I had a lovely client this week who was referred to me by one of my favorite Realtors. My client was high energy and could almost speak as rapidly as I so we got along famously.  I met her at 9:00 in the morning and she had already been up for hours working on her business, getting her kids off to school and making phone calls to clients. I thought right off the bat "we could be twins." 

When we arrived we got right down to business and when you have two people who speak rapidly it doesn't take long to do that...we previewed the home, talked about details of what was needed, looked at our calendars and put the wheels in motion. On the way out of the house I noticed an area I hadn't seen before. I stopped, and peered through the bushes and decided to investigate (why did I wear heels today?). Just a few steps from the front door I grabbed a stick and poked through some brush and low and behold I struck water. 

I went back in and asked my client to come outside and we walked together through the mud (those darn heels) to the pile. I use the stick to poke around a bit and we discussed exactly what was hidden underneath.  My client said "Oh that, many moons ago (her words not mine) my husband Hal built me a lovely pond with a waterfall, sitting area, and Koi.  We enjoyed it for a few years and one year the raccoons got to the fish so we just let it go to seed.  Why do you think its worth anything in selling the house?"

My response was immediate "Yes! Water SELLS! 

Make sure you show all features of your property.  Especially custom features that really sets your home apart. Uncover those gems that will get buyers attention and you will be rewarded with offers.  I am so sure that Water Sells that when my husband and I bought our home in Danville five years ago the first thing we did was put in two ponds and a tranquility water wall off our bedroom. Water is soothing, tranquil and best, not that expensive of an upgrade. We did the entire thing ourselves for just a few hundred dollars.  AND its a great place for three of our four dogs and I to hang out and relax after a long day staging.

I know from my experience that Kitchens are 62% of the buying decision when selling a house (we upgraded that too), but these little extra's such as water features, lights showcasing your property at night (27% of the buyers go by a potential home at night) and outdoor kitchens (at least here in CA) help catch the buyers heart when making their decision between two or more properties. 

If you don't know what features of a house are worth investing in to get that return Hire a STAGER! They can help guide you away from expensive mistakes and help you invest in areas that make the most sense for Resale. Even if you are not selling any time soon, everyone eventually sells. Make smart choices now and you will be happier later.

Kym Hough's Staged to Sell services Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in the San Francisco Bay Area.  For more information go to our website www.staged-to-sell.com