidly changing real estate technology landscape.  Most recently, Lobb has been a key trainer with EXIT Realty’s MIND-SET Training Systems suite traveling the continent delivering up-to-the minute technology insight, education and resources to EXIT Realty associates.

“Jeff has the uncanny knack of speaking the three languages of English, Real Estate and Technology and he understands completely what brokers, agents and consumers want and need,” said Tami Bonnell, President of EXIT Realty’s US Organization.  “We are proud of his accomplishments and excited about the direction in which EXIT Realty is heading.”

“Technology is most certainly the methodology of efficiency in the twenty-first century,” said Morris.  “With this in mind, we have promoted Jeff to lead our corporation in this regard so EXIT Realty will always be state-of-the-art.”

About EXIT Realty: EXIT Realty is a proven real estate business model that supplies multiple sources of income - for agents, security, stability and direction; for agents' families, security in the form of beneficiary and retirement residuals.  In addition, EXIT’s top-producing trainers offer the industry’s best hands-on, interactive real estate sales training at all levels, including regional, franchise, sales and administration.  A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT International is applied to its charitable fund and to-date, $2 Million has been pledged to Habitat for Humanity in both Canada and the U.S.  Please visit http://www.exitrealty.com/ for more information.

Immaculate Townhome at 651 W Villa Bluff Drive, Sandy, UT 84070 now only $163,800! 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 1 Garage. NO HOA Fees for 2011!

Recipient Family Named for EXIT Realty's Habitat for Humanity Corporate Build in Salt Lake City, Utah

EXIT Realty agents and members of the community converged on Salt Lake City, Utah earlier this year for a rainy building blitz week for the company's corporately sponsored Habitat for Humanity home.  Recently a recipient family for this home was named.

Bernadette Deschine and her 18-year-old son Niko Amaya, have invested their time in sweat equity, both on this project and other Habitat for Humanity homes to qualify.  "I came to Utah about 28 years ago from New Mexico to live here with my older sisters," said Deschine.  "I come from a big family with no parents. My mother passed away when I was at the age of two and my father left us the following year at the age of three. It has been hard without any parents but I am determined to be the best parent possible [and to] provide what I can for my son."

Habitat for Humanity builds affordable housing for low-income families around the world.  "I feel it’s very important to get a house, because [I] can own it rather than renting and throwing [my] money away," said Deschine.  "Having a house is helpful to provide a safe, comfortable environment for single parents like myself. I am very thankful for programs, supporters, and a sponsor like EXIT to help people like me."

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT Realty Corp. International is dedicated to its charity of choice.  To date, $2 million has been pledged to Habitat for Humanity and 16 homes across North America have received full corporate sponsorship.  For more information about EXIT Realty's work with Habitat for Humanity please visit http://www.exitrealty.com/habitat.  For more information about Habitat for Humanity's work around the world, please visit http://www.habitat.org/.

Special Wall-Raising Event Scheduled for Utah Habitat for Humanity Build

When the EXIT Realty team gathered in Salt Lake City in May for a Habitat for Humanity building blitz, inclement weather kept them from working on the actual EXIT home.  Now, there is another chance to help make a family's dream of homeownership come true by being part of the "wall-raising" scheduled for Tuesday, August 31st.

Being part of a corporately sponsored Habitat for Humanity build is truly an inspirational experience.  Here's what EXIT associates had to say about past builds:

"Being a part of this is unlike anything we've ever experienced before. We have the bug and we'll be back." Janice Petteway, Franchisee, EXIT Real Estate Results, Orlando FL

"It has been an unbelievable experience. I never realized the impact it would have but participating has been incredible. Thanks for the opportunity!" Colleen Forbes, VP Operations, EXIT Realty Florida

"It's especially rewarding for our salespeople to see their continuing contributions producing such positive results in our community."  Philip Duplisea, Broker/Owner, EXIT Realty Advantage, Fredericton NB

"There’s something very special about putting a little elbow grease into a Habitat for Humanity project; it’s good for the soul." Dion McCormick, Regional Owner, EXIT Realty Central Texas

"We are so very proud to be a part of this great event."  Chuck Olson, Regional Owner, EXIT Realty New Mexico

EXIT Realty associates can register to take part in the Salt Lake City wall-raising event by logging into the EXIT Resource Center and clicking the Habitat for Humanity link.  Space is limited so register now!

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to our charitable fund, and to date, EXIT Realty Corp. International has pledged $1.68 Million to Habitat for Humanity. Click here to find out more.

Sharp 3 bed 1 bath home at 6468 Castleford Dr, West Jordan, UT 84084. Only $175,000! Amazing, park-like backyard!

Verl Workman, Master Coach and Sales Strategist, Featured Speaker at EXIT Realty's Annual Convention

Dallas is the place to be this October for EXIT Realty Corp. International's 12th Annual Convention to be held at the award-winning Hyatt Regency Hotel.  Fun, motivation, education and networking are all part of this life-changing experience culminating with the President's Ball Gala. 

The conference has a long history of bringing in world-renowned speakers and 2010's convention will continue the tradition of excellence. This post continues the series introducing you to this year's featured speakers.

Over the last 15 years, Verl Workman has been educating, motivating and training sales associates, entrepreneurs, real estate agents and brokers and other audiences worldwide. His exposure and knowledge covers all aspects of sales, marketing, self-promotion, real estate, management and technology tools.

Verl has delivered more than 500 seminars over the past 8 years and has helped thousands of people reach their goals through his empowering presentations, tools, and personal coaching programs.

Verl is married to his childhood sweetheart and is the father of 6 great children. His personal motto is “If it’s not fun, I’m not going!” He brings this fun, winning attitude, and undying passion with him in all his professional and personal endeavors.

EXIT Realty associates can register for the Convention in the EXIT Resource Center.  BE THERE! 

EXIT Realty Agents Hammer for Habitat for Humanity in Utah

The rain and mud didn't deter the EXIT Realty blitz week volunteers;  when the weather prevented them from working on the EXIT house, they packed up and moved to another Habitat site!  EXIT Realty put out the call for volunteers and Utah agents didn't disappoint - the shifts were filled in record time!  The energy of the group, consisting of EXIT Realty agents, brokers and volunteers from the community, was put to good use for a very worthwhile cause. 

“It's so powerful to think, that as the EXIT Realty team comes together to mud walls at this one home here in Salt Lake City, Utah it is also part of, and connected with something that reaches so much further - an organization and a mission which has touched over 1.75 million in over 3,000 communities across the globe," said Christine Ireborg, EXIT Realty's liaison with Habitat for Humanity. To the volunteers she added, "As each of you gives of your time and resources to Habitat for Humanity, you are also linked to its purpose and accomplishments around the world.”

Details on the recipient family of this home are forthcoming.  View photos of the blitz week here. 

In other Habitat for Humanity news, word of the dedication date of the Orlando home is expected any day and for now, the final work continues.  Work also continues on the South Carolina build.  The EXIT blitz week for the Cornwall, Ontario build is scheduled for September. 

A portion of every transaction fee collected by EXIT International is applied to its charitable fund and to-date, over $1.68 Million has been pledged to Habitat for Humanity in both Canada and the U.S. 

Click here for more information on the work of Habitat for Humanity around the world.

Click here for more information on EXIT Realty Corp. International's work with Habitat for Humanity. 

Updated! 4 bed 2 bath rambler with HUGE 2-car garage at 4585 W 4955 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84118 fresh paint and carpet! Now only $134,900!